Hanks guns his way to DVD

Upon release, many critics compared Sam Mendes' sophomore directorial effort to Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather," and while both films revolve around the world of organized crime, the similarities stop there. "Road to Perdition" is a mafia film, but first and foremost it's a tale of fathers and sons.\nTom Hanks bravely tackles a role far removed from his likable, all-American persona with Michael Sullivan, a stone-cold killer working for the Rock Island branch of the Chicago mob, circa 1931. Sullivan works for his surrogate father, John Rooney (Paul Newman). But Rooney has a son of his own, Connor (Daniel Craig), who's jealous of the mutual adulation the men share for one another. \nConnor eventually has the chance to rid himself of Sullivan when his curious, young son, Michael Jr. (newcomer Tyler Hoechlin), witnesses firsthand what his father does for a living. Soon after, the elder Sullivan's personal and professional collide, as he and the boy are pursued by a depraved, rival assassin named Maguire (Jude Law).\n"Perdition" is a viscerally and emotionally charged film with style to burn. The late Conrad Hall (who also shot Mendes' "American Beauty") infuses every frame with grace and splendor. The world he creates is one of foreboding darkness, which shines on this first-rate, anamorphic transfer. Thomas Newman's (another "Beauty" alum) haunting score coalesces beautifully with these images in a sterling DTS sound mix. \nSo far as extras are concerned, the disc's a mixed bag. There's not a whole lot offered, but what is there is good. Mendes' commentary track is a decent listen as he discusses the different themes and motifs of the story, visualizing the film and giving insights into different actor's performances. But the real meat of this disc comes from the 11 deleted scenes offered with optional director's commentary. Especially the ones featuring Anthony LaPaglia of TV's "Without a Trace" as Al Capone, and another in which Law perversely snoops around the Sullivan home. Strangely, no trailer is included. \nThose who missed "Perdition" during its theatrical run, or enjoyed it the first time, would be well advised to either rent or purchase this DVD. The film enclosed is a subtle yet effective gangster yarn guaranteed to entertain.