After the viewer is introduced to both the world of crossword puzzles and the top contenders for the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT), the focus of the documentary shifts back to that 2005 competition. One might think that scenes of a banquet room full of people quietly solving crossword puzzles would be about as exciting as watching paint dry, and perhaps it would be if not for the excellent editing and production work done by Patrick Creadon and Christine O'Malley.

This was aided by the drama and excitement that surrounded the Division A Championship round. If you plan to see the film, I suggest you do not look up the final scores prior to watching it, since that will lessen the anticipation that propels the story.

One feature of the ACPT is the Saturday evening entertainment event called American Crossword Idol. At the 2005 event, puzzle solver and constructor Vic Fleming performed a song he wrote called "If You Don't Come Across" that is incorporated into the soundtrack of the film. The song is also used as the background music for the slideshow of photographs included in the extras, making it one of the most entertaining photograph collections on a DVD that I have seen so far.

Like many films that are currently being produced, the DVD for Wordplay includes a plethora of extra features that include commentaries, deleted scenes, and behind the scenes clips, as well as a few crossword puzzles that can be printed out. All of the extras are worth watching and often expand on elements of the final cut.

Here is a list of what is included:

• Commentary with director Patrick Creadon, New York Times Puzzle Editor Will Shortz, and crossword constructor Merl Reagle
• Deleted scenes of Will Shortz
• More deleted scenes
• Deleted scenes from Stamford
• Interview Gallery
• Five unforgettable puzzles from the pages of the New York Times (featurettes)
• Wordplay goes to Sundance
• "Every Word" music video by Gary Louris
• "...And the Winner is…" results from Stamford 2006
• Wordplay photo gallery
• "Waiting for the New York Times" - a short film by Patricia Erens
• DVD-ROM: Five unforgettable puzzles from the pages of the New York Times (to print)

The companion book is also a must-have for puzzle fans. Along with the additional details not included or obscured in the final cut of the film, the book includes nearly all of the puzzles mentioned (and their solutions), as well as puzzles created by some of the documentary's constructors specifically for the companion book. Maybe when I get to the level of completing all of my local paper's puzzles I will try out some of the puzzles in the book.

Wordplay is informative and entertaining, even for non-puzzle fanatics. If you have not seen it yet, track down a copy of the DVD and watch it. Just be careful. If the puzzle bug bites you as a result of seeing the film, try not to let it consume your life.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a puzzle to solve.