Video: Papillon is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with no option for full frame. Papillon is over twenty five years old, so as you might expect, the print shows some signs of wear. There are some small instances of nicks and dirt, but the transfer looks superior to any previous offering of the film. The image looks very good, with bright and natural colors, especially the greens of the jungle and blues of the water. Black levels are correct, and the image retains full detail level, with strong and bold shadows. No compression errors are to be found, this is a great transfer!

Audio: Warner has included both the original stereo audio as well as a 5.1 track. For the review, I chose the 5.1 option. The sound is very good, but the material lacks the substance to take advantage of a 5.1 track. The audio is full and rich, but does not stray away from the front channels much. There is some surround activity, just not very much, and not very potent when it does happen. The music sounds amazing, and is the most active segment of the disc's audio. Dialogue is solid, always clear and audible.

Extras: This disc contains a featurette entitled, "The Magnificent Rebel," which tells a bit about the story and author, and shows some good behind the scenes footage. Papillon is based on a true story, and Henri Cherriere lived through the ordeal that Papillon endures in the movie. He walks through a few sets, giving some thoughts on them, and remembering a few brief anecdotes about his ordeal. It makes the movie a little more powerful, as you can connect the character in the film to someone who really went through all that. Although clocking in at a little over twelve minutes, the featurette is a good watch, if a bit short. The theatrical trailer is also included.