Saturday, February 9, 2013

Arriving on DVD, Blu-Ray and VOD, February 12th -- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Review)



Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Mae Whitman Star in the Critically Acclaimed Film Arriving On Blu-ray Disc, DVD,
Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View February 12, 2013


The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Early Digital Download Window Began January 22

"Acclaimed author Stephen Chbosky makes his screenwriting and directing debut with The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the adaption of his acclaimed best-selling coming-of-age novel.  The film, which has been heralded as The Breakfast Club for a new generation, arrives on Blu-ray Disc (plus Digital Copy and UV), DVD (plus Digital Copy and UV), Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View on February 12 from Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE company.

Featuring stellar performances from a young ensemble cast, The Perks of Being a Wallflower centers around a freshman named Charlie (Logan Lerman, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief) who is always watching from the sidelines until a pair of charismatic seniors takes him under their wing.  Beautiful, free-spirited Sam (Emma Watson, the Harry Potter franchise) and her fearless stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller, We Need to Talk About Kevin) shepherd Charlie through new friendships, first love, burgeoning sexuality, wild parties, midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the quest for the perfect song. The film also stars Mae Whitman (TV’s “Parenthood”), Nina Dobrev (TV’s “The Vampire Diaries”), Dylan McDermott (TV’s “American Horror Story”), Kate Walsh (TV’s “Private Practice”), Joan Cusack (Showtime’s “Shameless”) and Paul Rudd (upcoming This is 40).

The Blu-ray Disc and DVD will include two audio commentaries; one featuring screenwriter/director Stephen Chbosky, and the other with Chobsky and the cast, deleted scenes, dailies and a featurette.  The Perks of Being a Wallflower Blu-ray Disc and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.  "

BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*
·         Audio commentary with Screenwriter/Director Stephen Chobsky
·         Audio commentary with Director Stephen Chbosky, Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller, Johnny Simmons, Emma Watson, Mae Whitman and Erin Wilhelmi
·         “Best Summer Ever” featurette
·         Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary with Stephen Chbosky
·         Dailies
*Subject to change

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My Thoughts: 

Did you have a chance to see this coming of age film when it was in theaters last year?  Or, did you read the acclaimed best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky?  Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to do either, but have been looking forward to seeing this movie when it releases on DVD on Feb. 12th. Luckily, I had a screener copy sent to me last week, so I got to see it early. What a way to spend our anniversary!  While we have been battling the nasty stomach flu and head colds in our house over the past month or so, we have not be trekking out with the girls on weekends, to prevent further exposure to germs and illnesses going around.  So, to pass the time, my husband and I have been catching up on televisions shows we recorded and movies I have been sent to review.

He was not as thrilled as I was to see this coming-on-age movie, as he thought we were a little to old to enjoy it -- seeing that be have been together for over 15 years and have 2 children. :-)  But, after talking to him more about the plot and sharing how it has been compared to the 80's coming of age hit, "The Breakfast Club," he wanted to see it.  So, after the girls went to bed the other night, we put this movie on to watch.

Out of all the young actors in the film, I have to say I loved Emma Watson's performance as Sam, a free-spirited teen.  She has come a long way from the Harry Potter films, and it is great to see her in different , more grown up roles.  In addition to the young cast, the film also starred, Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, Joan Cusack, Mae Whitman and Paul Rudd.  This made the film more enjoyable for the older audience who may be watching this film with their teens. 

After seeing this film, I can see how they try to compare it to "The Breakfast Club."  But, I grew up watching this film and will continue to watch and love this 80's coming of age film.  So, I can't say that this film is better than "The Breakfast Club."  I am guessing the teens who watch this film, and haven't seen "The Breakfast Club" will call this their favorite coming of age film.  It was weird to see how the cultures have changed over the decades -- as this film contained more drugs, wild partying and sexuality -- that was not seen in "The Breakfast Club."  Times have changed and if this movie didn't contain these themes, I don't thing the teen and young adult movie goers would enjoy it as much.

Overall, it was a good portrayal of teens trying to find their way in life and love, and will be enjoyed by teens and college students.  But, for those of us who grew up in the 80's enjoying "The Breakfast Club," "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Pretty in Pink," you will not be as excited for this film when you see it on television years down the road, as you do when you see our beloved 80's hit films.  Whenever I see them on television, I can't help but watch or record to watch at a later time -- even though I have them on VHS and DVD. :-)

Disclosure: I was sent a screener copy of this film from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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