Report from the Noir Zone

“Insomnia”

Stars Al Pacino and Robin Williams

Warner, $23

Always expect the unexpected from writer-director Christopher Nolan. Last year he scored a big indie hit with “Memento,” a gritty film noir that unfolded in reverse order. Even the special-edition DVD of the film was offbeat -- one had to solve a series of puzzles to unlock the extras on the double disc.

Although his latest film, “Insomnia,” is a far more conventional thriller, the young Englishman has done something decidedly different with his commentary track for the Al Pacino-Robin Williams summer hit. He offers his insights into the making of the film noir in the order the film was shot. This unusual take on the commentary gives viewers a rare glimpse into how films are shot out of sequence and just how on their toes actors must be to handle distinct shifts in their characters’ personalities from one day to the next.

Other interesting extras include commentary from co-star Hilary Swank and from the writer, the editor, the cinematographer and the production designer.

“Gangster No. 1”

Stars Malcolm McDowell

MGM, $23

This gritty, British-made gangster flick recalls such English film noir classics as Mike Hodges’ 1971 “Get Carter.” Sharply directed by Paul McGuigan, “Gangster No. 1” tells the story of the rise of a ruthless London mob boss. Malcolm McDowell, in one of his best performances in recent years, plays the gangster in middle age, and a terrifying Paul Bettany is his younger self. The DVD includes a passable “making of” documentary, a deleted scene and commentary from McGuigan.

“Saturday Night Fever”

Stars John Travolta

Paramount, $24

John Travolta went from Sweathog to movie superstar with his remarkable performance in this 1977 classic that brought disco out from the underground and into mainstream culture. With his blow-dried hair, gold chains, boots and polyester outfits, Travolta, then 23, was a revelation as a 19-year-old Brooklyn resident who worked in a paint store by day but became king of his local disco every Saturday night.

The soundtrack, which featured such Bee Gees tunes as “Stayin’ Alive,” became one of the biggest sellers in recording history. And Travolta received his first Oscar nomination.

The DVD features a nice wide-screen edition of the film, three deleted scenes, highlights from the “Saturday Night Fever” installment of VH1’s “Behind the Music” and terrific commentary from director John Badham.

“American Idol: The Search for a Superstar”

With winner Kelly Clarkson and Simon Cowell

StudioWorks Entertainment, $15, VHS; $20, DVD

The hourlong video features several numbers sung by the 10 finalists.

The DVD has that plus an extra hour of backstage footage that includes a blooper reel and way too many “cute” moments between hosts Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman.

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Also this week

Nicolas Cage stars in John Woo’s World War II drama “Windtalkers” (MGM/UA, DVD: $26.98); “Italian for Beginners,” an Oscar-nominated Danish romantic comedy (Buena Vista, DVD: $29.99); and the initial 22 episodes of the long-running cuffs-and-gavel TV drama “Law & Order: The First Season” (Universal, DVD: $79.99).

Top VHS Rentals

1. “The Scorpion King”

2. “Panic Room”

3. “Murder by Numbers”

4. “Monsters, Inc.”

5. “Changing Lanes”

Top DVD Rentals

1. “The Scorpion King”

2. “Murder by Numbers”

3. “Panic Room”

4. “Changing Lanes”

5. “Monsters, Inc.”

What’s Coming

Oct. 22: “Mr. Deeds” and “Y Tu Mama Tambien”

Oct. 29: “The Sum of All Fears,” “Eight Legged Freaks,” “Triumph of Love,” “Harvard Man” and “Dahmer”

Source: rental charts provided by VSDA.