Inside the “Inception” DVD and Blu-ray

Direct TV (www.direct.tv) is all you’ll need for watching your favorite shows, but savvy moviegoers know that for their favorite movies, getting the DVD or Blu-ray is a must. That’s the only way to get behind-the-scenes special features, commentaries, and other goodies that help to extend the movie-going experience even longer.Christopher Nolan’s 2010 blockbuster hit Inception didn’t leave the national consciousness since its release, with millions of people weighing in with their thoughts on just what that ending meant. The director has refused to provide a definitive answer, but in the home media releases on December 3, 2010 did provide other fascinating glimpses into the film.The DVD release is actually somewhat sparse. One can only imagine that a more extensive edition is coming in the future to supplement this single-disc release. Amazon.com lists only four special featuresor “focus points”that delve into some of the stunts, imagery, and concepts for the film. There’s “The Inception of Inception,” where Nolan reveals the genesis of some of his ideas; “The Japanese Castle: The Dream is Collapsing,” where the “how” behind the building up and tearing down of the castle set is explored; “Constructing Paradoxical Architecture,” where you learn just how they got designed that infamous “staircase to nowhere,” and “The Freight Train,” which shows how the crew sent the train careening across a city street in one dreamscape.It’s the Blu-ray release, though, that really does the film justice, and may be the tipping point for those who have been wondering whether to upgrade. First, there are two Blu-ray discs. The first contains the movie and an “Extraction Mode,” which lets viewers delve into similar behind-the-scenes footage at certain moments. On the second disc, you’ll find plenty more to explore. Conceptual art and trailer galleries are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also “Dreams: Cinema of the Subconscious,” which delves into modern-day dream research to find just where the “science/fiction” divide in the film lies, and a special fully-animated comic prologue, “The Cobol Job.” This story provides important information leading up to the events of the movie. Finally, there’s a series of features that reveal more information about the technology used in the film.Inception is a film that you’ll want to watch over and over again. With the DVD and Blu-ray releases, now you can. Will it help you figure out the ending? You’ll have to discover that for yourself.