Now we come down to the features on the DVD, and this is where everything was brought down another notch or two. This release is turned into a marketing tool for other products inspired by the book and the movie. The film is introduced by the author of the novel, Jim Stovall, who encourages us to look at the extras on the DVD and get the The Ultimate Gift Experience Kit, which is filled with items geared to bring more meaning to the gifts from the book and movie. The extras include a couple of featurettes called "Leave a Legacy," which spotlights the memories of a few inspirational people, and "Live the Ultimate Gift," which brings up the kit again. These are more like commercials to me, perhaps one mention in the context of a featurette would be fine, but I did not care for this use of the bonus materials section of the disk.
The extras also include fluffy 12 minute behind the scenes featurette, a couple of music videos, and a sneak peek for another FOX Faith release: The Redemption of Sarah Cain. Rounding out the disk are trailers for The Ultimate Gift and a few other FOX Faith films.
Bottom line. The message is a bit heavy-handed in execution, as it is thrust to the fore at the expense of story and character. I appreciate what they were attempting, in making a movie that was good for the whole family and espoused a positive message. It is just a shame that the resulting film is rather disappointing and shallow.
Not Recommended.
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