[Noel], a yuletide tale of disparate but interweaving lives starring Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz and Alan Arkin, opens today in select theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Miami. But those who live elsewhere can view it via Flexplay, a new technology that provides a DVD that goes black after 48 hours of exposure to oxygen. Fans can order disposable versions of Noel on Amazon.com.

The plot's connections involve characters ranging from a divorced, lonely career woman (Sarandon) to a troubled engaged couple (Cruz and Paul Walker). Marcus Thomas co-stars as an alienated young man, and [Chazz Palminteri] and Robin Williams make appearances. Palminteri's wife, Gianna, and their 9-year-old son, Dante, also pop up in a scene.