World Trade Center (2-Disc Commemorative Edition) DVD

Based on fact, World Trade Center is a moving drama, albeit it a surprisingly conventional one, especially given that it was directed by Oliver Stone. On September 11, 2001, two New York Port Authority policemen are among the first responders when a plane slams into the WTC, and soon they are trapped under the rubble. The DVD is worth renting on the strength of the feature film alone, but the 2-disc Commemorative Edition provides bonus materials that are exceptional and greatly enhanced my appreciation of the movie.

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Based on fact, World Trade Center is a moving drama directed by Oliver Stone and starring Nicolas Cage and Michael Peña (Crash). On September 11, 2001, two New York Port Authority policemen—veteran John McLoughlin (Cage) and rookie Will Jimeno (Peña)—are among the first responders when a plane slams into the WTC. Soon they are trapped under rubble, and the film intercuts footage of their wives (Maria Bello and Maggie Gyllenhaal) anxiously awaiting the outcome.

The World Trade Center 2-disc Commemorative Edition DVD set provides a wealth of enriching bonus materials. Perhaps the most poignant is the 54-minute documentary on McLoughlin and Jimeno, the two real-life cops on whose lives the movie was based. Also, there's a feature-length audio commentary by Jimeno and three other policemen involved in 9/11 rescue operations.

Another plus of the DVD set is that it gives us a good opportunity to get to know Oliver Stone, one of America's great directors. There's a feature-length audio commentary by him, and he supplies commentary for nine deleted scenes as well. In a fascinating 24-minute featurette, Stone shows us parts of New York where he grew up and later went to NYU Film School. Also, there's a 13-minute Q & A with Stone.

Additional extras include a 53-minute documentary that describes making the film from raw idea to post-production. The sequences with the policemen trapped under the WTC ruins required a large and complicated set, and building it is covered in a 25-minute featurette. The movie also has convincing visual and special effects, and there's a 13-minute featurette on creating these. The DVD is worth renting on the strength of the feature film alone, but the special features are exceptional and enhanced my appreciation of the movie.