Blu-ray Review: THE HELP is the perfect emotional journey for the Holiday!

THE HELP has arrived on Blu-ray and DVD and it is one of the best movies I have seen this year. I wish that I had watched this in theaters, but am happy that I had the chance to check it out on Blu-ray. The film is directed by Tate Taylor and is based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett. Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures and Michael Barnathan produced the film that is one of the most inspirational and moving stories that I have seen in a long time.The ensemble cast did a phenomenal with this story about extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that takes society’s rules and turns them upside down. The film is a mix of emotions – joy, sorrow and humor.

The story follows Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone) as she comes of age as a person and pushes the boundaries to find her own voice. She makes an unllikely friendship with Abiliene Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) while writing her book that will show the world how much adversity and oppression that “The Help” face on a daily basis. Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard) stars as the catty Jackson socialite who plays one of the most venmous roles of her career. Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain) brings some much needed humor to the story. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly round out the cast in memorable roles.

THE HELP is a a wonderful drama that transports viewers back to the 1960’s in the South where racism and diversity was not acceptable. I grew up in Missouri and have lived in Kentucky and can tell you that unfortunately there are places that are caught in timewarp and act as though times have not changed. Taylor did a wonderful job of creating scenes that felt authentic and real. The costumes and the accents were spot on, which helped with the authenticity.

The special features of the disc are really good. My personal favorite is The Making Of The Help: From Friendship To Film which takes a look at the uphill road Taylor and Stockett had to travel to get this movie made. The intimacy of the cast and crew talking about their involvement int he project was the best. It felt so personal and real, and as though they were right in front of me talking. I also liked In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids of Mississippi.

Here is the list of exclusive Blu-ray bonus features:

• The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film
• In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi
• Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor including „
• Humiliated,‟ „A Book About Jackson‟ and „Johnny‟s Home‟ (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)

In Conclusion:

This movie is a perfect choice to watch with a significant other or the whole family. If you missed this in theaters, it is a must-watch on Blu-ray. Emma Stone is great and really shows her acting range. I was blown away by Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis were so wonderful and gave raw and emotional performances. Bryce Dallas Howard’s character made me so angry, which is a testament to her acting ability. THE HELP is a perfect film to watch this holiday with your family!