The Simpsons Movie

The first thing to say about The Simpsons Movie DVD is: expect there to be a special edition along later. I wouldn't bet the farm on it, but there seems to be so much obvious material 'missing' from the extras here that you sense there's money in the ol' cash cow yet.

Of the stuff that does make it in to this one-disc edition, the most substantial are the two commentary tracks. The first, featuring creator Matt Groening, producers James L Brooks and Al Jean, director David Silverman, writer Mike Scully and voice artists Dan Castellaneta (Homer among others) and (later) Yeardley Smith (Lisa).

Rather than being a straightforward commentary, this is, in fact, a second version of the film, with the group occasionally 'freezing' the action - which then fades to black and white - as they talk about individual scenes, this means that the track runs at just shy of 100 minutes and it is enjoyable and entertaining throughout. The fact that Yeardley Smith's ordinary speaking voice is so close to that of Lisa takes a little getting used to, however, as you keep having to remind yourself that its a genuine person who is speaking.

The second track, featuring David Silverman, along with assistant directors Mike B Anderson, Steven Dean Moore and Rich Moore, is also enjoyable, although it does retread some of the same ground as the first. I suspect that it is down to the collaborative nature of the film - the crew frequently refer to 'team effort' - which meant that everyone wanted to get in on the act.

Sadly, the special stuff, isn't really, being only around three and a half minutes of various advertising style slots: Homer On The Tonight Show, The Simpsons Judge American Idol, Homer Introduces American Idol and Let's All Go To The Lobby. All very American, as you would expect and probably destined to never be watched more than once.

The deleted scenes - introduced by Al Jean - are more fun. There are just over five minutes of them, but listening to the commentary track there must be heaps more than are not included, doubtless squirrelled away for the day when the special edition comes round.

Rounding the package out are a host of trailers, the best of which involve a CGI bunny and can definitely stand repeated viewings.

Great news for deaf film fans - who are so frequently given short shrift on DVDs - since all of the features, plus both of the commentaries are fully subtitled.

Despite the classy commentaries there is still a gaping hole where some sort of 'making of' sequence, showing how the animation was put together, should be. Perhaps Homer ate it? (Doh!)