Trying to review "An Inconvenient Truth" strictly on its merits as a film is tough. If you believe Al Gore's dire message about global warming, it's the scariest documentary ever made. If you think he's full of shit, you'll hate this movie, becoming either increasingly insulted, angry or amused. Maybe that's the best praise you can give it...whatever your stance, "An Inconvenient Truth" is never boring.

The film, a companion piece to Gore's best-selling book of the same name, shows the former Vice-President giving his now-famous power point presentation on global warming (a subject he is obviously passionate about) to an enraptured audience. Presenting years' worth of gathered visual evidence, he declares in no uncertain terms that global warming is the biggest threat to our future, we are the cause, and only we can turn things around. He stops just-short of predicting the end of the world if we don't. Interspersed among the lecture are various biographical pieces (narrated by Gore), showing when and how global warming became a crusade for him. Gore's argument is compelling, offering a mountain of evidence that we're all screwed if we don't act now. If you agree with him, his message is scary as hell (and, for the record, I do). Best of all, from an entertainment standpoint, Gore isn't a politician here. In fact, he displays more charm now than he ever did as vice president. Whether you agree with him or not, you have to admit his sincerity. Detractors will obviously poo-poo most of what he presents, and will likely claim this film is blatantly subjective & one-sided. And they wouldn't really be wrong. While Gore off-handedly mentions some of his naysayers' arguments, he doesn't really elaborate on them. But this is less a documentary about global warming than it is about Gore and his crusade itself. But it is often difficult to make that distinction, either because Gore's presentation IS so compelling, or because the movie is so deliberately one-sided. But debating the film's integrity is largely what makes it worthwhile. In fact, you could probably get the most enjoyment out of the film by watching it with someone whose opinions of Gore & global warming are the opposite of yours.

Commenting on the picture and sound quality of what's essentially a filmed lecture is probably redundant, but the movie does look pretty good for a documentary. The film is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen and sports accurate color tones & sharp lines. The audio is rendered in both 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, both of which suit the nature of this film quite well.

Not surprisingly, included are a few features obviously slanted toward the subjective stance of the film, such as an update by Gore himself (things have gotten even worse since the film wrapped), and a music video by Melissa Etheridge (whose tune plays over the closing credits). Also included is a making-of featurette and two audio commentaries, the first by director Davis Guggenheim, the other by producers Laurie David, Lawrence Bender, Scott Burns & Lesley Chilcott. Truth be told, I was kind of bored with both of them. Though it would have been very subjective, I'd have loved an Al Gore commentary. After all, when was the last time a vice president became a movie star? It should also be noted that, whether you are charmed or feel like rolling your eyes at the idea, the packaging of the DVD itself is made from recycled paper, and also includes a card that you can bury in the ground and grow basil.

Sometimes the best movies are the ones which divide its audience, sparking endless debate, not only of its merits as a film, but of the subjectiveness of its message. "An Inconvenient Truth" manages to do both very well, perhaps better than any film since "The Passion of the Christ." That alone makes this DVD highly recommended.