About a Boy

( 22 )

Overview

The critic and audience hit of 2002, this bright and insightful film comes to DVD after a short delay. The picture, framed at 2.35:1 (a cut up pan-and-scan version is also available on a separate disc) looks very good. Colors are nicely reproduced, but detail isn't particularly strong. This doesn't hamper a awfully good transfer though, as there are no signs of wear nor any distracting elements. The 5.1 English and French Dolby Digital tracks don't have a lot of life, but are certainly adequate for this type of ...
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More About This Product

Overview

The critic and audience hit of 2002, this bright and insightful film comes to DVD after a short delay. The picture, framed at 2.35:1 (a cut up pan-and-scan version is also available on a separate disc) looks very good. Colors are nicely reproduced, but detail isn't particularly strong. This doesn't hamper a awfully good transfer though, as there are no signs of wear nor any distracting elements. The 5.1 English and French Dolby Digital tracks don't have a lot of life, but are certainly adequate for this type of small film. It's not the kind of production where a wide dynamic sound field would be expected, therefore the clear, distortion free sound emanating from the front speakers is perfectly in line. As for extras, a nice variety has been included. To begin with, a scene-specific commentary from directors Paul and Chris Weitz is included that perfectly suites the film. As with many Universal DVD releases, this one includes the short "spotlight on location" with interviews from the directors, Hugh Grant, author Nick Hornby, and others. With some interesting moments, it still doesn't add up to a lot beyond a studio fluff piece. Seven deleted scenes, with optional directors' commentary are also included, as well as a humorous, though all-too-brief "English to English" dictionary, explaining British slang terms. Badly Drawn Boy, who wrote the songs for the film provide two entertaining music videos for the songs, "Something to Talk About" and "Silent Sigh," and a 21-minute interview with Damon Gough, (who is Badly Drawn Boy) discussing his career. Finishing things off (if that wasn't enough) are the lyrics for the song "Santa's Super Sleigh," the trailer for this film and other Universal titles such as Notting Hill, Meet the Parents, and Johnny English, plus standard filmographies and productions notes. Those who saw About a Boy know just how good it is; those that didn't now have their chance.
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Special Features

Closed Caption; Hilarious deleted scenes; Feature commentary with directors Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz; Exciting music videos by Badly Drawn Boy; "Santa's Super Sleigh" lyrics to the entire song; Spotlight on location: the making of About a Boy; English to English dictionary; DVD-ROM features
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Michael Hastings
A thoroughly pleasant but decidedly un-romantic comedy boasting another witty star turn from Hugh Grant, this Nick Hornby adaptation belongs to the increasingly common subgenre of hybrid British-American comedy-dramas that are easy enough going down, but may leave viewers with a few naggingly unresolved character arcs and motivations. As a funny, involving tale of redemption for a lazy, spoiled lad edging toward middle age, About a Boy succeeds. Hugh Grant is one of the few actors since Cary Grant who can remain likeable even as he's committing near-despicable acts of dishonesty, and directors Chris and Paul Weitz have found a perfect foil for him in the disarmingly guileless Nicholas Hoult. They've also managed to make their first genuinely stylish film, shot with grainy aplomb by Remi Adefarasin (less successful are editor Nick Moore's showy jump cuts and wipe transitions). But their script, written with Peter Hedges, leaves something to be desired in its romantic half. By the time About a Boy reveals the charming but ineffectual love interest Rachel Weisz, audiences may be long past the point of caring if, when, or with whom its cad of a protagonist is going to settle down. It doesn't help that the luminous Toni Collette, though saddled with a frump of a role, walks off with every scene she's in, and has unlimited depth and chemistry with Grant. Though the Weitz brothers have proven that they have heart to spare when it comes to their lovelorn heroes -- American Pie proved as much -- ultimately, they're not as democratic when it comes to some of their supporting characters, and engaging as it is, About a Boy can't help but suffer as a result.
Washington Post - Desson Howe
Hilarious, touching and wonderfully dyspeptic.
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert
1/2 Hugh Grant, who has a good line in charm, has never been more charming than in About a Boy.
Hollywood Reporter
Beautifully written and directed and packed with excellent performances.

1/2 Hugh Grant, who has a good line in charm, has never been more charming than in About a Boy.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 1/14/2003
  • UPC: 025192197925
  • Original Release: 2002

    • Rating:

  • Source: Universal Studios
  • Region Code: 1
  • Aspect Ratio: Cinemascope (2.35:1)
  • Presentation: Wide Screen
  • Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • Language: English, Français
  • Time: 1:42:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 2,994

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Hugh Grant Will Freeman
Nicholas Hoult Marcus
Toni Collette Fiona
Rachel Weisz Rachel
Isabel Brooke Angie
Victoria Smurfit Susie
Sharon Small Christine
Technical Credits
Chris Weitz Director, Screenwriter
Paul Weitz Director, Screenwriter
Remi Adefarasin Cinematographer
Tim Bevan Producer
Jim Clay Production Designer
Tony Dawe Sound/Sound Designer
Robert De Niro Producer
Eric Fellner Producer
Garry Freeman Art Director
Lynn Harris Executive Producer
Peter Hedges Screenwriter
Nick Hornby Executive Producer
Priscilla John Casting
Joanna Johnston Costumes/Costume Designer
Bill Meadows Sound/Sound Designer
Nick Moore Editor
Christopher Newman Asst. Director
Jane Rosenthal Producer
Patrick Seymour Musical Arrangement
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Scene Index

Side #1 --
1. Two Boys (Main Titles) [6:49]
2. Fabulous Single Mums [4:09]
3. Bad Times [2:25]
4. S.P.A.T. [4:27]
5. The Weird Kid [3:10]
6. Duck Killer [2:18]
7. Emergency [6:27]
8. Cool Uncle Will [5:21]
9. Will's New Friend [8:52]
10. Cool New Shoes [3:30]
11. Marcus in the Middle [4:49]
12. Christmas [5:49]
13. Rachel [4:26]
14. My Son Marcus [6:33]
15. Truth & Consequences [4:39]
16. Something for Mum [4:21]
17. Worried About Marcus [1:23]
18. The School Concert [6:11]
19. No Man Is an Island [8:03]
20. End Titles [2:23]
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Menu

Side #1 --
   Scenes
   Bonus Materials
      Spotlight on Location: The Making of About a Boy
      Feature Commentary With Directors Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz
      Deleted Scenes
         Play
         Play Deleted Scenes With Directors' Commentary
      Music Videos
         "Silent Sigh" by Badly Drawn Boy
         "Something to Talk About" by Badly Drawn Boy
         About a Boy Soundtrack Spot
      Badly Drawn Boy
      "Santa's Super Sleigh"
      English to English Dictionary
      Trailer
      Production Notes
      Cast and Filmmakers
         Hugh Grant as Will
         Toni Collette as Fiona
         Rachel Weisz as Rachel
         Nicholas Hoult as Marcus
         Based on the Book by Nick Hornby
         Screenplay by Peter Hedges
         Directed by Paul Weitz & Chris Weitz
      DVD-ROM Features
      Now Showing
         A Beautiful Mind
         Erin Brockovich
         The Family Man
         Meet the Parents
         Notting Hill
      Universal Showcase
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 22 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(11)

4 Star

(7)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(2)

1 Star

(0)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 22 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    MUST SEE

    it took me a looong time to see this movie i heard it was good. finally one day i saw it and i went to sleep late because i couldn't stop watching it. it is soo good i wish to tell people if you buy it like me without ever seen it you would not have wasted your money in vain. now i am looking for the book to read it.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    I Just Loved It!!

    I really enjoyed this movie. It's one of those that you like to watch over and over again. Grant plays a very cynical and selfish and lonely man whose life gets interrupted by a kid. It's funny, moving, and some parts are jsut embarassing. You should definately get it!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Fantastic, Hilarious Comedy

    I like the plot of the story which you can Will's changes gradually from a self-centred to a caring, loving guy. I like the way Hugh Grant protrayed Will, speaking with brutal tone. His boyish behaviour makes me laugh all the time, telling lies, chasing ambulance and ridding his life of all responsibility. Above all, his sarcastic remarks, "the most killing is that both of them close their eyes."

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Best Memorial Day 2002 Release

    This movie was released the same day as Star Wars episode 2 (Clone Wars). Amazingly, Hugh Grant and company delivered the better Memorial Day release. Actually one of the best movies summer of 2002. Watch, laugh, and enjoy!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Hilarious--so many one-liners you'll need to take notes

    I'm still quoting this movie. It's filled with hilarious, perfectly dead-pan one-liners delivered perfectly by Hugh Grant. The human side of the story holds up its end of the bargain fairly well, but the comedy alone is worth the price of entry. If you're a fan of the British school of humor, this is your flick.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    best movie I have seen in quite awhile

    This movie was one of the best I have seen in long time. Best story line, and humor.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 4, 2013

    Possibly my favorite movie. I love the real life situations and

    Possibly my favorite movie.
    I love the real life situations and how the movie deals with sensitive subjects so truthfully and cleaverly, but it is a feel good movie that playfully and wittily creates a feel good movie.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    The Boy's alright...

    Quirky tale about the rich and lonely son of a one-hit-wonder (Grant), and Marcus, the frumpy 12 year old son of a single, suicidal hippiechick, who inconvienently invades his well controled and solitary existence. Grant, Nicholas Hoult (Marcus), and Toni Collette all deliver charming performances in this warm but funny movie about very different lives intersecting.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Hugh Grant in his element

    This was a great movie. And I highly suspect that this is how Hugh Grant see's himself at times (like his character in the movie) which is why he made this movie so believable. Robert Deniro bought the rights to the film before Hugh could do it himself as they both felt it would be a great movie. Since Hugh couldn't own it, he contacted 'Bob' and was asked to play the lead but not before trying to make it americanized. Hugh felt it was written by an english bloke (Nick Hornby) and should be made as an english movie too. Bob realized Hugh was right and made it with english characters. I agree, the english way is the only way for this film. It's funny yet has feeling. You learn from this film too...things such as how it was Jon Bon Jovi who first said 'No man is an island'. You'll laugh, you'll cry...and totally enjoy the soundtrack from 'Badly Drawn Boy'.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Good romantic comedy

    I'm not into chick flicks much, but I gave this movie a try for my girlfriend. The first thought that came to my mind was: ''Oh god, a chick flick with Hugh Grant, the pansy from England.'' But after about 15-20 mins, I was laughing and actually enjoying the movie. I suggest this movie for everyone.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    funniest movie I've seen in awhile

    This movie is one of those comedies where you can't stop laughing. I see lots of movies, but none compare to the wit and charm found here in About A Boy. I am not normally a Hugh Grant fan, but I am now. He redeemed himself in this movie and I love the actor who plays Marcus. The directing was brilliant and the screenplay was clever. I loved everything about it. I recommend it to everyone.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Hugh Hits the Mark

    About A Boy is a hilarious film with substance as well. You care about these characters and want to see where the story takes you in addition it's a film filled with humor that will leave you wanting more. Hugh Grant delivers an outstanding performance, a little different then some of his twitchy characters in other popular films, not to mention Toni Collette and the boy who plays her son who give their characters realistic and loveable traits. I think men and women alike will enjoy this film as it is as funny and full of guy humor as it is sensitive. Check this movie out it's a rare cinematic find!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 27, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 26, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 20, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 28, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted September 19, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 11, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 15, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 15, 2012

    No text was provided for this review.

See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 22 Customer Reviews