Peter Hyams applies a "Matrix"-like gloss to another interpretation of Alexandre Dumas' Musketeers. Now on DVD, don't go expecting any swashbuckling extra features.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture Every high-kick and action shot is in clear view, courtesy of a quality transfer.

Sound The 5.1 mix isn't the most dynamic. But it offers solid bass support and livens up during battle sequences.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The Stunts Given that a large proportion of the film is given over to the superb stunt choreography of Xin Xin Xiong, this two-minute featurette seems a little mean. There's only time for director Peter Hyams to mention he wanted to give the genre a fresh slant.

Casting Justin Chambers At under two minutes, this featurette is even more desperate than the first. Especially as the one Justin Chambers quote in this is a repeat! Apparently the poor boy trained for a month for this film. Justin, that's really not impressive at all.

Additional Extra Features Also on this DVD is a trailer, cast and crew biographies, and production notes.

WHAT'S MISSING?

This DVD is going out at a low price point, but the extra features are insulting in length and in what they offer. Xin Xin Xiong spent nearly a year planning the stuntwork, and months rehearsing it. How about we get to see some of that preparation? Instead we just get Justin Chambers telling us twice how he had to prepare for a whole month.

From a marketing point of view, Buena Vista has failed to put in any promos for its other new Alexandre Dumas-inspired title, "The Count of Monte Cristo ". At least try and make some more money from us, but please don't give us these lame extra features. They're so insulting.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: 2
Chapters: 18
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: English
Captions: English
Menus: Static, with music
Special Features Subtitles: None of the special features come with subtitles.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.