It's obvious that distributors and retailers are trying to phase out standard-format DVDs. It's already been established that the Blu-Ray release of films now tend to have more features and I've now started to notice that less standard 2-Disc DVDs are being stocked in the shelves (making the search for a decent release all the more difficult).
That said, it's refreshing to say that Judd Apatow releases can still be relied on to provide extra-filled DVDs in BOTH standard and Blu-Ray.
The first disc contains both the theatrical and unrated versions of the film. However, an odd feature with this was that I had to go to the bonus features menu in order to turn on the unrated version, which is a bit of an inconvenience, considering most DVDs give the choice when you select play.
The unrated version is about seven minutes longer than the theatrical cut and I couldn't tell right away what the new footage was. As such, I would suppose the differences between the two versions are very small.
The bonus features on the first disc include a brief gag reel, as well as a commentary track.
Like most Apatow films, the second disc is quite loaded.
These include deleted scenes and alternate takes (17 in total), a second gag reel, and Apatow's infamous Line-O-Rama.
There are three documentaries on this disc. First there's Funny People Diaries, which a four part behind-the-scenes documentary. The second one, Judd's High School Radio Show, talks about how Judd Apatow interviewed celebrities as a teen for his High School. Finally, the third one is the fictional documentary (that previously was posted on YouTube) about Aziz Ansari's Raaaaaaaandy! character.
The dvd also includes some extended musical performances by James Taylor and Jon Brian, which is an interesting edition.
One of the most interesting features is archival footage including TV appearances by Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler from the early 90s, as well as a 1995 stand-up act by Seth Rogen when he was only 13. There is also the complete home video footage of Sandler's 1990 prank call, which opens the film.
Rounding out the special features are clips for the movies Sandler's character starred in, as well as a clip from the show within the movie Yo Teach….!
Overall I was really happy with this DVD set. Other than the small inconvenience of having to select the unrated version from the menus, it's good to know that standard DVD isn't being phased out just yet.
