Hulk

Fortunately, the HD-DVD release is very good. The 2.35:1 VC-1/1080p transfer is top notch and this is easily one of the better transfers released on HD-DVD. It may seem at times that I´m a spokesperson for Universal, as I continually praise their product. The fact is, they do an great job with their high definition releases and this is another gem on their crown. The color green looks great on this release and other colors are quite spiffy as well. Detail is ´off the hook´ and very three dimensional. Even the dark fight scene between our hero and the big bad puppy dogs looks wonderful with good shadow detail and black levels. Even though the movie could be called crappy, the release is superb. I can almost recommend a purchased based on how pretty the film is.

Sound:
When I looked at the technical specs of the "Main Feature" on the packaging, I was almost as disappointed as I was when I left the theater after seeing "Hulk" for the first time. Universal has been including Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtracks on some of their releases and I had anticipated that this HD-DVD would contain such a soundtrack. Sadly, the box listed only English, French and Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 sound. My disappointment subsided as I watched the film, as the included soundtrack was quite spectacular and everything smashed by the big green lug sounded great! .1 LFE bass was explosive and the high ends were sharp. All six speakers were busy when the soundtrack got as aggressive as the gamma radiated freak. Dialogue is clear and intelligible, even when somebody is simply screaming to get away from the angry green one. My favorite movie music man, Danny Elfman contributed the score and it sounded incredible.

Extras:
I purchased the film on DVD and its interactive content was as exciting as DVD got for its time. The content included on that 2-disc DVD set is retained in this HD-DVD version, but done so HD-DVD style. Living on one singular 2-layer platter, "Hulk" does not disappoint in its features. First and foremost, a Feature Commentary with Director Ang Lee. Ang Lee may not be the best English speaking director from Hong Kong, but he does an admirable job. Lee is very optimistic and pleased with his effort and this is painfully obvious in the commentary. It is a good listen and I admit to only spot checking it on HD-DVD as I had listened to it years ago on the DVD release.

The previously mentioned interactive content is provided as HULK CAM: Inside the Rage. This content is activated via the menu system and allows for viewing during the watching of the film. This is not done as slickly as Universal´s U-Control supplements, but does keep with the standards set by HD-DVD and it works far more nicely than the previous DVD release. These materials offer very good looks at the making of the film and rivals some of the similar features on Warner Bros. releases.

Deleted Scenes are 4:3 mastered deleted scenes that run for six minutes in length and contains further development between Betty Ross and Bruce Banner and includes an additional scene with the Hulk from my childhood, Lou Ferrigno. Evolution of the Hulk is a sixteen minute chat with character creator Stan Lee. This is a very good supplement and should perhaps have been watched by Ang Lee. The Incredible Ang Lee is a fifteen minute tribute of sorts to the director. The Dogfight Scene looks at the fight in great detail for ten minutes between the big bad Hulk and the not quite as big doggies. The Making of the Hulk is a half hour long featurettes and is actually quite good. Finally, The Unique Style of Editing the Hulk looks at how the film tried to mimic the comic book. This runs for only five minutes and points out some things that were perhaps missed by viewers.

Closing Comments:
Technically speaking, this is a wonderful HD-DVD. Unfortunately, I still feel disappointed with the final product. The crew and cast had so much potential. Produced by Gale Anne Hurd. Directed by Ang Lee. Executive produced by Stan Lee. Music by Danny Elfman. Starring Eric Bana and including Nick Nolte´s crazy hair. How could "Hulk" go wrong? Well, the digital effects were not as good as hoped and the story was too heavy and ultimately only hurt the story. Perhaps my disappointment in the story has created a negative bias towards the movie, but I´ve yet to run into somebody who proclaims to love this film. I´ve also not seen any hints of a sequel, though the final few minutes that indicated a possibility were easily the best moments of the movie. Picture quality is awesome. Sound quality is very good and borders on being awesome. Supplements are decent enough, though not as good as the very best releases. I always wanted more and I am happy to be an owner of the HD-DVD, but dammit, I still want more.

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