American Beauty DVD Review

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Benning, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Savoir, Chris Cooper
Director: Sam Mendes

From the opening glide over Lester Burnham's neighborhood accompanied by Lester's confident narration, American Beauty wraps it's loving arms around the viewer and shows them a whole other side to themselves. Sam Mendes' masterpiece was acclaimed by critics and by the general public alike. The following for this film is not without good reason, as it is one of the most moving films around today.

Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) is a meek, ignored man, disregarded by his wife (Annette Bening) and daughter (Thora Birch) alike. Jane Burnham (Birch) is the typical teenage girl who feels estranged from her family, and feels as if she's not even good enough for herself. Carol Burnham (Bening) is a working mother who merits social image, and work as her main priorities. These three individual personalities do not appear to interact easily with each other, especially since Lester is on this "I've done everything for everyone. Now it's ME time!" kick.

With Jane's friend (Mena Suvari) and the brand new neighbor (Wes Bentley) acting as catalysts to the family's differences, the portrait of suburban life goes spiraling towards to ground at which there is a shocking conclusion. Every actor/actress in the cast gives an amazing performance in the one film that is not a comedy, not a drama, but is funny and dramatic at the same time.

This film is definitely not to be missed. If you are one of the two people (namely YOU and MY DAD [who will never see this because he only likes movies that involve Bruce Willis]) who have not seen this, then don't waste any time and go rent it, buy it, find some odd theater that still is playing it, or have Cleo the psychic channel it into your mind, because it is truly a masterpiece.

Production Notes
Standard, as on most DVDs, but this one contains a whole lot more information than most.
7/10

2 Theatrical Trailers
The trailers for American Beauty are great. They really show what the movie is all about, and they do it without ruining anything.
9/10

Commentary by Director and Screenwriter
A solid commentary track, as both Sam Mendes and Alan Ball have plenty to say about the film. Sometimes, however, the two seem to be fighting for time on the track, hoping to make a point before the other can beat them to it.
7/10

Storyboards with commentary by the Director and the Director of Photography
Very, very interesting. It is a great addition to the DVD because American Beauty truly made great use of visual metaphors and plot supporting eye candy (And don't think I'm talking about the breasts, although they were very very nice).
9/10

Look Closer - Making-Of Featurette
Nicely done segment which illustrates how much work was put into the film. It also shows how tough it was for Sam Mendes to shoot even the most simple things and still retain the mood of the movie.
10/10

Although boasting the title "Awards Edition" the DVD feels like it has something missing. Even though, what it does have is extraordinary, and it is a must own for any fan of film.

THE MOVIE	10
THE VIDEO	10
THE AUDIO	10
THE EXTRAS	8
OVERALL (not an average)	9