Playing by Heart may be the most basic DVD viewers will ever find. The package includes no commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, actor bios (which, admittedly, would have been a huge task with this cast), or even a theatrical trailer. The only extra features are English closed-captioning and a section titled "Recommendations," which simply displays the posters of six other Miramax films. The picture, with a 2.20:1 aspect ratio, and the Dolby Digital sound are both of the quality one expects from DVD -- not that this dialogue-heavy film pushes that quality to the limit. The main advantage this DVD holds over VHS is its well-divided chapter selection. With 43 chapters, including the credits, viewers have the option of watching the film's many story lines one at a time.

The first two-disc set from Paramount, Forrest Gump is a sight to see, and sure to please anyone who understood the real meaning of the film. To begin, the picture quality is about as good as it gets. Framed at the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, and anamorphic, the colors are right on (skin tones are especially on target) and the definition is outstanding. Darker areas stand out with the correct shading that goes to show what can be done with careful authoring. The sound, a 5.1 Dolby Digital English track, is also perfectly realized. Though there is only a slim amount of surround material, the track is very forward and forceful, taking advantage, just at the right time, of the deeper bass. Also available is a French surround track and subtitles in English. As for extras, there is no mistaking that this Academy Award-winning film gets the star treatment. The first of the two discs, along with the movie, has two audio commentary tracks. The first is from director Robert Zemeckis, producer Steve Starkey, and production designer Rick Carter. The second commentary is from another of the producers, Wendy Finerman. Neither is screen-specific, but both are, in different ways, filled with a wealth of valuable information. But it is the second disc that houses the majority of the supplemental materials. There you will find a half-hour documentary (originally released on VHS in 1994) called "Through the Eyes of Forrest Gump." There are enough interviews and behind-the-scenes shots to make this better than the standard fluff piece. Next are some shorter featurettes, "The Magic of Makeup," "Through the Ears of Forrest Gump" (made up of five short segments), and "Building the World Of Forrest Gump -- Production Design." Eleven visual effects discussions, including two scenes that were excised from the film, are the highlight of the extras. Visual effects producer Ken Ralston and his team talk in depth about the multitude of effects shots used in the film. Finally, this disc features a decent photo gallery, some wonderful (though short) screen tests, and a couple of trailers. This is a wonderful DVD set for a memorable movie, certainly worthy of any collection.