Jodie Foster's humorous portrayal of an odd dysfunctional family coming together for Thanksgiving dinner should strike a chord with anyone who has ever weathered the holidays -- and survived. Home for the Holidays features a very nice 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation that sports vivid colors, solid flesh tones, and even black levels. Although there is a small amount of grain and dirt in certain scenes, overall this is a very nice looking transfer from MGM. No edge enhancement or shimmer was spotted throughout the feature. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (as well as Dolby 2.0 Surround in French) and sounds very good. Since this is a dialogue-driven film, surround effects were not aggressive, though there were moments when all speakers were engaged. Dialogue, effects, and Mark Isham's comedic score all shine clearly and concisely. Also included on this disc are French and Spanish subtitles. Much like Jodie Foster's directing debut Little Man Tate, Home for the Holidays includes a commentary track by the director. Jodie Foster tends to be very lively and talkative throughout this track, making it enjoyable and enlightening for the viewer. Also included on this disc is an original theatrical trailer for Home for the Holidays. This DVD may not be heavy in the supplements department, but it should be filling enough for any fan of disastrous family comedies.
Customer Rating
5
Funny!
on January 18, 2009
Posted by: Berlinsgonewhere
from Maryland
Very funny look at an extremely dysfunctional family, and yet I think it eerily hits close to home for most of us. The acting in this was top notch, it felt genuine, as if you were peering in through the window on this family. You were able to sympathize with the main character, and laugh at all the ridiculous things happening on her holiday. Wonderful performance by Robert Downey, Jr. as high-energy brother Tommy. Fun holiday flick for the older members of the family (suggestive content and language make it a bit mature for youngsters.)
This movie really blew me away. It's illustrative look was pleasing and impressive. This is the first movie in which I actually enjoyed Keanu Reeves' performance, but Robert Downey, Jr. as usual, stole the show. My only real issue was the complexity of the plot. It's a movie that is enjoyed most the second time around; bits seem to get lost in the first viewing. Watching the extras also helped me understand. One of the most unique and interesting movies I've seen in a long while.
What's great about it: The art is astonishing, acting is first class