SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 38 Min.
Columbia Pictures & Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment released this sci-fi action-comedy from director Barry Sonnefeld in 1997. This ‘deluxe’ two-disc, widescreen/full-screen DVD was subsequently in 2002.
Adapting Lowell Cunningham’s same-named Malibu Comics title, Men in Black depicts a top-secret government agency responsible for apprehending fugitive aliens hiding out on Earth by any means necessary. Once recruited, NYC street cop James Edwards (Smith) becomes ‘Agent Jay’ and the new partner of enigmatic veteran Agent Kay (Jones) – complete with inconspicuous black-tie suits, heavy-duty firepower, and ever-cool dark shades.
With the help of a suspicious medical examiner (Fiorentino), the straight-faced duo faces off against a monstrous threat that destroy the galaxy … starting with Earth.
Agent Jay (James Edwards): Will Smith
Agent Kay: Tommy Lee Jones
Dr. Laurel Weaver: Linda Fiorentino
Zed: Rip Torn
Edgar: Vincent D’Onofrio
Jeebs: Tony Shalhoub
Beatrice: Siobhan Fallon Hogan
Gentle Rosenburg: Mike Nussbaum
Arquillian: Carel Struycken
Jose: Sergio Calderón
Agent Dee: Richard Hamilton
INIS Agent Janus: Fredric Lehne
Note: This film is also available in Blu-Ray and digital formats, as well as included in various Men in Black combo packages.
REVIEW:
The original Men in Black is the ideal alien-busting counterpart to Ghostbusters (and similarly 1987’s Dragnet and/or TV’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E.). Sporting top-caliber special effects and director Barry Sonnenfeld in vintage form, this high-octane sci-fi caper delivers stellar entertainment. Though one visual of an alien shedding a murdered human’s skin is definitely kid-unfriendly, the movie, otherwise, seamlessly proportions comedy, action, and sci-fi/horror parody in a coherent manner.
The ‘odd couple’ acting chemistry between the energetic Smith and a deadpan Jones is the film’s other best asset, as Fiorentino & Torn contribute reliable support in their scenes. Ultimately, Men in Black earns its stylish reputation, three-fold. All in one, it’s among the best comic book adaptations, sci-fi/horror parodies, and (let’s not forget) buddy action-comedies ever produced. Including its surplus of DVD goodies, this first-class treatment for viewers is recommended.
BONUS FEATURES:
A superb booklet insert spells out the set’s multitude of extras, including a list of scenes. Disc 1 includes digitally-mastered audio and anamorphic video, along with visual and audio commentaries. Audio options include: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, 2-Channel (Dolby Surround), and French 2-Channel (Dolby Surround). Subtitles appear in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Utilizing animated menus, Disc 2 offers a Men in Black II teaser and ‘secret files’ hyping this sequel; extended and alternate scenes; Will Smith & Mikey’s Men in Black music video; a making-of-the film documentary; production notes; a scene editing workshop; a conceptual art gallery; DVD-ROM & web-related links; and some obligatory trailers.
PACKAGING:
Each disc has a solid casing. The DVD set’s contents are accurately advertised.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
