by Alison L. Roberts

Although it was created in a digital environment, Final Fantasy had to be transferred onto film for its theatrical release — a situation which causes the typical degradation of image, etc., that drives videophiles nuts. Image and sound-wise, this movie is at its best in a digital format. Accordingly, Square and its partners have produced a two-disc, special edition DVD release that utilizes the digital technology to its fullest potential.

The Deep Eyes escort Aki through the ruins of New York City.

An anamorphic, widescreen presentation of the film, with English and French dialogue/subtitle options, can be found on the first disc, along with highly-intuitive, interactive menus and the requisite theatrical trailers. The generous extras on this disc include three, feature-length commentaries: a jovial, subtitled audio track with co-director Motonori Sakakibara and members of the Japanese production staff; a very informative session with key American members of the production team, including animation director Andy Jones, staging director Tani Kunitake and editor Chris S. Capp; and an isolated musical score with commentary by composer Elliot Goldenthal. Viewers also have a "boards and blasts" option which presents a combination of storyboards and shows the evolution of animated images, all synched to the film's final audio track. (Pop-up "factoids" and a commentary track with members of the production team are also options for this feature.)

In addition to character profiles and production sheets, the second disc is jam-packed with educational features, including segments that illustrate how things are done — from the creation of what Square has termed "hyperReal" characters to how the theatrical teasers and trailers were developed. An original documentary, The Making of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, is especially informative, allowing viewers to "jump" to in-depth segments about a variety of production topics when certain visual cues appear on screen. Finally, for "hands-on types," there is a feature called the "Final Fantasy Shuffler" which allows viewers to practice editing together a pivotal scene from the film by using the DVD player's remote control.

Final Fantasy creator and director Hironobu Sakaguchi was determined to create a film that captured what was special about his legendary gaming franchise. Four years and a theatrical release later, his dream is realized. A groundbreaking film with an equally groundbreaking DVD edition, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is a thematic continuation of the creativity and enthusiasm that have fueled a worldwide phenomenon for more than 13 years.