Luc Besson has never quite fulfiled his potential. It was back in 1994 when he married his undeniable skill for style with emotional substance in Leon. Three years later he directed visually insane science fiction extravaganza The Fifth Element, starring Bruce Willis and an arresting Milla Jovovich (let's just ignore Chris Tucker). It was one of the first DVD releases in the late 90s by Pathe, and now here's a two-disc special edition release that explores and showcases this extraordinary production like never before.

Listen Out For...

There are three audio options on disc one. Two are exciting, one is not. Whilst watching the movie you can choose between an impressive Dolby 5.1 mix or a sublime DTS option. The DTS track absorbs during quiet periods in the film, but shocks and electrifies when the action highlights come along. Rather less interesting is the audio commentary with members of the special effects team. Mainly they get lost for words, and their occasional comments are largely observational rather than revealing. In terms of what you see visually, the transfer to disc is stunning with the hyper colours of the movie sharp and detailed.

Discovering The Fifth Element

Comprising interview footage shot at Cannes for the promotion of the film and all-new interviews shot for the DVD, Discovering The Fifth Element is a 48-minute documentary that offers an in-depth look into this vast production. Watching it, you do appreciate just what a vision Besson had, and on what a striking scale it was realised. You'll find more behind-the-scenes footage and interviews in a series of featurettes on disc two, including the dangerous results of staging the biggest indoor explosion ever attempted at Pinewood.

MTV Not So Lite

Worth a look, if only to see how pop TV is constantly "evolving". This 46-minute MTV programme on The Fifth Element party at Cannes is presented in a leisurely style that would be inconceivable now.

EXTRA FEATURES

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.