Reds (DVD, 2006, 2-Disc Set/ 25th Anniversary Edition)

Of the wide-release, narrative, political films made in the second half of the 20th century, surely "Reds" ranks as one of the best. "The Manchurian Candidate," "All the President's Men," "The Candidate," and "Sweet Bird of Youth" are all interesting mixtures of fact and fiction that actually pale next to Beatty's gutsy work. Even Oliver Stone's work on historical situations and figures, "Platoon," "Salvador," "JFK," and "Nixon," seems--as fine as it is--too slick and slightly impersonal compared to the political vigor and sexual dynamics explored in this bio-pic of Jack Reed, Eugene O'Neill and Louise Bryant. The depths of feeling and intelligence in this film, despite your feelings about Communism, can make you glad to be alive. Thank you, Warren Beatty, for giving this story to the world in such a powerful and even-handed way. I can't wait until this movie is available on DVD. Hopefully, Warren will add a commentary track or two w/Jack and Diane, of course.