Review of That Thing You Do!

Introduction

That thing you do was Tom Hanks first attempt at writing, directing and staring in his own movie and for a first attempt the movie shines on a number of counts.

The film kicks off in the mid 1960`s during a period when Americans ability to do anything was paramount in peoples minds and progresses to tell the tale of a small town band "The O-ne-ders" and there rise to success on the back of a popular track strangely titled `That thing you do` ;-).

Video

The main feature is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and is possibly a little to soft for my liking however in the absence of any noticeable defects or artifacting in the transfer other then this leaves to concede that it may be intentional of an effect of the film stock used.

Audio

The DVD`s Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is lively and enveloping throughout the music making a fine job of presenting the audio and for the other non musical moments of the film the soundtrack does a fine job of presenting the ambient effects and dialog.

Features

On the extras front we get treated to a number of trailers (well the same ones in 3 languages) and a short feature that is basically the pre-sale bumph for the movie with a few interesting moments and insights.
We also get 2 music videos from the film. These are basically live cuts directly from the movie.

The real omission on the extras front is that of a commentary, I have a feeling that Tom Hanks could have some interesting insights on the film but obviously that`s not to be.

Conclusion

Whilst the film always stays on the whimsical, have a nice day, side of things and is far from perfect where plot development is concerned it still manages to have its fair share of memorable scenes and dialog. I would rate it as a recommended viewing even if for little other reason that captures the nostalgia for the period, or so I am told ;-).

On the other hand the DVD release only makes an average impression and does little more then deliver the film.
Recommended as some good family entertainment.