A nominee for best foreign language film in the most recent Oscar race, plus the winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes Film Festival, this French drama from director and co-writer Laurent Cantet is based on star Francois Beagaudeau's experiences as a high-school teacher.

Inspired by the same-named novel written by the actor, the result is reminiscent of other stories in the genre, but with a distinctly French twist. DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; audio commentary by Cantet and Beagaudeau on selected scenes. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray)

Buy 'The Class' on DVD.