Tron: The Original Classic

Synched in time with the home-video release of its much-ballyhooed sequel, Disney has put out a new Blu-ray edition of the original "Tron," packed to the gills with extras.

The film itself, about a computer programmer pulled into the video-game world he created, looks fantastic on the new platform. The transfer is tremendous, and though the technology of the sequel is light-years ahead, the film's overall look matches the sparkly-clean look of "Tron Legacy." Yes, it still sports the same silly Atari-level graphics (at least by comparison to today's slick Xbox world), but the colors come through vivid and rich on Blu-ray, and, believe it or not, it makes for an improved experience.

As a spectacle, "Tron" today is a somewhat silly and dated, if imaginative, yarn that visualizes computer programs as real characters with survival instincts, a social hierarchy and even a theology.

It's also very talky, with David Warner's Dillinger character standing in a room grimacing and bellowing at his minions as Jeff Bridges' Clu foils his diabolical plans, It's also fun to see Bridges with what is today a little uncharacteristic overacting on sets that are largely imaginary, back when actors weren't used to reacting to a blank screen.

The visual effects at the time were considered groundbreaking, and indeed you can see a loose framework in this film of a few of today's effects extravaganzas; of course, the reliance on computer-generated imagery and sets are an early precursor to those used in hundreds of films over the past decade-plus.

If you're not familiar with "Tron," it might be worth giving this disc a shot. It includes a DVD version and a host of extras, including behind-the-scenes looks at the making of the film, its impact on popular culture, deleted scenes, commentary and more.

If you are a fan of this film, this set is a must-own. If you're not a fan ... well, why are you even reading this?

Film: 3 Yaps Extras: 4 Yaps