The Limey

"One of the more intellectual DVDs on the market, this underrated gem is a perfect example of creative and technical minds at the top of their game. This disc educates as much as entertains. For starters, director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter Lem Dobbs gives incredibly insightful commentary about the themes and cinematic concepts behind their powerful story of a British con man (Terence Stamp) coming to America in search of his daughter's killer. However, the disc's second commentary track takes the subject one step further. Actors Stamp, Peter Fonda and Lesley Ann Warren discuss the social statements raised in the film in a '60's docu-commentary' track that includes audio speeches from such leaders as Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Filled with insight on the liberal vs. conservative movements in California in the 60's, it's a film historian's dream come true. Other extras, such as trailer and TV spots, an isolated music score, and cast and crew info, are all top notch, but a section entitled 'technical specifications' is something brand new to DVDs. It's an education by the film's post-supervisor on how film and audio transfers are conducted, as well as a comparison of different widescreen options (letterbox vs. anamorphic transfers). It's more complicated than the average viewers cares to know, but it's great to see that someone has finally taken the time to explain the process of preparing film for digital media."