Blu-ray Review: Benh Zeitlin’s ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ Transports Viewers

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CHICAGO – Benh Zeitlin’s “Beasts of the Southern Wild” has been a major awards season player since its Sundance Film Festival debut 11 months ago and so its picking up of 9 CFCA nominations today (including 4 for Zeitlin alone) wasn’t too much of a surprise. If you haven’t seen it, it’s the only one of the 5 CFCA nominees for Best Picture on Blu-ray and DVD and the release is nicely accompanied by some informative and engaging behind-the-scenes material.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Too many movies feel like the result of a focus group of producers looking for a product instead of an artistic achievement. “Beasts” is the opposite of that. It’s a personal film that bears the distinct mark of an artist above all else. It is a unique vision of a part of our country and its people that feels like another world and yet includes emotions we can all recognize. With stellar performances, unique filmmaking style, and an unforgettable story, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” is one of the most memorable films of 2012.

Much of the attention for “Beasts” has been drawn to newcomers Quvenzhane Wallis and Dwight Henry, both of who were nominated for Most Promising Performer by the CFCA, and so it’s very interesting to see their audition footage. One can instantly see what Zeitlin and his team saw in these two actors. The behind-the-scenes material is insightful and well-organized even if one does wish Zeitlin had sat down for a commentary track

Beasts of the Southern Wild was released on Blu-ray and DVD on December 4, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis:
Teeming with magic, beauty and pure joy, this crowd-pleasing winner at the Sundance Film Festival has emerged as one of the year’s most acclaimed films. Newcomer Quvenzhané Wallis delivers an “Oscar-worthy performance” (Philadelphia Daily News) as Hushpuppy, the six-year-old force of nature in an isolated bayou community. When her tough but loving father Wink (Dwight Henry) succumbs to a mysterious malady, the fierce and determined girl bravely sets out on a journey to the outside world. But Hushpuppy’s quest is hindered by a “busted” universe that melts the ice caps and unleashes an army of prehistoric beasts.

Click here to buy “Beasts of the Southern Wild”

Special Features:
o The Making Of Beasts Of The Southern Wild
o Deleted Scenes With Commentary By Director Benh Zeitlin
o Auditions
o Music Featurette
o The Aurochs Featurette
o Glory At Sea: Original Short Film

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com