The Movie: Arlington Road starts and ends very strong, and very unpredictably too, might I add. Apart from the start and end of this film, there really isn't much to write home about. The middle of this film lacks the substance that both ends deliver - Arlington Road failed to keep my attention throughout, but I can't really say I disliked this film because the ending is probably one of the best I've seen in a long time. Just as you think you've got everything figured out - who's good, who's bad, how it's going to end, the plot goes in the extreme opposite direction.

Arlington Road deals with a very important plot in today's society, terrorism, and gives it a new twist. How do we know what a terrorist is thinking as he goes on a suicide bombing? How do we know if there were accomplices? How can we know anything about his motives if he is dead? This movie sure opens a can of worms. Not only does it deal with terrorism, but it deals with the most frightening of all, internal - terrorism by U.S. citizens against the U.S. Not only does it deal with terrorism, but it shows both ends of the spectrum - ranging from the extremists to the paranoid. Arlington Road just seems like it's going to be a good time - plots against the government, bombs, car chases, etc. But after it's over, you just sit there wondering, is it over? Can it end this way? Arlington Road gives you something to think about when it's over.

The Picture: The picture is astounding. With an anamorphic widescreen transfer, Columbia-Tristar has done a great job with the transfer to DVD. I could see no noticeable defects and the movie actually looked better than it did in the theater (nothing can compare to the theater size though).

The Sound: The sound is great. There are definite times when this disc will put your sound system to the test. The dialogue is crisp and understandable, but unless you speak english, you're out of luck on this one. It only features an English 5.1 and 2.0 soundtrack and only Englihs subtitles.

The Extras: The extras are what really make this disc (along with the sound I guess). The alternate ending is quite interesting to watch and I'm glad they cut it because it was kind of confusing even with the explanation by director Mark Pellington. Also included is a behind-the-scenes making-of featurette at over 20 minutes long with interviews with all the cast members, the director, and most surpringly, the writer of the script. It was a great look behind the film at the transition it went through and transformation of the script. I haven't had a chance to listen to the commentary track, but from what I saw in the making-of featurette, Mark Pellington is very interesting and the commentary combined with Jeff Bridges should be a good listen.

Conclusion: The Arlington Road DVD is a great disc if you liked the movie. I really liked the movie, including the ending so I like the disc. I can't wait to listen to the commentary track because all the extras were superb. This disc has one of the best "making-of" featurettes and everything about it is interesting. It's nice to see the alternate ending along with the explanation. I'd highly recommend the disc providing you liked the movie. If you haven't seen the movie, rent it.