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     "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is the first of many films that helped cement director Steven Spielberg as a legendary film maker. Now, from Sony Pictures, comes the "Ultimate Edition" DVD of this modern classic. This is the supreme version that is perfect for any fan of the film. It boasts an abundance of special features and additional goodies. First off, the set includes all three cuts of the film (the original theatrical version, the special edition version, and the director's cut) digitally transferred and remastered in 5.1 surround sound. The edition comes in some really cool packaging which includes a poster (which gives a time line for each film and shows where each version differs from different cuts, etc.) and a book full of bios on the cast and crew. The special features include a new documentary that looks at "Close Encounters" and its effect on pop culture and the film medium and which also examines how this film has stayed a favorite and has stood the test of time. There are also a couple of "making of" features that are spread out on each disc. So, as stated previously, this truly is the ultimate edition for any fan of this film.

     The synopsis of the film follows a cable man from Muncie, Indiana named Roy Neary (portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss). One fateful night, while stopped in his truck at a railroad crossing, Roy has an otherworldly experience as he is bathed in light and his truck goes haywire for a while. After this night, Roy begins having visions, hearing strange music, and soon becomes obsessed with discovering what is happening to him. Ultimately, he wants to find answers to the numerous mysteries that appear throughout his mind. Meanwhile, strange occurrences have been happening throughout the world and the government is investigating. Planes that had gone missing in World War II have suddenly been appearing in the middle of nowhere, some airline pilots start experiencing inexplicable events, a lost ship turns up in the Gobi desert, and hundreds of people are gathered in India singing the same short tune over and over. The story then begins to revolve around Roy as he begins to drift in and out of reality from the thoughts that swirl in his head. This eventually creates a huge rift between him and his family (his wife and three kids). Roy cannot get these thoughts, especially an image of an ominous mountain, out of his mind. Soon he finds himself making this shape out of shaving cream and mashed potatoes and his family can't understand why he's acting like this. Around the world, though, many other people become obsessed with this same image. Just like Roy, none of them can explain it, but they are all compelled to find out the meaning behind it. Eventually this leads into a large gathering at a designated spot of those that are effected by the visions and the government itself. It's at this spot that the climax of the story takes place and it is unveiled as to what all of these mysteries have meant.

     For those who have never seen "Close Encounters", the film is a classic by the definition of that word. As the documentary contained in this set explains, and I touched on a little earlier, this film has stood the test of time. It can still capture the hearts of most film goers even thirty years since it was first released. The film has still had a number of critics but no film is liked by every single person. For those that enjoy imaginative film making and masterful storytelling, "Close Encounters" is a great example of both of these descriptions. Most film fans looking for a fun and exciting ride are not disappointed with "Close Encounters". With this extensive and well put together re-release, it is the perfect reason to sit down and relive this classic sci-fi adventure or to experience it for the first time. A prime example of why Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest film makers of all time.

Rating - ***1/2

-Jared Bajoras