The Movie
I see a lot of movies each year, maybe more than one person reasonably should, but I'm rarely as challenged by a film the way I was challenged by Eyes Wide Shut. This isn't a movie you sit back and passively watch, it gets under your skin, forces you to ask questions, and makes you think about people, relationships, and the secrets we all keep. Many people might get frustrated at the fact that it asks more questions than provides answers, and the fact that you really do have to watch this film more than once to really truly enjoy it. But one thing is for sure, love it or hate it, you won't forget this film.

At its core Eyes Wide Shut tells the story of the relationship between a married couple, played brilliantly by real husband and wife Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It traces the effect of both keeping secrets and confessing truths on what seems to be a normal and healthy marriage. Tom Cruise and Nice Kidman bring an amazing chemistry and intimacy to their roles, something that is extremely rare to see in film. Both actors devoted an unheard of amount of time shooting this film and it really shows. Of note are some truly fantastic dialogue scenes between the two actors which go on for much longer and into much more in-depth than most other films I've seen.

Like most great books, Eyes Wide Shut gets better with repeated viewing and deeper analysis. It does truly grow on you, especially over time. If you saw Eyes Wide Shut in the theaters and didn't like it, I'd encourage you to watch it again on DVD and see how it is a second or third time.

Eyes Wide Shut is the finale to the amazing career of Stanley Kubrick and it represents absolute excellence in the craft of film making, both from a technical point of view (with lighting, framing, and editing) as well as the theatrical with truly unique and substantive performances.

The Picture
It is now no secret that Stanley Kubrick preferred the open matte style of film transfer. What this basically means is that the film is shot in 35MM and matted for theatrical release to fit the 1.85:1 aspect ratio but on DVD is presented without the matte (open matte) in 4:3. Because Eyes Wide Shut is being released in full frame from the original camera negative there is no pan and scan, which is often the case for full frame DVD's. Warner Brothers shows that they've clearly learned their Kubrick lesson from the reaction to the Kubrick Collection Box Set has clearly indicated on the DVD package and on screen that the aspect ratio is as Kubrick wanted it to be, and I think they really deserve kudos for making a real effort to clearly communicate to their customers about this DVD.

Even though I am more a fan of widescreen than full frame it's hard for me to argue with the wishes of the director, after all DVD does provide an excellent medium for the truest expression of the director's wishes.

The film transfer on the Eyes Wide Shut DVD is very good, the colors are deep and rich, and the print is very clean. One thing that is pretty noticeable with the print is the grain of the film, but this matches closely with how the film appeared in the theaters and is more a result of Kubrick's shooting style which pushes or overexposes slightly the film to create its look. In all a very good picture.

The Audio
I was very happy that the sound for Eyes Wide Shut was presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital. While I can deal with full frame I just am no fan of mono (which many of Kubrick's Films tend to be released in on DVD). While, much of the films audio is dialogue and presented in the center speaker the 5.1 audio track is clear and crisp. Of real note is the good representation of the films odd and often haunting soundtrack which really does help create the mood for the film.

The Extras
There are so many things that I would have loved to have been included on this DVD, especially considering the immense volume of outtakes which exist (including an alternate version of many of the scenes shot with Harvey Kitel in the role ultimately reshot and played by Sydney Pollack). On my wish list for this DVD was also audio commentary tracks, I would have loved to hear Tom Cruise or Nicole Kidman's comments on making the film or even an audio track by Roger Ebert (a big fan of the film) who made the Dark City DVD one to buy. Unfortunately the DVD isn't as packed with extras as it could me, probably a result of Kubrick's amazing control over his films (even in death).

What IS included on the DVD are some truly enjoyable interviews with Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Steven Spielberg. In total these interviews last about a half hour but are so compelling, I really wish there could have been more. I really liked how candid the three interviews were, both Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman come to tears when taking about Kubrick's death, its a real revealing and personal moment that you rarely see from such big name actors. In addition to the interviews the DVD also has the theatrical trailer as well as two of the TV spots promoting the film, which are as much a product of Kubrick as the film. (For those of you who might not know, Kubrick was involved with every single detail of his movie, even down to the precise size and style of the lettering on anything related to the film).

Conclusion
I really enjoyed the Eyes Wide Shut DVD, I'm sure I could get very caught up in what isn't on the DVD or the fact that the digitally altered theatrical version of "the orgy scene" is on the domestic release of the DVD while an unrated version is reportedly being released internationally. But the truth is Eyes Wide Shut is a great film and one of those films that is really worth repeated viewing. I really look forward to pulling this DVD out from my collection in a year or so and revisiting the experience of this film.