Billy Elliot (US)
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"This British masterpiece beats them all" — Daily Mail
Certificate: R
Running Time: 111 mins
Retail Price: $24.98
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
This remarkable and often humorous film follows the struggles of a northern England mining town through the 1980’s strike. Eleven year old, Billy Elliot, played by newcomer Jamie Bell, is unable to get to grips with boxing and instead develops an interest in the ballet class which is taken in the next room by Mrs. Wilkinson, played by Julie Walters, (Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone, Educating Rita) When Billy’s father, played by Gary Lewis (East is East, My Name is Joe, Shallow Grave) and brother who are striking miners, discover his secret passion for dancing all hell breaks loose. They feel ashamed and ban Billy from continuing what they call a "poofs" sport.
Finally, with private tuition from his ballet teacher and a change of heart by Billy’s father, Billy manages to reach audition stage for the Royal Ballet School... But will he survive the snobbery of the Southern judges and manage to get over his own low self-esteem in time to make the cut?
A box office hit of 2000, Billy Elliot has fantastically comic moments and is a great inspiration for anyone with dancing feet!
This moving and intelligent British film has also been nominated for 3 Golden Globes, 13 BAFTAs and Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Julie Walters, Best Director for Stephen Daldry and Best Original Writing.
Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Billy Elliot: Breaking Free: An original featurette with a closer look at the making of the film and the incredible ensemble of talent brought together.
Production Notes
Cast and Filmmakers
Theatrical Trailer
DVD-ROM Features:
A Closer Look Into The Story Of Billy Elliot
Photo Gallery
Access To Exciting Interactive Weblinks
Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1 French
Subtitle Tracks:
CC: English
Directed By:
Stephen Daldry
Written By:
Lee Hall
Starring:
Stuart Wells
Jean Heywood
Gary Lewis
Jamie Draven
Jamie Bell
Julie Walters
Casting By:
Jina Jay
Pippa Hall
Soundtrack By:
Stephen Warbeck
Director of Photography:
Brian Tufano
Editor:
John Wilson
Costume Designer:
Stewart Meachem
Production Designer:
Maria Djurkovic
Producer:
Tori Parry
Jonathan Finn
Greg Brenman
Executive Producer:
Natascha Wharton
David M. Thompson
David Thompson
Tessa Ross
Charles Brand
Distributor:
Universal Pictures
Your Opinions and Comments
The plot is rather simple, still, people outside the UK (myself included) may have some difficulties with the heavy accents. Thankfully, the disk has English captions.
The video transfer is ok. While the visuals in the movie are not stunning, it is free of any compression signs. A couple of dust particles can be seen here and there, but nothing major.
The DD 5.1 soundtrack is a bit flat. Of course, this kind of a movie is not expected to be a typical 5.1 show-off movie, but still, I have found the surrounds quiet almost throughout it.
The menus are still and silent.
The extras include a behind the scenes look, some production notes and a DVD-ROM feature with more information and a photo gallery.
Bottom line - while being slightly overrated, this movie is simple, authentic and quite enjoyable.