'In America' on DVD

If the DVD contained nothing more than this charming, touching movie, it would be well worth purchasing. But since it also contains some fantastic features, it's a wonderful package. \nDirector Jim Sheridan's commentary is among the best I've ever heard for a film. The movie is based loosely on his own experiences coming to America, and his commentary wanders through years of memories. The two daughters in the film, Christy and Ariel (played by real-life sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger), are based on his own two daughters and his sisters, and when he speaks of them, you can hear him smile. \nThe deleted scenes are all as good as the movie, which is a rarity. The nine scenes, which also include an optional commentary from Sheridan, were likely left out because they only reiterated what Sheridan had earlier said, but they are touching nonetheless. Oddly enough, the special features were split between the two sides of the disc. There is an alternate ending, which, interesting though it is, isn't as satisfying as Sheridan's original. When will directors stop offering these different endings? It's a bothersome trend, and makes me think they can't make up their minds. The sound includes audio in English, Spanish and French and subtitles in English and Spanish. \nThe movie, which made over 150 Top Ten lists, is wonderful, and the added joy of the special features makes the DVD worth checking out.