The Movie: Join the Beatles on a psychadelic journey in a yellow submarine as they save Pepperland from the evil Blue Meanies that have invaded! The 1999 Yellow Submarine restoration included a new 6 channel, 24bit digital soundtrack, with all sounds, songs and effects remixed in grand fashion. If you love the music of the Beatles and have a taste for wacky British animation, there is no way you won't love Yellow Submarine.

It's full of great songs, and a variety of different animation techniques that dazzle your eyes and melt your brain. The main plot, I must admit, is rather simplistic, and the numerous psychadelic side-journeys will either add to the charm of it all, or make this movie tedious, depending on your tastes and who you ask. Just turn your higher cognitive functions on standby and let 'er rip, because there's no point in trying to understand what you're seeing or to try to make any meaning of it... and in the end, there's always classic Beatles tunes to carry you along your way.

The DVD: I usually talk about the video first, but I feel compelled to talk about the audio on this DVD, because it is hands down the best 5.1 mix I have ever heard! Although the clarity of the audio is not perfect (hey, we're talking about 30 year old source material!), the 5.1 surround mix is completely immersive and really surrounds you with sound effects, dialog, and yes, even the classic Beatles tunes have been remixed into lush surround sound. I can't say enough about the surround mix, it's just that amazing.

Now that being said... I gave the video a 2. If it was anamorphic, I'd probably give it a 3. The film was nicely restored, but there is still some grain, and a few instances of dust and dirt to deal with, but overall, quite satisfactory.

Special features were plentiful, starting with the alternate audio options -- aside from the wonderful 5.1 full mix, you can choose a music-only 5.1 mix, the original mono mix, or a commentary track. A (very long) theatrical trailer is also included, along with "Mod Odyssey", a making-of featurette. Also on this disc are numerous pencil drawings and storyboards, including one storyboard sequence that is split-screened with the actual film so you can compare the two, and if that isn't enough for you, there are some short interviews with various members of the voice talent cast and crew, and some behind the scenes photos of when the Beatles came and visited the animation studio.

A little extra treat can be found on the main menu -- if you highlight any one of the Beatles' heads, you get a short quote from the movie. Overall, a fine disc (even if it isn't an anamorphic transfer) that is worth it all for the audio alone!