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Starring |
Brooke Elliott
,
Margaret Cho
,
April Bowlby
,
Kate Levering
,
Ben Feldman
,
Jackson Hurst
,
Brooke D'Orsay
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Directed By |
Various Directors
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Audio
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Dolby Digital 5.1
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Visuals
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16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
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Running Time |
544 mins
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UK Release Date |
June 28, 2010
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Genre |
Drama, Comedy, TV
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Our Rating |
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User Rating |
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This frothy comedy-drama was originally planned for Fox TV in the US, but they passed on it after having seen the pilot, leaving Lifetime to take it on instead (with Living showing it in the UK). It's Fox's loss, really, because Drop Dead Diva is a surprisingly entertaining bit of escapism.
It's certainly true that in terms of its central conceit, the show fails the originality test: its basic premise is virtually identical to that of Shallow Hal, with only slight variations. Deb Dobkins (Brooke D'Orsay) is a slim, shallow, aspiring model who is killed in a car crash. At the same time, thoughtful and overweight (sound familiar?) lawyer Jane Bingum (Brooke Elliott) is shot and rushed to hospital.
When Deb reaches the gates of heaven, the gatekeeper Fred (Ben Feldman) consults his computer and informs her that she has performed absolutely no good or bad deeds during her lifetime - she is simply self-centred. Outraged, Deb presses the 'Escape' button on Fred's keyboard, hoping to be returned to Earth. She ends up returning, but instead of getting her own body back she finds herself in Jane's body on the hospital bed. Deb's new life as Jane forces her to re-evaluate the things that are most important to her.
Its 'looks aren't everything' message isn't subtle, and there's not a lot to the show. But on a purely surface level, it's hugely enjoyable – even some of the blokes roped into watching it with their partners might find it entertaining. It's gentle, it's witty, and its heart is clearly in the right place.
This DVD box set contains the first of the show's two seasons to date (the second season has just started airing in the US). Across the 13 episodes, there is an impressive roster of guest stars including Rosie O’Donnell, Paula Abdul and Liza Minelli; and the regular supporting cast is sparkling, especially Margaret Cho as Jane's/Deb's assistant Teri. But it's TV newcomer Brooke Elliott in the lead role who really shines, striking the perfect balance between tender and confident throughout.
Overall Verdict: Light as air, but consistently good-natured and funny.
Special Features:
Dreamisodes
Deleted Scenes
Rosie's Rap
Dropping in with Drop Dead Diva
Cho and Tell
Reviewer: Tom René
