Enjoyable, good hearted action-fantasy from the Marvel Comics.

Rating: 8/10 (23 June 2007)

When a struggling scientist Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) and his loyal friend/assistant/space co-pilot Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis) convinced Scientist Billionaire Victor Van Doom (Julian McMahon) to go in Space by studying the potential effects of a Cosmic Storm. When it's approaching Earth, along with the ex-girlfriend of Richards's Sue Storm (Jessica Alba) and her daredevil brother Johnny Storm (Chris Evens). But instead, they find themselves got caught in the phenomena and got affected by receiving unusual special powers. The group gets caught up in the news after saving lives and they received instant popularity by the public eye. While the group tries to find a cure for their disease but Dr. Doom is using his power for evil and trying the rule the world. But first, he has to destroy the Fantastic Four.
Directed by Tim Story (Fantastic Four:Rise of the Silver Surfer, Barbershop, Taxi "2004") made an light-hearted approached adaptation to the Marvel Comics. Which it is Based on a Comic Book created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Which this adaptation doesn't take itself seriously like the recent sequel. Good performances by the cast (especially by Chiklis) makes this film comes alive. This has some good visual effects and an refreshing sense of humour.
The Original DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong-DTS 5.1 Surround Sound (Also in Dolby Digital 5.1). DVD has an amusing commentary track by actors:Gruffudd, Alba and Chiklis, deleted scenes, featurettes, trailers and TV spots.
The latest DVD is a two disc Collector's Edition, which it also includes the Extended Cut. This DVD has both different versions of the movie. Disc One has these two different cuts, which the theatrical cut runs 106 minutes and extended cut is 126 minutes. Both versions has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an superb DTS 5.1 Surround Sound (Also in Dolby Digital 5.1). Disc One includes an new commentary track by the filmmakers (for the Extended Version). The original commentary track is included for the theatrical version. Disc One also has Deleted Scenes (Which they are included in the extended cut), trailers and TV spots.
Disc Two has terrific special features:Which it has three documentaries, featurettes and photo gallery. Die Hard fans of the Comic Book Series will enjoy this more than the average viewer. Actually the extended version is an improvement by adding more character development. Which it's fleshed out the characters of Ben Grimm/Thing, Alicia Masters and Victor Van Doom even more. Don't miss this enjoyable light-fantasy adventure. Written by Mark Frost (Twin Peaks:Fire Walk With Me, The Believers, The Greatest Game Ever Played) and Michael France (Cliffhanger, Hulk, The Punisher "2004"). Although Screenwriter:Simon Kinberg (X-Men:The Last Stand, xXx:State of the Union, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) actually co-wrote the picture is actually credited for the Extended Cut. Watch for Stan Lee in a nice cameo. Super 35. (****/*****).