Stepmom [WS/P&S]

Stepmom features an excellent cast that includes Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon, but it suffers from a mediocre DVD release. This disc offers a choice between a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and a pan-and-scan version on separate sides of the disc. The widescreen version contains impressive colors and a clear picture, but the 5.0 channel Dolby Digital Audio transfer fails to fully utilize the rear speakers. The energetic Motown songs sound excellent, however, and nicely utilize the capabilities of the sound field. An acceptable 2.0 channel Dolby Surround audio transfer is also available. The special features on this release fall considerably short of the possibilities for this complex story. The most prominent extra is a brief promotional featurette that utilizes scenes from the theatrical trailer combined with short interviews. The major actors, director Chris Columbus, and producer Wendy Finerman provide fluffy statements about the film, but they fail to go beyond the obvious. This disc also contains the original theatrical trailer with a solid widescreen transfer, but it reveals too many pivotal scenes from the film. The trailer for My Best Friend's Wedding, a Julia Roberts comedy, is also included. The only other notable features are sparse biographies and filmographies for Roberts, Sarandon, Columbus, and Ed Harris. Twenty-eight chapter stops are included for easy scene access, and English subtitles are offered as an option.