A lot more fun is to be had with the collector’s edition for Universal’s other summer comedy hit, the raucously raunchy teen laugher American Pie. The disc is available in either the R-rated theatrical cut or a slightly more explicit unrated version; it would have been a bit more practical if the studio had simply included both on the same disc. In addition to the usual production info and a standard behind-the-scenes feature, there is a blooper reel that, at a running time of about three minutes, wisely doesn’t outstay its welcome; and some clever animated menus, which simulate a computer screen. The real fun to be had is with the running audio commentary with directors Paul and Chris Weitz, writer Adam Herz, and stars Jason Biggs, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and Seann W. Scott. In all honesty, you won’t get many deep insights into the nature of filmmaking here (after all, Paul Weitz mentions here that they intentionally eschewed any fancy directing maneuvers), but the guys obviously had a blast making the film, and that comes through as they watch the film again and make comments that are amusingly glib (to say the least). Their exuberance is infectious, and it suits the film and this nicely put-together disc.
