We review lots and lots of DVDs each year. Of the many many hundreds which we review, only a very small percentage attain a
perfect 5 out of 5 score overall. Below, for your viewing pleasure are the 41 DVDs which have attained our perfect 5 out of 5 score for the year of 2002.
This is not a "Top 10" of 2002. This is simply a
list of the best of the best of the DVDs that we've come across for 2002.
(The DVDs are listed in reverse release date order, not by the date of our review.)
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2010
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Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Walt Disney Pictures 
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Monsters live in a world of their own, and Monsters, Inc. is a monster company that scares human children in order to provide energy for the monster world. One day, a human child sneaks into the monster world, causing mayhem and chaos. This is the fourth computer animated film from Pixar Studios. Reference quality audio and video transfers, plus so many extras it took me weeks to go through them.
Released 23-Sep-2002
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Band of Brothers (2001)
HBO 
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The 10-part award-winning epic mini-series "Band Of Brothers" is, in this reviewer's opinion, the best drama series to appear on television in the last few years. "Band Of Brothers" is to WW2 drama, what "The World At War" was to WW2 documentary - it has set a new benchmark to measure all others by. "Band Of Brothers" joins a select few other television classics, such as "I Claudius", as being one of the defining moments in television drama history. If you also consider that the widescreen image and accompanying 5.1 surround sound are also phenomenal, then it is easy to accept that these DVDs are 'must haves' in any collection.
Released 26-Nov-2002
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Bounce: Special 2 Disc Edition (2000)
Miramax 
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The retail release of this movie adds all the extras we could want on a second disc to a first disc that already had a superb transfer of the movie - a cause for serious rejoicing! Strongly recommended if you're open to a romance that is not treading a primrose path of happiness, but rather negotiating a minefield.
Released 23-Apr-2002
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Fatboy Slim-Big Beach Boutique II (2002)
? 
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This show goes off like a frog in a sock! Watch 250,000 people groove on Brighton Beach in the UK to a 90-minute mix-up by hardcore DJ Fatboy Slim. The picture quality is great and the sound quality is phenomenal, plus there's a host of extras to keep you entertained. Turn it up and lose yourself in the beats ... and don't forget your glowsticks!
Released 25-Nov-2002
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Futurama-Season 1 (Box Set) (1999)
Fox 
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The first season of one of the best animated shows of late presented as a fantastic DVD box set. A must buy for fans of the show and a worthy addition to any DVD collection, Futurama is spectacular.
Released 25-Nov-2002
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Blade II (2002)
New Line Cinema 
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This sequel is a very different movie from its predecessor. It is a brilliant action movie, allowing Wesley Snipes to prove that he is not past it just yet. It is presented on an outstanding 2-disc set that includes countless in-depth extras, superb video, and one of the best audio tracks you are likely to hear.
Released 19-Nov-2002
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: Special Edition (1975)
Fantasy Films 
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One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is a true classic, and features one of, if not the best acting performance from Jack Nicholson's illustrious career. He’s not alone, and along with Louise Fletcher is supported by a great cast. Superbly written and crafted, it is one of my favourite films, and I recommend it to everybody. The remastered DVD features excellent video and audio, and the extra features perfectly complement the film.
Released 22-Oct-2002
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Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Collector's Extended Edition (2001)
New Line Cinema 
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The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring has a cadre of fanatical fans for whom a four-disc boxed set is not going to be enough. The big question is whether an extra 52-minute disc and a set of bookends will be enough to justify the $150 price tag for those fanatics.
Released 12-Nov-2002
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Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Special Extended Edition (2001)
New Line Cinema 
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The greatest film project ever undertaken in Hollywood, based on one of the greatest novels of all time. A reference quality video transfer. Did I forget something? Damn, the audio transfer is really badly scarred by the pitch correction this time, with noticeable popping and stepping. This one factor alone stops The Fellowship Of The Ring from being the best disc ever released in Region 4. So please guys, can we just live with the 4% speed-up and be done with it?
Released 12-Nov-2002
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Metropolis (2001)
Destination Films 
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A moving little tale of a beautiful girl who isn't human...or is she? Frankenstein meets the Tower of Babel in this anime, all to the tune of some bopping traditional jazz and Dixieland. Excellent picture and fabulous sound don't hurt, either. Recommended.
Released 15-Oct-2002
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Shrek: Special Edition (2001)
Dreamworks SKG 
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The DVD sporting one of the best visual experiences just got better. This new 2-disc release catches up to the 2-disc Region 1 version, and expands mostly on the children's side of things providing more games and trivia, as well as an additional 1.33:1 transfer. There is also a DTS track. The video is still amazing, and the audio very good, while the movie has yet to pale. If you don't have Shrek yet, now is the time to get it.
Released 19-Nov-2002
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Beauty and the Beast: Special Limited Edition (1991)
Walt Disney Pictures 
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Walt Disney’s 30th animated feature, Beauty and the Beast has finally arrived on one of the most magnificent DVD releases of the year. This two disc set brings not one, not two, but three separate versions of this masterpiece to life and comes complete with a list of collections to rival most other packages. This is a superb package that deserves a treasured place in everyone’s collection, especially so if you have children.
Released 21-Oct-2002
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From Hell (2001)
Fox 
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Coming out of its rental window, this movie arrives with a feature-packed special edition that is full of interesting extras, not just the usual fluff. The quality of the transfer is very good, albeit with some aliasing problems, and the audio is excellent. A very worthy mystery.
Released 12-Nov-2002
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James-Getting Away with It...Live (2002)
? 
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A reference quality concert disc in all respects. This is a truly stunning, amazingly enjoyable, and highest quality performance from Manchester outfit James. Songs such as She's A Star, Laid, Say Something, and Sit Down sound just about the best I have ever heard. High quality video and audio and some substantial extras round out a truly awesome package. You will be all the poorer if you miss this one.
Released 15-Jul-2002
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Spider-Man: Collector's Edition (2002)
Columbia Pictures 
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Here we go again. Now it is Spider-Man's turn to put up his web slinging hand for DVD of the year! After breaking box office records around the world, Spider-Man comes to DVD with a bang! Packed with hours of extra features on the making of the film and the history of the character, this DVD is one for movie fans and comic book fans alike. The video and audio transfers are STUNNING and are of reference quality. A definite must-have.
Released 26-Oct-2002
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Ice Age (2002)
Fox 
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Ice Age is another in an increasing line of excellently made and presented animation movies. Intended for a fairly young market, this one combines excellent comedy talent with a sharp, witty but often droll script, along with a cast of thousands with which to entertain and delight. Supported by reference quality video and an audio track that isn't far short, if the movie isn't enough for you there are literally hours of extras to plough through for those so inclined, including an animated short.
Released 14-Oct-2002
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Beautiful Mind, A: Two Disc Awards Edition (2001)
Dreamworks SKG 
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A great looking video, magnificent audio, plenty of extras and a great film, A Beautiful Mind: Two Disc Awards Edition is a solid purchase for anyone who loves film and/or DVD. The video and audio transfers are the same as the rental release earlier this year, but now there are heaps more extras on display. Enjoy...
Released 23-Oct-2002
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B.B. King & Eric Clapton-Riding with the King (DVD-Audio) (2000)
? 
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You like the blues? Check. You have a DVD player? Check. You read the review? Check. So now you’ve got your wallet and you’re running out to grab Riding with the King, right? Check. Excellent, then strap in and let’s Ride… with the King!
Released 22-May-2002
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Pearl Harbor: Director's Cut (2001)
Touchstone Pictures 
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The final incarnation of this film has hit DVD, and what a set. Bar none, this is the finest DVD collection yet produced in Region 4 - pity the Region 1 is still superior. However, what we have is brilliant, and worth picking up for the extras alone.
Released 19-Aug-2002
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K-PAX (Rental) (2001)
Intermedia 
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A thought-provoking movie, which will stay with you. A superlative transfer, and no extras at all. Very strongly recommended.
Rental Version Only |
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Muse-Hullabaloo: Live at Le Zenith, Paris (2001)
? 
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Musical tastes varies from person to person. I cannot say that Muse are the greatest band in the world, nor can I say they're the worst. Hullabaloo features an energetic 90 minute live performance from a band who certainly know what they are doing, and are no flash in the pan. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the performance, and the reference quality widescreen video and dts track certainly enhanced the whole experience.
Released 9-Oct-2002
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Mad Max (1979)
Kennedy Miller 
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Some people thought The Fellowship Of The Ring or Attack Of The Clones would be the best DVD release of 2002. On the other hand, we've been waiting for Mad Max since the very inception of the format. Was it worth the wait? With a beautiful widescreen video transfer and a DTS soundtrack that would make Lemmy Kilmister grin from ear to ear , we have an unconditional winner for Best Region 4 DVD Of 2002.
Released 6-Sep-2002
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Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
New Line Cinema 
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The Fellowship Of The Ring is a film that everyone, regardless of age, race, colour, creed, height, weight, or occupation, should see. It is truly a triumph of will, talent, and innovation, leaving all of its inferior imitators in the dust. The theatrical version two-disc set is a great transfer, but the extras are slightly disappointing. Still, this will be the best $42.95 that anyone with more than one digit in their age (or two digits in their IQ) could possibly spend on entertainment for some time.
Released 5-Aug-2002
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Back to the Future: Trilogy Boxset (1985)
Universal 
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The Back To The Future trilogy is one of the biggest and most highly anticipated releases on DVD of all time, and Universal have done a magnificent job on the discs. Now all we have to do is wait for them to reach the stores! Strongly recommended.
Released 15-Aug-2002
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Back to the Future Part III (1990)
Universal 
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The closing chapter to the trilogy, and it has been given the best transfer of the lot. You can buy the whole trilogy in confidence - these discs are examples of how good DVD can be.
Withdrawn from Sale
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Back to the Future (1985)
Universal 
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One of the biggest releases of the year, and it's no disappointment - you will want this disc!
Released 7-Nov-2002
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Foreigner-4 (DVD-Audio) (1981)
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Foreigner's fourth and most successful album is presented superbly on a DVD-Audio disc that even passing fans will want to own.
Released 18-Jun-2002
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Ali (2001)
Initial Entertainmnt 
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Ali is a fantastic film from acclaimed director Michael Mann starring Will Smith in an amazing performance as Muhammad Ali. Covering 10 years of Ali's turbulent career, this film is as honest as it gets as it tells the real story behind this courageous and talented individual during this turbulent era. The video transfer is brilliant and the audio is of reference quality.
Released 14-Aug-2002
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Roxy Music-Live at the Apollo London 2001 (2002)
? 
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This is Roxy Music at their best, and presented on a fine DVD complete with 16x9 enhancement and DTS sound.
Released 17-Jun-2002
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer-Season 4 Box Set Part 2 (2000)
Fox 
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The second half of the season, with some powerful episodes, and the delightful Superstar. These episodes weren't bad when broadcast, but they are so much more when presented in widescreen and with commentaries (especially Restless). This is a vital part of your Buffy collection. Highly recommended!
Released 3-Jun-2002
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer-Season 4 Box Set Part 1 (1999)
Fox 
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It's Buffy time again! Season 4 has lots of laughs (some of them big ones), and some interesting twists and turns. Even if you didn't like this season when it was broadcast, give it another try - it is spectacular in widescreen. Thoroughly recommended.
Released 3-Jun-2002
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Thir13en Ghosts (2001)
Columbia Pictures 
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Thir13en Ghosts is a great horror film. The special effects are amazing and the outstanding picture and sound quality will surely make this disc many people's demonstration disc. Recommended.
Released 16-Jul-2002
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Training Day (2001)
Warner Bros 
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Training Day is a great movie. It features some fine acting, reference quality sound and quite possibly has set a new standard for picture quality on DVD. The extras are very good and I recommend you go out and add this great movie to your collection. Highly recommended.
Released 8-May-2002
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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981)
BBC 
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The greatest science fiction comedy ever made finally makes it to DVD, and in superb fashion. A great transfer and a grab-bag of meaningful extras. Don't forget to bring your towel.
Released 8-May-2002
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Spy Kids (2001)
Miramax 
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Spy Kids is a very enjoyable movie and features reference quality picture and sound, deserving of a place in our Hall of Fame. Highly recommended.
Released 6-Mar-2002
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The Caveman's Valentine (2000)
Franchise Pictures 
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This is a brilliant film, but not one you'd want the kids to see (unless you are trying to give them nightmares...). Samuel L. Jackson gives an impressive depiction of mental illness, but without seeming helpless. This film has been put onto a reference quality DVD. If you have the strength to watch this film, you'll be well rewarded.
Released 19-Mar-2002
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Jurassic Park III (2001)
Universal 
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The rental Jurassic Park III had a very good picture, but no extras. This release disc has an even better picture, and heaps of extras. We have a winner here. If you liked the first one and hated the second one, then you'll like this one. If you liked both, then you'll love this one.
Released 20-Mar-2002
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Knight's Tale, A: Collector's Edition (2001)
Columbia Pictures 
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This is a very entertaining film that provides exactly what audiences are looking for. It is presented on an excellent DVD.
Released 19-Mar-2002
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Planet of the Apes: Special Edition (2001)
Fox 
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Planet Of The Apes is yet another piece of Tim Burton magic, presented on a DVD with a slightly problematic DTS soundtrack, and an extras package that will keep you occupied for at least a couple of days.
Released 22-Apr-2002
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The Fast and the Furious: Collector's Edition (2001)
Universal 
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The Fast And The Furious is a real treat for those of you who love quality transfers accompanied by a brilliant soundtrack. The package of extras is superb, rounding off a real value-for-money release. The only downside is that the storyline is a bit shaky, but you can't have everything.
Withdrawn from Sale
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Enemy at the Gates (2001)
Mandalay 
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Enemy At The Gates is a masterful film, easily more than the equal of a certain other World War II epic, and one that I can return to many times over. It is presented on an immaculate disc with a glorious DTS soundtrack, something the R1 disc is lacking.
Released 22-Jan-2002
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