Description

A.I. Artificial Intelligence: DVD - 2 Disc Special Edition.

Screenplay by: Steven Spielberg, Ian Watson.

Originally based on a short story by Brian Aldiss, "Supertoys Last All Summer Long." 

STORY: It is the near future. The polar ice caps have melted as a result of global warming leaving many coastal cities underwater. Man has created machines that are aware of their own existence to help us with the increasing environmental damage that we are doing. One of these machines, a young boy, is the first robot programmed with emotion. Now his "love" is overpowering his robotic programming. He seeks answers as to whether he can ever be more than just a machine.

overview: A.I. finds a natural home on DVD. DreamWorks really rolled out the extras for their A.I. two-disc DVD release. The actual two-hour-plus film has the first disc all to itself while an incredible array of behind-the-scenes features have been jam-packed onto the second disc. “Designing A.I.” provides a generous view of the concept art developed by Chris Baker for Stanley Kubrick. Indeed, the most revealing aspect of the second disc’s eight making-of featurettes is that it exposes the extent of Kubrick’s involvement in the film before his death. While A.I. is a quintessential Spieberg production, every measure was taken to revere Kubrick’s intentions.The purity of the picture, its carefully composed color schemes, and the multifarious sound effects are accorded the pinpoint sharpness they deserve with the anamorphic 1.85:1 picture and DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, as is John Williams's gorgeous music score. On the first disc there's a short (12 minutes), revealing, documentary, "Creating A.I.," but the meat of the extras appears on disc 2. Interesting, well-made featurettes on acting, set design, costumes, lighting, sound design, music, and various aspects of the special effects: Stan Winston's remarkable robots (including Teddy, of course) and ILM's flawless CGI work. In addition, there are storyboards, photographs, and trailers. Finally, Steven Spielberg provides some rather sententious closing remarks: "I think that we have to be very careful about how we as a species use our genius."

• Over 100 minutes of behind-the-scene footage, new interviews, and featurettes.

• Spielberg talks about developing the vision of A.I.

• Lucasfilm's Industrial Light and Magic group on the film's special effects.

• Stan Winston explains how the robots were brought to life.

• Featurette on the sound effects and orchestral score for the film.

• Storyboard sequences.

• Effects portfolio.

• Portrait gallery.

• Behind-the-scenes photos with Steven Spielberg.

• Production design photos.

2002 DVD. 2 disc set, with booklet. Previously viewed and professionally cleaned and resealed for protection.