Release Date: October 2, 2012
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: Approximately 113 minutes

From the studio that brought you the award-winning blockbuster “The Help,” comes an emotional and inspirational story about a young man’s journey of self discovery as he connects with a family he barely knows. Starring Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), Olivia Wilde (Tron) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Dark Shadows), DreamWorks Pictures releases “People Like Us” – a must-own, heartfelt and relatable story – on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, Digital and On-Demand on October 2, 2012.

Inspired by true life events, the “People Like Us” Blu-ray Combo Pack comes complete with bonus material that delves deeper into the story that inspired the making of thisgreat film. These extras include audio commentary with filmmakers and talent, an extended scene of L.A.’s popular Henry Taco Stand featured in the film, deleted scenes and bloopers.

“People Like Us” is directed/produced by Alex Kurtzman (Cowboys & Aliens, The Proposal, Star Trek, TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”), written by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci (Transformers, Star Trek, Cowboys & Aliens) and Jody Lambert (her first writing debut) and composed by award-winning composer A.R. Rahman (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire). Chris Pine, who plays Sam, is a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman whose latest deal collapses the day he learns his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home to put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. While there, he uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down — he has a 30-year-old sister (Banks) he never knew existed.

People Like Us is a film I was highly anticipating for some time and it did not disappoint. In fact, the film exceeded my expectations which I did not think was possible because I had such hopes for the film to begin with. Anything Elizabeth Banks works on, I am in on. Banks plus the incredible cast beside her including Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde, Jon Favreau, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michael Hall D’Addario made for such a mesmerizing cast. They brought these characters to life and pulled me into their world immediately. Now can we just have a moment to relish in how wildly talented and versatile Banks and Pine are? Yes. Round of applause.

I’ve noticed a theme in recent movies and that is showing the repercussions of keeping secrets and staying in denial. Among other subjects touched upon in this film, I can guarantee that People Like Us will tug at your heart and possibly leave you with a few tears. People Like Us is sad, funny at times and everything in between. What’s so refreshing is the lack of romance. Believe it or not, self discovery is a journey that can be had without romance. Bravo for showing the people how it’s done! Watching each of these characters find their way or accept what has been laid out for them brought for such an intense bag of emotions, I hope this film gets recognized this award season. To me, it is just that good. These stories are the kind of stories I yearn for. There are not enough of them these days.

All of that said, I do believe that certain scenes were dragged out a bit. That said, you can’t rush this process, this journey and this story is told without skipping any part in the journey. So while it might seem like a fault, this was actually a very brave and admirable move to make. Some also might say that this film is predictable, but if having morals (yes, everyone, even Frankie has boundaries believe it or not) is predictable, if having problems and finding the cause at the core of your heart is predictable, life is predictable. And we all know that this is not 100% the case. While some things in the film are “predictable,” this film is not trying to be anything that it is not or shouldn’t be. This film is about life. Some things you see down the road and others you do not. Take it or leave it. All of that said, the ending is beautiful. Oh, man. This film is something else. It’s beautiful. I cannot wait to pop it into the Blu-ray player and watch it again.

Bonus Features:

Number One with a Bullet: The Story Behind “People Like Us” (15 minutes) – What I love so much about People Like Us is that it is such a personal story. It is especially personal to Writer/Director, Alex Kurtzman based the film on his experience and the cast understands the weight of this story. Olivia Wilde mentions that every one has fascinating stories to tell and this as Chris Pine says is the framework for it. This feature is a great explanation as to the depth of this film and all that it took to make it the best it could be. Must watch!

Taco Talk: Extended Henry’s Taco Scene (4 minutes) – Both the final cut of this scene and the extended cut of this scene are great, so if you enjoyed the film, you’ll enjoy this extended cut of this particular scene.

Deleted Scenes & Extended Scenes (18 minutes) – There are five deleted and extended scenes with introductions by Writer/Director, Alex Kurtzman. I believe that all deleted scenes should come with introductions, so this was wonderful to have. In this case, especially since I am so used to hearing Kurtzman talk about Fringe, it is refreshing to hear him talk about such a different piece of work. Of all of scenes shared, I most enjoyed “The Talk.” If you enjoyed the film, please take some time to watch the deleted scenes. These scenes, unlike many deleted scenes, are actually all so moving, so good!

*Bloopers (4 minutes)

Select Scene Commentary – The commentary for the eight scenes in this feature are conducted by Writer/Director, Alex Kurtzman and Actress Michelle Pfeiffer. There are two full length commentaries plus this select commentary and that’s A LOT of commentary. I wouldn’t be mad if you picked one to watch right now and got to the others whenever you find the time. But please do watch the others when you find the time because getting to see the film and the making of the film through the different eyes of the people involved behind and in front of the camera is worth the watch.

Commentary – There are two full length commentaries to choose from in addition to the commentary noted above. The first is conducted by Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actors Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks. The second is conducted by Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Writer, Jody Lambert. Both are entertaining, intriguing, and dig even deeper into the making of the film so definitely make it a point to watch all of the commentaries. Well worth the time.

Own People Like Us on Blu-ray and DVD today.