Search - Chasing Papi on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Adult Language, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 2003 DVD Release: 08/26/2003 Format: DVD - Pan and Scan - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English, Spanish Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 20 mins Studio: 20th Century Fox Total Copies: 2 Genres: Comedy, Chase Movie, Farce

A man learns the hard way that, when it comes to women, three is more than a crowd in this frantic comedy. Tomas Fuentes (Eduardo Verástegui) is a successful advertising man living in Los Angeles who has a way with the ladies. Almost too much of a way, in fact, since he's currently dating three beautiful women in three different cities: Lorena (Roselyn Sanchez), a bright and attractive lawyer living in Chicago; Cici (Sofía Vergara), a cocktail waitress from Miami with a fiery personality; and Patricia (Jaci Velasquez), a New Yorker looking to get out from under the domineering shadow of her mother. As it happens, all three women are fans of noted television astrologer Walter Mercado, and on his advice, they each decide to take a bold step in their relationships and visit Tomas in L.A. Needless to say, the women are enraged to discover Tomas' rather spectacular infidelity, but that turns out to be the least of his problems after a mixture of booze and tranquilizers lands him in the hospital, a pair of crooks (D.L. Hughley and Freddy Rodriguez) kidnap him, and he discovers Cici and Patricia are wanted by the law. Produced under the title Papi Chulo, Chasing Papi was the first feature film from director Linda Mendoza after an extensive resume of credits in television comedy. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Roselyn Sanchez - Lorena
Sofía Vergara - Cici
Jaci Velasquez - Patricia
Eduardo Verástegui - Tomas 'Papi' Fuentes
Lisa Vidal - Carmen

Granted, it never received a wide theatrical release, but Chasing Papi comes to DVD with a superb presentation. This two-sided disc includes both a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer and a full-frame alternative. The picture is exceptional in every way. Colors, an integral part of the film, are exciting and perfectly realized; skin tones are equally impressive and realistic. This DVD transfer really has a theatrical feel. In an unexpected move, the 5.1 English Dolby Digital track has a decent amount of life. Yes, as with most smaller romantic comedies, this one is centered up front, but there is also a generous amount of surround sound, creating a wider field than expected. The dialogue is also clear and crisp throughout. What isn't so exciting is the decision at Fox to split the supplements up over the two sides. A commentary track from director Linda Mendoza, director of photography Xavier Pérez Grobet, and stars Eduardo Verástegui, Sofía Vergara, and Roselyn Sanchez is provided on either side of the disc. As with the movie, it's excessively lightweight, but enjoyable, although it quickly becomes annoying when all the participants alternate between English and Spanish. The other extra available on the widescreen side is a 20-minute featurette that is obviously studio fluff, but pleasant enough to watch. The full-frame side contains a brief segment of bloopers and outtakes (none of which are overly interesting), a lackluster music video from Huey Dunbar featuring Fat Joe, a music promotional spot, and the theatrical trailer. While the supplements don't add up to much, the overall package is rather appealing, even if the film itself lacks much substance. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide