Dogma: Special Edition

Review by Peter

Production Year: 1999
DVD Release Date: June 26, 2001
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Kevin Smith
Cast: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: R

Kevin Smith returns with another movie that not only packs an all-star cast but also pays tribute to his home state of New Jersey. What was bigger than the actual movie release was the controversy that surrounded it. Religious groups vigorously protested it because the plot raised questions about some fundamental religious doctrines, such as Jesus having brothers and sisters. While these beliefs are indeed questioned in the context of the movie, Dogma is ultimately about questioning all belief systems and not necessarily a condemnation of all religion.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck star as two fallen angels looking for a way to get back into heaven. When they discover a loophole that would allow them back, the Voice of God (Alan Rickman) contacts Bethany (Linda Fiorentino) for her help in preventing them from accomplishing their mission and save the world in the process. Along the way she meets two unusual profits (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, better known as Jay and Silent Bob) and a man claiming to be the thirteenth apostle (Chris Rock). This leads to a crazy adventure that will have you laughing constantly. And watch for a cameo featuring George Carlin as an untraditional bishop.

Video Quality

Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) the picture quality is very good throughout with only slight problems. The picture is crisp and clear and is a far cry from the days of Clerks, which featured a Black and White picture riddled with grain. The picture on this edition of Dogma is far superior than the original single disc release, however this version does not include the Full Screen transfer of the movie available on the single disc release.

Audio Quality

Featuring a English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound soundtrack the audio is mainly limited to the front speakers although there is good use of the surround atmosphere at certain times throughout the movie. This is consistent with a movie mainly driven by dialogue. This DVD also contains an English, French and Spanish 2-Channel Dolby Digital mix. For those who are hearing impaired this DVD also offers English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Special Features

This is one area where Kevin Smith's DVD releases distinguish themselves. This double disc release is jam packed with extras.

Two Commentaries: One with the Cast and Crew and the other a Technical Commentary with the Director and Crew. Anyone who has listened to a Kevin Smith commentary knows that not only is it humorous but also informative. He is one of a few directors actually able to maintain viewer interest throughout his commentary.

Deleted Scenes: Unlike most DVD releases that include only a selection of deleted scenes, the second disc is packed with them. A full 100 minutes of deleted scenes are included here! While it is easy to see why some of these scenes did not make it into the movie, some of them will leave you laughing, especially the "Fat Albert" scene.

Storyboards: The DVD includes storyboards from the three major scenes in the movie.

Outtakes: Contains a variety of screwups by both the cast and the crew.

Other special features include a theatrical trailer, talent files, a spot for Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash (Kevin Smith's comic book store), and a web link to the View Askew site.

Keep your eyes peeled because this DVD also features a variety of different Easter Eggs (hidden features).

Summary

Dogma is one of my favorite Kevin Smith films. Not only does it feature an all-star cast that most high budget films can't compete with, but it also is a well paced comedy that does not take itself all too seriously while staying true to the plot. In the end the movie did not warrant the controversy. Those who like light comedies and are not easily offended by profanity or satirical takes on religion will probably want to pick this movie up.