Argo
Rated: R
Genre: Drama
Street Date: February 19, 2013
Available On: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo

The Film: In 1979 Iranian protestors stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran taking 52 Americans hostage. During the takeover six Americans escaped and took shelter in the home of the Canadian ambassador. It’s up to Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), a CIA specialist, to get them out of the country alive.

The Extras: “Rescued from Tehran: We Were There” featurette
Blu-ray Exclusive Extras: Picture-In-Picture Commentary with the real Surivors, Audio Commentary with Ben Affleck, “Argo: Authenticity,” “Argo: The CIA & Hollywood Connection” and “Escape from Iran: The Hollywood Option” featurettes.

Recommendation: “Argo” was an early frontrunner for my favorite film of 2012. It didn’t end up in the top spot, that went to “Zero Dark Thrity,” but that doesn’t diminish the fact that “Argo” is an excellent fact-based drama that manages to keep you at the edge of your seat despite the fact that there’s a very good chance you know how it ends.
The bonus features are excellent, particularly the picture-in-picture feature that allows the real players from the crisis to comment on the film’s authenticity.

-Ryan Michael Painter