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Universal Pictures tried to get a slice of the "Batman" pie by launching the adventures of the crime fighting 1930s US radio icon "The Shadow" onto the big screen. The notable lack of any sequels is evidence of its poor impact at the box office. But despite its shoddy script it does benefit from superior art direction that looks a million dollars on DVD.

Alec Baldwin puts in his usual smug performance, this time as "The Shadow" and gets to leap around some beautiful sets, often shrouded in a muted palette that's clear and detailed on this disc. Overall it's the type of visceral experience you'd expect from the director of "Highlander" although Mulcahy is unable to make much of the thin plot. The visual highlight of the film is a ripped-off sequence from "Enter the Dragon" as Alec fights his nemesis in a hall of mirrors. On DVD the shattering mirror glass is quite amazing in both detail and brightness.

The 5.1 track is fine but oddly the big audio moment comes in chapter five with a doorbell ring. That may not seem too exciting but you'll jump from your seat when you hear it (the effect may be somewhat reduced on an old portable TV!).

No extras with this disc - not even a trailer. Should there ever be a special edition then hopefully they'll make room for an "At Â鶹ԼÅÄ with the Baldwins" feature.

Chapters: 16
Ratio: 1.85:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra Features: Scene selection, multiple languages and subtitles, English for the hearing impaired.