Hancock

DVD Rating: ****

Reviewed by: Rick Derisz

Read Jennie Kermode's film review of Hancock
Hancock
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This double-disc DVD contains the film on one disc, while the other holds an all-you-can-eat buffet of extras, giving you a good insight into the making of the film.

The film itself is of good, sharp quality, capturing Berg’s colourful tones to good effect. Audio wise, there is a clever use of surround sound during the numerous action sequences. There are plenty of subtitles to choose from, including English, Czech, Dutch, Hindi and Slovak. As well as this, there is an excellent audio descriptive track for the visually impaired. Unfortunately, there is no director’s commentary, but you do get to choose between two versions of the film – either the theatrical or unrated version.

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The second disc contains more than an hour of goodies, broken into seven different sections.

Superhumans: The Making of Hancock discusses the origins of the screenplay, development of the characters and features producers, the director and the actors.

More interesting is Seeing the Future, which shows how 3D computer construction creates scenes initially, in order for the plot to run smoothly when it comes to filming. There are eight sub-sections, comparing the computer generated version to the final cut and there is also a fly-on-the-wall look at how the producers brainstorm ideas.

The Building a Better Hero and Bumps And Bruises both take a look at the film's special effects. The first offers a detailed examination of the lengths the filmmakers go to in order to make scenes feel realistic - scenes the viewer may, at times, take for granted. Meanwhile, Bumps And Bruises examines the physical side of creating the effects.

Home Life and Suiting up are about the level of detail that goes in to the set and costume design respectively. The relevant folk talk us through the stages taken to achieve the end result. You might feel a bit guilty about not noticing the small things in the surroundings or costumes after watching these.

The package is rounded out by Mere Mortals, which offers a brief, behind-the-scenes glimpse of director Peter Berg, and a number of trailers. Sony should also be praised for ensuring that all of the extras come with subtitles (both English and German).

There is also the option of a digital copy. What this means is you can insert the DVD into your PC and copy it digitally so you can play it again without needing the disc itself. This is a clever addition for anyone who may want to watch the film on the go.

All in all, aside from the lack of a commentary track, this is a comprehensive set of extras that will add plenty to your enjoyment of the film. The film is also available in single-disc edition.

Reviewed on: 01 Dec 2008
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A public relations professional decides to improve the image of a dropout superhero who just can't get things right.
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Product Code: CDR47152EX

Region: 2

Ratio: 2.40:1

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, audio descriptive track

Extras: Superhumans: The Making of Hancock, Seeing the Future, Building a Better Hero, Bumps and Bruises, Mere Mortals: Behind the Scenes with Dirty Pete , digital copy


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