In the single featurette of the “Road to Perdition” DVD, the late, great cinematographer Conrad L. Hall says, “It would have been a wonderful film to shoot in black and white.”

It should be no surprise that a man who has been nominated 10 times for cinematography Academy Awards should say this, because, after all, he’s right. “Road to Perdition” appears more crisp and sumptuous in black and white, as opposed to the drab, muted color in which it appears. It’s a good thing you can adjust stuff like this on your television — I highly suggest you do so.

The acting by Tom Hanks and Paul Newman are first-rate. Hanks brings a very subtle, poetic attribute to his role. Newman performs with perfection, effectively portraying a man in conflict.

“Road to Perdition” is an extremely visual movie — a film that breathes splendor in every shot, making its statements through the picturesque impact rather than through dialogue. Hall’s cinematography compliments every frame, making full usage of every aspect on celluloid.

These elements only go so far, though. There’s something uneven about “Road to Perdition,” as if the questions answered by the film’s end feel tacked on, insulting any imagination the viewer could potentially grasp.

Director Sam Mendes likes to let us know how his movies end within the first two minutes of his films. The first shot of the film is of Michael Sullivan Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin) clearly explaining to the viewer that his dad is dead. So, when Tom Hanks does get shot at the end of “Road to Perdition,” the element of surprise is gone.

I did like this film better a second time through in black and white. It made me more attentive with the story, becoming all the more involved as it progressed. The images spoke more of the story. When the film starts to lose its grip after its first hour, this is mainly because it loses the hard edge it possesses. “Road to Perdition” becomes fluff. Though there are enjoyable scenes in the last half of the movie, the movie loses logic, letting the viewer believe more than the film can build upon.

The features of the DVD are, at best, sub par. Sam Mendes’ audio commentary lacks any real information or insight — rather he tells the viewer to look or notice this or that. Mendes’ commentary could have actually held value, but it instead makes the effort a waste.

There’s an equally disappointing HBO “First Look” documentary, which serves as a promotional advertisement more than anything else.The DVD also has a fair amount of deleted scenes. One of the good points about Mendes’ commentary is why scenes were cut in relation to the narrative of the story. After watching these scenes, one would easily agree with him. “Road to Perdition” is a great, though brutally flawed, film of beauty and technical achievement. Mendes could have made a better film had he thought more into the lasting effects on his viewers.