Those clever types over at MGM have released all three RoboCop films in one sparkling package. The '87 original is one of Paul Verhoeven's greatest moments, a gem in this too-often-dismissed psycho-auteur's oeuvre. I get off on the director's over-the-top sense of humour, especially his trademarked vision of the media of the future. Look fast for the Harvey Milk-Dan White reference, when the city supervisor takes the mayor hostage, claiming he wants his job back while scarfing down junk food. Best of all are the stop-motion effects, captured in all their pre-CGI glory.

Too bad about the sequels, which are largely lacklustre and devoid of any of the original's spark. Like I said, Verhoeven is no mere simple hack. His ability to take what could well have been utterly dreadful crap and turn it into something as fun and lively as he did is proven when one compares his work to that of those who followed. But speaking of belaboured franchises, when the heck is the complete boxed set of Chucky coming out?