Black by name, black by nature, David Twohy's scorching man-versus-monster movie is one of the most bleak-yet-exciting sci-fi flicks ever made. Trapped on a deserted planet with a deadly species of nocturnal aliens, the passengers of a crashed spaceship figure they should be okay as long as they stick to daylight. And then along comes an eclipse... Made for pennies but looking like a million dollars, this is as enjoyable, smart and charisma-packed (Vin Diesel's gravel-voiced anti-hero is unforgettable) a film as any you'll pick up this year.

DVD Extras:

Commentary with Twohy and actors Vin Diesel and Cole Hauser, commentary with Twohy, producer Tom Engelman and visual effects supervisor Peter Chiang, Making Of featurette, trailers, production notes, cast and film-maker filmographies, web cast footage from the Pitch Black raves.Putting David Twohy in a room with Cole Hauser and the inimitable Mr Diesel results in the first hugely entertaining commentary, while his chats with the producer and the special effects overlord are an object lesson in the art of stretching a tiny budget to its limits. The featurette is solid and entertaining and the notes and filmographies are surprisingly user-friendly. The only thing which seems out of place on a great disc is the frankly bizarre rave footage. Why? Just why?