The Picture:
Shown widescreen (the film's aspect ratio is 1.85:1) and anamorphically enhanced, the picture is mostly solid but at times artifacts are noticeable. Anything less than near perfection (some would say perfection) is considered substandard for a New Line DVD release, but the picture quality is acceptable and quite good.

The Sound:
The sound is excellent. Stereo surround and DD 5.1, in a movie that is entirely composed of dialogue, it more than suffices and everything sounds crisp and clear.

The Extras:
The theatrical trailer is slightly grainy at times, and gives the definition of the film's title, "n. 1. Tumultuous commotion; uproar." Cast and crew filmographies and biographies are included, as are two full-length audio commentaries. The first is with Anthony Drazan; he rhapsodizes on directing the adaptation, and David Rabe on the writing process. The second track is of Penn, Rabe, and author/social commentator Janet Brown discussing the themes in the play and movie, and selective music cues and insight from composer David Baerwald. It isn't an "As Good As It Gets" or "Bound" type of together-in-a-room discussion, rather isolated comments with some stretches of just the movie in between. Overall, the second commentary track is interesting and informative.

Conclusion:
If you have seen "Hurlyburly" and think you'd like to own it, the DVD is well worth the money. But if you aren't familiar with its source material and do not like talky films in general, rent it first.