Argo [2-in-1: Theatrical & The Declassified Extended Cut] Collector's Edition (2 Blu-ray)

Release date: February 10, 2014

Audio:
Extended version (130 min.):
English DTS-HD MA 5.1

Theatrical version (120 min.):
Russian Dolby Digital 5.1
English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Chinese Dolby Digital 5.1
Czech Dolby Digital 5.1
Hungarian Dolby Digital 5.1
Italian Dolby Digital 5.1
Polish Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1
Thai Dolby Digital 5.1

Subtitles:
Russian, English, Chinese, Czech, French, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai

Runtime: 120 min. + 130 min.

Media: BD-50 + BD-25

Region: A, B, C

Director: Ben Affleck

Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea Duvall, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham

Extras:

• Declassified Extended Cut (Disc 1, HD, 130 minutes): Argo's latest Blu-ray release offers two cuts of the film: a 120-minute theatrical version and a 130-minute extended cut from director Ben Affleck. But is the extended cut an improvement? Not really, although it's by no means unwelcome. There are five new scenes and a handful of alternate takes and edits, most of which will go unnoticed by the casual viewer. Thankfully, there is some material here that enriches the experience, particularly the character of Tony Mendez and the culture of the CIA. None of it is revolutionary, but it holds up to the quality of the rest of the film quite well.
• Picture in Picture: Eyewitness Account (Disc 1, HD, 120 minutes): Headlining the first disc of Argo's supplemental package is the same excellent Picture in Picture experience included on the previously released Blu-ray, as it features interviews with the survivors of the Iran hostage crisis and other notable participants, among them President Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez, Mark Lijek, Bob Anders, Cora Lijek, Kathy Stafford, Lee Schatz and USMC hostage Al Golacinski. Listening to firsthand accounts of the events depicted in Argo serves as a testament both to the bravery of those involved and the authenticity of the film, and stands as the first of many first-rate extras to provide insight into the events surrounding November 4, 1979 and all that followed. Note: "Eyewitness Account" is only accessible with the theatrical version of the film.
• Audio Commentary (Disc 1, HD): Affleck and writer Chris Terrio cover everything from the unorthodox storyboard-framed opening to script development, casting, performances, production design and melding of history and fiction used to create Argo's reality. It's an engaging commentary (albeit a touch dry), and strikes a balance between historical fact, filmmaking technique and storytelling prowess. Note: Affleck's commentary is only available for the theatrical version of the film.
• Rescued from Tehran: We Were There (Disc 1, HD, 17 minutes): President Carter, Mendez and the actual house guests recount the real-life harrowing experience they endured.
• Absolute Authenticity (Disc 1, HD, 11 minutes): "I really wanted to root the audience in the period." This short production featurette focuses on Affleck's expectations and efforts and his production department's subsequent research and work.
• The CIA and Hollywood Connection (Disc 1, HD, 6 minutes): Affleck, Terrio, Goodman, and Mendez discuss the CIA's alliance with Hollywood. Unfortunately, the already brief featurette is too reliant on film clips, making it more a plot overview than anything more substantial.
• Escape from Iran: The Hollywood Option (Disc 1, SD, 47 minutes): This 2005 television documentary commemorates the 25th anniversary of the "Canadian Caper," taking us back to this startling affair through the direct testimony of the Americans who found sanctuary at the Canadian embassy in Teheran, and the Canadians who risked their own safety to shelter their closest neighbors.

<b>Bonus disc:</b>
English Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles:
Russian, English, Chinese, Czech, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai

Supplements:
• Argo Declassified (Disc 2, HD, 12 minutes): The Extended Edition box set's second disc includes a number of new special features (clocking in at a little more than an hour), first among them this featurette that examines the history behind the story through interviews with President Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez, former Director of the CIA George Tenet, the filmmakers and other key figures.
• Ben Affleck's Balancing Act (Disc 2, HD, 16 minutes): The actor-turned-filmmaker faces the challenges of balancing competing elements in the film, juggling tone, shooting in multiple locations around the world, and setting priorities in front of the camera and behind.
• A Discussion with the Cast of Argo (Disc 2, HD, 10 minutes): A candid, funny, but much too brief Q&A segment with Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Clea Duvall and others. The only downside is that the entire Q&A session isn't included.
• Tony Mendez on Tony Mendez (Disc 2, HD, 11 minutes): Mendez provides an overview of his career, his training and skillsets, the CIA of the '70s and, of course, his 1979 Tehranian intervention. Good stuff, I just wish it were longer.
• The Istanbul Journey (Disc 2, HD, 9 minutes): Affleck, his producers and other key members of the crew detail the film's shoot in Turkey, as well as some of the obstacles they faced during their 3-week stay.
• Argo F*** Yourself (Disc 2, HD, 1 minute): The origin of the now famous phrase.
• Theatrical Trailer (Disc 2, HD, 3 minutes): The film's high definition theatrical trailer.