Happy-Go-Lucky

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HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

Coming to DVD March 10th

Hailed “One of the Best Films of the Year” by New York Magazine, and Roger Ebert

Burbank, California, January 23, 2009—Happy-Go-Lucky, an effervescent new comedy from writer and director Mike Leigh (Secrets and Lies), comes to DVD on March 10, 2009 from Miramax Films. Happy-Go-Lucky’s upbeat look at the life of an irrepressible optimist earned Leigh a 2009 Oscar® nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Now even more irresistible on DVD with intriguing new bonus features, this feel-great comedy is a walk on the sunny side of the street with an endearing and inspiring heroine.

In a joyful star turn that earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical, Sally Hawkins (Cassandra’s Dream, Vera Drake) headlines as Poppy, an irrepressibly free-spirited teacher with an infectious laugh and an unshakably positive outlook. Written and directed by Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky was filmed in his signature improvisational style, and also stars Eddie Marsan (Han****)

Critics praised Happy-Go-Lucky for its infectious buoyancy, skillful performances and astonishing humanity. Claudia Puig of USA Today declared it “a rare film that is equal parts entertaining, life-affirming and thought provoking.” “Heartfelt and hilarious, it’s more than a movie, it’s a gift,” enthuses Peter Travers of Rolling Stone. Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal raves,” “Wonderful! Sally Hawkins gives an astonishing performance!” And Thelma Adams of US Weekly marvels, “This movie made me blissfully happy.”

Happy-Go-Lucky was an Official Selection at the New York, Toronto, Berlin, and Telluride Film Festivals. It has earned a host of honors including a Golden Bear nomination for Leigh and a Best Actress Award for Hawkins at the Berlin Film Festival. The actress also received the Breakthrough Award at the Hollywood Film Festival, plus Best Actress nominations at the British Independent Film Awards, the European Film Awards and the Satellite Awards. The Norwegian International Film Festival presented Leigh with its Bringer of Joy Award for most enjoyable movie.

DVD Bonus Features
• Audio Commentary by director Mike Leigh and actress Sally Hawkins
• Happy in Character – Director Mike Leigh and the cast of Happy-Go-Lucky discuss the characters, story, process and creation of the film.
• Behind the Wheel of Happy-Go-Lucky – A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the film’s “studio on wheels,” and a conversation with cast and crew about what it was like to to shoot so many crucial scenes behind the wheel of a car in actual traffic.

School teacher Poppy (Sally Hawkins) approaches every day with an optimism and joy that is unshakable. When the bicycle she commutes to work on is stolen, Poppy simply signs up for driving lessons. Her teacher, Scott (Eddie Marsan), is a fuming, uptight cynic who channels his anger into hilariously inappropriate episodes of road rage. But neither Scott, her bitter pregnant sister, a fiery flamenco instructor or a class room bully can change the Happy-Go-Lucky girl’s “glass half full” world view in writer-director Mike Leigh’s funny, truthful and deeply life-affirming film.

Happy-Go-Lucky has a suggested retail price of $29.99 (U.S).

STREET DATE: March 10, 2009
Direct prebook: January 13, 2009
Distributor prebook: January 27, 2009
PRICING US: $29.99 SRP
Feature run time: 119 minutes
Rated: R (language)
Technical specifications may only apply to feature
Aspect ratio: widescreen (2:35:1)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround
Languages: English


Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.