In the sequel to the cult hit "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," a circus literally comes right into Pee-Wee's (Paul Reubens) yard. As great and as interesting it is for a circus to come near Pee-Wee, especially as it gives him the attention he desires, it creates a conflict to - namely when Pee-Wee falls for the trapeze artist Gina (Valeria Golino) and he risks losing his fiancée Winnie. Oh what's a man-child to do?

Fun Fact: Actor Benicio Del Toro makes one of his first acting appearences in this movie.

The film is given an 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, and the results are pretty strong. There is no edge enhancement to speak of, but contrast is rather high which results in a great amount of noise and shimmering. Flesh tones do look nice, and color saturation is pretty good. The image quality is a bit grainy, but the print is pretty clean overall (there is a speck or blemish now and then). For a catalog title though, this is pretty impressive.

Pee-Wee's sequel has been given the 5.1 Dolby Digital treatment, and like the transfer it's also quite good. While I found the fidelity to be a bit low, surround activity certainly is strong - the circus scenes pull in a lot of activity with sizeable power that makes good use of the rear speakers, while other instances (such as Pee-Wee's animals congreating for breakfast in the beginning and Pee-Wee's botanical lab) do good work too. Dialogue is crisp and very easy to hear, and the music - Danny Elfman's excellent score in particular - sounds fresh and nicely put through the channels. Pretty impressive overall. English subtitles and English closed captions are included, as well as a French mono track and English Dolby Surround track.

Nothing at all.

Pee-Wee fans, you've been probably waiting for this one for quite a bit. While there are sadly no extras, the film looks and sounds great - and definitely should tide you over until the Pee-Wee TV series hits DVD (rumored to come out in the fall of 2004).

Studio: Paramount

Retail Price: $14.99

Features: None

Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Surround, French Mono, English Subtitles, English Closed Captions, Scene Selection (15 Scenes)

Released: July 6th, 2004

MPAA Rating: PG

Running Time: 85 minutes

Starring: Paul Reubens, Kris Kristofferson, Susan Tyrell and Valeria Golino

Written by: Paul Reubens & George McGrath

Directed by: Randal Kleiser