Warner Movie   ••½ Picture/Sound   •••• Extras   ••

The acid test for any movie-related documentary in 2005 is clear: Does it equal or surpass the docs found in the extras on virtually every DVD released? The Cutting Edge trounces the competition with an entrancing mix of choice film clips, astute commentary, and historical perspective, all to illuminate the elusive “invisible art” of movie editing. Testimonials come from directors like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and George Lucas, while actor/directors Sean Penn and Jodie Foster share their personal learning curves. Even editors are finally allowed to speak their piece — and some of them are history’s greatest, including Thelma Schoonmaker, who cut most of Scorsese’s movies (Raging Bull, GoodFellas, The Aviator). You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of how movie magic is made, and you’ll want to watch your favorites again with new eyes. All those clips look crisp and clean, and the Dolby Digital stereo soundtrack does a surprisingly fine job of conjuring each film’s unique power. [NR] English, Dolby Digital stereo; letterboxed (1.78:1) and anamorphic widescreen (with clips in various aspect ratios); dual layer.