My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Director: Joel Zwick Joel Zwick

Overview

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding: the little film that could. Everyone by now knows the story of this five-million-dollar film that went on to gross well over 200 million dollars. That being the case, why aren't we seeing a bigger release for this DVD? Not that it's a bad disc, it really isn't. It just seems there's so much more that could have been done for such a significant release. The image, which HBO has wisely included both 1.85:1 anamorphic and full-frame transfers, is a fairly solid presentation. Colors, while generally muted, come across nicely, while the darker scenes are dense and don't show any signs of breakdown. Skin tones are very warm, a real plus for this film. The sound, a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, is certainly adequate for this small romantic comedy. In other words, it's not going to test your sound system in any way. Still, the auditory elements are nicely translated to home video, with clear dialogue and a very pleasing quality. What is lacking with this title are a significant number of supplemental features. Other than some decent biographies of the cast is a commentary track from stars Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, and director Joel Zwick. This track is often ""matter of fact,"" but has enough humor and anecdotes to keep it moving along. Vardalos and Zwick contribute more than Corbett, but each has plenty to say about their experiences. People tend to love or hate this film. Those that hate it will steer clear of it, while those that loved it will now have the ability to watch it over and over and over."

Product Details

Release Date:	02/11/2003
UPC:	0026359199325
Original Release:	2002
Rating:	PG
Source:	STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	1:35:00
Sales rank:	3,927

Special Features

Audio commentaries by stars Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, and director Joel Zwick; Both widescreen and full-frame versions on sigle-sided disc; Cast biographies

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Nia Vardalos	Toula Portokalos,Greek Chanter
John Corbett	Ian Miller
Michael Constantine	Gus Portokalos
Lainie Kazan	Maria Portokalos
Gia Carides	Nikki
Bruce Gray	Rodney Miller
Ian Gomez	Mike
Fiona Reid	Harriet
Jayne Eastwood	Mrs. White
Joey Fatone	Angelo
Bess Meisler	Yiayia
Andrea Martin	Aunt Voula
Louis Mandylor	Nick Portokalos
Gerry Mendicino	Uncle Taki
Stavroula Logothettis	Athena
Christina Eleusiniotis	Toula at 6
Marita Zouravlioff	Toula at 12
Sarah Osman	Athena at 15
John Kalangis	Greek Teacher
Anthony Kandiotis	Priest
Kaylee Vieira	Schoolgirl
Arielle Sugarman	Paris
Petra Wildgoose	Car Pool Friend
Melissa Todd	Car Pool Friend
Constantine Tsapralis	Foti
Frank Falcone	Suitor
Eugene Martel	Suitor
Joe Persechini	Suitor
Peter Xynnis	Suitor
Nick Kutsukos	Bouzouki Player
Peter Tharos	Yianni
Chrissy Paraskevopoulos	Cousin Jennie
Maria Vacratsis	Aunt Freida
Kathryn Haggis	Cousin Marianthi
Gale Zoe Garnett	Aunt Lexy
Charlene Bitzas	Aunt Nota
Chris Savides	Greek Chanter
Scott Khouri	Waiter
John Tsifliklis	Wedding Singer
Peter Chalkiopoulos	Wedding Band Member
Peter Gogos	Wedding Band Member
Spiro Milankou	Wedding Band Member
Victor Politis	Wedding Band Member
Jim Rouvas	Wedding Band Member
Alexander Janko	Composer
Chris Wilson	Composer,Composer

Technical Credits

Nia Vardalos

Joel Zwick	Director
Rita Wilson	Producer
Gary Goetzman	Producer
Tom Hanks	Producer
Norm Waitt	Executive Producer,Producer
Paul Brooks	Executive Producer,Producer
Steven Shareshian	Executive Producer,Producer
Nia Vardalos	Screenwriter
Robin D. Cook	Casting
Martin Malivoire	Special Effects
Geoffrey G. Rubay	Sound Effects
Steve Rundell	Special Effects
Paul Timothy Carden	Sound Effects
Brian Dixon	Sound Effects
Dean Drabin	Sound Effects
Kimberly Harris	Sound Effects
Donald Hauger	Sound Effects

Editorial Reviews

My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a modest, likeable comedy, would have been less effective if it had been put through the Hollywood system. Nia Vardalos's script has enough Hollywood convention in it that having a newcomer in the lead automatically brings to it a freshness that a romantic comedy superstar like Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock would have had a difficult time mustering. There is no cynicism in the film, which may make it difficult for some viewers to take. Vardalos and the rest of the performers seem genuinely amused by the clichéd scenarios and the familiar bits of comedic business they are given to play. They either find new ways to make the material work, or simply radiate goodwill toward each other and the audience to such an extent that the audience reciprocates. Maintaining a charming ease for its entire ninety-five minute running time, Vardalos and her cast desire nothing but the commendable goal of entertaining their audience. This is an unabashedly warm and friendly film that was seemingly made for all the right reasons.