Twilight lands on DVD March 21 and we have it! Fans will be lining up tonight at midnight for the anticipated page-to-screen ode to Edward and Bella. Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight vision is in tact as evidenced by the film’s theatrical release. What’s stellar about the DVD is getting inside the creative process.
Included in the Twilight DVD are deleted scenes, five deleted scenes with introductions by director Catherine Hardwicke. Hardwicke’s commentary on the film itself is especially fascinating considering the director is currently working on something else for Summit Entertainment other than New Moon.
Three music videos from Meyer’s favorite bands, Muse, Paramore and Linkin Park is a nice touch in how we can identify with Meyer’s creative process through those rocker’s videos.
The best part of the entire Twilight DVD package (other than film, of course — see review below), is the documentary The Adventure Begins: The Journey from Page to Screen. At almost two hours, it is as involved as longtime and compelling enough to allow new fans to enjoy.
Also included is a short featurette capturing the phenomenon that is Twilight at 2008’s Comic-Con convention in San Diego. We are thrilled to see this included after witnessing the Twilight madhouse at Comic-Con for ourselves. Having attended the event for over a decade — I have never seen a fan response like Stephenie Meyer received when she was introduced with the cast to Twilight. It was like The Beatles.
The SheKnows Twilight review:
The most striking aspect of the Twilight movie experience is the ride. Fast and dramatic, fierce and touching, Twilight treats for audiences regardless of their awareness of Stephenie Meyer’s books.
After witnessing the film, I have Twilight fever as viciously as anyone following the books. Why can one film achieve such a feat?
The story is that good. Twilight is much more than a vampire love story.
First, audiences meet Bella. She has moved to the Pacific Northwest to live with her dad after her mom and her boyfriend follow his baseball dreams across the country.
Bella is a high school junior and feels every bit the outcast walking into her new school. Then, she meets Edward.
Edward, entering the school cafeteria moments after his Cullen clan of “brothers” and “sisters” – seems also struck by the beauty Bella. Immediately it is established through look and dialogue that there is something different about the Cullens.
Boom! And we’re off. The story charges at that point and audiences have no choice but to never look back. It is a credit to Stephenie Meyer’s writing that this story is so compelling. But as any author can tell you, the right team had to put the vision on screen and with Twilight, Meyer has screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg and director Catherine Hardwicke to thank for a seamless transition from page to screen.
Bella heart Edward
Casting is another coup for Meyer and her hopes of a big Hollywood blockbuster series. Kristen Stewart was cast as Bella first and screen tests were done to determine the Edward. As soon as Robert Pattinson rolled around with Stewart, Hardwicke knew she had her vampire.
Witnessing the finished project, Pattinson and Stewart are Edward and Bella. Readers of the series should feel bloody fantastic about the fact that their fantasy story so close to their hearts is about as faithful as a book to film has been in a long time. Yes, I’m talking to you Harry Potter!
After speaking with friends who have read Twilight, all marveled at the minute details in the film that were the very elements of the book that had charmed them into spending an entire weekend inhaling Meyer’s vision of vampire love.
There is a joy to the film as well.
The discovering of young love, sure, but scenes such as the famous baseball scene from the book are executed with such flawless fun – the audience is moved to cheer.
Finally, Twilight is not only for teens. It is especially not for teenage girls.
The facets that make it compelling for that segment is actually what pulls the viewer into Hardwicke’s Twilight world. Two people, much as Romeo and Juliet accomplished before them, from two sides of the world that share one vision – love and a shared future.
Both have mountains of obstacles in the way, yet still pursue because of the unyielding pressure of the heart.
There has not been a cinematic saga story this compelling since Lord of the Rings. And as with that series, the Twilight sequels are being awaited on with baited breath.
SheKnows complete Twilight coverage
The Twilight all-female creative team talks
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart: The SheKnows Interview
Meet the Cullens!
Take the SheKnows Twilight trivia test
The Twilight soundtrack rocks
The SheKnows interview with Twilight author Stephenie Meyer
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