The setup for Cloverfield is an interesting one, in some ways simple and straight forward and in other ways very conceptual. The basic setup is this, after an incident in the city of New York; the United States Department of Defense finds a digital camera in Central Park, a spot now referred to as Cloverfield. On the tape is footage that begins with a group of friends gathering for a going away party for their friend Rob who has accepted a job in Japan. During the party, there is suddenly a brief blackout and an almost earthquake like shaking of the building. All mayhem ensues when they go out to the streets and the head of the Statue of Liberty comes crashing down their streets. The film then follows a group of the friends as they search for safety and answers to the mysterious events happening around them.

Cloverfield at its root is a horror film, but it is one of those movies that are ruled by the conceptual style. The film just like the Blair Witch Projects, shines by using the style to tell a story and it is sometimes the things that we don’t see or the way they let us see them, which keep the suspense and the fun going.

Although the film is an exercise in style, that doesn’t mean there’s not a story here as well. The genius of the film is how they have found a way to tell the back story of a blossoming romance between two of our main characters. Through the course of the film, every time the camera is stopped and restarted, the tape jumps a bit to reveal to us what was is being taped over. This footage shows glimpses of a day at Coney Island with Rob and his longtime friend, Beth. It’s a nice unique modern way of doing a flashback. It’s these little things that make Cloverfield a clever and enjoyable film.

Well if you were too scared to go out and see the film, never fear it has now arrived on DVD for you to watch in the safety of your own home. Cloverfield is out with special packaging a few extras to make you think and enjoy.

First up is the commentary track by director Matt Reeves. I am always saying I love commentary by the creative forces and this is another one that does it right. It’s surprising that it’s just with the director, but with all the info and nuggets he shares with us, perhaps he is all we need on this track. Although I was surprised he never mentions a important little tidbit that happens at the very end of the film. I don’t want to say too much but watch the final shots of the Coney Island scene when they show the ocean. Pay close attention to the upper right hand-side of the screen. It’s quick, it’s brief, but unmistakable. That’s all I’ll say.

If you don’t want to sit through the film again, there are a series of featurettes on the making of the film, the visual effects and on creating the creature. There are also deleted scenes, bloopers and a collection of trailers from upcoming Paramount films. To be honest the extras did nothing for me other then the commentary. The deleted scenes are average and I was more excited to see the trailer for the new Indiana Jones film then any of the other extras.

So if you were a fan of the Blair Witch Project or horror films in general, then this is a film worth seeing. I enjoyed it in the theater and I still had a blast watching it in the safety of my home. The style isn’t for everyone but after a few minutes of the jerky camera movements you don’t even pay attention. Cloverfield is a rollercoaster ride of fun and I hear they are already in pre-production for the sequel.

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