COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released Sally Fields' directorial debut, "BEAUTIFUL" on dvd.  We can only hope that Ms. Fields has since lost any more desire to direct.  "BEAUTIFUL" is "horrible!"   Minnie Driver and the increasingly annoying, overused, Hallie Kate Eisenberg star in this self-important tale about a girl who, from an early age, "knows" she wants to be a beauty pageant winner, is always willing to put "anything" and "Everything" as 2nd place to her dreams, and gets ultimately is rewarded for her disgusting actions, without ever suffering any consequence whatsoever.  It's really disgusting to realize these filmmakers want us to actually care and like the main character!  Near the film's beginning, "Mona" has a child from a quick(and we mean "quick" ) fling.  Realizing this would ruin her chances of being a Pageant contestant/winner due to strict rules, she decides to have her best friend, raise the child as her own, allowing Mona to become a
favorite "aunt" of sorts.   There are some ridiculous subplots that do
nothing to advance the film, including one involving a nursing home and a suicide resulting in murder charges against Mona's friend, the "mother" of her child.  These are superfluous at best, and demonstrate how disconnected the film is from reality as well as "quality."  If there was any justice, Mona would not be able to win her "dream" of being a pageant winner, appreciating "motherhood" as its own reward, and Ms. Fields would never be allowed to direct again!

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the film with its correct aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and 16:9 enhancement.  The color values are strong.  The various hues are deep without any oversaturation whatsoever.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.  Contrast is also impressive with deep blacks and grays, in even the darkest scenes.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound mix isn't extremely aggressive.  Surround use is restrained, but it comes to life and effectively enhances the soundstage in "crucial" scenes.  The directional effects and overall mix really come into play during the pageant scenes, creating an engulfing, realistic "hall-like" atmosphere for the event.  Also, a musical number featuring Ms. Driver sounds terrific. 
There aren't any real extras to speak of, although there are talent files on Driver,Fields and co-star Kathleen Turner.  Trailers for "28 Days" and "Beautiful" are offered.
"Beautiful" are offered.