听 Sean Penn tackles mental disability in a film that's likely to raise objections from the cynical. If you watch the DVD, though, it would be tough to brand the cast and crew as simply being manipulative.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Picture Director Jessie Nelson uses a contrast of cool colours for when Penn is under threat, and warm tones when he is in a safe environment. These two styles work very well courtesy of a DVD transfer that's sharp and clear.
Sound A luxurious choice of Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 surround, and DTS 5.1 is available to you on this disc. None of the mixes have much to do in the way of effects, and all perform well, but there are some sweet Beatles covers featured that certainly sound most mellow in DTS.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary Jessie Nelson sits in for an honest commentary that's often quite informative on the intentions of both her and the cast. Certain issues like why Sean's character works so blissfully in a Starbucks is, according to Nelson, not product placement. As it's a chain that actively employs disabled people, it was for her quite logical that Sean could be shown working in a branch.
Sean's character also commits some incredible clangers that seem quite ridiculous. It turns out though that most of those are based on real events where people with his disability often cause themselves personal disaster despite the very best of intentions.
Becoming Sam This 42-minute documentary reveals the work and inspiration that went into making the film. While the movie might not work for all, it would seem hard to criticise the motivations of those involved. They spent months working with disabled people, and employing them in acting roles to try and be both accurate and respectful.
There's a lot of behind-the-scenes footage on the preparation for the movie, with cast and crew in attendance at a school for the disabled, which would only give its blessing for the film if the crew made a big enough time commitment. Both cast and crew offer their thoughts on what they've gained or learned from the experience, with a surprising lack of cheesy sentimentality.
Best quote comes from child actress Dakota Fanning, who talks about her real life disabled aunt: "I don't treat her like she has anything wrong with her because she doesn't think she has anything wrong with her."
Deleted/Alternate Scenes Seven quality scenes are on offer here, with optional commentary. One of these involves Sean Penn in a number of improvisational takes that are well worth watching.
Additional Extra Features Also on the DVD are production notes, cast and crew biographies, and a trailer.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Region: 2
Chapters: 21
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby 2.0 (surround)
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: English
Captions: None
Menus: Animated with music
Subtitles (Special Features): All the special features come with subtitles, apart from the commentary tracks and trailer.
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.
