DVD Bonuses Make ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ Come Alive

At their very best, digital media special editions turn a movie that is simply watchable into a full-blown home video event.

Such is the case with the stunning special edition of the Secret Agent 007 blockbuster “Tomorrow Never Dies,” which MGM has just released on digital videodisc. If the film itself is a by-the-numbers collection of action stunts with none of the flair and cynicism that graced the first nine entries in the series, the DVD’s bonus materials make up for all of its shortcomings.

To begin with, there’s a “Secrets of 007” documentary. Spotty as it is, it includes many treasures, such as interviews with original Bond directors Terence Young and Peter Hunt, and on-location footage from the underrated “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”

There are two audio commentaries, one of which resorts to a wonderful device in order to make the conversation flow. Instead of having director Roger Spottiswoode yak aimlessly for the duration of the picture, he is interviewed by colleague Dan Petrie Jr., who does a great job at asking the right questions. Thus, the commentary goes beyond the usual description of locations and special effects to include a warm portrayal of veteran actor Desmond Llewlyn (“Q”) and his simpatico rapport with Pierce Brosnan.

Besides a second audio commentary with second unit director Vic Armstrong and longtime series producer Michael G. Wilson, there’s a short video interview with composer David Arnold, a couple of trailers and the Sheryl Crow music video for the title song of the picture, which is a work of art in itself.

Two additional features will fascinate those who have an interest in the mechanics involved in shooting action pictures. A four-minute reel shows how some of the most eye-popping effects of the picture were created. And an overlay feature allows you to see the storyboards for some of the action sequences at the same time that they are playing.

Laserdisc Releases

“Excalibur” (1981, Image): This entrancing and dreamy version of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is arguably director John Boorman’s very best film. No extras, but an exquisite widescreen transfer.

DVD Releases

“The Opposite of Sex” (1998, Columbia TriStar): The DVD edition of this uneven comedy benefits from a winning audio commentary with writer-director Don Roos and a couple of crew members. It also includes some deleted scenes and the original theatrical trailer.

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Ernesto Lechner can be reached at LechnerE@aol.com.