Atom Egoyan's complex drama comes to DVD from Miramax with a surprising two-disc set. On the first disc, the 1.78:1 anamorphic image is sporadically soft, but never to a distraction. For the most part, the picture is sharp and detailed, with excellent use of color; skin tones are equally fine and precise. The sound is also better than expected. Both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS tracks are included, and, for a smaller dramatic film, there is an exceptionally good sound field. Surrounds are used occasionally to the right effect, while the dialogue is clear throughout. The sole supplement on the first disc is a scene-specific commentary track from Egoyan. His extraordinarily well-spoken comments center on symbolism and objects, but, for many, this track may prove to be too intellectual, as it's far from entertaining, although is exceedingly factual. The second disc continues the story behind the story, with a number of different features, including a handful of deleted scenes with optional director commentary, a very brief interview with co-star
Arsinée Khanjian about being involved in this personal production (she is the wife of the director) and Egoyan's BBC-commissioned short film Portrait of Arshile. Of the greatest importance may be a 29-minute documentary, "The Making Of Ararat," where, along with behind-the-scenes footage and location shooting, the crew discusses the importance of other members. Fortunately, it doesn't play as studio fluff and offers a real measure of insight about this production. In addition, there are relatively brief interviews with Egoyan, stars
David Alpay,
Bruce Greenwood,
Eric Bogosian,
Christopher Plummer,
Charles Aznavour,
Marie-Josée Croze, and producer
Robert Lantos, although some comments seem overly repetitive. Finally, along with the theatrical trailer and a text section on the history of the Armenian genocide, there is a nine-minute segment called "Raffi's Video Footage" shot by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian with his commentary on gathering footage around Mount Ararat. Egoyan's films are so personal and so intimate that it's a wonder they don't simply slip through the cracks. With great satisfaction, DVDs such as this will preserve his particular vision. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide