Search - About a Boy [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Watch With Your Teen Movie Release: 2002 DVD Release: 01/14/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 42 mins Studio: Universal Studios Total Copies: 51 Genres: Comedy Drama, Romantic Comedy, Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life See Also: About a Boy [Fullscreen], About a Boy, About a Boy [Widescreen], About a Boy [Widescreen] [Valentine's Day Packaging]

London's most frequently eligible bachelor gets some lessons in growing up from a maladroit 12-year-old boy in this third big-screen adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel, directed and co-written by siblings Chris and Paul Weitz of American Pie fame. About a Boy concerns the parallel coming-of-age stories of the thirtysomething Will (Hugh Grant), a layabout "serial nice guy" living a posh, carefree lifestyle off his deceased father's fortune; and the preteen Marcus (Nicholas Hoult), a bright but awkward youth who's tired of his mom Fiona's (Toni Collette) depressed, boyfriend-less state. Their paths collide when Will, deciding that single mothers are the easiest romantic conquests on the dating scene, fabricates a two-year-old son and joins a group called S.P.A.T. (Single Parents Alone Together). Marcus is wise to Will's scheme, however, and through some incessant pestering and blackmail, he contrives for Will to date Fiona. Though Will doesn't hit it off immediately with either Marcus or his mother, he gradually begins to open up to the people around him -- so much so that he attracts the attention of another attractive single mom (Rachel Weisz). A U.S./U.K. co-production of Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Films and Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner's Working Title (the company responsible for the Grant-related Four Weddings and a Funeral and Bridget Jones's Diary), About a Boy was co-written by What's Eating Gilbert Grape creator Peter Hedges. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide

Hugh Grant - Will Freeman
Nicholas Hoult - Marcus
Toni Collette - Fiona
Rachel Weisz - Rachel

The critic and audience hit of 2002, this bright and insightful film comes to DVD after a short delay. The picture, framed at 2.35:1 (a cut up pan-and-scan version is also available on a separate disc) looks very good. Colors are nicely reproduced, but detail isn't particularly strong. This doesn't hamper a awfully good transfer though, as there are no signs of wear nor any distracting elements. The 5.1 English and French Dolby Digital tracks don't have a lot of life, but are certainly adequate for this type of small film. It's not the kind of production where a wide dynamic sound field would be expected, therefore the clear, distortion free sound emanating from the front speakers is perfectly in line. As for extras, a nice variety has been included. To begin with, a scene-specific commentary from directors Paul and Chris Weitz is included that perfectly suites the film. As with many Universal DVD releases, this one includes the short "spotlight on location" with interviews from the directors, Hugh Grant, author Nick Hornby, and others. With some interesting moments, it still doesn't add up to a lot beyond a studio fluff piece. Seven deleted scenes, with optional directors' commentary are also included, as well as a humorous, though all-too-brief "English to English" dictionary, explaining British slang terms. Badly Drawn Boy, who wrote the songs for the film provide two entertaining music videos for the songs, "Something to Talk About" and "Silent Sigh", and a 21-minute interview with Damon Gough, (who is Badly Drawn Boy) discussing his career. Finishing things off (if that wasn't enough) are the lyrics for the song "Santa's Super Sleigh," the trailer for this film and other Universal titles such as Notting Hill, Meet the Parents, and Johnny English, plus standard filmographies and productions notes. Those who saw About a Boy know just how good it is; those that didn't now have their chance. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide