One of this year's most highly-anticipated DVD releases and a constant presence on DVD consumer's most wanted lists, the Special Limited Edition of “Saving Private Ryan,” debuts on DVD November 2 from DreamWorks Home Entertainment -- debuting day and date with the film's first-ever sell-through VHS release. DreamWorks will conduct an all digital Telecine high definition transfer -- resulting in enhanced detail and definition. As well, the DVD will feature bonus programming including a message from Steven Spielberg; an exclusive, half-hour behind-the-scenes look at this extraordinary film; and specially created interactive menus. The Special Limited Edition of the “Saving Private Ryan” DVD also will be available in the Digital Theater Systems (DTS) format.

An unforgettable film achievement, “Saving Private Ryan,” a DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures' co-production, received wide acclaim from audiences nationwide during its theatrical release and throughout the world. It was hailed as the best motion picture of 1998 by more than 70 film critics and critics groups across the country and appeared on more than 160 "Top 10" lists. After becoming the highest box-office grossing film last year, “Saving Private Ryan” went on to shatter rental records with the strongest revenue-generating debut in rental history.

"Saving Private Ryan is a film that people want to own and have in their collection," said Kelley Avery, head of DreamWorks Worldwide Home Video and Retail Entertainment. "We are thrilled to release this very collectible film on both DVD and VHS, and are confident that both formats are destined to be one of the biggest sellers of the fourth quarter."

The Saving Private Ryan DVD bonus programming will include: high-quality digital telecine transfer, a director’s message, specially created message from two-time Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg is included on the DVD. During the tribute, Steven Spielberg discusses the significance of D-Day and the National D-Day Museum. A Behind-The-Scenes Featurette: A segment titled "Into The Breach” offers an insightful look behind-the-scenes of the production. DVD viewers will have an opportunity to hear compelling interviews with the cast and crew members discussing the intense personal impact they experienced while making this extraordinary film. Other bonus material includes two original theatrical trailers, cast and crew biographies and the production notes.

With a cast headlined by Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon and Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan was bestowed with many prestigious awards and honors. In addition to the five Academy Awards, the film's accolades include Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Director; The Directors Guild of America award for Best Director; New York Film Critics Circle and Chicago Film Critics awards for Best Picture; Los Angeles Film Critics and the Broadcast Film Critics awards for Best Picture and Best Director. Additional honors include an American Legion "The Spirit of Normandy" Award to Steven Spielberg, the highest civilian public service award from the Department of the Army, as well as the Pentagon's highest civilian honor, the Defense Department Public Service Award.