Aspect Ratios: 1.85:1 (widescreen); 1.33:1 (Full Frame)

Audio: English (Dolby Digital 5.1); French (Dolby Digital 2.0)

Features: Production Notes; Theatrical Trailers; TV Spots; English, Spanish & French Subtitles

The Movie: Based on the late Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale" (he's also best remembered for authoring the original novel for "Blade Runner"), 1990's "Total Recall" is a quintessential sci-fi flick! It is the year 2084, and Doug Quaid (the great Arnold Schwarzenegger) is an everyday who discovers that life as he knows it is only an illusion. His sexy wife (played by a sultry, pre-"Basic Instinct" Sharon Stone) is not his wife at all, but merely a plant to keep an eye on him by the master of Mars, Cohaagen (the deliciously- evil Ronny Cox). Turns out that Doug's memory had been erased by Cohaagen and company. Doug travels to the red planet to find the answers that he seeks. He meets up with former lover Melina (Rachel Ticotin) and her allies: the Martian Resistance. Meanwhile, our heroes are being chased by Cohaagen's assassin, Richter (the reptilian Michael Ironside). In the end, it is revealed that Mars posesses a mechanism that can release oxygen into the atmosphere, thus sustaining life on planet without protective domes. Cohaagen was holding the oxygen reserves hostage as a means to control the planet. Quaid and Melina put an end to this and a new era of freedom on Mars is born.

"Total Recall" was an entertaining, but graphically- violent film. This is thanks to Dutch helmer Paul Vehoeven ("RoboCop"), who excels in that department (just watch 1997's "Starship Troopers"). Nonetheless, he is a fantastic director. Also worthy of mention are cinematographer Jost ("RobCop"/"Showgirls") Vacano's awesome lensing and Jerry ("Star Trek"/"Alien") Goldsmith's bombastic score. Oh yeah, the SFX are really nifty too!

The Picture: Artisan has done a good job of transferring the print to DVD. Sharp, crisp and clear, "Total Recall" looks totally cool!

The Sound: No problems here. The DD 5.1 soundtrack comes out loud and clear. I felt every gunblast and punch with utmost clarity. The Jerry Goldsmith soundtrack is given its proper due on this DVD.

The Extras: Aside from some good production notes, trailers and TV spots, there's nothing else. I have a feeling that Artisan will go back and create a special edition (hint, hint) like they did with the magnificent "Stargate" and "T2" DVDs. go to it Artisan! Make one for the Gipper!

Conclusion: This one gets a HIGH RECOMMENDED from me because the movie rocks! Definitely worth adding to the DVD collection just for the scene where Schwarzie shoots Sharon Stone. If I've spoiled anything for anyone, too bad!! (Hee Hee!)

Now, the only question is...who am I?