On the DVD
Special Features
The two-disc edition
of Dreamgirls includes videos, documentaries and other behind-the-scenes
features. Diehard fans will love the almost two-hour "Building the Dream"
documentary, which goes into loving detail about how the film got to be
made.
But it's the shorter segments that really capture the viewer's attention.
The two auditions included in the set are a contrast in style. Pop singer
Beyonce Knowles sells herself in full hair, makeup and costume; that she
is a tad pitchy at times is almost beside the point. Tony Award winner
Anika Noni Rose's audition is a tour de force; singing strong and with
conviction and passion, Rose is fully in character regardless of the fact
that she isn't dressed for the role.
Oddly enough, the audition tape of Jennifer Hudson, who won an Academy
Award for her breakthrough role as Effie, is nowhere to be seen. Sure,
we all know what a powerhouse she is today. But it would've been nice to
see what the filmmakers saw in her back then, when her competition included
her American Idol castmate (and that season's winner) Fantasia Barrino.
Hudson's performance of "Effie, Sing My Song"--which was not seen in the
theatrical release--is included in this set, as are 12 extended musical
numbers.
Another nice touch is the inclusion of a dance rehearsal choreographed
by Fatima
Robinson (who has worked with the Backstreet Boys, Mary J. Blige, and
Michael Jackson). Watching the rudimentary piece (with stand-ins subbing
for the stars) come together gives the viewer appreciation for the intricate
work that goes into each 3-minute musical number in the 130-minute film.
Also included are a sequence of enhanced storyboards, a look at how the
film's editor went about editing the picture, and a look at how the costumes
played a part in the film. |
