Nixon

Just in time for election season – and Oliver Stone's upcoming "W" – is a new release of his 1995 "Nixon," which I like to think of as "Natural Born Presidents." Like so many of Stone's revisionist, fabulist histories, it's a mix of biographical drama, historical speculation, psychological fantasy and fever dream imagery. Anthony Hopkins anchors the cinematic play with a meaty portrayal, taking Nixon from ambitious politician to paranoid commander-in-chief with messianic visions. The historical insights are filled with conspiratorial suggestions, but the sheer audacity is entertaining. Joan Allen is a severe Pat Nixon, and James Woods, David Hyde Pierce, Powers Boothe, Ed Harris, J.T. Walsh and E.G. Marshall co-star. Features the extended, 212-minute director's cut. New to this release is "Beyond Nixon," a 35-minute documentary on the history and legacy of Richard Milhous Nixon by Stone's son, Sean, and featuring commentary by author and historian Gore Vidal, John Dean (White House counsel to President Nixon) and others. The rest of the previously available supplements include two separate commentary tracks by Stone, 10 deleted/expanded scenes, and the complete 55-minute Charlie Rose interview with Stone. Also available on Blu-ray.