The Academy Award winning film, directed by Robert Altman comes to DVD with great class and substance. This rich, intriguing film stars an ensemble cast that features Maggie Smith, Alan Bates, Bob Balaban (who also is co-producer), Helen Mirren, Derek Jacobi, and new comer Kelly MacDonald. Also in the cast are Ryan Phillippe, Jeremy Northam, Clive Owen, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Emily Watson.

What makes "Gosford Park" attractive and original is that it is a murder mystery, in the genre of Agatha Christie, told completely from the servants point of view. Through the wonderful story, created by Julian Fellowes, we see the inner workings of an early thirties English country estate. The social structure within the domestic employees and the upper class are well defined and demonstrated by the script. Through the household service employees, we hear all the gossip that goes on, about the people they serve and themselves as the work goes on. Before the murder, the plotline carefully weaves its tale as the suspects are shown and the motives are carefully spelled out for the audience. After the murder, secrets are revealed that help the audience guess who did the dirty deed and why. What makes the plot even more interesting is that the murder victim was killed twice, by two different individuals not knowing of the others scheme. It is a marvelously interesting and entertaining film from start to finish.

Picture-Shot in England, the film looks "European", with muted colors and lighting, as if we were observing as a house guest. The sets are strikingly realistic, with a lot of research done to authenticate the look and feel of the times. Costuming and set decorations are given great detail work which enhances the film's atmosphere. Mannerisms and etiquette were carefully researched with the help of consultants who were actually in service at the time the film takes place. Sound-A Dolby 5.1 soundtrack helps with the intricate conversations taking place in the film, with Altman letting the actors ad-lib some of the various scenes, to get a realistic feel for the characters and to show actual interaction, regardless of whether their comments are recorded on camera. The heavy English accents by some of the staff and by the upper class pick up better with this soundtrack.

The DVD offers feature commentary by Altman, and commentary from Julian Fellowes on another audio track. That alone is well worth buying this disc. There are deleted scenes from the film with optional commentary, and a "making of " documentary". Another featurette includes the cast and director Altman and writer Fellowes in a Question and Answer session following a showing of the film in Los Angeles. All these features give marvelous insight into the making of the film and the careful work that went into planning it.

A marvelously entertaining film, this DVD will stand up to many viewings, as you will look for clues and watch the highly detailed work by the cast. Excellent acting, script, and high technical values make this a must have DVD for murder mystery film fans.