By PAUL BRENNER, DEBORAH NICOL & WADE GOSSETT

dra·ma (drämę) A motion picture relating a serious, somber and sometimes poignant or distressing narrative that often attempts to depict a realistic situation where characters are attempting, often without resolution, to settle a thematic conflict

Rashomon [Criterion]

Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" startled the cinema world upon its release in 1950 and put Japanese filmmaking on the international cinema map. Combining two short stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa -- "In a Grove" and "Rashomon" -- Kurosawa tells the tale of a mysterious rape and murder in 12th century Japan. Presented in flashbacks with the film audience placed in the uncomfortable role of judge, the film recounts different versions of the crime through four witnesses to the tragedy -- including the murder victim. This flashback technique of recalling events and personalities from different character perspectives had been utilized before "Rashomon," notably in "Citizen Kane," but Kurosawa brings this narrative device to a new level. More than just a means to an end to solve a mystery, the multiple perspective becomes a metaphysical treatise on the nature of truth and the elusiveness of reality. Employing the fluid and tactile cinematography of Kazuo Miyagawa, Kurosawa creates a vibrant and sensual Japan that can almost be felt and tasted -- hard driving rain, whiffs of women and the forest, rustling leaves, the blaring sun. Human nature is also up for examination here, and the outlook is grim. "Rashomon" is truly one of a kind and its various post-1950 reincarnations --"Outrage," "Courage Under Fire" -- only serve to highlight the uniqueness of the original. This Criterion Special Edition features a new digital transfer, and while image and sound are still a bit ragged, they are vastly improved over previous versions. The film is introduced by Robert Altman and features knowledgeable commentary by noted Japanese film historian Donald Richie. Also included are excerpts from "The World of Kazuo Miyagawa," reprints of the source stories of Ryunosuke Akutagawa and an excerpt from Akira Kurosawa's autobiography, as well as the Japanese theatrical trailer. The DVD also features an optional English-dubbed soundtrack (although I'd stick with the subtitled version if I were you). Don't watch expecting to see Toshiro Mifune in another Japanese samurai movie. This film is more like "Kierkegaard Meets Yojimbo." - PB

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Monster's Ball [Lions Gate]

It is famous for garnering Halle Berry a Best Actress Oscar, the fist ever for an African-American actress (a well-deserved one too); and it is infamous for one very explicit sex scene between Berry and Billy Bob Thornton (yes, it is quite explicit). Focus on these aspects of the film, however, and you may not be able to appreciate its overall scope: Racism, the death penalty, and loneliness are all confronted with honesty, in this sublime modern Southern gothic, the first major film by director Marc Forster: The wife (Berry) of an executed convict (Sean Combs) and the prison guard (Thornton) who was in charge of his execution become unlikely lovers and find solace, and perhaps even hope, in each other...or perhaps they don't. The ambivalent ending is a brave final touch by Forster and scripters Milo Addica and Will Rokos. Of note are also Heath Ledger's brief appearance as Thornton's son, and Peter Boyle's turn as his thoroughly unpleasant father. The film's low budget is not obvious from the flawless transfer (2.35:1 and 5.1 Surround) and there are ample extras: two audio commentaries (a technical one with Forster and director of photography Roberto Schaefer, and a more playful one with the director, Thorton and Berry), a 4-minute montage of behind the scenes footage, an 8-minute "Scoring the Film" featurette, 7 deleted scenes (interesting, but not vital), and a full-screen video trailer (curiously, the theatrical trailer is not included). - WG

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The Shawshank Redemption [Warner]

In a prison where every man claims to be innocent but no one can find release, one man quietly seeks to provide a little freedom to each inmate. Andy Dufresne, a banker charged with murdering his wife and her lover, enters the penitentiary as an odd, educated fellow who slides his way into a friendship with prison godfather, Red. Portrayed through incredible and empowering performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, respectively, this friendship spans throughout forty years and numerous pin-up movie posters. Despite being deservedly nominated for seven Academy Awards, it received none. Based on the same book of short stories as "Stand by Me," Stephen King managed to pen not only a non-horror tale, but one of great thought and substance. DVD extras include the trailer and production stills. - DN

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