"It's a Wonderful Life" should definitely be wonderful on DVD. The results are a little mixed though on a disc that offers plenty but doesn't quite hit the required grade for such a fine film.

The packaging is pleasing on the eye and incorporates a ten-page booklet with stills and short biographies of the stars. This 'Collector's Edition' is digitally remastered but unfortunately that is not enough. It's clear from the sound quality that restoration work on the print is needed. Until what is often a warbly and thin sound track can be repaired, there's no point 'remastering' it for DVD. Additionally, the claim of stereo sound is not true.

The picture is more pleasing. Again, money needs to be spent on restoring it, but it is clearer than on VHS. Some of the night-time scenes on the tape had a tendency to look dark and shabby, but with the DVD there is an overall lightness to the disc image that is more complimentary to the film.

This is not a disc overburdened with extra features but the two that are on it are worth more than the oodles of nonsense that some other DVDs come stuffed with. The 'personal introduction' by Frank Capra's son is short but interesting and includes an interview with both Capra Senior and Jimmy Stewart.

The 'making of' documentary provides an insight into the story behind the difficulties that RKO faced trying to get the script right. The various alternative casting opportunities are also explored as well as the lukewarm reception the film had on original release.

There really is plenty to enjoy on this DVD but most collectors will not consider it a definitive release.

Chapters: 18
Ratio: 1.33:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Extra Features: Scene selection, 'making of' documentary, introduction and interview with Frank Capra Jr., subtitles.