Although it was by no means a blockbuster movie of 2000, “Almost Famous” still managed to build a fan base and touch the hearts of many. Moviegoers found something they could love in the music, characters and story, and it became many fans’ favorite film of 2000.

Cameron Crowe, writer and director of “Almost Famous,” never quite felt the movie was how he envisioned it though. So now, nine months after the original DVD release, he brings us “Almost Famous: The Bootleg Cut.” In this three-disc set, Crowe has re-edited the movie, added plenty of extras and given fans a truly special set.

For those who may have missed “Almost Famous” in the theaters, let me start by saying it is a funny, thoughtful, touching and inspirational story. It follows 15-year-old William Miller as he heads out on the road with the band Stillwater to write a story for Rolling Stone magazine.

Along the way, he learns more about life and love than he ever knew and also learns the hardships of both. The story is based on Crowe’s experiences as a young journalist, sometimes loosely and other times exactly as the events happened.

While the theatrical version of the movie was good, Crowe felt the new cut would make for a more fulfilling experience.

The 35 minutes of additional footage do not change any of the events or characters in the movie, but instead, flesh them out.

The scenes help the viewer learn more about the characters and their feelings, and make some of the situations more meaningful. Crowe was right – the additional footage just makes watching the movie a better experience, even when it was not needed.

To ensure that all the movie’s fans are pleased, the set also includes the original theatrical version of the film. This way, you can sit back and decide which one is right for you. Just like the original DVD, the picture and sound quality of each version are very well done. And, as most DVDs do, “The Bootleg Cut” includes production notes, filmmaker and cast bios and the theatrical trailer.

The rest of the extras, however, are what make this is an interesting set. “The Bootleg Cut” is not the type of DVD you pick up for funny outtakes, “making of” documentaries or other flashy extras. Instead, it is a DVD made for the fans of the movie.

Each extra is included to help you further understand the movie and its characters, as well as the actors and filmmakers. Such extras include a rare interview with the real Lester Bangs (a very influential person in both Crowe’s and William Miller’s lives), some of Crowe’s original Rolling Stone articles, behind-the-scenes footage shot by the filmmakers themselves, Crowe’s favorite albums of 1973, Stillwater’s full Cleveland concert, the original screenplay and long deleted scenes.

Perhaps the best extra of all though, is Crowe’s commentary done with his mother. The commentary is funny and thoughtful, and really explains the background behind each part of the film. It gives insight into who Crowe is and how he grew up.

Each extra is, for the most part, the type you will only view once, but each one is special and a joy to see. It takes some time to make your way through them, but they truly open up the film to the viewer.

As an added bonus, the set includes a third disc, a CD, with six of the original Stillwater songs, which are a must-have if you enjoyed the music in the movie.

“The Bootleg Cut” is a set for the fans. Crowe went the extra mile to add what he thought fans would like. And he did a good job.

Just as Crowe made “Almost Famous” as a kind of `thank you’ to those who influenced him, it seems he has made “The Bootleg Cut” as a thank you to his fans.

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Chris Weishaar is a sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication from Bronson.