“Twilight,” the box office sensation based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer, turns out to be better suited to the small screen than the big one.
The DVD format is more forgiving of the less-than- seamless special effects, bad wigs and chalk-white makeup, and the filmmakers and actors are so lively and friendly in behind-the-scenes interviews that the mixed-bag film itself seems to improve as a result.
Director Catherine Hardwicke (who will not be directing the sequel, “New Moon”) and author Meyer impart a “let’s put on a show” enthusiasm when discussing the process of translating novel to screen. Kristen Stewart, who plays awkward teen and object-of-vampire-affection Bella Swan, comes off as shy but genuine. Even the actors playing “bad” vampires seem like the kind of bloodsuckers you could take home to Mom.
Now for the main attraction: The DVD delivers ample behind-the-scenes footage of Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward, the (literally) stone cold fox of Meyer’s novel and reason for the “Twilight” phenomenon.
When fans of Meyer’s books saw how well the previously little-known Pattinson imparted Edward’s ardor, chivalry and ability to resist taking a bite out of his beloved, it was on. Repeat viewings helped this modestly budgeted film bring in more than $190 million at the U.S. box office.
Speaking in his natural British accent and looking far less morose than his on-screen counterpart, Pattinson comes off as likable and down to earth. Unlike Edward, he’s definitely mortal – he’s still wincing at the pain he endured doing wire work for scenes where his character runs at hyperspeed.
Viewers unfamiliar with the film and Meyer’s books might laugh on occasion at the earnestness of the whole enterprise. But fans will go crazy for the extras-packed, two-disc DVD.
Oh, who are we kidding with this “will” business? The DVD came out at midnight Friday, which means fans probably are on their 10th viewings by now.
Filed under: Twilight | Tags: dvd, march, Movie, stop, store, Twilight, walmart
Fans bitten by Twilight mania will soon find much more than the popular vampire book series at Walmart as the retailer becomes a new nationwide Twilight destination. In conjunction with Summit Entertainment’s DVD release of this box office smash launching next month, all Walmart stores and Walmart.com will offer unique “Twilight store” areas containing a wide array of crowd-pleasing merchandise at affordable Walmart values.
Today Twilight fans can go to http://www.walmart.com/twilight to pre-order the new Walmart-exclusive standard DVD movie or special edition DVD, both to release nationwide March 21. As the countdown to the DVD release begins, the Web site will host discussions and post news about exciting fan events and activities to come. Today fans can go to Walmart.com/twilight to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes movie footage. In a few days, they also will find special features on the site to upload and enhance their digital photo to send an “eBite” to a friend. As teens, moms and friends prepare for Twilight “viewing parties” around the country, the site will continue to add special announcements and new material over the coming weeks.
Committed to bringing customers more affordable access to Twilight items than ever before, Walmart will dedicate a special area in each of its 3,500 stores to Twilight beginning mid-March – just days before the DVD movie release is available – to offer items including:
The Twilight DVD movie – standard and special edition
The Twilight CD soundtrack*
The Twilight book series* Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn
Twilight apparel
Twilight messenger bags and totes
Twilight posters*
Assorted Twilight licensed jewelry, key chains and accessories
“Twilight is a cultural phenomenon that has gripped both teens and adults across the country,” said Greg Hall, vice president, Merchandising. “From the popularity we’ve already witnessed in books and music, we believe ‘Twilighters’ will be very excited about the items and values Walmart will bring together in a new in-store and online experience.”“We’re delighted to partner with Walmart in bringing the highly anticipated Twilight DVD to the millions of enthusiastic fans who made the film such a groundbreaking success in its theatrical release,” said Steve Nickerson, President of Summit Home Entertainment. “By creating specially-dedicated Twilight stores, both in their brick-and-mortar locations and on their website, Walmart is creating a unique home for this beloved franchise’s passionate fan base.”
Walmart will host these dedicated Twilight areas in stores through April, and continue to carry Twilight merchandise through the year, some items for a limited period only.
Twilight was the bestselling book of 2008 across all genres and the movie’s November 21, 2008 opening weekend was one of the biggest in Hollywood history, grossing $70.6 million.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at http://www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com.
Heres what will be included in the DVD:
— Exclusive cast interviews with Robert Pattinson (Edward), Kristen Stewart (Bella), Cam Gigandet (James), Edi Gathegi (Laurent) and Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria) that were recorded during Comic-Con in San Diego.
— Exclusive red-carpet footage from the global movie premiere in Los Angeles, including a never-before-seen segment that contains interviews with Kellan Lutz (Emmett); Ashley Greene (Alice); Nikki Reed (Rosalie); rock band Paramore, who contributed to the movie’s soundtrack, and much more.
— A re-edited version of the Borders Book Club episode that features author Stephenie Meyer discussing the phenomenon behind the “Twilight” saga.
Borders’ two-disc special edition also includes a set of 10 exclusive photo cards, which feature images of the cast. The 7-1/4-inch-by-5-3/8-inch photo cards are printed on a heavy pearlescent stock, giving the cards a rich, beautiful shimmer.
Read the entire article here
Filed under: Catherine Hardwicke, Kristen Stewart, Movie, Robert Pattinson, Twilight | Tags: date, dvd, release, Twilight
Heres an article outlining the Twilight DVD
Its said to be released on March 21 2009.
Disc Two features:
deleted scenes
audio commentary from Catherine Hardwicke, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart
Five extended scenes
three trailers
2 videos and other bonus features not available at the theater.
Filed under: Robert Pattinson, Twilight | Tags: commentary, dvd, Pattinson, Robert, Twilight
Read some moments form his DVD commentary below..
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