Video Releases
This section lists all of the releases of the film over the years in a variety of home video formats, from VHS to LaserDisc and DVD. You can view coverart and see what the pros and cons are for each release. Click on the thumbnail (or text) of each release to see a larger image of the full cover art.
Region 1 Releases (USA, Canada)
DVD
2010 Walt Disney Video Release
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic
TV System: NTSC
Soundtrack(s): English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English
Special Features: None
Notes: The most recent release of the film. Compared to the original 2003 DVD release, the tagline and quote has been moved to the bottom of the cover in order to feature the film's logo at the top. Notice the printing error on Dennis Hopper's Koopa on the back cover--this seems to be present in all copies of this version. It is also worth noting that this release does away with the matte/gloss scheme present in all USA releases of the film since 1993. And again, there are no special features to speak of--the disc itself is unchanged from the 2003 release.
2003 Walt Disney Video Release
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic
TV System: NTSC
Soundtrack(s): English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English
Special Features: None
Notes: The original DVD release from Walt Disney Video. The "matte/gloss" scheme between the background and graphical elements remains the same as with the VHS and LD releases. That combined with the enhanced picture quality make this my preferred release of choice, even though it's non-anamorphic and there are no special features.
LaserDisc
1993 Walt Disney Home Video Release
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic
TV System: NTSC
Soundtrack(s): English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English
Special Features: None
Notes: The original LaserDisc release of the film. The quality is decent, just a tad below the DVD in my book. One interesting thing to watch out for on the back cover--the selection of a third quote unseen on the VHS or DVD versions: "A Bright, Clamorous Extravaganza!"
VHS
1993 Walt Disney Home Video Release
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (Fullscreen)
Picture Format: Pan-and-scan
TV System: NTSC
Soundtrack(s): English Stereo
Subtitles: English
Special Features: None
Notes: The original VHS release than many a Mario fan (myself included) grew up with.
1993 Walt Disney Home Video Release (Screener Copy)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (Fullscreen)
Picture Format: Pan-and-scan
TV System: NTSC
Soundtrack(s): English Stereo
Subtitles: English
Special Features: Special Effects Featurette
Notes: This demo screener VHS was sent to video stores prior to the release of the film on home video. The interesting thing here is that this screener has a short special effects featurette (composed of clips from the longer "Making of Super Mario Bros.") that has not been included in any other video release to this day.
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