The new DVD, like I said above, is a pretty good representation of the special edition laserdisc box set. Gone is the NIN video, but that's okay. The picture quality is a grainy non-anamorphic that shows the color off well. Sound-wise, the disc is more active in the front and it works. You'll find a little play in your surround channels, but NBK didn't originally have a very playful soundfield.
Dialogue is clear and there are no distortions.
Speaking of that, Stone's commentary track is fun as well. He goes into great detail about the making of the film, the aftermath of it and his philosophies on it. I actually listened to the whole thing without once thinking about anything else. I was totally absorbed. Not too bad for a disc we've all been waiting over three years for.