Dreamworks continues to produce fine DVDs, with this one being no exception. The image, framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic (of course, a full-frame version is available separately) is a wonderful translation from the theaters. Colors are warm and detail is exact. The transfer looks a bit soft at times, but it's far from a distraction and seems suited to the light nature of the film. As for sound, both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS tracks are offered. Each is a fine compliment to the visuals, and each especially highlights John Williams' breezy jazz score. The surrounds aren't used to any great degree, but overall these tracks are top-quality all the way. Certainly nothing less would be expected. While the first disc is devoid of supplemental material (sorry, don't expect the first Spielberg commentary), the second disc in this set has a number of interesting tidbits, though they do look like more as a whole than the individual parts. Laurent Bouzereau, a frequent documentarian for Spielberg's films, has put together an 80-minute documentary which is broken up into a number of separate pieces, so it can't be played through in it's entirety. Still, each segment is quite nice. The first, "Behind the Camera" is just that: a 17-minute featurette on making the film. Next, at around 30 minutes, is "Cast Me if You Can," a look at the main players. Shorter (six minutes), is "Scoring Catch Me if You Can," which obviously discusses John Williams' work on this film. "Frank Abagnale: Between Reality and Fiction" is a multi-part segment as Abagnale further discusses his incredible story. Finally, "The FBI Perspective" briefly looks at the realist nature of the FBI as portrayed in this film and "In Closing" (four minutes) sums up the experience from the main cast and crew. As a whole, these featurettes make a fine documentary, but it all seems a bit light for such a high-profile film. On the other hand, the film itself is rather lightweight, so maybe it's the perfect accompaniment. Beyond this is an archive section with numerous photos, cast and crew biographies, and production notes, much of which was covered in the documentary. Spielberg has repeatedly called this his "bonbon of a movie." It's a very enjoyable, but insubstantial film, and in many ways, this disc echoes that sentiment.

The vengeful Bride returns to cross a few more names off of her rapidly shortening list in Miramax Home Entertainment's release of Kill Bill Vol. 2, and though it feels like only a precursor to the inevitable feature-packed release that will follow soon after, this release does offer a few choice gems in addition to a solid presentation of the feature attraction. Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the image offers even skin tones, solid blacks, and vivid colors. Though the occasional intrusion of edge-enhancement may prove somewhat distracting to some viewers, the overall commendable visual presentation is generally solid. Audiophiles will be happy to note the inclusion of both an English-language Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 track, both of which are accompanied by closed captioning and provide a rich, full-bodied listening experience without any notable distortion or hiss. In addition to an alternate French-language audio track, Miramax has also seen fit to include optional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish subtitles. Of course, fans of both Kill Bill films are no doubt aware of Miramax's plans to release them at first separately and then with a super deluxe combo package following at some point in the near future, and though the extra materials provided on this disc are indeed satisfying, they do seem more like an appetizer than a hearty meal. A three-and-a-half-minute deleted scene in which Bill faces off against a vengeful gang of thugs whose boss he previously killed finds Tarantino's Shaw Brothers fanaticism in full effect. A 25-minute behind-the-scenes segment offers interviews with Tarantino, Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, and David Carradine in which they discuss the appeal of the characters and the manner in which Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2 compliment one another. Though those looking for in-depth details regarding the production may walk away with a slight pang of disappointment, viewers simply looking for a little fun will surely enjoy the featurette. Rounding things out is a solid performance by Chingon at the Kill Bill Vol. 2 premiere, in which the band (featuring director Robert Rodriguez on guitar) strums one of the tunes from the film's soundtrack.

Mel Gibson's lush, savage Revolutionary War epic is given the royal treatment in this DVD from Columbia-TriStar. The film is shown in an anamorphic widescreen presentation, which preserves the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. In addition, the digital mastering makes for a clearer picture with crisp, vibrant colors. The sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, so viewers won't miss one thundering musket or crunching cannonball. As for extras, The Patriot does not disappoint. Director Roland Emmerich and producer Dean Devlin offer a feature-length commentary that offers some good insights into the making of the picture. The commentary at times seems to be improvised, however, occasionally leading to some distracting asides and in-jokes. The Patriot also offers a host of deleted scenes, which feature an optional commentary and serve to expand some of the film's subplots and characters. Viewers are also treated to three behind-the-scenes featurettes. The first of these offers a tutorial on the creation of the film's gorier special effects, while the other two provide an interesting look at the filmmaker's painstaking efforts to bring American history to life. For fans of the film, this is a must-own. For the uninitiated, it offers an excellent chance to experience The Patriot.