Because it is a classic i have to give it '5' stars.
When released over 30 years ago the 'hi-tech' special effects were pretty special at that time.
Even now and on 'blu-ray' when special effects are used they remain impressive.
In truth in terms of convincing acting the film 'today' does lack convincing performances, however the film is totally worth owning even if it's just for the 'visual's'.
I do wonder just how good this film could be if a re-make was made, with todays advances in technology ?

Now I've had the time to sit down and watch all three versions of what is a classic, I've noticted that the Directors Cut seems to be the best looking. There are minor scenes of grain, but overall, this is far, far better then the standard DVD.

Of the two sound formats - Dolby Digital and DTS-HD - I found the DTS-HD to be the best. Not that there's really that much of a noticable difference.

In terms of special features, there's isn't much to get excited about. All the special features from the standard DVD have been ported over. The only new special feature is a short 20-minute interview with Steven Spielberg, but that just tell you the same stuff that's in the original documentary.

Overall, if you this for the picture then you sould get this. Just don't go expecting much in the way of extras.

OK, first things first. Great film, instant classic, even after all these years and all these viewings, it still retains a marvellous sense of awe and wonder and the special effects hold up terrifically well. Dreyfuss is a perfect Everyman, Truffaut is warmly sympathetic as the government representative, and Melinda Dillon works wonders with her limited role as a mother who just wants her son back.

BUT this is not the best demonstration of Blu-ray. Some scenes look wonderful and crisp, some you could almost drown in the snow. The moment where Dreyfuss is captured and subjected to an interview by Truffaut and his interpreter is a case in point. Very fuzzy.

Nevertheless, it's a very good package to invest in. Lots of interesting extras, beautifully put together and - believe it or not - this is the very first time that the original version of the film has been made available for the home market. We've had to put up with the overextended Special Edition only up till now.