By 1982, at the ripe age of four, my future interests were falling into place. Saturday morning cartoons were a must each week, my brothers’ trips to the arcade gave me a new hobby and Disney introduced me to the fantastic world of “Tron.” Nostalgia kept these memories pleasant and made those days seem like some of the best.

Now in 2002, I still have reruns of the cartoons, video games keep entertaining and Disney has re-released “Tron” in a new 2-disc, 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition DVD.

“Tron” follows “hot-shot” programmer Flynn as he tries to hack into his old employer’s computer system to gain proof his video game ideas were stolen several years back. He soon encounters the Master Control Program, a computer program that has begun to think and act on its own. The Program quickly realizes Flynn’s threat and sends him into the digital world where he can be properly eliminated.

“Tron’s” story may not be its strongest point, but it certainly is good enough to provide a nice backdrop to the heart of the film: the intriguing digital world brought to life by once-revolutionary computer graphics.

It is here the new DVD set really shows its worth, by offering a version of “Tron” that is visually better than any before it. Presented in Anamorphic widescreen, the DVD is crisp and clear, and shows off the movie’s mix of vibrant colors.

“Tron’s” sound has also finally been offered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Since “Tron” was made 20 years ago, it is not the equal of today’s big budget sci-fi movies but still has some great sound effects and music to offer.

The extras packed with “Tron” are no less than amazing. With five hours of bonus material, it is easy to learn more about any aspect of “Tron.”

The best of these features is the commentary track from Director Steven Lisberger and the “Making Of.” Each covers similar ground, but gives in-depth information about the ideas and work that went into making the movie. From the earliest origins of Tron to the changes the film went through, each feature is absorbing.

The rest of the features are broken down into all the various aspects of the film. Development, story, digital effects and sound are just some of the areas covered. While many featurettes are contained in these areas, the majority are short and retell information already covered in others.

There are several individual interviews, production images and early footage that are worth seeing. There are a few minor extras as well, such as the deleted “love scene,” with an explanation from the director.

All the extras show off the technology behind “Tron” and are surprisingly entertaining to watch. The set is a package filled to the brim and one worthy of “Tron’s” 20th Anniversary.

Despite its age, “Tron” is still an interesting idea that is executed well enough to be an enjoyable story. While the computer graphics are nowhere near revolutionary, they still present a unique look and charm unequaled in any other movie. Whether for nostalgia or for the first time, “Tron” is worth checking out and this DVD set is well worth a purchase.

*** 1/2

Chris Weishaar is a sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication from Bronson.