Search - Life as a House on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Not For Children, Adult Language, Substance Abuse, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 2001 DVD Release: 03/26/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 4 mins Studio: New Line Home Video Members Wishing: 6 Genres: Drama, Medical Drama, Family Drama

Kevin Kline stars as George, a down-on-his-luck architect in this tearjerker from Irwin Winkler (At First Sight, Guilty by Suspicion). A disdainful local character who draws disapproval from the community, particularly his neighbor played by Mary Steenburgen, George sets out to change his life after suddenly losing his longtime job and discovering he's terminally ill (he has cancer). Attempting to reconnect with his estranged and troubled son, Sam (Hayden Christiansen), George endeavors to spend the summer they have together building his dream home by the sea. The laborious process leads to the rebuilding of dissipated relationships, the birth of new ones, and all-around healing. ~ Rachel Deahl, All Movie Guide

Kevin Kline - George
Kristin Scott Thomas - Robin
Hayden Christensen - Sam
Jena Malone - Alyssa
Mary Steenburgen - Coleen

Drama and tragedy come together in Life as a House starring Kevin Kline. New Line has put a lot of work into this 2.0:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer (changed from its 2.35:1 theatrical ratio from the urging of the filmmakers). This is a very nice-looking image that includes solid color schemes and dark black levels. The only imperfections spotted during the film include a slight amount of edge enhancement and a tiny bit of shimmer. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and DTS, both in English. Each of these soundtracks feature full fidelity levels and well mixed surround sounds. The front and rear speakers are used through much of the film with the mix displaying a warm and inviting feel. Also included on this disc is a Dolby 2.0 soundtrack in English, as well as English subtitles and captions. This DVD edition of Life as a House includes a few well-produced extra features, starting with a commentary track by director Irwin Winkler, producer Rob Cowan, and screenwriter Mark Andrus. This is a fascinating commentary that features all three participants discussing their role in the filming process, as well as insight into the casting and production. Two original documentaries are included that shed some insight into the production and ideas behind the script. Sporting interviews with Kevin Kline, Hayden Christensen, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jena Malone, director Irwin Winkler, and producer Rob Cowan, "Character Building: Inside Life as a House" includes a lot of discussion of the themes in the story and also shows lots of clips from the film. "From the Ground Up" takes a look the construction of the house used in the film and includes a small amount of behind-the-scenes footage. Four deleted scenes are included that run about 12 minutes and feature optional commentary by director Irwin Winkler, producer Rob Cowan, and screenwriter Mark Andrus. While these scenes are interesting to watch, they don't tend to add much to one's knowledge of the final movie. Finally, there is a theatrical trailer presented in anamorphic widescreen, some production notes, and some information on the cast and crew. While views on this film may vary, there's no denying that New Line has done a nice job on this DVD edition of Life as a House. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide