Return to ‘Hereafter’

Certain films can transport you to another world, that dreamlike psychological landscape of colors, textures and flavors that feels almost real. One of them is Atom Egoyan’s “The Sweet Hereafter” (R), a profound, literary narrative that invites many interpretations and multiple viewings.

Fans of that movie’s juxtaposition of time frames and different points of view will have a field day with the stunning special edition New Line has just released on DVD.

It doesn’t really matter if you didn’t get the chance to enjoy “The Sweet Hereafter” on the big screen, since its hypnotic power functions especially well on TV. But after entering its very particular world of senseless tragedy, incest and opportunism, you will want to check out the articulate scene-by-scene audio commentary recorded by director Egoyan and Russell Banks, author of the novel on which the film is based.

Like the movie itself, the audio commentary offers no apocalyptic revelations. Instead, you will hear two sharp craftsmen with a lot of respect for each other discuss the subtle elements that make up a movie.

The pair’s thoughtful conversation leaves you with as many unanswered questions as the film itself. But in that ambiguity lies the haunting charm of such a demanding work of art.

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On the laserdisc front, fans of more mainstream material will rejoice at the release of the much anticipated special edition of the 1996 blockbuster “Independence Day” (PG-13).

Although most big-budget summer films tend to concentrate solely on shattering audio effects and complicated visual illusions while overlooking frivolous details such as plot or character, rarely has a Hollywood blockbuster been so guiltlessly shallow as “Independence Day”; it makes the ‘50s sci-fi B-movies it used as inspiration appear as elegant and elaborate as a Federico Fellini masterpiece.

To the film’s credit, the beginning does manage to create a chilly sense of impending doom, as menacing flying saucers hover silently over major cities of the Earth.

But once the alien invasion gets underway, any pretense of serious drama is swiftly pushed aside, as the president of the United States kicks some serious extraterrestrial butt demonstrating the pathetic fate that awaits whoever dares to mess with the big guys.

If you’re a studious fan of digital movie magic, you will treasure the original documentary explaining how the picture’s mind-boggling visual effects were achieved. But the audio commentary by director Roland Emmerich and producer Dean Devlin doesn’t have much to offer. Both men are too casual about their comments to ignite any real passion about the secrets of the $100-million-plus spectacle.

That’s not the case at all with the 25th anniversary edition of the inimitable “Enter the Dragon” (R), released on both laserdisc and DVD; the spirit of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee haunts every minute of this Warner Bros. special edition.

Essentially a karate B-movie produced in 1973, “Enter the Dragon” is nevertheless filled with exquisite details and exotic touches that make it stand out from the hundreds of imitations that followed it.

At the core of the movie stands Lee, a towering presence who is as mesmerizing to watch when he’s displaying his otherworldly fighting skills as when he’s joking with his friends or flirting with the ladies.

Besides the obligatory audio commentary with crew members, the edition contains an old featurette, a new documentary and interviews with Lee’s widow. But the most poignant moments come in the shape of old home movies of Lee playing with his young kids and working out in the garden. One can only wonder what his status in Hollywood history would be if not for his premature death.

CURRENT RELEASES

Laserdisc:

“Fun and Fancy Free” (1947, Image). Like all early Disney animation, this minor masterpiece brims with poetry and crafty images. Includes a documentary, concept and storyboard art and other bonus materials.

“The Game” (1997, Voyager). The special edition of the unnerving, convoluted David Fincher thriller includes an audio commentary by the director, star Michael Douglas and members of the crew, an alternative ending and behind-the-scenes footage.

Digital Video Disc:

“The Dirty Dozen” (1967, MGM/UA). This explosive mother of all “commando mission” flicks is presented in a spectacular wide-screen version. An accompanying featurette is good for a few laughs and some ‘60s “swinging London” nostalgia.

The Superman Cartoons of Max and Dave Fleischer (1941-44, Image). Wonderful, colorful Superman cartoons produced in the ‘40s.

“Otis Redding: Remembering Otis” (1966-67, Pioneer). Superb versions of “Try a Little Tenderness” and “I’ve Been Loving You” by one of the most soulful men to ever walk the Earth. “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” is not a live version, but rather a montage of photographs.