Just when I thought I had seen all the great films from 2007 - along comes I'm Not There (on DVD) in the mailbox. What a cornucopia mosaic of art, music and influence. This was just too good and I'm not even a Dylan fan (a weakness I hope will not prompt excessive complaints about the following review).

The DVD image looks pristine - intentional cinematographic techniques are easily discernable with occasional tints, graininess (see examples below) and lens distortions. Dual-layered, progressive, anamorphic in the film's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the transfer is coded for region 1 in the NTSC standard. Colors are bright and true - detail (when infrequently used in close-ups) holds up well and contrast, especially in the black and white sequences, appears defined and adept.  In fact there are no complaints with this transfer at all - even the sparse (by today's standards) 2.0 Dolby Digital audio track supports the music and dialogue very well. I'm certain it could only give a superior presentation in high-definition and even then it might not be an extravagant difference. A wonderful option to access the songs and play the lyrics is included as well as optional English (CC) or Spanish subtitles during the feature. 

The supplements are rife and extended to a second disc. First off, on disc one, we have a commentary from director Haynes. He is always great to listen to and this is no exception - he's laid back - mentions many era influences from 1968's Petulia to Performance (1970) to Fellini's 8 1/2 and any number of other looks and styles that were emphasized in certain sequences incorporating the language of 60's cinema. Haynes is honest (not afraid to swear - 'F*ck', 'P*ssy' etc.) and relates key information about filming specific scenes and the performers reactions to conditions etc. Very much worth listening to especially if you enjoyed the film. He can talk at quite a pace so it may be worth spinning twice to catch it all. One can begin to appreciate the Herculean effort and passion taken in this production.

Disc 2 has a never ending list of shortish tidbits starting with 3 trailers. Under the subheading From the Edit Room we are exposed to 2 auditions tapes (Ben Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin), 2 deleted scenes ('Silver Club Bathroom' and 'Mrs. Baker'), 4 alternate/extended scenes, a 4 minute humorous outtakes gag reel and finally a tribute to the late Heath Ledger. A Look Back has 2007's Red Carpet Premiere, a 20 minute featurette; Making the Soundtrack (with input from musicians and Haynes again) and an excellent 40 minute Conversation With Director Haynes taken in various venues and detailing some excellent information. Finally a Dylanography with eight sub-sections.

Great DVD and amazing film - although only 2 back-to-back viewings it may easy eek into my top films from 2007. Haynes is wonderful to take such a big part of the DVD supplements and this is an essential DVD package. Strongly recommended! 

Gary W. Tooze