Freedom Writers debuts on DVD in April

By Patrick Luce Mar 23, 2007, 21:53 GMT

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) leads a “phenomenal” cast of first-time actors in the emotionally stirring film inspired by a true story Freedom Writers, arriving on DVD April 17th from Paramount Home Entertainment for the suggested retail price of $29.99.

The film portrays the story of Erin Gruwell, a high school teacher in Long Beach, California, who encouraged her class of at-risk students to overcome the gangs that divided them and the educational system that failed them, and to tell their stories in their own words. The journals the students were inspired to write ultimately became the book The Freedom Writers Diary. 

The film features an outstanding cast of young actors, many of whom grew up surrounded by gang violence and were able to draw upon their own experiences on the street to portray Gruwell’s students with gritty authenticity.  Freedom Writers also stars two-time Golden Globe nominee Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Scott Glenn (Training Day) and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix).

The DVD is presented in either full screen or widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, English 2.0 Surround and French 5.1 Surround and English subtitles. 

The DVD includes the following special features:
Feature-length commentary with director/writer Richard LaGravenese and Hilary Swank
Deleted scenes - Eva Leaves Class; Another Class Trip; Catching A Ride; and Protect Your Own.
Making ‘A Dream’
Freedom Writers Family
Freedom Writers: The Story Behind The Story
Photo gallery

Freedom Writers is now available for pre-order at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.