28 Days

Betty Thomas' surprisingly enjoyable rehab romance 28 Days is translated into a just as surprisingly full-fledged DVD. Along with a widescreen, anamorphic transfer and Dolby Digital Surround Sound, the disc boasts a wide array of supplements that match the film's quirky, amiable tone. These range from traditional extras like HBO's "making of" special, trailers, and biographies to truly unique bonuses like the recovery testimonials of some of the film's main characters. Every aspect of Gwen's (Sandra Bullock) life at the clinic is explored with a special feature: lost songs from the Guitar Guy (aka Loudon Wainwright III), lost episodes of "Santa Cruz" -- the soap opera that bonds the patients together, and instructions for making gum wrapper chains elevate the disc into a detailed and entertaining experience. Thomas also provides an enjoyable commentary, along with contributions from the film's editor, producer, and composer, Richard Gibbs. Gibbs' score is also given a separate audio track, emphasizing the personal, intricate approach taken throughout the entire disc. Though the DVD's embarrassment of riches comes as something of a shock, it's nice to see popular favorites such as 28 Days receive the treatment lavished upon critical faves such as Magnolia and Fight Club.