Although we see many of the latest DVD releases packed with extras, many of the format’s earlier releases were what have been dubbed “bare-bones” discs, due to the lack of extras or special features.

One such movie was 1993’s “Tombstone.” Buena Vista Home Video has revisited “Tombstone” with a special edition in their new Vista Series line.

This new version is a welcome addition to the world of DVDs, as the movie has become a fan favorite.

While not completely historically accurate, it comes close with a wonderful cast and a story full of action, intrigue and the human side of the characters’ struggles.

The Vista Series is not just about new extras but an overall package. The two-disc set comes in a beautiful slipcover package and has more footage added to the film, along with the extras. Only about 5 minutes of footage were added, but each scene helps to develop the characters and helps flesh out some of the key points in the film.

The picture quality of the original “Tombstone” release was one of the most negatively received points about it.

Buena Vista has fixed that, however, with a very clean and crisp transfer of the film. New Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 sound has been added and the widescreen presentation has been enhanced for 16-by-9 televisions. Both help add to the atmosphere and enjoyment of the movie.

At first look, the extras may be a bit dismaying, as there are not that many of them and those included are short.

However, what has been included gives some insight into not only the film but also the actual events the film is based on.

The biggest extra is the commentary from director George P. Cosmatos. His commentary allows the viewer to hear what his vision was, why he chose certain aspects over others and even explains some of the films’ goofs or inaccuracies. What is most apparent in his commentary, though, is his love for his film and respect for the actors.

He talks about his introduction into Westerns and how he developed his own version of one. He also helps us understand the newly-added footage and why some footage was still left out.

Although a commentary from the actors would have been welcome, Cosmatos’ is well worth a watching and is a nice addition to the discs.

Three `making-of’ featurettes make up the bulk of the rest of the extras. Each one focuses on a different aspect of the movie and includes interviews with most of the cast and a look behind many of the ideas that went into the film.

While short, these are well worth it, as they are enjoyable and show the actors’ love for their characters and the work they did.

For a historical look behind “Tombstone,” there is a timeline that is poorly narrated but still interesting, and a copy of the original Tombstone newspaper detailing the events of the OK Corral.

These let viewers see some of the discrepancies, as well as the similarities, of the events the film portrays. The set even includes a reproduction map drawn by Wyatt Earp, detailing his involvement in the famous shoot-out.

As a fan of “Tombstone,” I am very glad Buena Vista revisited this movie and gave DVD fans the disc it deserves.

The set is worthwhile for the high-quality version of the movie alone, but the extras are good and add to the overall enjoyment of the movie, even though there should have been a few more.

This is definitely the version fans, or anyone looking to pick up one of the best modern-made westerns, should have.

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Chris Weishaar is a sophomore in construction engineering from Bronson.