Intro
It is so rare for a small film, such as MADE, to be given a blockbuster DVD release. This is one of the best low budget films I have seen in a long time (excluding Memento… which was the best). But unfortunately, Memento was not given a DVD release that did it justice, Made, on the other hand, did.
Synopsis
“In this reunion of Swingers co-stars Jon Favreau (making his feature directorial debut) and Vince Vaughn, the two star in a new Mob comedy set in the underbelly of N…w York City. Favreau plays Bobby, an aspiring boxer who has a lackluster record but refuses to give up his lifelong dream. Ricky (Vaughn) is a loose cannon hanger-on who dreams of breaking into the mob. When Bobby begins to get close to old-time Mob boss Max (Peter Falk), Ricky believes it is a way into organized crime. Max is more interested in Bobby carrying out orders, but he allows the two to perform a job In New York under the supervision of a smooth crime lord (music mogul Sean Combs). Ricky then is powered by the idea that he and Bobby are bigwigs in their new community of acquaintances and begins to assume the role of a high roller — at the expense of his friend. Made, also written by Favreau, also features Sopranos regular Vincent Pastore, Famke Janssen, and Faizon Love in supporting roles.” – Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
Audio
The audio on this DVD is fabulous. The soundtrack is one of the best I have ever heard… it combines great music with efficient effects. I did not expect much from this disc in terms of sound, but I was floored by the high quality.
If you are going to do a commentary track, you cannot go wrong with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. This is a very unique commentary. Unique in the fact that you listen to the audio only commentary track, which is the normal choice… or, you can watch the commentary track with the Vaughn and Favreau doing play-by-play with a telestrator (sports term for drawing on the screen to accentuate certain aspects on the screen). This feature makes this commentary as enjoyable as any ever done. Leave it to these funny guys to come up with an idea such as this. Along with the uniqueness factor, the commentary track is very good as well.
Video
Almost as good as the audio is the video. The picture quality was sharp… good flesh tones, clear colors, and deep blacks. There was very little damage to the print, and no pixilation is noticeable. The transfer is a 1.77:1 anamorphic widescreen which looks good… and it is enhanced for widescreen televisions.
Features
Features, Features, Features. On a film such as Planet of the Apes or Tomb Raider you should expect a lot of special features, but on MADE? Made has so many special features, it evenly compares with the previously states blockbusters. A total of three documentaries are included on this disc: “Making the Music”, “Creative Process”, and “Getting it Made”. All of these feature on the film, rather then the comedy that these two actors make. We get a glimpse at the ideology behind the film, and how it was made.
The More MADE Footage section includes not only 5 deleted scenes, but also 9 outtakes, and 9 alternate scenes. You get all of the MADE you can handle, and it is all fabulous. All of this extra footage is very valuable and funny… you don’t want to skip this section.
Also included on this disc are lots of other great extras. There is a scene edit workshop where you can choose the camera angle and piece together your own scene from the film. There are more music cues, Theatrical Trailer, Teaser Trailer, Cast & Crew Bios, and Production Notes. Fabulous Job Artisan on this section.
The menus on MADE are very nice. They are fully animated with sound. The page transitions are smooth and animated, and the menus are very clean. Very high quality all around the board.
Closing Thoughts
For you Swingers fans out there, you need this DVD. I preferred this film over Swingers, but both are amazing. This is the best DVD release that I have ever seen for a non-blockbuster film. You get amazing video, audio, special features, and film. Everyone should own this DVD.
Special Features List
- Audio Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Outtakes
- Extended Scenes
- Scene edit Workshop
- 3 Documentaries
- DVD-ROM
- Trailers
- Production Notes
- Cast & Crew Bios
