The Spy Kids embark on a sequel stuffed with plenty more special effects than the original film. Did this mean a bigger budget? Absolutely not, as Robert Rodriguez cheerfully gives away his secrets to making low budget movies on a highly entertaining DVD.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture Shot in high definition, this lurid colour-filled cavalcade of a movie transfers to DVD with razor sharp quality.

Sound The 5.1 sound mix is a lot of fun, especially during the fairground sequence where the wild rides take over your speakers for a slew of silly effects.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Robert Rodriguez 10-Minute Film School Subtitled "Big Movies Made Cheap", this is a frenetic guide to how Rodriguez created big effects on a small budget.

Hosted by the man himself, Robert's enthusiasm is infectious, and he talks us through numerous special effects shots in an entertaining manner. Not only that, but his tone will appeal to both kids and adults alike; something that's a rarity on DVDs aimed at younger audiences.

Audio Commentary It's a good idea to watch the 'Film School' featurette first, before listening to Rodriguez's commentary as you'll get a good feel for his style.

Robert kicks off his audio masterclass by promising that he'll give away as much of the filmmaking process as possible, plus tips for making money if you're a budding filmmaker yourself.

That he does, in a highly entertaining and informative commentary that's as rammed with detail as his movie is.

What's a bonus for anyone with low budget aspirations is that Robert's tips are practical and grounded in his belief that money need never be squandered - even when you've got to his success level. Again, his chat is as accessible and interesting to the old as it is to the young.

A New Kind of Stunt Kid A short featurette where the kid stars talk us through some of the physical skills they've picked up since the first film in order to kick ass even better for this sequel.

Lost Scenes Eight enjoyable deleted scenes are to be found here, including a scene-stealing turn by Ricardo Montalban.

School at Big Bend National Park On the shoot of the exciting flying sequences at the Big Bend National Park, the kids received a talk about the area and how it was formed. We get to learn too, thanks to this featurette.

Essential Gear: The Gadgets of Spy Kids What's clear from this featurette is that the kids love their gadgets, as you'll see when they talk us through what they can do.

Total Access 24/7 Watch a day in the life of the Spy Kids, and realise that your childhood suddenly seems a touch crummier in comparison. These kids seem to have a lot of fun on set as we follow them around filming, at play, and even doing the odd spot of schoolwork.

Additional Extra Features Also on the DVD are behind-the-scenes montages, a stills gallery, art gallery, music video, and teaser trailer.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: 2
Chapters: 19
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 EX and DTS 5.1 ES
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: English
Captions: English
Menus: 3D fun animations, with music and applauding skeletons
Special Features Subtitles: None of the special features come with subtitles.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.