As video game to movie adaptations go, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" can be considered a success. Certainly Paramount has rewarded it with one of its rare feature-packed DVD releases.

Whether it's musty old tombs or country estates, the lighting emphasis in the film certainly favours atmospheric gloom. The DVD transfer handles the subtle shades well, with detail high throughout.

This is one noisy film. Techno tracks and outlandish fight sequences vie for your speakers' attention, but the 5.1 mix offers precise exciting effects that are effectively enhanced with kick-ass subwoofer bass.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio Commentary -
Simon West sits in for a commentary as enthusiastic as his technically detailed effort for "The General's Daughter" DVD. Mixed in Dolby Surround, it does make him sound like he's speaking through a biscuit tin. Once you've got over that, there are a few mildly interesting anecdotes to be had, including the rather amusing tale of thousands of incorrect toys being produced on the back of one simple mistake.

Digging into "Tomb Raider" -
Plenty of cast and crew interviews here as all involved offer up their thoughts on who Lara Croft really is.

Crafting Lara Croft -
Here's a feature that's bound to please Angelina Jolie fans, as she trains her way to fitness for the role.

The Stunts of "Tomb Raider" -
Despite the CGI effects in the movie, a lot of the sets were fully built the old fashioned way, and as Angelina leaps and bungees around them, it's hard not to be impressed with both the art direction and her too.

Visual Effects of "Tomb Raider" -
Eight key scenes, including 'the clock', are dissected visually with commentary from the designers involved.

Are You Game? -
Discover the background behind the game development, including the original male character that Lara replaced, and how Americans' inability to say "Laura" led to her final name.

Alternate Main Title Sequence -
This classy opening is not as punchy as the end result but is good, although has more of a video game intro feel to it than that of a movie.

Four Deleted Scenes - There are four, they're deleted, but there's no commentary to tell us why these scenes were left out. Probably because they're a bit dull.

U2 Music Video -
"Elevation" "Tomb Raider" mix.

Hidden Easter Egg -
Jolie and real-life father Jon Voight speak together, but can you find the clip? It's not too hard.

Additional DVD-ROM Extra Features -
"Tomb Raider" timeline, "Tomb Raider: Chronicles" game demo, website archive plus links.

Region: 2
Chapters: 12
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Technical Features: Scene selection; animated menus; and English captions for the hearing-impaired.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.