Search - Big Fish on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Brief Nudity, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Suitable for Teens Movie Release: 2003 DVD Release: 04/27/2004 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 5 mins Studio: Columbia TriStar Total Copies: 56 Genres: Comedy Drama, Fantasy Comedy, Family Drama See Also: Big Fish [With Collectible Book], Big Fish [Blu-ray]

Tim Burton directs the fantasy drama Big Fish, based on the book -Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Southern writer/illustrator Daniel Wallace. Billy Crudup plays William Bloom, a young man who never really knew his dying father, Edward (Albert Finney) outside of the tall tales he told about growing up, making his way, and meeting his mother (played as a young woman by Alison Lohman and in older age by Jessica Lange). During Edward's last days, William and his wife Josephine (Marion Cotillard) hold bedside vigil as the old man recollects elaborate memories of his youth (in which he is played by Ewan McGregor). Still doubting the the legends and folklore, William makes a journey to meet a mysterious woman (Helena Bonham Carter) from whom Edward had bought property. Steve Buscemi and Danny De Vito also star. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Ewan McGregor - Ed Bloom (Young)
Albert Finney - Edward Bloom (senior)
Billy Crudup - William Bloom
Jessica Lange - Sandra Bloom (Senior)
Helena Bonham Carter - Jenny
Alison Lohman - Sandra Bloom (Young)

A touching tale of a son who sets out to find the truth about his adventurous father, Tim Burton's Big Fish arrives on DVD with an abundance of features that will no doubt have Burton devotees flocking. Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the image is near perfect -- with bright, vibrant colors, even skin tones, and no sign of edge-enhancement. Burton has always been known as a flamboyantly visual filmmaker, and this disc offers a truly fantastic view of his skills behind the camera. The English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio mix is bold without being overwhelming, saving directional effects for just the right moments and offering a great showcase for the film's wonderful sound design. An alternate French Dolby Digital Surround mix is also included, along with optional English and French subtitles. Though it's not being touted as a "special edition" of any sort, the features presented on this disc put most so-called comprehensive releases to shame. Beginning with an insightful commentary track that is co-hosted by -Burton on Burton author Mark Salisbury, Burton truly opens up while discussing the film. If at first the inclusion of Salisbury seems somewhat intrusive to fans, as the film progresses, the probing interviewer draws details from the director that may have otherwise been left unexplored. From childhood inspiration to technical information, the commentary track reveals a Burton that the casual viewer as well as the dedicated fan will surely find compelling.

"The Character's Journey," separated into three parts -- "Edward Bloom at Large," "Amos at the Circus," and "Fathers and Sons" -- expounds on each eponymous subject with insight and clarity while never ceasing to entertain, with "Fathers and Sons" offering a touching look at the familial bond that drives the film. Fans of Burton will get plenty of insight from "The Filmmaker's Path," which is divided into four parts: "Tim Burton: Storyteller," "A Fairytale World," "Creature Features," and "The Author's Journey." From discussing the origins of Burton's career in "Tim Burton: Storyteller" to offering a revealing look at how fairy tales and mythology influenced the film in "A Fairytale World," this segment explores the foundations of the film in a way that will capture viewers' imagination as well as their attention. "The Author's Journey" talks with -Big Fish author Daniel Wallace and screenwriter John August, exploring the roots of Wallace's career as a writer while addressing the difficulties of adapting such an imaginative tale for the screen. The adventurous viewer can explore the film itself by opting to enable a pop-up feature that offers revealing facts about the characters and filmmakers, and for viewers who wish to test their knowledge about the director, a Tim Burton trivia quiz offers an opportunity to flex their brains with the promise of a hearty reward. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide