The DVD

Video:
Word Wars is presented in a 1.33:1 full frame transfer that looks pretty much like what you would expect from a digital video production. Detail is somewhat lacking, colors bloom occasionally, and the entire picture tends to look a bit flat. This is, however, all due to the quality of the original source material. The transfer itself holds up just fine as I saw no sign of pixelation or compression artifacts at all throughout the film. Given its inherent limitations, this transfer is easily the best the film is ever going to look.

Sound:
The audio on this disc is presented in a Dolby 2.0 stereo format, which must deal with the same issues as the visual presentation. The quality of the source material is adequate, at best, and this track does the best it possibly can, given those limitations. Dialogue is of utmost importance for a film like Word Wars, and is handled nicely by this track. Narration and dialogue is always crisp, clear, and distinct. Although the soundtrack itself is slightly annoying at time, its presentation is nicely balanced across the front soundstage and is never overwhelming. This audio presentation isn't something to show off your home theater system with, but it does manage to get the job done.

Extras:
Included on this disc is just over 20 minutes worth of bonus footage originally cut from the film. The footage itself looks and sounds just as good as the rest of the film, and its inclusion on this disc is certainly a welcome addition. Included are a few funny moments from our four "word warriors," and some great extra footage from Washington Square Park. The filmmakers are even kind enough to bring us up to date on many of the film's participants.

Also included are trailers for three other FeatureDocs films.

Final Thoughts:
A great slice-of-life documentary that won acclaim at several festivals in 2004, Word Wars is a fascinating look into the surprisingly intense world of competitive SCRABBLE®. If you've ever played the game, you will most definitely find this film an interesting look at just how seriously some people take it. It nearly even made me get that old SCRABBLE® board out of the closet and challenge someone to a game. That is, until I realized how horrendously bad I am at making big words out of those little tiles. As for me, I'd rather just watch the film again. It's certainly never looked and sounded better than it does on this DVD, and the inclusion of some very nice bonus footage makes this a disc I can easily R-E-C-O-M-M-E-N-D. Yes! Triple-word-score!