Despite its Oscar-winning stars and cast, this epic crime drama, on which some had pinned the unreachably high hope that it would become a modern Goodfellas, turns out to be a strangely forgettable film.

It tells the real life story of Frank Lucas, a man who carved out a reputation for being consummately professional and completely ruthless as he created an illegal narcotics empire.

To be sure, the movie is competently made. Denzel Washington is absolutely believable as the title hoodlum, carrying himself with a calm confidence that easily commands the respect of both his underlings and the audience.

Russell Crowe also turns in a capable performance as pariah cop Richie Roberts, who is putting together a case against Lucas.

And master filmmaker Ridley Scott's deft guidance of the movie's technical details, from its gritty camerawork to its short bursts of surprising violence, is difficult to criticize.

The problem lies with the way the narrative unfolds. The film concerns itself primarily with Lucas' rise to power and Roberts' investigation, relegating the most interesting part of the tale -- namely, Lucas' eventual collaboration and uneasy friendship with Roberts once he is captured -- to just a few short minutes at the very end.

Perhaps we'll one day be treated to a sequel that better explores this unfortunately ignored part of the story.

Available in both two-disc special edition DVD and HD DVD, only the DVD version offers the movie in two cuts: the original theatrical release and an extended version that adds 18 minutes and an alternate ending.

The DVD also serves up an impressive 80-minute documentary about the real life story of Lucas and Roberts.

The HD DVD edition does offer exclusive picture-in-picture content throughout the film, but there is too little of interest to recommend it.

In short, there's nothing in the high-def edition to make movie fans mourn HD DVD's passing.