DVD REVIEW

Austin Powers in Goldmember  (2002)

Starring: Mike Myers, Beyonce Knowles, Michael Caine
Director: Jay Roach

Rating: PG-13

Studio: New Line Cinema

Review Posted: 12.22.02

By John Teves

It's been three years since Austin Powers, that swinging international man of mystery has faced his arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil. But after Dr. Evil and his accomplice Mini Me escape from a maximum-security prison, Austin is called to action once more. Teaming up with the mysterious Goldmember, Dr. Evil hatches a time-traveling scheme to take over the world, one that involves the kidnapping of Nigel Powers, Austin's beloved father and England's most renowned spy. As he chases the villains through time, Austin visits 1975 and joins forces with his old flame, Foxxy Cleopatra, a streetwise and stylish detective. Together Austin and Foxxy must find a way to save Nigel and stop Dr. Evil and Goldmember from their mischievous mayhem.

Austin Powers in Goldmember appears in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 on this single-sided, dual-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. This was a solid presentation. Sharpness was excellent. The film transfer remained sharp and detailed. I detected no jagged edges or edge enhancement, I did however notice a couple of signs of grain but over all, the image remained spotless. Goldmember offered a colorful palette. Colors were absolutely dazzling. Black levels appeared deep and dense while shadow detail was thick but not overly intense.

Goldmember is presented in both Dolby Digital EX 5.1 and DTS ES 6.1. As usual, the DTS track provided a more superior bass response, but both soundtracks were very similar. For the most part, audio remained centered on its front channels. Effects came across accurate and clear, with little prominence on the rear channels. This was not a very active audio mix, but in it’s own right the soundtrack worked well for the film.

Beyond The Movie:
- MI-6 International Men Of Mystery Documentary
- Disco Fever Documentary
- English, English Documentary
- Fashion vs. Fiction Documentary
- Fact Track
All Access Pass:
- Filmmaker Commentary: Jay Roach and Mike Myers
- Deleted Scenes
- The World Of Austin Powers (Segmented Documentary): Jay Roach & Mike Myers Creative Convergence, Confluence of Characters, Opening Stunts, The Cars of Austin Powers In Goldmember, Anatomy of Three Scenes, Visual FX Segment
- Music Videos: Beyonce Knowles-Work It Out; Britney Spears- Boys; Ming Tea- Daddy Wasn't There; Dr. Evil and Mini-Me- Hard Knock Life
- Theatrical and Teaser Trailers
DVD-ROM Content:
- Austin Powers Re-Voice Studio
- Hot Spot

We obviously will never get the same slap stick laughter we all witnessed with the original Austin Powers, but for what it’s worth, Goldmember provides enough laughs to fill your time. I found the cameo’s sidesplitting and clever. The DVD presents good quality picture and sound along with a nice roster of extras. For those of you who are Austin Powers’ fans, Goldmember comes recommended. It’s a witty and brainless film available in a splendid DVD package.

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