Movie:
Fatal Error debuted on TBS during 1999 and was based on the novel "Reaper," by Ben Mezrich. Directed by Armand Mastroianni, the film stars: Antonio Sabato Jr. (Nick), Janine Turner (Samantha), and Robert Wagner (Albert Teal).

Dr. Samantha Carter, working for the U.S. Army Medical Research, is clueless as to the source of a viral outbreak that has claimed fifteen people thus far, all unrelated. When seven lawyers are found to have died in a similar fashion, Carter teams up with Nick Baldwin, a former doctor and viral specialist now working as an EMT. Together, they discover that the source is DigiCorp's new TV boxes, which go global in two days. With time running out, Nick and Samantha must uncover the virus, the culprit, and a way to stop it.

Fatal Error starts off fairly decent, but soon delves into the regular rut of most made for TV films: it becomes predictable and clichéd. It almost seems like The X-Files gone bad. The acting is a bit too over the top as well, and the fact that Sabato and Turner have very little screen chemistry doesn't help. The basic premise is somewhat interesting, however, so with a better screenplay and some different actors, the film might've fared better.

Picture:
Fatal Error is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The transfer has its fair share of specks, a few marks, and some visible edge enhancement. Colors throughout are vibrant, with accurate flesh tones and deep blacks.

Sound:
Fatal Error is presented in Dolby 2.0 Stereo. The stereo track adequately presents the material, with clean dialogue throughout. The score, while occasionally overwhelming, is decent. There are no optional subtitles.

Extras:
There are no extras.

Summary:
Fatal Error is a film best viewed on TV, as the benefits of the DVD are very slight, especially considering the $20 MSRP. Skip It.