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As Good As It Gets

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A DVD Techtite Review

The Film : Although Titanic swept most Oscars in 1998, it couldn't sweep a single Oscar in the Acting categories. That's largely because of Helen Hunt, Jack Nickelson, and their flawless performances in As Good As It Gets. This is one dramatic romance film that's perfectly handled in every way.

The film involves a crude, obnoxious (and obsessive-compulsive) novelist, named Melvin (Nickelson). He's probably the least liked man in town, due to always saying the ultimately wrong thing. Then along comes two life occurrences that help him see a new light. One is empathetic waitress Carol Connelly (Hunt). The second is an adorably heart-melting mutt --his neighbor's pet-- who he is soon forced to baby-sit. The result is arguably an adult version of How The Grinch Stole Christmas; Melvin's compassion begins to grow, although, at first, has to learn how. After all, he always says the wrong thing! By movie's end, he finally gets it right.

The only bad thing to say about the film (or its DVD) is the dark nature of the subject matter. At times, it's almost too dark. Melvin says the wrong thing to such a degree, you almost wonder if you care if he wins or loses. Still, it's an excellent sign of the acting potentials in Hunt, Nickelson, and Kinnear (as Melvin's neighbor). A well acted film.

This film probably received less than its share of respect when first released on video, because of the Titanic fangirl backlash. With 200 million dollar FX on its side, the "better acted" film seemed to be Titanic. I can only hope, by now, that a film that relies merely on acting --not one, single special effect-- finally gets its due, and more people rent (or even own) As Good As it Gets. Hunt and Nickelson won Oscars and Golden Globes for both of their acting roles, and for good reason.

The DVD : The first thing I liked about this DVD is it's dual format; side one is widescreen, side two is full screen. This is a feature more often left out of Oscar Winning epic films, and it's nice to see Columbia/Tristar Home Video include it here.

The debatable lack of anything other than the movie (and commentary track) is a weak element of this DVD. A behind the scenes featurette would have been intriguing, as well as outtakes, of which you'd think there would be dozens (It was a 139 minute film, after all). There are too many powerful scenes of this film to believe that the actors got it right the first take, every time. No biggie though; the high rating of the film still stands.

The selling point of this DVD, however, is the commentary track; one of the best I've ever seen to date! While the movie plays, anecdotes and other musings are given by no less than seven different cast and crewmates. This includes Jack Nickelson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, the producer, the director, the editor, and even the composer! The end result is truly the best commentary any movie could have. It also shows what a good time the actors and crew had, together, making this film. In Hunt's semi-nude scene, during an awkward silence, Kinnear quickly jests how hard it was to hide her tattoos. Hunt gives a hearty laugh...as do the listeners.

	Final Rating : Deep Impact. Oscar-winning performances from Hunt and Nickelson, nomination for Kinnear as well. Commentary on DVD is great!
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