Director John Singleton has always shown aspects of his great talent in every film. He is what Spike Lee claims to be, a good director.   Musician Tyrese Gibson stars in "BABY BOY" as a young father of two children from different mothers.  He has no direction in life and while a "Momma's Boy", has no respect for women.  In Singleton's films, it's typically the men that bring about change.  In "BABY BOY" change is brought on by the pending release of one of his girlfriend's ex boyfriend from prison, Snoop Doggy Dogg, as well as from the new boyfriend in his mother's life, Ving Rhames, a big man, apparently set to push "Baby Boy" out of the nest.  Rhames is terrific as always, and in fact, his scenes bring about the most tension in the film.  His character is well defined, and compelling to watch.  Unfortunately, most of the other characters, especially the mother, seem too simplified.  They give long speeches, attempting to justify and excuse the actions of those who don't deserve pardons.

The film does have a generally well-conceived conclusion, involving Rhames and Gibson coming to an understanding of one another, but it's still not in the same league as what Singleton had achieved in his debut film, "HIGHER LEARNING".

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the film with its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  The image is flawless. The color values are solid and free from oversaturation, in spite of vibrant hues.  The contrast is perfect as well, with deep blacks and grays.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundmix is more aggressive than we expected.  Of course, the rap music permeates all the speakers in key points, but Singleton has paid careful attention to make certain the listener is made part of the streets, resulting in numerous directional effects throughout the film.

Singleton has always been great in his audio commentaries, and here's no exception.  He gives great detail about the overall film production, from conception to the final stages. He also elaborates more on the theme he's trying to explore, as well as his own social/political convictions. 

A featurette, "BABY BOY:RITES OF PASSAGE" is offered, with glimpses of "behind-the-scenes" clips and interviews.

There is a large "deleted scenes" section.  Unfortunately, while most "deleted scenes" sections typically offer one gem that should've been left it, there are none here!  It only makes one wonder how many more scenes should have been eliminated from the final product and placed here as well.

There is an outtakes section, which again, offers little to mention.

A featurette with storyboard comparisons of three scenes is the only real extra, other than the commentary worth visiting.

There are two music videos, and trailers for other Singleton films.