DVD
REVIEW: DECK THE HALLS
11/02/07
Christmas is just around the
corner and last years' Christmas movies are ready to be
release in DVD this year. The first one to be released is
"Deck The Halls" starting Danny DeVito and Matthew
Broderick. A film that got below average reviews from the
the nation top critics and made about $12 million dollars in
its opening weekend in the US.
"Deck The Halls" follows
the story of optometrist Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) who
takes his family Christmas very seriously by following the
same routine every year and keeping everything in a log up to
schedule. Something that his family – wife Kelly
(Kristin Davis), daughter Madison (Alia Shawkat), and son
Carter (Dylan Blue) can barely tolerate. His popularity
about Christmas is so high town
knows hims as mister Christmas. But everything changed for Steve when
his new next door neighbor Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito) decides
to make a name for himself by trying to become the new "King
of Christmas" in town.
There is nothing new in this
film that previous Christmas movies have not touched. That's
where the film looses most of its value. However the main
reason for watching this movie is Mathew Broderick, he is
the one that saves the movies by making it enjoyable. He was funny and
dramatic when he needed to be. The big disappointment was Danny DeVito that aside from a couple of funny scenes shared with
Mathew, Danny just wasn't at his best in this one.
One good reason to give this
film a chance is what makes this
film worth watching, the amazing work done by the
producers in recreating a true Christmas atmosphere in July.
From the snow to the music and clothing, it is amazing how
every single detail about the season was captured in this
film. There is no doubt that there is a Christmas
ambiance that transfers to the audience. As a result,
the DVD
contains two short nice features that
show how the amazing setting for this picture was accomplished.
VIDEO:
Anamorphic Widescreen / Full Screen
AUDIO:
Dolby
Digital 5.1 Surround - English Spanish French,
Subtitles - English, Spanish,
BONUS FEATURES:
Deleted Scenes - There are
about 3 deleted scenes that don't add to much to the
story. Not worth watching.(3:54)
Commentary with John Whitesell and
Danny DeVito
Winterizing/Shooting a
Christmas Movie In July: A good documentary on how
the producers were able to shoot a Christmas movie in
July.(4:03)
Dylan Blue cast
interviews
Bloopers
About 13 bloopers running around 7 minutes
Construction of the Homes Featurette:
A nice short documentary on how the two Steves and Buddys
houses were build and how they were able to shoot night
scenes during the day (4:02)
Lighting Design Featurette:
A short documentary on how the lighting of Buddys house.
(3:12)
Commentary with John Whitesell and
Danny DeVito
RATING BREAK DOWN:
| FILM REVIEW |
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|
VIDEO |
 |
|
AUDIO |
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| BONUS
FEATURES |
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