PAY IT FORWARD-
It's one of the great mysteries of filmmaking that a film like "PAY IT
FORWARD" failed miserably at the boxoffice and with critics in general!
It's a terrific film!  More importantly, it has an "IMORTANT" message to it!  "PAY IT FORWARD" is the kind of film that depends on
"word-of-mouth" and here's hoping that everyone reading this runs out
and buys a dvd of it immediately for their collection! 
Kevin Spacey gives yet another outstanding performance as the
emotionally and physically scarred social teacher whom gives his class
the challenging assignment that starts the selfless idea that is the
film's title.  He tries to get the apathetic students to feel empowered
by thinking of an idea that can change the world into a better place,
and most importantly, putting it into motion!  One student, Haley Joel
Osment, actually conceives of an outstanding idea,..."PAYING IT
FORWARD!"  The idea is to do something that will be helpful and
meaningful for three people, and then those three people will do the
same for three others, and then so on, and so on, and so on,etc.  It's
like a pyramid scheme in reverse!  While this concept weaves in and out of several storylines to make the basic premise, there is a complex
narrative structure that ultimately works, but still makes the film very
confusing at times! 
While we, like most moviegoers, are sick and tired of seeing Helen Hunt everywhere we look, we'll also have to admit she's sensational here.
And, of course Haley Joel Osment again proves his stunning performance in "THE SIXTH SENSE" was no fluke! 
One of the things that make "PAY IT FORWARD" such an outstanding achievement lies in the fact that in spite of many potentially
exploitative elements behind many of the character's situations, almost
all of the sentimentality has been avoided!
WARNER BROS. has provided a transfer that is flawless!  "PAY IT FORWARD" is a "DEMONSTRATION" quality dvd! The colors are bold and vibrant.
Fleshtones appear perfectly natural throughout.  The contrast is
perfect, with deep blacks and grays. There is incredible detail in every
frame!  Of course, WARNER BROS. has also presented the film with its correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  
The Dolby digital 5.1 mix is also terrific! While surrounds are
typically limited to ambient effects, they engulf the listener whenever
the magnificent score from Thomas Newman is used.  Newman, again, has added another unforgettable soundtrack to his resume! 
WARNER BROS. has added two supplements to make an already "outstanding" dvd even more worthwhile!  "HBO FIRST LOOK" is a promotional featurette filled with interviews and plenty of behind-the-scenes footage in spite of a brief running time.
Director Mimi Leder provides a running audio commentary that should
please fans of the film, but it's surprisingly less insightful to the
filmmaking process than we expected.  There are also numerous silent
gaps between comments, making it feel a little sluggish at times.  This
is one instance where the cast could've really helped significantly and
we wish Spacey, Hunt and Osment were included.  Still, "PAY IT FORWARD" is one of the best films we've seen in years, and one of the best dvd presentations released in 2001!  It's a must for any collection!
Our Suggestion: "PAY IT FORWARD NOW" and buy 3 dvds for strangers!!!"