'The Pacifier': A Vin Sin

"The Pacifier" (Rated PG; List price: $29.99)

Release Date: June 28

After muddling through the series of increasingly goofy special features on Disney's "The Pacifier," I was left with one nagging question: Did this movie really need a commentary track?

The answer, in case you haven't guessed, is no. In fact, this movie -- which, like the main character played by star Vin Diesel, will probably act as a babysitter for many children on summer break -- could have gotten by with no extras at all. Some films, this one included, are so basic that padding their DVDs with supplemental material seems foolish, as if the studio is trying to give the release a level of depth it sorely lacks. Frankly, I could barely sit through all 96 minutes of this lame family-movie-meets-action-flick. The last thing I needed were deleted scenes.

But that's just me, apparently. "The Pacifier" ranks as one of the top-grossing movies of 2005 so far, raking in $111 million at the box office. Someone must like the idea of watching Diesel, who plays a Navy SEAL assigned to protect the children of a deceased government scientist, struggle with diaper changes and pet ducks. (At least one film critic does. His review -- "Vin Diesel's Best Movie Ever!" -- is blurbed on the DVD's box. Guess he never saw "Saving Private Ryan.")

For "Pacifier" fans, the five deleted scenes will undoubtedly be a delight. The two-minute blooper reel? A nonstop hoot. The featurette on how Diesel is a super-nice guy? Heartwarming. And the commentary track by director Adam Shankman and co-writers Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben-Garant? An insightful analysis of a memorable motion picture.

Most Self-Aware Bonus Point: Give some credit to Shankman, Lennon and Garant, who at least seem to realize that recording the commentary is an exercise in absurdity. "This is so far made up mostly of weird asides," one of the writers says early in the track. It's also worth noting that Garant -- who plays Deputy Travis Junior on Comedy Central's "Reno 911" -- and Lennon have a pretty impressive track record in comedy writing. Both were writers for the sketch comedy shows "The State" and "Viva Variety," and Lennon wrote for the equally quirky Amy Sedaris series "Strangers With Candy." Both should have no trouble going on to record far more respectable commentary tracks.

Best Bonus Point: Thankfully, there's no lengthy behind-the-scenes documentary. I don't think I could have stomached "Diesel's Fuel: How 'The Pacifier' Came to the Big Screen."

New on DVD This Week: "Coach Carter," "Cursed," "Hostage" and the first season of "Bewitched."

Coming in Next Week's 'Bonus Points': A review of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart's Indecision 2004."

If you have feedback about "Bonus Points" or want to suggest a DVD for review, e-mail Jen Chaney.