Minus features, 'Adaptation' is a good DVD

"Adaptation" is a brilliant film. It exhibits a very aware sense of the metaphorical line between fiction and reality, how a single narrative can enhance its poignancy by manipulating this notion and deconstructing its own anatomy. It's a shame that the DVD isn't aware of the same fact. This is the story of Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage), an overweight, self-conscious, middle-aged screenwriter who's struggling to adapt a book for the big screen. In a nutshell, the story serves to immerse Kaufman into the not-so-fictitious world of which he's writing. The movie sells out to itself, not obliviously, delivering exactly what it condemns in regards to plot and character before the final act, laughing at itself all the way. \nThe disc is a Superbit DVD, Sony's top-of-the-line format. Worthy of the praise it garners, the picture and sound quality are unparalleled. It's nice to see this detail paid to such a noteworthy film. The downside is the only feature the disc can muster is the trailer. But what really counts here is the film itself. With a stellar dual performance by Cage, a pitch-perfect supporting cast, a clever script and intuitive direction, it's definitely worth looking into.