Search - Save the Last Dance on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children, Profanity, Sexual Situations, Drug Content, Suitable for Teens Movie Release: 2001 DVD Release: 06/19/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 52 mins Studio: Paramount Total Copies: 47 Genres: Drama, Romance, Romantic Drama, Musical Drama, Teen Movie, Dance Film See Also: Save the Last Dance [Special Collector's Edition]

In this romantic drama, two teenagers in love struggle to look past their differences. After the unexpected death of her mother, Sarah Johnson (Julia Stiles) moves to Chicago to live with her father. Knowing no one at her new school and not at home in a gritty, inner-city high school, Sarah has trouble adjusting, but she soon becomes friends with Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), who has talent and street smarts but a checkered past. Sarah was an avid student of ballet before her mother's death sidelined her studies, while Derek has some serious hip-hop moves, and their mutual love of dance leads their friendship into something deeper. However, since Sarah is white and Derek is black, they have more to contend with than the average high school couple; Sarah gets static from Nikki (Bianca Lawson), Derek's former girlfriend, while Derek has to deal with his friend Malakai (Fredro Starr), who is still deep in the thug life Derek is trying to avoid. Save the Last Dance was directed by Thomas Carter, who previously examined the sociopolitical side of dancing in Swing Kids. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Julia Stiles - Sara Johnson
Sean Patrick Thomas - Derek
Kerry Washington - Chenille
Fredro Starr - Malakai
Terry Kinney - Roy
Bianca Lawson - Nikki

Paramount has done a very nice job on this DVD edition of Save the Last Dance, starting with a very well done 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. Colors are all very bright and natural, with only the slightest edge enhancement spotted. Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (as well as Dolby Digital 2.0 in English and French) and is mixed very well. While some directional effects are utilized for dialogue, the music is the main focus of the surround feature. All sound aspects of Save the Last Dance are clean and free of distortion. Also included on this disc are English subtitles.
=Save the Last Dance is a fun DVD featuring a vast array of supplements. A commentary track by director Thomas Carter, who seems to be genuinely proud of the film he's made, is a highlight. Cast and crew interviews with the principle cast members give insight into the characters and production, and some deleted scenes allow viewers a chance to see what ended up hitting the cutting room floor. Finally there is a music video titled "Crazy" by KCi & JoJo, plus an original theatrical trailer. Paramount has put forth some well-placed effort on this title. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide