Product Details

• Actors: Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jamie Draven, Jean Heywood
• Directors: Stephen Daldry
• Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (DTS 5.1), Spanish (DTS 5.1)
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Dubbed: Spanish
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Universal Studios
• DVD Release Date: January 10, 2012
• Digital Copy Expiration Date: April 30, 2015 (Click here for more information)
• Run Time: 222 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (345 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0068FZ1C8
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,067 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Billy Elliot is the heartwarming story of a young boy from a working-class family who discovers a passion that will change his life forever.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Tale of Redemption and the Father-Son Dynamic April 26, 2002

By Jose R. Perez

Format:DVD

Jamie Bell is pure magic in this wonderful coming-0f-age film that tells the story of a working class English lad who takes up ballet as a way to hone his boxing skills. In the process, he discovers himself, learnes some valuable life lessons, and fills a deep void left by the death of his beloved mum. Despite his family's strong objections (and financial straits) Billy ends up studying dance from a local teacher (the effervescent Julie Walters, who won an Oscar nomination for her work here). Her lessons - both technical and moral - serve as the basis for a devastatingly real connection between Billy and his disgusted macho father. What ensues is a dramatic comedy that inspires us at every turn without condescension or pity. The heartening interaction that develops between father and son is truly evocative, especially so for anyone who ever followed (or didn't) their dreams despite their family's objections. Not only does Billy "Dance!!" for his supper...he befriends the local outcast gay teenager and copes with questions about his own sexual orientation - heady topics for a movie about a dancing teen. All of this is handled in a mature, thoughtful manner, which makes the film a visceral, haunting experience. You can take or leave it's many messages, but theere is no denying its emotional core.

It's rare for a movie to challenge social mores and values by focusing on the dominant male principals. But "Billy Elliot" succeeds on more levels than other underdog-come-from-behind flicks. First, its based on a true story and resonates with truth, integrity and spirit. And, Bell's brash, authentic portrayal is pure magic. His feet literally take over his soul...he dances in the street, mimmicking Gene Kelly, and in the process taps his way into your heart. The performance is so accomplished it's a wonder Bell didn't receive an Oscar nomination. Even Russell Crowe - who won the 2000 BAFTA and Oscar for "Gladiator" - admitted Bell deserved the BAFTA Prize instead. Having resisted "Billy Elliot" at the movies, I finally caught it recently on HBO and was taken in immediately. This is a film your entire family can and should enjoy...if they don't, perhaps a little side trip to an English coal-mining town will help them appreciate this wonderful heartwarming film. Seriously, in this day and age, every one of us could use more Billy Elliots and fewer Scorpion Kings. A keeper!

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A daddy cries... June 23, 2001

By David G. Smith

Format:DVD

My son dressed up like Beauty(Belle from Beauty and The Beast...not the concept of beauty) for halloween. He dressed like the Mother Superior when we took him to the sing-along Sound Of Music. The other day he got a superman toy and was putting a Barbie Shoe on it. I am living in the world of the unique child.And I know there will be a day where someone will try to change my son........ This is why I cried in Billy Elliot......This is a beautiful film about being different in an uncompromising world. It is a film about economics and society, and how art is developed through frustration and need...but with all that aside it is a truly entertaining and fabulous film. Stephen Daldry, the reknowned theatre director, makes his debut here. The direction is the thing that gives this it's guts. This is a much better film than it needed to be. And the performances....Julie Walters, Jaime Bell and Gary Lewis(such an amazing performance as the dAd)...Just check this out. The movie goes places that you don't expect, and thankfully, places you do. I have just been thinking about the end of the film, and how it is an ugly duckling story...the coolest thing about it is that more than Billy turn into a swan. It seems like the entire community turns swanish. Art and individuality can do that. I was the quasimodo of ducks before my som came along.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Discard your expectations - and enjoy it anyway April 25, 2001

By A Customer

Format:DVD

You have to ask yourself how lucky Stephen Daldry was to find this particular young gentleman, Jamie Bell, to play the lead role of "Billy Elliot." I can't think of another youthful actor ( much less a dancer ) who could have been so successful in carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Julie Walters does an excellent job as crusty teacher. Some of the best scenes in the film are the moments when student and teacher start in on the verbal battles that can leave you laughing and crying at the same time - a wonderful change from the calm, caring, though eccentric teachers of American film. The soundtrack of the film is very well done, as is the choreography for the dance sequences. The father, brother and ( especially ) the slightly loony grandmother are wonderful characters, as are Billy's best friend Michael, and the teacher's young daughter.

Regardless of the media hype ( which actually does Billy Elliot a disservice with it's use of chliched exclimations ), Billy Elliot does have flaws, some of them glaring and very nearly unforgivable. The script often tends toward the normal, the expected, and even the trite. The background of the coal miner's strike is appropriate, but director Stephen Daldry doesn't always make it clear why he dwells on it for quite so long. DVD specific ( I assume ) there are some problems with sound - often the music covers voice, and the volume between scenes is so radical that it's wise to keep your remote in your hand so that you can alternately hear what's being said and avoid bursting your ear-drums.

For all of the above, "Billy Elliot" finds "Moments of Grace" frequently, where you may burst out laughing, or wipe a quick tear from your eye. They are quick, they are short, they are instant, and they are brilliant - and they ARE worth it - every penny and ever moment and every flaw ... most of them thanks to Jamie Bell ( watch out for his smile - it only happens a few times in the movie, but it's a killer, folks. )

Conclusion: Ignore the media. Ignore the hype. Discard your expectations. Get "Billy Elliot" and take it for what it's worth - in my opinion - a wonderful, sweet film, filled with moments of glory that are well worth your time and effort and appreciation.