Wag the Dog

New Line Cinema's DVD of Wag the Dog could possibly be the most cerebral DVD ever produced. The digital transfer is good, the film presented in either 1.85:1 widescreen or full frame. The commentary track features director Barry Levinson and actor Dustin Hoffman, although the two were recorded separately and edited together. Levinson's commentary is dry and very matter of fact, but it is worth it to hear a great actor like Hoffman frankly discussing his craft. Few will have the patience to read the essay "The Line Between Truth and Fiction," presented in chapters from the bonus materials menu. "From Washington to Hollywood and Back" is an incredibly informed documentary on the history of journalism, politics, and entertainment, and features interviews with Levinson, John Frankenheimer, Dee Dee Myers, Tom Brokaw, and others, while including some candid footage from a documentary about the 1992 presidential election. Finally, the disc features a short segment with actor William H. Macy discussing the genius of writer David Mamet that will probably only appeal to fans of the writer's work. Wag the Dog is a stunningly frank and informed platinum edition DVD from New Line, another reminder of what the format is capable of at its best.