Warner has produced a fairly decent DVD of What a Girl Wants, teen idol Amanda Bynes' first starring role. The best part of the disc would have to be the image, framed at 2.35:1 and anamorphic, and is a dream to look at. Colors are wonderfully saturated and vivid, while details are exceptionally strong. There is a real warm tone to the visual style that comes across delightfully. And surprise: A severely-cropped pan-and-scan version is available separately. The English 5.1 soundtrack also isn't without its charms, but never really takes advantage of the sound field. Surrounds are only used limitedly and for environmental effect. The front left and rights are used more frequently, but, for the most part, which is not untypical for this variety of film, everything is centered up front. Supplements aren't quite as impressive, starting with scene-specific commentaries from Bynes and another from director Dennie Gordon and screenwriters Elizabeth Chandler and Jenny Bicks, although it's often difficult to tell these women apart by voice. Neither track is impressive, particularly Bynes', and it would have benefited to have a single track, not two. The remaining extras are lightweight, with a featurette on the costumes and etiquette, a hidden screen test for the Powney twins, three deleted scenes and a game to match up Bynes' costumes. Finally, along with the trailer is a page for the cast and crew, although no biographical or filmographies are offered. The disc, as with the film, will most likely appeal to a limited audience, but what is offered will surely please those fans.
Customer Rating
5
Solid Family Movie
on February 13, 2010
Posted by: Piet12
from Killingly, CT
A good family movie that keeps the audience moving around fairly well, so no real boring time frames. Characters are somewhat predictable and expected, however the nucleus group {mom, daughter, new dad} are worth rooting for. Some of the locations are great, like the main estate. The overriding best part of this movie is Amanda Bynes and her ability to carry this movie on her shoulders. Family values are laced well throughout, as well as a good over evil theme, but then again I like that stuff. Saw it broadcast on a TV channel, think I'll buy it to watch again.
What's great about it: Bright, Fun to watch, a feel good family movie.