Soul Plane seems a lot like a SNL film. You got an idea that would be great for a sketch comedy scene, and now it has been inflated to be a full length motion picture. The idea is funny enough as is the setup, but well the jokes just don't come fast enough nor is there even that many of them. Yes there are a few good laughs, but like say Airplane which is joke after joke after joke, Soul Plane has quite a few moments of no laughs. MGM has issues the theatrical R version on DVD as well as a new Unrated version. The Unrated doesn't seem to add to much more, and from what I have read, actually has some stuff taken out. It really just seems like a slightly alternative cut with little rhyme and reason to it.

The story revolves around Nashawn Wade, a bit of a loser who manages to get a $100 million judgment thrown his way over a lost puppy and some diarrhea. After a few failed business attempts, Wade opens up NWA, or Nashawn Wade Airlines. Soul Plane chronicles the first flight of this airline. With a pilot who is afraid of heights, a white family named Hunkee, and plenty of other wacky characters, Soul Plane certainly pushes the racial stereotypes as much as it can to try and get a few laughs.

Soul Plane is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors really stand out from the super purple and yellow suits to the accurate flesh tones and details. Black level is also very good as the few night times shots are nicely defined. Some slight dirt and a touch of enhancement are that mar this transfer in any way. Bottom line is that MGM has done a fine job with the film on DVD.

Dolby Digital 5.1 audio is included here. Clear dialogue, lots of LFE, and some very boisterous music make this a way better than average 5.1 track for a comedy. Surrounds get a good amount of activity while response is wide and not limited in any way. Better than expected and a fine mix.

Extras begin with an audio commentary featuring stars Tom Arnold, Kevin Hart, Anthony Williams, Godfrey, and director Jesse Terrero. The group provides a few facts of the behind the scenes sort but most of the time they take some jabs at each other which are often quite funny.

Boarding Pass: The Making of Soul Plane is about 25 minutes of superficial promo overkill. Usual for what it is so if you like such then this one is a lot of said stuff. Beyond that are some deleted scenes, 4 in all, before moving on to The Upgrade Featurette. This is basically some of the cast talking about Terrero and his rise from music video to motion picture.

Outtakes is actors forgetting lines and goofing around for about 2 minutes. Also present is the full Survivor Safety Video from NWA airlines, a photo gallery, a trailer, a Def Jam video game trailer, and some trailers for other MGM releases.

Soul Plane never really takes off. The idea has some promise I guess but the actual has too little material and is just rather thin on the laughs. There are a few good ones but not enough to sustain 92 minutes. Good for a rental but I doubt anyone will want to take it in twice despite MGM having produced a very good DVD.

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