Cloverfield (Blu-ray)

When selecting Special Investigation Mode, the movie screen transforms into a heads up display - with a map of Manhattan on the left, a box underneath the film showing information, trivia, and clues about each character and scene, and a radar GPS system that indicates how close the characters are to the Cloverfield monster. It's like watching the film on a military analysis screen; very, very cool and very, very clever. Plus, the clues and information that come up include data previously unknown to Cloverfield viewers, unlocking an entirely new direction to the plot, as well as some additional possible conspiracy theories.

In terms of the other special features, they pretty much follow suit with the regular DVD version. There is a commentary by director Matt Reeves, a "Making of" Featurette, a small feature on the visual effects of the film, as well as the "Making of" the monster entitled "I Saw It! It's Alive! It's Huge!" You'll also find all of the standards, including Deleted Scenes, Alternate Endings, and "Clover Fun" (Outtakes) - all of which are presented in HD. Yet, there is one problem: the HD features all come in with an annoying flashy light effect; bright colors come in almost too brightly and flicker throughout the features - giving me a headache more than once. Even so, you can't argue with the crispness of HD; Blu-ray is the perfect format for a visual effects stunner such as this. And the sound? Freaking incredible. 

And so. I highly recommend the Blu-ray release of Cloverfield - both for fans of the film, as well as those who haven't yet seen it but are looking to expand their Blu-ray collection. It has the complete package of what a great Blu-ray film should be: visually spectacular, loaded with special features, and full of high intensity fun.

Cloverfield (Blu-ray) starring Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, and Michael Stahl-David
Paramount Pictures, Rated PG-13. Available online at Amazon.com.