This single story interweaving through the lives of several San Fernando Valley residents tends to split movie-goers' opinions. The running time (all three hours and 15 minutes of it) might put some off, but that shouldn't worry fans of quality drama. For his follow-up to Boogie Nights, Paul Thomas Anderson delivers a startling and affecting ensemble piece, which is as enjoyably quirky as it is emotionally epic.

DVD Extras:

75-minute Magnolia production diary, teaser, trailer, TV spots, full Frank Mackey seminar and infomercial, Save Me music video by Aimee Mann (originally shot alongside the film).The only real disappointment about this disc is the lack of a commentary by Anderson. Still, as he believes the movie "speaks for itself", who are we to argue? There remain plenty of goodies to enjoy: the diary, which chronicles the long, occasionally tortured shoot from the perspective of Anderson and his crew, with genuinely funny insights into the director's mind from star William H Macy (including Anderson's reaction to his suggestion that the script was "a little long"). Stretching the limits of "access all areas" to a new level, this comprehensive look at film-making more than makes up for the lack of commentary.