Billy Elliot

Director: Stephen Daldry Stephen Daldry

Overview

"Universal presents the inspiring coming-of-age tale Billy Elliott in a lovely 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. The crisp Dolby Digital Sound makes clear every tap of Billy's amazing feet. In ""Billy Elliott: Breaking Free,"" the 20-minute documentary about the making of the film, director Stephen Daldry and the producers from Working Title discuss the genesis of the film and its long road to production. Still, the feature goes deeper than the usual behind-the-scenes featurette by explaining the significance of the coal miners' strike depicted in the film. For non-Brits in particular, this information brings new understanding of the class struggles and the cultural shift brought on by Margaret Thatcher's quashing of the uprising. The filmmakers express much appreciation for the remarkable Jamie Bell, the young man who plays Billy, and a very amusing interview with co-star Julie Walters is included. Though a commentary track would have added appeal, the disc does include ""Production Notes,"" a ""Cast & Crew"" section, and the theatrical trailer -- a satisfying, if not exemplary presentation."

Product Details

Release Date:	04/17/2001
UPC:	0025192113420
Original Release:	2000
Rating:	R
Source:	STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	1:51:00
Sales rank:	29,797

Special Features

Billy Elliot: Breaking Free": original featurette with a closer look at the making of the film and the talented cast ; DVD-ROM features: a closer look into the story of Billy Elliot; photo gallery; access to interactive weblinks; Production notes; Cast and filmmakers; Theatrical trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Jamie Bell	Billy Elliot,Sandra
Julie Walters	Mrs. Wilkinson
Jamie Draven	Tony
Gary Lewis	Dad
Jean Heywood	Grandmother
Stuart Wells	Michael
Mike Elliot	Actor
Janine Birkett	Actor
Nicola Blackwell	Debbie
Billy Fane	Actor
Colin MacLachlan	Actor
Joe Renton	Actor
Trevor Fox	Actor
Carol McGuigan	Actor
Charlie Hardwick	Actor,Sheila Briggs
Denny Ferguson	Actor
Dennis Lingrad	Actor
Steve Mangan	Actor,Ballet Doctor
Paul Ridely	Actor
Patrick Malahide	Actor
Barbara Leigh-Hunt	Actor
Imogen Claire	Actor
Diana Kent	Actor
Neil North	Actor
Lee Williams	Actor
Petra Siniawski	Actor
Merelina Kendall	Actor
Tracey Wilkinson	Actor
Merryn Owen	Actor
Adam Cooper	Actor
Dennis Lingard	NCB Official
Matthew James Thomas	Simon
Paul Ridley	Tutor in medical
Stephen Warbeck	Composer

Technical Credits

Lee Hall

Stephen Daldry	Director
Lee Hall	Screenwriter
Charles Brand	Executive Producer,Producer
Greg Brenman	Producer
Jina Jay	Casting
Stuart Murdoch	Special Effects
Tessa Ross	Executive Producer,Producer
Lee Sheward	Stunts
David M. Thompson	Executive Producer
Natascha Wharton	Executive Producer,Producer
Jonathan Finn	Producer,Producer
Richard Briscoe	Special Effects
Peter Eusebe	Sound Effects
Anthony Faust	Sound Effects
Richard Finney	Sound Effects
Matthew Gough	Sound Effects
Zane Hayward	Sound Effects
Jon Finn	Producer
Mark Holding	Sound/Sound Designer

Editorial Reviews

The debut feature of acclaimed stage director Stephen Daldry, this effortlessly charming yet entirely familiar coming-of-age story follows along the same lines as such U.S. imports as The Full Monty and Waking Ned Devine, but with a heartfelt ardor all its own. The film rarely strays from its wistful sensibilities, but features ample compensation in its astute casting (newcomer Jamie Bell is a marvelously natural young find) and Daldry's amiable handling of both the title character's dancing ambitions, as well as the backdrop for the main story, northern England's chaotic mining strike of the 1980s. Overall, Billy Elliot is a difficult film to resist, even if it doesn't genuinely surprise. A momentous hit in Britain, the film's irresistible desire to please proves utterly winning in the long run. Interestingly, the film premiered at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival as Dancer, but so as not to be confused with Lars von Trier's highly publicized, Palme d'Or-winning entry of the same year, the filmmakers decided to permanently change Billy Elliot's title for its U.S. release.