The Bottom Line
- Terrific performances
- Spelling bee movies have become popular but this one definitely stands apart
- Great collection of bonus features
- Two commentary tracks but none by any of the actors
Description
- Commentary by directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel
- Commentary by producer Albert Berger and screenwriter Naomi Foner Gyllenhaal
- Six deleted scenes with optional commentary by the directors
- 'Making of Bee Season' - Behind the scenes featurette
- 'The Essence of Bee Season' - An analysis of the story
- 'Cutting Room Floor' - Outtakes/extended and deleted scenes set to music from the film
- Two discs include widescreen and full-screen versions
- DVD Release Date: April 4, 2006
Guide Review - "Bee Season" DVD Review
Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel and based on the Myla Goldberg, "Bee Season" is an intimate look at the Naumann family. 11-year-old Eliza (Flora Cross) has an impressive ability to spell which her father Saul (Richard Gere) encourages once he begins to pay attention to his often-ignored youngest child.
Saul's a religious studies professor and believes individual letters hold the universe's secrets and are a way to reach God. He begins to view Eliza's spelling bee success as a sign that she's spiritually gifted and starts to instruct her in the ways of the ancient mystics.
Juliette Binoche co-stars as Eliza's mother Miriam, a scientist who harbors deep, emotional scars and Max Minghella plays her brother, Aaron. All but ignored once Saul focuses his attention on Eliza, Aaron seeks his own spiritual course, turning to a local religious group for guidance. As Eliza achieves more success, each member of the family is changed until the family unit is dramatically altered.
