Reviewer's Rating 3 out of 5
Happiness DVD (1998)

Todd Solondz peels back the veneer of American society. And lets loose a can of sexual dysfunction, intimidation, warring siblings and desperate loneliness amongst a disparate group of people, all linked by their proximity to one-another.

This subversive movie is beautifully filmed and the muted, warm colour scheme is captured perfectly by this transfer to DVD. There is a slight softness to the picture but that's the filming style rather than the disc, which is grain free.

Sound quality is equally clear but somewhat uneventful. Various atmospherics, like the call centre, creep into the rears in chapter five but otherwise it's not a busy evening for your amp.

Disappointingly there's no interview or commentary from director Todd Solondz. Some of the cast members would also have made for interesting examinations. But you do get a subtly animated and very cool main menu based on the comic art of Daniel Clows.

  • Chapters: 16
  • Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
  • Extra Features: Scene selection, trailer, two TV adverts and animated menu.

End Credits

Director: Todd Solondz

Writer: Todd Solondz

Stars: Jane Adams, Elizabeth Ashley, Dylan Baker, Lara Flynn Boyle, Ben Gazzara, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jon Lovitz

Genre: Drama

Length: 134 minutes

Original: 1998

DVD: 5 July 2000

Country: USA