Reinterpreting HG Wells' The Time Machine, one of the most well-loved science fiction classics both as a book and in its , was always going to risk critical condemnation. Yet despite all the problems experienced in making the film (reshoots, September 11 comparison fears, Guy Pearce breaking a rib), this new Time Machine is still great fun. Critics and naysayers may point at the obvious timeline gaffes, the lazy groundlaying for a sequel, or even the radical departure from Wells' scenario, but the film is still gorgeous to look at and imbued with a sense of carefree adventure. Pearce plays Professor Hartdegen with just the right touch of distraction turning into passionate resolve. The secondary cast all manage to make something of their brief on-screen appearances, too, notably Mark Addy as faithful friend Philby, Samantha Mumba as Morlock babe Mara and Jeremy Irons making more of his shadowy baddie than might be thought likely. The film's chief accomplishment is that it in no way supersedes the George Pal version. If anything, it enriches the spirit of fun it has happily inherited.

On the DVD: The Time Machine 2002 incarnation has picture (2.35:1) and sound (Dolby 5.1) that are as pristine as you'd expect from so recent a digital FX extravaganza. In the extras department there's plenty to keep you busy: a gallery of production drawings, an action sequence animatic, three trailers, four mini-documentaries on stunts, FX, Morlocks and building the Time Machine. The only thing missing is anything acknowledging the 1960 version or the link with director Simon Wells (the author's great-grandson). Wells joins editor Wayne Wahrman for one commentary track dealing with the broad strokes of conceptualisation and changes along the way. Commentary two is from the Designer, FX Supervisor and Producer, so is naturally more technically focused. --Paul Tonks

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