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"Garden State" DVD Review

About.com Rating

By Rebecca Murray, About.com

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"Garden State" on DVD

Twentieth Century Fox Home Video

The Bottom Line

TV audiences have grown to love Zach Braff on "Scrubs," but we all know popularity on television doesn't necessarily translate into box office dollars. But if "Garden State" is indicative of what we can expect from Braff, there's no need to worry his appeal will be limited to TV sitcoms. "Garden State" is something special - a film that's intelligent, moving, and actually tells an interesting story. That's quite an accomplishment for any writer/director, let alone a feature film rookie.

Pros

Zach Braff sets the bar high with his directorial debut
Fresh, funny, and original

Cons

None worth noting

Description

3-minute blooper reel
"The Making of 'Garden State" - 30 minute featurette with cast and crew interviews
Soundtrack Promo Spot - Soundtrack teaser with clips from the songs in "Garden State"
16 - yes, 16 - deleted scenes with option commentary by Zach Braff and select crew members
Commentary track with Zach Braff and Natalie Portman
Commentary track with Braff and the director of photography, editor, and production designer
DVD Release Date: December 28, 2004 - Widescreen Only

Guide Review - "Garden State" DVD Review

Zach Braff wrote, directed and stars in "Garden State," the story of struggling actor Andrew 'Large' Largeman. Largeman's estranged from his family but with the passing of his mom, he's compelled to return home to try and fix his relationship with his father and reconnect with old friends. "Garden State's" the touching, comical, at times heart-wrenching story of one man's journey to learn to enjoy living and really experience life.

"Garden State" benefits from a terrific cast any first-time feature filmmaker would kill to direct. Ian Holm ("Lord of the Rings") plays Large's emotionally detached father, Natalie Portman ("Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith) co-stars as a quirky, lovable young woman Large falls for, and Peter Sarsgaard ("Kinsey") turns in another great performance as one of Large's old friends who accompanies him on the journey of discovery.

The "Garden State" DVD is loaded with bonus features, including 16 deleted scenes with commentary by Zach Braff. Though the scenes are interesting and definitely worth checking out, none are really missed in Braff's final edit. Braff also includes a blooper reel with outtakes from the dog/hospital waiting room scene. Though short, the blooper reel is my personal favorite bonus feature.

"Garden State" caught on in theaters through strong word of mouth. Now on DVD, Braff's little gem will hopefully reach an even bigger audience. It certainly deserves to be seen.

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