Overview: Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby-traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden dubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of a family of bumbling bad guys... and a mild-mannered monster with a face only a mother could love.

DVD Verdict: Combining swashbuckling, mystery, murder, pre-teen wonder and teen angst, "The Goonies," is a wonderful film about two brothers and their friends who are about to lose their homes but wind up on an amazing journey that just might save them all. When the Walsh brothers and their friends find a map in the family attic, the "Goonies" set out on one last adventure before having to say goodbye to each other.

What they find is a trail leading to the treasure of the infamous One-Eyed Willie, a pirate who literally protected his gold to his death. The gang has to get past a number of booby traps, including a piano of death, in order to get Willie's treasure. They also have to deal with a rich high school bully and the murderous Fratelli family.

This film is fun from the beginning. Steven Spielberg story and Chris Columbus' screenplay fit well on the screen. Director Richard Donner blends humor, adventure, and a touch of romance into the tale that prevents the story from ever getting boring. Cyndi Lauper's "The Goonies R' Good Enough" sets the musical tone for the film.

The cast features a number of (at the time) up-and-coming actors. Sean Astin plays the younger Walsh son, Mikey. Josh Brolin plays Brandon Walsh. Indie princess Martha Plimpton plays Stef Steinbrenner. Future fight choreographer (and also "Short Round" in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom") Ke Huy Quan plays Data. Jeff Cohen portrays Chunk. Kerri Green plays Andy Carmichael and future "Two Coreys" star Corey Feldman rounds out the Goonies as Mouth.

The Fratelli clan is filled with the wonderful Anne Ramsey as Ma Fratelli, Joe Pantoliano as Francis, Robert Davi as Jake and John Matuszak as the legendary Sloth.

Be warned that their is quite a bit of strong language in this film. It pre-dates the PG-13 era, and probably would have received that rating if it had been around. The rest of the tale is family friendly, with only mild peril and one murder.

Now, as for this being a "25th Anniversary Collector's Edition," well, they are basically repackaging the DVD we all have! With a new remaster and adding a board game, some promotional magazines, and a reprint of a 2009 Empire Magazine article! Nothing more. Come on Warner Bros, where are the rumored Deleted Scenes such as the Goonies Oath Scene, the Second Store Visit, the Data Intimidator Scene, the Leech Scene, the Gorilla Scene, and such?

Surely it wouldn't have done any harm to Warner Bros. to throw in a new commentary or documentary. Would it have?! [KF] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Cast commentary with director and all seven actors
The Making of the Goonies documentary
Cyndi Lauper music video "The Goonies 'R Good Enough"
Outtakes
Includes new board game, original movie storyboard reproductions, 1985 souvenir magazine reprint, and reprint of 2009 Empire Magazine article with cast photos and updates

www.WarnerBros.com