The Hole

Filmed in Super-35, the 2.35:1 picture is remarkably free of the typical troubles one would usually associate with darkly lit scenes. Blacks are true and deep and the scenes of the hole are counterbalanced with bright, sunny scenes outdoors. There was no visible edge-enhancement, or pixalisation. This is definitely a good transfer.

Region 2 buyers are in for a bonus. The R1 version does NOT include a Dolby 5.1 track, even though it was released in cinemas that way. The track is obviously not supersonic, as this is mostly a dialogue and music movie. But it does provide an ominous atmosphere, thanks to the score and the emptiness in the soundspace. The scene between Birch and Harrington, with dialogue in total whispers, is a good example of this.

Nick Hamm (no relation to Kevin Bacon) provides a very informative commentary track. He never stops talking for the entire movie and always has something to say. He talks mainly about the story, plot and characters. This is the type of commentary I prefer. He does make a few technical comments, as well.

An alternative beginning, ending and some deleted scenes are included. Thankfully, these were deleted because they are bo-ring. The alternate ending sucks and the alternate opening is barely different from the one that's there already.

A couple of trailers and some filmographies are also included.

The deleted scenes have upped the movie's rating to 18.