Sometimes a film’s plot is perfectly suited for the DVD format. “”The Usual Suspects,”” being a film that is complex and difficult to understand, is a good movie to have on DVD — because you can see all the subtleties that are so easily missed in the first viewing.

When a group of five unrelated criminals is brought together during a criminal lineup, it sets up the chain of events that culminates into a risky drug operation. The criminals range from a disabled man (Kevin Spacey) to a serious criminal who wants to leave the life of crime (Gabriel Byrne). The criminals are reluctant to get involved in the operation, but only commit to it when blackmailed by the mysterious Keyser Soze.

The film unfolds through a series of flashbacks from Spacey’s character. Although the movie starts slow, it picks up very rapidly and keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Wrapped with a clever, twisting plot, “”The Usual Suspects”” is a thriller that doesn’t resort to large explosions and dialogue cliches.

The special-edition DVD greatly enhances the viewing experience of the film. Containing five featurettes, there is a lot of information about the camaraderie of the cast and the clues that are given throughout the film. One highlight includes the infamous lineup scene where none of the actors could keep a straight face throughout filming. The director is upset, but eventually incorporates the gag scenes into the film.

Also included are two audio commentaries, deleted scenes and a gag reel that are truly hilarious.

MGM released a standard cut of “”The Usual Suspects”” a while ago and if you’re one of the unlucky ones who already bought it, it’s time to shell out another $20 for a superior DVD. When will Hollywood learn and make a DVD that is as great as this one in the first place?

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 1)’

There are many Trekkies out there, especially at UCSD (don’t deny it, you know it’s true). For those who watch “”Star Trek”” without fail, the seven-disc set of the first season of “”Star Trek: The Next Generation”” is more than enough to send the credit card bills through the roof.

Although the first season of “”TNG”” is cheesy and had low production value, it set off the beginning of one of the most beloved television shows of the late ’80s and ’90s. Bringing moral dilemmas and society values into its plotline, the show is more than a sci-fi show that appeals to a select few.

This DVD sets a new standard in terms of high-quality collectors’ editions. This is not a set for the average viewer. With seven DVDs, the first season set will take several days of nonstop viewing to complete. Also staying true to DVD collectors, the discs are encased by a unique, futuristic folding box. Each episode is not only visually crisp, but the sound is enhanced to today’s digital standards; it provides “”Star Trek”” fans the best of both worlds of DVD quality and collectors’ value.

Additional material that is given in the set includes featurettes on the initial excitement and awe of the first season of “”TNG.”” There are many cast interviews of the first season on the show and also a short on the actors’ favorite episodes. A major complaint is a lack of audio commentary for each episode. Fans wanting to know the reasoning and logic of each episode will have to keep guessing.

The first season of “”TNG”” is definitely one for the show’s true fans. With a street price of approximately $100, this DVD set is aimed at the most discriminating of viewers and it succeeds. Paramount has produced a polished set that has gone where no DVD set has gone before: It has plans to release all seven seasons in 2002, making this year a very expensive one for Trekkies.