Director Sam Mendes has completed a rare feat! After making his directorial debut with a film that certainly ranks with the greatest films ever made, his "follow-up" film is every bit as good! Really!  The last great directorial debut was Frank Darabont's "THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION," which was a masterpiece, but think about how disappointing "GREEN MILE" was when compared to it, or even his next film, "THE MAJESTIC."

While "AMERICAN BEAUTY" has an incredible script, it could've been awful in the hands of a less gifted director.  Every single scene was perfect, flowing into the next. The same can be said for "ROAD TO PERDITION."  Every frame is dazzling, and this story, about a mobster trying to find redemption by saving his son from going down the same path he's led, is told in a hypnotic and dazzling form, seldom seen in films today.

While some have criticized the casting of Hanks as a hitman, it actually makes the world we're visiting feel fresh.  Not all hit-men could've been in great shape, or overly tough.  It takes a mindset, and that's what Hanks conveys in every scene he's in.

Adapted from a graphic novel, "ROAD TO PERDITION" is like a great comic book in that every single frame is dazzling, and we can't wait to see where the next scene will take us.  Unlike most comic books, the dialogue is never simplistic, and, in fact, it's even unforgettable at times.  When Paul Newman's character, a crime boss, states "Sons were put on this earth to trouble their fathers," it resonates like one of the best lines from "THE GODFATHER." 

It's surprising that the film received an "R" rating.  While it's violent at times, it's never excessive. In fact, most of the shootings feel restrained, the "shock" impact lessened by the beauty of the storytelling technique at hand.

For some reason, DREAMWORKS has released this film in several dvd versions, separating the widescreen and full-frame in different releases.  Even more confusing is the fact that the "DTS" version offers a Dolby Digital 5.1 version with it, but there's also a "Dolby Digital 5.1" only version? 

With the exception of a few minor artifacts, this transfer(2.35:1) is outstanding!  The color values are flawless, and there's incredible resolution in every single scene.  There's enough detail to almost feel the winter air as a young boy rides his bicycle down a hill. The contrast is flawless, with deep blacks and grays, offering unsurpassed clarity in the darkest scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix is extremely effective, without being overly aggressive.  There are great moments in which the surrounds or a panning effect is utilized to heighten an already stellar scene, but mostly the mix compliments a terrific score from Thomas Newman. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

DREAMWORKS has provided some great extras for this release. To begin with, Sam Mendes offers a running commentary, and "every" aspiring filmmaker should listen to it.  Mendes offers great insight into every aspect of filmmaking.  It's also entertaining for those who just happen to like the film. 

There is also a "deleted scenes" segment, with eleven(11) scenes!  There is also an option for commentary with Mendes.  Some of these scenes are brief, but a few are downright fantastic!

Also offered on this Dolby Digital 5.1 "only" version, is an "HBO" featurette.  While it's mostly light and of a promotional nature, it still manages to entertain. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to review the "DTS" version yet, to discern if there's a notable difference between the two in either sound quality or material.