Reviewer's Rating 5 out of 5
Requiem for a Dream DVD (2001)

If you were left with any questions after seeing Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream", or simply want to immerse yourself into the meaning of it all, then you have to get the new DVD release.

Momentum has yet to spoil a DVD with a poor picture transfer, and they're clearly not going to change that policy with this title.

While the split screen visual trickery no doubt hit you in the cinema, in the closer confines of your home you'll have a chance to appreciate just how much effort goes into the 5.1 sound mix too. The rear speakers sizzle in response to the hot cuts that propel the story on the screen.

Darren Aronofsky provides a thoughtful and interesting audio commentary that reveals just how hard it was to get this film made, and how everyone told him that he was crazy to try it. He's clearly in awe of Hubert Selby, the author of the book upon which the film is based. Selby is not only interviewed for this DVD, but he also appears in two of the deleted scenes on the disc.

There are still more features, and the pleasing thing about this DVD is that the quality of them is uniform. The 'making of' documentary and 'Anatomy of a Scene' both contain a lot of fascinating behind-the-scenes footage, especially as Aronofsky is there to make sense of it all.

Wrapped up in classy if slightly frustrating animated menus, this DVD is a must have for Aronofsky fans.

Chapters: 18
Region: 2
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra Features: Scene selection, audio commentary with director Darren Aronofsky, deleted scenes with commentary, Tappy Tibbon's life story feature, 'making of' documentary, Hubert Selby Jr interview, Anatomy of a Scene Sundance feature, trailer, TV spots, animated menus, subtitles.

End Credits

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Writer: Hubert Selby Jr, Darren Aronofsky

Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Sean Gullette

Genre: Drama

Length: 124 minutes

Cinema: 2001

DVD: 6 August 2001

Country: USA