First the most important question is whether or not this double dip is worth it? Absolutely because the additional footage only enhances the film giving it additional depth. The transfer is striking (regardless of which format)as well. In many respects this isn't a double dip because we get a film that is superior to the original version. While there are those that will feel ripped off, this, like "Blade Runner", is an example of why a film can benefit from a director's cut and why it should be done. ***

Unlike "The Illiad" Wolfgang Petersen's film "Troy" seemed too short and for good reason; Petersen had to trim the film down to a shorter length for its theatrical release. Luckily Warner gave Petersen the opportunity to revisit this epic film and add more meat to the bones of a film that had the look of an epic but was missing much of the emotional depth. ***

Petersen restores roughly 32 minutes to the film giving additional depth to the various relationships in the film. While "Troy" isn't a perfect epic, it's much improved. James Horner's score is still occasionally obtrusive but the overall impact of Petersen's film with its marvelous performances from Brian Cox (who steals almost every scene he's in), the quiet power of Eric Bana and even the gravity of Pitt as Achilles is far more effective than the previous version. ***

A brief synposis of the film ported over from my previous review: Whether or not the siege of Troy by the Greeks was historical fact or fiction won’t occupy you’re mind while you’re watching Wolfgang Petersen’s marvelous epic film. Epics fell out of fashion for so long in Hollywood that I’m not surprised it took two foreign directors to make the movie studios to take notice. “Troy” has the air of a historical epic as Petersen insisted upon removing the Greek gods as characters in this loose adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad. When Paris (Orlando Bloom) falls in love with Helen (Diane Kruger)the Queen of Sparta, he secretly puts her on his boat back to Troy despite the fact that this act will endanger the peace that Hector (Eric Bana) brokered with Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson) on behalf of his father King Priam (Peter O’Toole). Once Menelaus discovers Helen missing and traces her to the Trojan ship he approaches his brother King Agamemnon (Brian Cox) to ask him to go to war with Troy. Agamemnon will do it but only if he can get Achilles (Brad Pitt) involved. Agamemnon hates Achilles but recognizes that the proud and arrogant warrior can rally his troops to defeat the Trojans. Odysseus (Sean Bean) must convince his friend Achilles to fight for Agamemnon one more time. ---

Image & Sound:

Image quality is superb for both the DVD and Blu Ray verisons of the film (the Blu Ray, of course, gets the nod because the images are much sharper, crisper with better definition but the DVD isn't too shabby either). Audio for the Blu Ray is presented lossless while the DVD's audio sounds terrific given the limitations of the format. Colors are a bit bolder here than on the previous version to my eyes and the image not quite as dark. Skin tones are more accurate in this edition of the film. ---

We get with a new introduction by Wolfgang Petersen explaining the genesis of the new director's cut. He discusses how the pressures of shooting the film, preping it and finishing it made him lose sight of the original vision he had (he doesn't say this but probably in an attempt to make it both more commerical and in order to fit in more screenings of the film). ***

From the previous review of the original DVD release of "Troy": “In the Thick of the Battle” gives fans a chance to carefully examine the exciting battle sequences comparing the rehearsal footage to the shot footage and, later, footage enhanced with CGI. “From Ruins to Reality” looks at the history of the production design and some of the sources that the designers drew from as their inspiration for the film. Featuring illustrations that inspired the movie, the designers themselves and production drawings it’s a great glimpse behind the curtain. “Troy: An Effects Odyssey” provides information on the creation of the CGI effects that make the film come convincingly to life. You’ll notice if you pay careful attention that the sequence with the ships sailing to Troy from Greece that there’s less ships than in the original trailer. Evidently the CGI folks convinced Wolfgang Petersen that too many ships would look unrealistic as they’re clustered so closely together. Also, you’ll discover how they did many of the amazing pans over the city walls of Troy by combining live footage and enhancing it with CGI. ***

"Troy: In Focus" gives us an interview with Petersen discussing the film, its new footage and his thoughts on this new "director's cut" compared to the old one. It's a fine featurette that gives us some insight into his thinking when he was making the film, why he pared it down and why he felt it was necessary to restore the character moments. ***

Final Words: