HD DVD Review: World Trade Center - Page 2

This disc continues to shine, and the extras are far too strong to pick one as a key component. Two commentaries are on disc one. Oliver Stone handles technical filming details by himself, while the real gem here is the second commentary. Here, Will Jimeno and others who were present sit alongside Stone as they discuss minute changes for filming purposes, accuracy, and their personal reflections. It’s an eye opening commentary, and arguably the best on the HD DVD format to date.

Disc 2 continues this amazing streak of material, and nearly everything here is presented in HD. The Making of World Trade Center is as flawless as movie-making documentaries can be. Running close to an hour, this discusses every aspect of the film and its process, from the challenges to the moral obligations regarding its creation. It splits into three sections although it's one full piece. Together with the commentaries, it’s a complete story.

Common Sacrifices is another nearly one hour piece, this time dealing with the families. Interviews with numerous members of those depicted in the film tell a story as powerful at the film itself. Very little information is crossed with the commentary track.

Building Ground Zero comes close to a half hour, and shows the challenges of recreating the devastation accurately, while still keeping in mind that cameras need to move as needed. Visual and Special Effects is a shorter piece, rather obviously detailing the need for effects to enhance the realism. Oliver Stone’s New York is a somewhat dull piece, with Stone recollecting his childhood and other experiences in the city. It feels out of place when compared to the other features.

Q & A with Oliver Stone is an excerpt of a deep interview with the director. It runs for 13 minutes. Trailers and a photo gallery round off this superlative second disc.

So few DVDs take the next step. World Trade Center is a rare disc that addresses the controversy, the real life events, and the involving aspects of the film making process. The Blu-Ray edition of the film is equally spectacular.

Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

Visit Matt Paprocki's author page — Matt Paprocki's Blog