The “In America” DVD is a two-sided disc with an anamorphic widescreen version of the movie on one side and a full-screen version on the other. I think the best bonus material by far is the feature-length audio track where Jim Sheridan discusses working with cast and crew and talks about how the fictionalized Sullivans are based on himself, his wife, and their two daughters. Sheridan’s commentary deepened my understanding of the movie, and I’d particularly recommend it to anyone interested in screenwriting, filmmaking, or the deeper meaning of story. I found little of interest in the making-of featurette, which is only five minutes long and heavy on clips from the movie. The DVD also contains nine deleted scenes and an alternate ending, all of which have optional commentary by Sheridan, but somehow these added only marginally to my enjoyment.
This is a film I will want to return to again and again over the years. For that reason alone, I believe this DVD is worth buying rather than renting. Also, the filmmaker’s commentary by Jim Sheridan adds value to the experience of watching “In America” and demands the kind of time usually not provided by rentals.
DVD Details:
- MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Some Sexuality, Drug References, Brief Violence and Language
- Feature Run Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
- Both Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) and Full-Screen (1.33:1)
- English 5.1 Dolby Surround
- Spanish Dolby Surround
- French Dolby Surround
- English Subtitles
- Spanish Subtitles
- Audio Commentary by Director Jim Sheridan
- The Making of “In America” (5 min.)
- Deleted Scenes (9) With Optional Director Commentary
- Original Ending With Optional Director Commentary
