The Bottom Line
Pros
- Another twisted story from M. Night Shyamalan
- Terrific ensemble cast including Adrien Brody and Joaquin Phoenix
- In her first starrring role, Bryce Dallas Howard proves she can hold her own
Cons
- Doesn't have a commentary track - and it needs one
- It's not necessarily a movie you'd want to watch more than once
Description
- Deconstructing "The Village" - Building the sets, casting the movie, and interviews
- Four deleted scenes with commentary by M. Night Shyamalan
- Bryce Dallas Howard's Diary - Howard reads portions of a journal she kept during filming
- M. Night's Home Movie - An Indiana Jones-style movie from Shyamalan's youth
- Production Photo Gallery
- DVD RELEASE DATE: January 11, 2005
Guide Review - "The Village" DVD Review
Newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard brightens the screen in "The Village," M. Night Shyamalan's latest thriller. Shyamalan's earned a reputation as a man who loves to keep his audience guessing, and he does so - to a point - in "The Village."The story centers around a tranquil little settlement full of good-natured, hard-working people. Most of the members of this quiet community get along well, which is a must as the town's cut off from the rest of the world. Surrounding the town lies a forest filled with a mythical race of creatures. The children of the town know better than to venture into the woods. They also know that the color red is forbidden as it upsets the beasts. And as everyone in the little town knows, whatever you do, you don't want to anger the creatures.
Since it's already been released in theaters, dissected, and reviewed, it should come as no shocker to hear "The Village" is not really a scary movie. It's more of a dramatic love story than Shyamalan's usual scary thriller-style fare.
DVD BONUS FEATURES
If you've got an hour or so to spare, plop yourself down and watch Deconstructing "The Village," a series of behind-the-scenes featurettes that provide an in-depth look into the creation of the town and the casting of the film. "The Village" DVD also features four deleted scenes worth looking at. The same can't be said for Bryce Dallas Howard's Diary and Shyamalan's Home Movie, two bonus features that feel like afterthoughts.
