'Menace' redeems itself on disc

George Lucas revolutionized film in 1977 by eschewing the smaller personal movies that populated much of the decade to create a space opera of grand proportions. On a greater level, he created the modern blockbuster as we know it today.\nThe film was "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope." It entered the public's subconscious and brought about a childlike mystique unlike few films had before. After a 22-year directorial hiatus, Lucas returned to the franchise that made him the iconic figure he is today and produced the expertly crafted yet ultimately disappointing prequel "Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace."\nThe film possessed no characters who exuded half the cool Han Solo did. Instead, audiences were treated to the grating antics of an annoying Gungan named Jar Jar Binks (a character whose creation came about solely to sell toys). Most filmgoers were pissed. The film that had been hailed as the best thing since sliced bread prior to its release was deemed only good to mediocre. Perhaps the disappointment would've been muffled had the film not been released in the same year as "The Matrix," a truly superior sci-fi epic.\nUpon subsequent viewings, many viewers warmed up to the flick. I certainly did. Anticipation grew with the announcement that "The Phantom Menace" would be the first "Star Wars" film to be released on the immensely popular and technically superior DVD format. The two-disc set was well worth the wait.\nWithout question, "The Phantom Menace" possesses the cleanest sound and picture I've seen in this format. This comes as no real surprise, considering Lucas revolutionized the home theater industry with his THX-certified discs and equipment. In addition to the gorgeous looking flick, the discs contain commentary by Lucas, producer Rick McCallum, sound designer Ben Burtt, special effects supervisor Dennis Muren and deleted scenes prepared exclusively for the DVD, numerous featurettes chronicling the film's production and a new behind the scenes documentary which takes viewers inside the depths of Lucasfilm and ILM. \nIt's a tad disappointing that Lucas chose to release "The Phantom Menace" on DVD prior to the previous films, but the skill and precision exemplified in this truly impressive set whet the appetite for subsequent DVD releases.