“Fahrenheit 9/11,” the highest grossing documentary of all time, has been released on home video/DVD just in time for the elections. It was quite a unique experience to share with people in a full theater on opening day. With the release of the DVD director Michael Moore hopes to enhance the experience by adding additional extras, both dramatic and comical, including war footage and more interviews.

The real heart of the matter becomes the elements in this film that prompt, or sometimes manipulate, the audience response. The emotional footage creates strong feelings, especially a sequence in which an Iraqi woman has an emotional breakdown. Also incredibly powerful is the recounting of September 11 as we hear the sounds of the carnage that took place while only viewing a black screen. Moore gives the audience some emotional breaks from the harrowing real-life drama by using songs for montages of important events and funny (in context) movie clips, including Dragnet and graphically altered Bonanza.

Moore proudly defends presented facts and illustrates several points that support his own opinions while orienting the audience with several key figures in the Iraq war and the Bush administration in general. He makes logical claims and comparisons, mostly through voice over narration, while the interviews with various people ranging from businessmen to soldiers fighting in Iraq have the most memorable impact. “People are being told to sit and roll over at the same time,” says one subject when asked about the terror alerts, alleged scare tactics and public fear after 9/11. Moore presents both sides while assembling his pieces into a cohesive work overall. It is up to the audience if they want to knock them down or not.

This film encourages audiences to delve below superficial façades and seek the true character of others. Moore anticipates, and some would say revels in the opposition he causes and even includes scenes specifically meant to defuse his detractor’s statements; as if he’s telling them “See, I don’t hate America.”

Moore’s role as a crusading protagonist is less prominent when compared to his previous works, consequently improving himself as a filmmaker.

The most memorable dialogue is the ending footage that summarizing Moore’s objectives including a poignant overall view of war and the phrase “I thought I knew….I didn’t.”

This film inspired me to learn more about our country instead of choosing a side and arguing with someone.

Recommended (***) and R for language and violent/ disturbing images.