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Video: 2
Audio: 2
Extras: 0
This avant-garde documentary traces the weeks of rehearsal leading up to a 2000 play by playwright and director Sam Shepard, based on his relationship with his own alcoholic father. Shepard assembled a cast that included Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, and Woody Harrelson, and while it's interesting to watch these pros prepare for their curtain call, they all seem to get along too well to make this more than an occasionally interesting behind-the-scenes look at live theater. The best drama—whether fiction or reality television—comes from conflict, but there's none to be found here, despite the disc jacket's claim that the play's characters "set off a powder keg of emotions so explosive that the actors themselves are drawn into the fray." This is just dull, and even Shepard appears to be dozing off during some of the script-reading sessions. The best moment comes when Harrelson and Penn, apparently competing with Nolte for the title Most Scruffy Looking Actor, bust each other's chops on some of their past film choices (yes, Shanghai Surprise comes into the conversation).

Video: 3
Audio: 3
Extras: 3
Adam Sandler. You either love him or hate him...except for me, I tend to love AND hate him! For example, I loved Happy Gilmore, but I could've lived without Billy Madison, which is why this collection is great for me. Happy Gilmore definitely looks and sounds a whole lot better, and it's just a better movie overall, though Billy does have its moments.

In a move that brings to mind the multi compatibility of hybrid SACD and DualDisc, media manufacturer <A href="http://www.cinram.com">Cinram</A> has introduced a hybrid disc format called HD/DVD 9. The new format will include single-layer HD DVD-ROM (15GB) on one side and dual-layer DVD 9 (8.5GB) on the other side. This will allow studios to release titles on one disc that is compatible with current DVD players and the upcoming HD DVD players. Retailers will not be hampered by having to carry separate DVD and HD DVD inventories. And consumers can enjoy movies in their DVD players now while waiting to reap the benefits of high-def playback when they upgrade to HD DVD without having to buy the titles again. (Whether or not the studios will be uncharacteristically generous enough to use the hybrid format in this manner remains to be seen.)