Man on Fire (2-Disc Collector's Edition) (DVD)

Man on Fire wasn't a great movie despite an all-star cast, a world-class director and an interesting initial theme. Why? Well, you can check out Brad wax poetic on that particular issue here.

In my opinion the real problem with Man on Fire was that it was two different movies tied into one with a jarring ending. The first part is all about the kid and the bodyguard. So far, so good. After a kidnapping the flick switches to a revenge film. But the revenge part doesn't really work because we never see her get killed. In my mind that would have allowed the audience to buy into the revenge factor. So you've already tuned out by the time the "surprise ending" rolls around.

But, what you're probably wondering is, isn't there a movie that I can hear an 11-year-old comment on? Search no further! Dakota Fanning is on the case with the screenwriter and producer on disc one of this All Access Edition. She alternates between being eleven with giggles about nothing in particular and then switching to "on" mode where she sounds like everyone else in the business. It's oddly riveting stuff. You'll also get tidbits such as negotiating with the studio about how often superstar Denzel could wear a beard. Tony Scott's commentary is typical director fare, although it comes with a British accent so that's a plus.

Disc two has a ton of good stuff. Fifteen... fifteen! deleted scenes, along with the option to hear Scott's reasoning behind leaving each scene out. Included in this treasure trove is an alternate ending of which I won't spoil it for you. Next comes the documentary behind Man on Fire, which deserves some lauding. Starting with a 20-year saga behind the development of the film then segueing into production, they talk about the good cops, the bad cops, the kidnappers, the kids... all compelling stories. It puts you in the head of both sides and it's always interesting if not always pretty. Mexico and the visual style of the film also get a lot of exposition and it is rather interesting throughout.

Neither Pita’s abduction, the music video ("Oye Como Va" by Kinki), nor the photo gallery adds value. For an all access edition the cupboard seems a little bare on this one, but if you liked the film owning this makes perfect sense. If you didn't… well, there wasn't much they could have put on the DVD which would have compelled you to own it anyway, right?