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The extended editions of the three "Rings" films, all of which were released as follow-ups to the less-comprehensive DVDs of the theatrical versions, easily count among the finest, most meticulously crafted DVD sets ever made. It might seem that only Tolkien freaks and hairy-footed Hobbit geeks would care about all of this Smeagol-study. But anyone who considers himself a student of cinema will be engrossed by the exhaustive documentaries included here. In fact, I find the making of these movies just as fascinating as the movies themselves. So what exactly is included?

Documentaries about practically every aspect of the production, including the screenplay's adaptation, visual effects, costume design, principal photography, sound and more; production photos; a profile of young filmmaker Cameron Duncan, a friend of director Peter Jackson's who inspired the Oscar-winning "King" song, "Into the West"; a documentary about "Rings" author J.R.R. Tolkien; and four full-length commentary tracks from the director and writers, design team, production team and members of the cast. Nary a moment of the filmmaking process has been left uncaptured, which means fans literally serve as flies on the wall for many private moments, from cast and crew parties to Elijah Wood's final take, after which Jackson steps from behind the camera to tearfully embrace his trusted Frodo.

If you want to see a sobering, ultra-realistic look at war in an occupied territory, skip the "Fahrenheit 9/11" DVD and pick up "The Battle of Algiers." Considered required viewing by film buffs and political scholars ("Algiers" was screened at the Pentagon in spring 2003 to prepare officials for what might occur in Iraq), the 1966 movie from Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo remains remarkably relevant. Sadly, when it comes to terrorism and resolving international conflicts, little has changed in the past 38 years.

Gillo Pontecorvo's "The Battle of Algiers" -- a realistic look at the struggle for Algerian independence -- has been given a deluxe DVD treatment by the Criterion Collection. (British Film Institute, Rialto Pictures)

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The Criterion Collection, known for taking great care with its DVD releases, has given this fictionalized account of Algeria's struggle for independence an appropriately classy three-disc DVD filled with more than four hours of special features. This is one of those rare occasions where the bonus material is integral to understanding the historical and cultural importance of the movie at hand.

The highlights are the brand new docs prepared exclusively for this release: "Marxist Poetry: The Making of 'The Battle of Algiers,'" a 51-minute feature that includes recent interviews with Pontecorvo and producer-military leader Saadi Yacef; "Five Directors," which

And what features they are: commentary tracks on all of the films; three featurettes: "The Characters of Star Wars," "The Birth of the Lightsaber" and "The Force Is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars"; a preview of Episode III, coming to theaters next year; delightfully retro trailers and teasers; a look at the making of the Episode III video game; and the piece de resistance, the 2.5-hour documentary "Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy."

"Bringing Up Baby: Special Edition" and "The Philadelphia Story: Special Edition," part of the Classic Comedies Collection (Unrated; Collection list price: $68.98; Individual DVDs: $26.99 )
Released: March 1

"Strangers on a Train" -- Part of the "Alfred Hitchcock Signature Collection" ($99.92 box set; $26.99 for "Strangers on a Train" DVD; $19.98 for other individual DVDs)
Release Date: Sept. 7