JFK-
Oliver Stone, without question, is one of the most gifted directors working today, and dvd collectors have a new chance to revel in the brilliance of J.F.K. as it's never been seen or "heard" before! 
J.F.K., is based on several books exploring various conspiracy theories
behind the J.F.K. assassination, and Kevin Costner is outstanding in the
role of Jim Garrison, the New Orleans District attorney responsible for
bringing about a trial relating to his own conspiracy theories. Stone's
selection of Costner is masterful on many levels!  Most importantly, it
raises the film to another level other than it would have been with "any"
other actor.  While it's wonderful on a provocative level, it's also
terrific in a "Capra-esque" level due to Costner's common man sensibilities!
Like the special edition laserdisc boxed set, this new version offers the
"director's Cut" offering 17 minutes of new footage not seen in the
theatrical version.  All of these extra scenes are marked as such within the chapter index.
While the previously available WARNER BROS dvd of J.F.K. also featured the director's cut, this one is far superior!  To begin with, the image is much sharper! The black level is also a major improvement over the previous version.  Fleshtones are perfectly natural and color values are strong throughout! 
While we loved the dolby surround mix on the previous version, the newly remixed dolby digital 5.1 track.  From the film's opening segment, narrated by Martin Sheen, the improvements are immediately noticeable.  The brilliant score by John Williams sets its tone here.  Just beneath the narration, it begins to make its appearance, never being too aggressive, but making its commanding presence known.  Again, it sounded terrific in the previous version, but it has more range now.  The directional effects are more active on this mix as well, utilizing surround speakers with greater frequency.
We're not pleased with one aspect of the packaging to this film as well as
some of the other films in the newly released Oliver Stone Boxed dvd set
collection from WARNER BROS. A second dvd, offering extras, is placed separately in a paper sleeve, tucked into the jacket, not actually fitted onto a jacket as many other dvd releases. 
Fans of J.F.K. will be delighted with the extras here!  There are over 45
minutes of deleted and extended scenes offered in this release!
Unfortunately, none of them are 16:9 enhanced, but they generally look fine, with adequate color levels and sharpness.  The sound quality can't compete with even the dolby surround quality of the earlier film.  These deleted scenes and even the extended scenes offer more significance to the film than the footage re-inserted within the director's cut, offering more character definition, specifically as it relates to Gary Oldman's interpretation of Oswald.  Stone also offers his running commentary on this release, and like all of his commentaries, this one's equally outstanding!  Stone is engaging, provocative and entertaining throughout.  Any dvd featuring Stone on the commentary is a "must-have."   There are two documentaries offered on this release as well.  "MEET MR. X:THE PERSONALITY AND THOUGHTS OF FLETCHER
PROUTY" is basically nothing more than separate interviews with the
personality which Donald Sutherland's "Deep Throat" character is based upon.

"ASSASSINATION UPDATE" is a compilation of text and film segments relating to the various conspiracy theories and information that has surfaced since the film's initial release.

This film, and the entire BOXED SET Collection should be in any serious dvd collection!!!