Doubt comes to DVD and Blu-ray

Synoposis: Set in 1964 at St. Nicholas Church in the Bronx, Fr. Brendan Flynn’s (Philip Seymour Hoffman) progressive views and charismatic presence have won him the respect and admiration of the congregation. At the parish school, principal Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep) keeps her students in line with old-fashioned fear and intimidation. When young Sister James (Amy Adams) shares with Sister Aloysius her concern that that Father Flynn has “taken an interest” in twelve-year-old Donald Miller (Joseph Foster), the school’s “first Negro student,” the older nun launches her own investigation. Determined to protect every one of her charges, Sister Aloysius attempts to use the evidence she discovers to have Flynn removed from the school. John Patrick Shanley’s finely shaded script takes audiences through a spectrum of truth, emotion and belief, and asks if any decision is ever free from doubt.

From producer Scott Rudin (No Country for Old Men) and Miramax Films, Doubt, one of the most riveting and talked about films of the year, comes to DVD and Blu-ray™ Hi-Def on April 7, 2009 from Miramax Films. The recipient of five 2009 Academy Award® nominations and on over 50 top 10 lists, Doubt brings to blistering life a battle royale between old guard and free thinker, played out in a crucible of sexual politics and religious piety. Its razor-sharp, whip-smart story and top-notch cast will have viewers buzzing long after the credits roll. A series of thoughtful and revealing bonus features illuminate the creative process behind this remarkable film. 

Doubt dominated this year’s Oscar acting categories with nominations for Meryl Streep (Best Actress), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Supporting Actor), Amy Adams (Best Supporting Actress) and Viola Davis (Best Supporting Actress). Academy Award winner John Patrick Shanley (Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Moonstruck, 1987) was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for a script based on his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play.

Two-time Oscar® winner Meryl Streep (Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Kramer vs. Kramer, 1979; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Sophie’s Choice, 1982), Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Capote, 2005), Amy Adams (Junebug) and Viola Davis (Nights in Rodanthe) deliver fierce, unflinching performances in a story defined by the quest for truth, the forces of change and the devastating consequences of blind justice in an age defined by moral conviction. 

Doubt’s subtle balance of humor, drama, intrigue and world-class performances drew unparalleled praise from critics across the country. The film is “Brilliant, riveting, even thrilling,” says FoxNews.com. “Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams perform with uncommon grace. Meryl Streep is chilling, fierce and Oscar-bound,” raves Elle.

Bonus Features

Both DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def versions of Doubt include the following bonus features:

1. From Stage to Screen—An intimate discussion with playwright, screenwriter and director John Patrick Shanley about the history of Doubt, including his inspirations for the story, the acclaim the play’s Broadway run received, the Pulitzer Prize and the process of adapting it for the screen. Joining the conversation are Meryl Streep and Sister Margaret McEntee (a consultant on the film and Shanley’s former teacher). 
2. Scoring Doubt—Renowned composer Howard Shore discusses his inspiration for the music in the film and his collaboration with both John Patrick Shanley and producer Scott Rudin.
3. The Sisters of Charity—In an insightful and lively dialogue, Meryl Streep and John Patrick Shanley discuss the interviews that Shanley did before shooting with real nuns to discuss their lives and make sure they would be accurately portrayed in the film. 
4. Feature Commentary with John Patrick Shanley
5. The Cast of Doubt—A conversation with actors Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis.

Behind The Scenes: The Cast