Search - Head of State [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Profanity, Sexual Situations, Drug Content Movie Release: 2003 DVD Release: 08/12/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 35 mins Studio: DreamWorks Total Copies: 42 Genres: Comedy, Political Satire See Also: Head of State [Fullscreen]

Can a high-attitude African-American politician who says what he thinks stand a chance in a presidential campaign? Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock) is a straight-talking alderman representing a inner-city neighborhood in Washington, D.C. In the midst of a hard-fought race for the White House, the Democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates are killed in an airline crash, and with little time to prepare a new campaign, the Republican candidate, Vice President Brian Lewis (Nick Searcy), seems all but guaranteed to win. With practically nothing to loose, party head Martin Geller (Dylan Baker) approaches Gilliam and asks him to stand as the Democrat's presidential candidate. While Gilliam is dubious at first, before long his streetwise style and willingness to face the issues head-on earns him surprising figures in the polls, especially after he persuades his short-fused older brother, Mitch Gilliam (Bernie Mac), to join the ticket as vice presidential candidate -- a big jump for a bail bondsman. Gilliam's love life also becomes more complicated as his ex-girlfriend Kim (Robin Givens) decides she wants him back now that he has a shot at the White House, even though Gilliam only has eyes for Lisa (Tamala Jones). Head of State marked the directorial debut for comic and actor Chris Rock, who also co-wrote and co-produced the film. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Chris Rock - Mays Gilliam
Bernie Mac - Mitch Gilliam
Dylan Baker - Martin Geller
Nick Searcy - Brian Lewis
Lynn Whitfield - Debra Lassiter

Chris Rock's directorial debut, Head of State, has a number of supplements, but while no one would expect a special edition, what is offered here is quite weak. Granted, there is a scene-specific commentary, but Rock's observations aren't always that interesting, and he's not nearly as funny as would be expected. A 12-minute PR piece about the making of the film does have some good interviews with the cast, but it doesn't amount to much, and the standard photo gallery has become so superfluous that it no longer holds any interest. Finally, along with the typical production notes, cast and crew biographies, and home-video trailers for Walk the Talk and Biker Boyz, are three deleted scenes that certainly wouldn't have added to the film. While the disc sounds like a waste of time, things do get better. The 1.85:1 anamorphic image is first-rate. As expected, there is also a full-frame version, available separately. Colors tend to be somewhat over-saturated at times, but are never too much of a distraction. Director of photography Donald Thorin (Purple Rain, Scent of a Woman, Shaft) has done a wonderful job here, and the transfer on this DVD really highlights his work. While the soundtrack can't really live up to the image, it's far better than expected. As with a smaller, low-budget comedy, the audio is primarily centered up front, but the occasional use of the surrounds adds to the overall effect. Far from a great DVD, it does have enough going for it for a recommendation. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide