Dear Evan Hansen DVD Review: A Movie Worth Celebrating

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Prior to seeing this film earlier this year, I wasn’t super familiar with Dear Evan Hansen. I loosely knew the story, and then, of course, I knew the award-winning Broadway musical had a massive fan following.

The film tells the story of Evan Hansen’s high school experience, which is less than desirable. As he struggles with anxiety and depression, it’s made worst by the fact he has no true friends. Evan feels alone.

As Evan tries to seek help, he’s met with the challenge of writing himself a letter every day. The goal? Having a brief moment with himself to talk himself up for what the day has in store.

Unfortunately, his most recent letter enters the hands of his classmate Connor, who later that day – takes his own life. As Connor’s family searches for answers and closure in the loss of their son, Evan’s letter, which they believe Conner wrote to Evan, is the only thing they have left.

Not wanting to cause pain and wanting to help the family (who his crush also happens to be a part of), Evan goes along with the narrative. From there, things get a lot more complicated. Take a look at the trailer below.

Movie Trailer

Dear Evan Hansen DVD Review: What I Like And Didn’t Like

Back in September 2021, I talked about how this movie absolutely wrecked me. Those that had a rough time in high school (or are actively having a rough time in high school) will probably have a similar experience. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s more than worth it.

The Cast

It wasn’t just the story that hit me – but also Ben Platt’s performance as Evan Hansen. He is pure brilliance in the role of Evan Hansen. Watching him, it almost feels like he was born for this role.

The whole assemble cast does a fantastic job in each of their respective roles. Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, Nik Dodani, Danny Pino, Colton Ryan, DeMarius Copes – all give stellar supporting performances.

The Music

Next, there’s the music, which comes from the masterminds behind the Broadway play. The music by Tony winner Steven Levenson and lyrics by the show’s Oscar, Grammy and Tony-winning songwriting team of Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman). The songs are catchy, emotional, and simply beautiful.

The Direction

Lastly, there is the film’s director. The man most likely to make me cry when I step into a theater, Stephen Chbosky. Those of you who aren’t familiar with Chbosky’s work, go look him up. He not only directed but also wrote the coming-of-age novel that nearly every “outsider” or “outcast” related to in high school, The Perks of Being a Wallflower (which also equally wrecked me when I read it 1999 and when I saw it on the big screen in 2012).

I say all of this to say there was no one more perfect than Chbosky to bring this story to the big screen. He does a beautiful job at translating the Broadway play into a remarkable film – and he hits all the right notes (musical pun intended) while doing so.

Dear Evan Hansen DVD Extras

Exclusive Bonus Features on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital

Songs To Be Seen:

Journey behind the scenes to get an exclusive look at each song featured in Dear Evan Hansen and what they mean to the cast and crew.

Waving Through a Window
For Forever
Anonymous Ones
You Will Be Found
A Little Closer

Looking Through the Lens: The Making of Dear Evan Hansen:

This making of showcases the filmmakers and new cast members that have come together within the Dear Evan Hansen family to bring such an incredible story from stage to screen. From Costume Designer Sekinah Brown’s pieces to Jamaica Craft’s choreography, Director Stephen Chbosky’s insight and Beth Mickle’s production design – we see a holistic representation of the filmmaker’s production process.

Stars In Our Eyes:

For so many, this production was their first working environment after many months, in a time where we all felt the need for connection. Witness the exploding artistry that came to life on set as both cast and crew began to find themselves again through collaborative creativity.

Exclusive Bonus Features on Blu-Ray and Digital

Songs To Be Seen:

Journey behind the scenes to get an exclusive look at each song featured in DEAR EVAN HANSEN and what they mean to the cast and crew.

Sincerely Me
Requiem
If I Could Tell Her
Only Us
Words Fail
So Big, So Small

Sincerely, Ben Platt:

Ben Platt reflects on finding his voice through a character that very much mirrored his own teenage experience, how that role brought him international acclaim and what bringing his run as the character Evan Hansen to an end ultimately feels like.

Overall

I am a big fan of this film and the Dear Evan Hansen DVD. Movies like this are worth celebrating. Not only is it a great film with a great story and fantastic performances – but it also signs a light on the importance of mental health.

Everyone is fighting a battle. And most of the time – we have no idea the personal demons someone is struggling with. So what’s the takeaway? Be kind to those around you.

Dear Evan Hansen is available now on digital and on Blu-ray and DVD.