Firstly - an absolutely wonderful film. I am find this manner of understated storytelling extremely endearing. It is quite brilliant in its narrative layout, and hence we strongly recommend seeing it.

The dual-layered Anchor Bay DVD offers an immediate choice of widescreen (anamorphic) in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio or full-frame (1:33). By today's standards perhaps somewhat of an archaic choice but it didn't seem to hog enough of the disc space to deter the widescreen image quality - which looks quite acceptable. It is clear and clean with decent detail and colors which I am sure all pale in comparison to the simultaneously released Blu-ray. I, personally, felt this image was quite adequate to relate the film experience.

There is a relatively unused 5.1 track that supports the films dialogue-heavy sequences accurately and audibly. I didn't note much rear speaker activity which the film doesn't export. English subtitles are optional.

Extras include a fairly slow paced and quiet commentary from director McCarthy and actor Jenkins. Nothing much of importance is related as they tend to let the film do the storytelling - enjoying some the scenes themselves. There are two featurettes - one, at less than 5 minutes, entitled "An Inside Look at The Visitor" that is nothing more than a longish advertisement. The second gives a brief overview in playing the Djembe (drum). There are also 3.5 minutes of inconsequential deleted scenes with an optional commentary by the pair from the feature discussion and finally a theatrical trailer.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the supplements - the film comes with a strong recommendation. I am anxious to see more written/directed work from McCarthy - this was one of the most enjoyable films I have seen this year on DVD. 

Gary W. Tooze