When It Comes to DVDs, It's Not Over Till It's Over

By Roy B. White

There are still some old-school holdouts--Woody Allen, for one--but much of the rest of digital-age hollywood is eagerly embracing alternate endings in feature films released on DVD. Basically, it's a way to get you to rewatch a film you've already seen. But which new climaxes are worth your while? We rate the new endings of five DVDs.

--By Roy B. White

TRAINING DAY

ALTERNATE ENDING The original version ends in a hail of gunfire. In the new ending, young cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) confronts a couple of baddies associated with his evil partner, Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington), and gets to speak his piece.

RATING: 2 DISCS The new finish doesn't add much to the plot or character development.

SWORDFISH

ALTERNATE ENDING In the original finish, villains--we won't say which ones--go on to commit more crimes. The two alternate versions offer twists--the bad guys are foiled entirely in one ending, and in the other they carry on more peaceably.

RATING: 4 DISCS Both new endings allow Halle Berry and John Travolta to shine.

K-PAX

ALTERNATE ENDING In the original, the alien (he may be just a mental patient) played by Kevin Spacey meets his fate, prompting his doctor friend (Jeff Bridges) to reunite with his son. The alternate is more cryptic, leaving Bridges staring in wonder at the night sky.

RATING: 2 DISCS This finale is a surprise, but it would be a stretch to call it interesting.

BANDITS

ALTERNATE ENDING In the original movie, bank robbers Joe (Bruce Willis) and Terry (Billy Bob Thornton) and their co-conspirators try to pull off a daring heist. The alternate ending gives a glimpse of each of their lives after the spectacular caper.

RATING: 3 DISCS The new conclusion is cute, quaint and refreshingly open-ended.

JOY RIDE

ALTERNATE ENDING In the original, three young adults on a road trip anger a trucker, who then seeks revenge. The four additional climaxes feature new action scenes; one ending showcases the heroine taking a more active role.

RATING: 5 DISCS Good, suspenseful endings that bring something extra.