Starring:
Maria Bello as Donna McLoughlin
Connor Paolo as Steven McLoughlin
Anthony Piccininni as JJ Mc Loughlin
Alexa Gerasimovich as Erin McLoughlin
Morgan Flynn as Caitlin McLoughlin
Michael Pena as Will Jimeno
Armando Riesco as Antonio Rodrigues
Jay Hernandez as Dominick Pezzulo
Jon Bernthal as Christopher Amoroso
Nicolas Cage as John McLoughlin
William Jimeno as Port Authority Officer
Nick Damici as Lieutenant Kassimatis
Jude Ciccolella as Inspector Fields
Special Features:
Commentary by director Oliver Stone
Commentary by Will Jimeno, Scott Strauss, John Bushing and Paddy McGee
9 Deleted/Extended Scenes with optional commentary
The Making of World Trade Center
Common Sacrifices
Building Ground Zero
Visual and Special Effects
Oliver Stone’s New York
Q & A with Oliver Stone
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Trailer Cutdown
Photo Gallery
Other Info:
Widescreen Version formatted for 16:9 TVs
English 5.1 Surround
French 5.1 Surround
English 2.0 Surround
French and Spanish Subtitles
Running Time: 128 Minutes
Synopsis:
The following is the official synopsis of the DVD:
Academy Award winner, Nicolas Cage stars in the unforgettable true story of the courageous rescue and survival of two Port Authority policemen who were trapped in the rubble on September 11, 2001 after they volunteered to go in and help. Academy Award winning director, Oliver Stone reveals an intimate look at the events of the day as seen through the eyes of the survivors, their families and their rescuers.”
“World Trade Center (2-Disc Commemorative Edition)” is rated PG-13 for intense and emotional content, some disturbing images and language.
Mini-Review:
I’ve got to say that I didn’t want to see this movie one bit. For me, personally, it’s still too soon to watch a movie on the World Trade Center. Even 5 years later, the events are just way too fresh in my mind to want to relive them. And the fact that Oliver Stone directed it made me expect to see some sort of political spin or conspiracy theory. In short, there aren’t many movies that I’d rather review less.
But I watched it anyway and one thing about it surprised me. First of all, it’s probably the least political film I’ve ever seen from Oliver Stone. In reality, it’s more of a survival movie. It is more akin to “Alive” than “JFK.” I was also surprised to see that a majority of the movie featured the two lead characters trapped in rubble. I guess I was expecting more action on the outside, and there is that, but much of the movie is two characters simply talking with each other while waiting for rescue.
While in that respect the movie surprised me, I still found one of my expectations fulfilled it was a very, very tough movie to watch. The subject matter was just too depressing. I appreciate that it dwells on the good of mankind rather than the evils we’re capable of, but it isn’t exactly what I go to movies for. I prefer to be entertained and escape reality rather than be reminded of it. World Trade Center is a harsh dose of reality. The performances are great and it’s a good looking film, but only watch it if you’re ready to relive 9/11.
There are a lot of bonus features on this two-disc set. There are two commentaries one by director Oliver Stone and another including the guy who actually lived through the events – Will Jimeno. There are also 9 Deleted and Extended Scenes with optional commentary which last about 17 minutes. None are particularly notable but they show more that happens before the attacks and more flashbacks with the families. On the second disc you’ll find several ‘making of’ featurettes that cover the initial creation of the project, the challenges of shooting in New York and LA, recreating the WTC wreckage on a set, visual effects, and more. These include interviews with the real guys the movie is based on. One of the odder extras is “Oliver Stone’s New York,” a featurette that follows Oliver Stone around the New York locations that he grew up in. Rounding out the major bonus features is a “Q & A with Oliver Stone” which was conducted in the UK.
