DREAMWORKS has released "THE CONTENDER" as a special edition.  Former film critic, turned writer/director Rod Lurie has created a political thriller with some real punch.  To begin with, it's no coincidence that three of its stars, Gary Oldman, Joan Allen "and" Jeff Bridges all received Oscar nominations.  They're all great, and Bridges has never been better than he is here, bringing a real commanding presence to his role of the President of the United States. 
The complex plot surrounds the background investigation of a nominee to replace the recently deceased vice-president.  Allen plays the
nominee/senator whom it appears may have participated in a gang bang during her college days.  Oldman plays the republican senator out to quash her chance of assuming higher office.  To Oldman's credit, in spite of numerous comparisons to Senator Joseph McCarthy, he's more complex than this, and he manages to bring to his role some genuine sympathy of sorts.  William James Petersen plays a governor whom has been passed over for the nomination, in spite of having proved his heroism by trying to save a drowning victim at the film's beginning.  A sub-plot involves the political chicanery involved
in keeping him a viable nominee replacement should Allen's nomination be tossed, which it seems it will be.
The script is excellent, but it's the acting that overshadows everything
here!  No one is just average!  The film's conclusion, while a little
melodramatic, is stirring!  Bridges delivers one of the best patriotic
speeches ever, and it alone, is worth watching this movie for!
DREAMWORKS has provided the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is flawless!  The color values are solid and vibrant.  The contrast is also remarkable, offering extremely deep blacks and grays.  The detail is perfect in every single instance! 
DREAMWORKS has provided both a Dolby Digital 5.1 and "DTS" 5.1 mix for this release.  Although this is a dialogue-driven film, Lurie puts directional effects to good use.  Surrounds and directional effects provide a wonderful three-dimensional environment here.  The dialogue is always intelligent and free of distortion.  The musical score is excellent and engulfs the viewer without overtaking any of the more subtle effects taking place at the same time.  The bass is also used effectively throughout the film.  While both tracks are outstanding, we have to give preference to the DTS track, as it seems a little tighter, and better able to capture the bass. 
DREAMWORKS has loaded this presentation with extras!  There's a full motion video-animated menu, through which one can choose scenes, audio tracks, and more!  Lurie and actress Allen are featured on an audio track that offers great insight into the film's development, but it's also great entertainment as well!  "THE MAKING OF A POLITICAL THRILLER" is a featurette offering some
"behind-the-scenes" footage. It's better than most self-promotional
featurettes.  The best section of the supplements is the "DELETED SCENES" section, where no less than ten deleted scenes are offered with/without director commentary.  Some of these scenes are terrific and actually bring even more depth to the character's motivations and plot.  But, as Lurie points out, it's also evident how the constraints of time and audience interest necessitated some trimming.  A spectacular DVD for any collection!!!