Total Recall

Roll over Verhoeven and tell sci-fi fans the news: this "Special Limited Edition" DVD is the definitive version of this 1990 classic, based on Phillip K. Dick's short story, "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale." A more vulnerable Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who discovers that his whole life may be a dream, and that he may actually be a Mars freedom fighter. Or not. Sharon Stone was never better as his loving(?) wife, with Michael Ironside as a relentless hitman on Quaid's trail. The disc boasts a near-flawless transfer, re-mastered sound, and a widescreen presentation that does the Oscar-winning special effects justice. Extras include a "making of" documentary, "Visions of Mars" featurette, comparison between the director's storyboards and the finished film, and audio commentary with Paul Verhoeven and Arnold himself. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[Blu-ray Review—July 31, 2012—Lionsgate, 113 min., R, $14.99—Making its second appearance on Blu-ray, 1990's Total Recall sports a decent transfer with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sound. Extras include audio commentary by director Paul Verhoeven and star Arnold Schwarzenegger, an interview with Verhoeven (35 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (32 min.), “Models and Skeletons” on special effects (23 min.), a “making-of” featurette (9 min.), a restoration comparison (5 min.), a brief photo gallery montage, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this sci-fi favorite, re-released to coincide with the remake starring Colin Farrell.]