Intolerable Cruelty (DVD)

Intolerable Cruelty didn't do too bad critically with its theatrical release, but I was not particularly impressed, but given the opportunity to view it again in the comfort of my own home I enjoyed it a bit more.

Although Intolerable Cruelty is not a very satisfying trip to the theater it does lend well to the small screen where it seems to really belong. The dark comedy genre really seems to lose its flair on the big screen since it is more or less a crap shoot as to whether or not it is going to appeal to the audience, regardless of the cast involved, and this one boasts a HUGE cast of characters.

With it being said that this is a more enjoyable romp on DVD it is unfortunate that a comedy DVD such as this could offer so little in the area of Special Features. The features included are "The Making of Intolerable Cruelty", "Costume Design" - a peek behind the scenes at the process of wardrobe design for Intolerable Cruelty, outtakes from the movie and “home movies” of Rex Rexroth.

When I say they offer little, I mean it, the "Outtakes" and "Rex Rexroth's home movies" have absolutely no comedic value or use on the disc and the two featurettes "The Making of Intolerable Cruelty" and "Costume Design" are absolutely boring and unnecessary as there are no real special effects used in the film or costumes that make me wonder, How did they design that? The special features are minimal and seem rushed, which includes the poor look from the get-go with a pitiful excuse for a DVD menu.

Also, as a bit of a sidenote and a suggestion to Universal, you have got to get rid of those previews before the DVD begins or at least allow viewers to skip over them without having to fast-forward!! It is quite frustrating...

Special Features aside, this movie does look great with good quality DVD video and an excellent array of audio formats, with a DTS English Track and Dolby 5.1 Surround tracks offered in English, French and Spanish. Considering this is a comedy film, the sound quality is not necessarily all that important, but it always adds to the feature and increases its value.

On a whole buying this DVD for its special features is a waste of money, but to buy it for the film may not be that bad of a decision. It isn't the greatest comedy but with the large cast of names involved and the fact that it is a Coen brothers' film it does increase its worth on your shelf, but it won't get as much wear and tear as your other titles.