I was disappointed to discover that the degree to which the CIA and the US orchestrated the rescue is much less than depicted in the movie. I also completely understand why the UK and New Zeeland were offended that their role was grossly misrepresented. Far from being turned away from the UK embassy, the US embassy staff fled there first and the UK embassy staff took significant personal risk protecting them. The NZ embassy also did not reject them and in fact were where they would have fled next if the Canadian embassy proved unsafe.

Canada and its ambassador were the real heroes in this story. I would encourage anyone who watches the movie to do a little background reading. The truth is much more interesting.

Argo was Ben Afflecks’ movie about how the CIA rescued six American diplomats that got out of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran before it was taken over during the Iranian Revolution. Affleck both directed and starred in the movie as CIA agent Tony Mendez who was in charge of the rescue. He presented a harrowing tale of a plan that seemed like it was made up in Hollywood but actually happened.

One of the strongpoints of the film is its realistic feel. It had scenes and shots based upon archival footage and photographs from the period.

Next it throws some shots at Hollywood. The escape plan is to make the Americans pretend to be a Canadian film team to get them out of Iran. To do that they needed to get help from some movie people played by John Goodman and Alan Arkin. Goodman makes fun of directors saying anyone could be a one while Arkin said everyone in Hollywood lies and everyone is full of it. He has a hilarious scene buying a script for a movie that is all based upon that attitude.

Of course things end with a bang with a very harrowing ending.

It all makes for a very good movie with lots of tension and some unexpected laughs thrown in.

Part of what makes this movie great is the general ratcheting up of the drama and suspense. But it seems the people at Amazon video didn't want you to have the theatrical version but some chopped up version. I hadn't seen this movie since it was released and wanted to see it again. About 25 minutes in, I'm thinking, wait, don't the 6 people go all over the place, from embassy to embassy to find a place to stay? Not in this version! And there were at least 2 scenes that took place at the Canadian Ambassador's house that were missing. Finally, they cut one crucial checkpoint/security passage where the security person abruptly leaves his desk and leaves the group convinced they had been caught, but the security person had gone just to take his coffee (tea) break.
Really, shame on Amazon for offering this movie in this condition. What is left is an OK movie, but at times it feels unfinished and choppy, which is exactly what it is.

Most people, myself included, really enjoyed "Argo". If you don't already own the film, this Extended Edition might be the way to go. But if you already own the original blu-ray release, then is it worth an upgrade? Well, hopefully the details below will help you make a decision.

Included on the blu-rays:
- Theatrical Edition of the movie
- Extended Edition of the movie (an extra 10 minutes added to the film)
- 3 New Special Features + all the special features from the previous blu-ray release

Included in the box set:
- 40-page book premium featuring behind the scenes photos, production notes, bios and more
- Argo One-Sheet Poster (you know they are going to fold it to fit it in the box, so it will have creases right down the middle)
- Map of Tehran movie locations (14" x 20")
- Reproduction of Tony Mendez's CIA ID card

So if you enjoyed the movie, then you might want to consider picking this up. I'm interested in seeing if the extra 10 minutes of footage improves the film (not that it needs improvement); and with three all-new special features and the book/memorabilia from the film, this set might be worth it.

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FULL LIST OF SPECIAL FEATURES:

Brand New Features (exclusive to this blu-ray set):
1. Argo Declassified - Tony Mendez's daring operation gets honored as part of the CIA's 50th anniversary
2. Ben Affleck's Balancing Act - Balancing humor, politics, Hollywood and international intrigue as only Affleck and his team could do
3. Argo F*** Yourself - Ben Affleck leads an all-star review of Argo's classic line

Additional Features (from the old blu-ray release):
4. Picture in Picture: Eyewitness Account: Relive the takeover of the US Embassy in November of 1979 and the daring rescue mission in January of 1980 through the eyes of those that lived it.
5. Feature length audio commentary with director Ben Affleck and writer Chris Terrio
6. Rescued from Tehran: We Were There - President Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez and the actual houseguests recount the real-life harrowing experience they endured.
7. Argo: Absolute Authenticity - From characters to heart-stopping action, Ben Affleck's eye and ear for hard-hitting realism and attention to exacting detail has become his signature as an A-list filmmaker.
8. Argo: The CIA & Hollywood Connection - Director Ben Affleck and former CIA agent Tony Mendez give a firsthand view of the actual documents and cover story used to create the phony movie Argo that had all of Hollywood believing in.
9. Escape from Iran: The Hollywood Option - Escape from Iran commemorates the 25th anniversary of the "Canadian Caper," taking us back to this startling affair through the direct testimony of the Americans who found sanctuary at the Canadian embassy in Tehran, and the Canadians who risked their own safety to shelter their closest neighbors.
10. Tony Mendez on Tony Mendez - Former CIA agent Tony Mendez shares additional details and stories from the mission
11. A Discussion with the Cast of Argo - Ben Affleck joins Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Clea Duvall and Rory Cochrane for a live conversation about their experiences while making Argo
12. The Istanbul Journey - Ben Affleck shows us why Istanbul was the ideal place to shoot Argo

Somehow, at my age at the time, I missed the story about the American embassy personnel who had escaped becoming the "Iranian hostages" and had been brought to freedom ahead of the captured. This was a fascinating recount of the cooperative, clandestine process to move these Americans safely out of Iran from where they were sheltered at the Canadian ambassador's residence. The recreation of the U.S. embassy takeover in Teheran is chilling, and brings back the feelings of frustration that we could not protect our citizens abroad from such terror and humiliation, and that it took 444 days to free them. Yet the determination of Ben Affleck's character to create and sustain a ruse to rescue his fellow Americans with the help of the Canadian government is truly inspiring.

Oh my God! Did I like it? No. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Thank GOD for integrity, empathy, courage and that THIS GOOD GUY was willing to put EVERYTHING on the line and did to save others. This is the kind of true story that keeps you at the edge of your seat, that sounds surreal and impossible. Then, all you want to do is know THERE IS A HAPPY ENDING, to this; isn’t there? Nail biter is an understatement. Unforgettable and the epitome of the Heroes journey. This is a true story. Please do NOT Google it and cheat yourself out of one of the best movies you may see. “Argo, f#% yourself!” is a line that becomes music to your ears. Find out why. Treat yourself to this story!

Despite its 2 1/2 hour length and despite its being a true story where I knew how it would end because I was in my 30s when it all happened, I was gripped from beginning to end. Would Ben Affleck succeed in getting the six embassy staff out of Iran? A very serious and emotional story was handled with finesse. Like George Clooney in "Michael Clayton" Affleck was the fix it man of the day and knew what had to be done with a self assurance that should be a primer for youth. There was also a good deal of humour from the Hollywood connection which provided some much needed relief from the tension of the plot but in no way distracted or detracted from the seriousness of it all. Good show!

If I could give this movie 10 stars I certainly would. It is excellent entertainment based on real events which were finally de-classified by President Clinton. The story has been fictionalized for purposes of entertainment, dramatic effect, simplification of too many complex details but gives the viewer a great film with historic significance. Ben Affleck co-produced, directed, and stars in this film and I certainly have an increased appreciation for his skills. He plays CIA agent Tony Mendez who is able to get 6 US embassy employees out of Iran in the early stages of the Islamic revolution that overthrew the Shah. The scenes of the revolutionary crowds invading the US embassy are hair-raising. These 6 individuals found shelter in the home of the Canadian ambassador. He and his wife were incredibly brave souls to risk their lives in such a way. Alan Arkin and John Goodman are superb as Hollywood veteran film-makers who assist in the charade that must be constructed to convince the Iranians that a Canadian film crew has come to Iran to scout out the locations of a science fiction film. Akin and Goodman have the best lines in the film and offer great comic relief throughout this intense drama. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan are also portrayed for the roles they took in this drama. There are so many films being made today with completely over-the-top computer generated special effects and yet this film succeeds wildly by using the time proven strategies of character development and identification, increased tension with primary characters overcoming one barrier after another, and periodic breaking of the tension with comic relief. However in this film it kept me on the edge of my seat until the final minutes. It is great entertainment and is highly recommended.