In the tradition of such improv-driven comedies as BEST IN SHOW and A MIGHTY WIND, director Zak Penn (INCIDENT AT LOCH NESS) casts an affectionate eye on the world of professional poker in his highly entertaining mockumentary, THE GRAND. Penn assembles an impressive ensemble of comedic performers and poker personalities to tell the story of six competitors in a $10 million winner-take-all Las Vegas poker tournament. Leading the way is One-Eyed Jack Faro (Woody Harrelson), a charming rogue whose addiction to drugs and quickie marriages has put his grandfather's casino on the brink of bankruptcy. Also vying for the prize are Lainie and Larry Schwartzman (Cheryl Hines, David Cross), two hyper-competitive siblings still angling for their father's favor; old school Vegas tough guy "Deuce" Fairbanks (Dennis Farina); socially inept math whiz Harold Melvin (Chris Parnell); and impossibly "Aw, shucks!" amateur Andy Andrews (Richard Kind). As the six fight their way to the final showdown, they cross bets and bluffs with a colorful cast of skills and sharks ranging from real-life poker legends such as Doyle Brunson to director Werner Herzog's scene-stealing cameo as "The German." Though the dialogue was frequently unscripted and the winner determined by the play of the actors, Penn does an exceptional job of crafting a cohesive poke at poker's current pop-culture stardom, as well as the quirks and dreams that drive individuals to risk fame and failure. Filled with jargon and laughs, THE GRAND is an insider's invitation to sit at the table and enjoy the games people play.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital - English
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes
Alternate Ending
Audio Commentary:
1. Zak Penn - Writer/Producer/Director; Matt Bierman - Writer/Executive Producer; Michael Karnow - Actor
2. Selected Scene Commentaries with Actors - Woody Harrelson, Cheryl Hines and Ray Romano
Text/Photo Galleries:
Wild Cards: Player Profiles

Distributor Notes: Woody Harrelson stars as One-Eyed Jack Faro, a not-quite-fully-rehabbed gambler, party monster, and serial marry-er hoping to save his late grandfather's hotel-casino by winning $10 million cash at The Grand Championship Of Poker. But fi rst he'll have to beat a Vegas fi eld of geeks, gurus, online amateurs, greedy developers, ruthless housewives, old-school pros and more of the top players in the world for the largest prize in poker history. Jason Alexander, Ray Romano, Mike Epps, Judy Greer, Werner Herzog, Gabe Kaplan, Michael McKean, Phil Gordon and Doyle Brunson co-star in this no-limit comedy from director Zak Penn (Incident At Loch Ness).

Source: Anchor Bay

Woody Harrelson: Woody of TV's "Cheers"
David Cross: Comedian, MR. SHOW
Dennis Farina: American TV/film actor, CRIME STORY (1985)
Cheryl Hines: Actress
Richard Kind: SUPPORTING ACTOR
Chris Parnell: 
Jason Alexander: American actor, director, SEINFELD
Ray Romano: American actor/comedian, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND
Werner Herzog: German Director/Screenwriter/Producer, FITZCARRALDO (1982)
Gabe Kaplan: Mr. Kotter of TV's "Welcome Back Kotter"

Zak Penn: SCREENWRITERS\ASPIRING

Bobby Schwartz: Producer, THE GRAND
Ross M. Dinerstein: Producer, THE GRAND
Bret Saxon: Producer, THE GRAND
Jeff Bowler: Producer, THE GRAND
Zak Penn: SCREENWRITERS\ASPIRING
Gary Marcus: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Zak Penn: SCREENWRITERS\ASPIRING
Matt Bierman: Screenwriter, THE GRAND

Stephen Endelman: Score composer

"THE GRAND is in the grand tradition of Christopher Guest 'mockumentary' comedy satires: Its greatest asset is its eclectic, quirky-funny cast."
"The actors certainly look as if they're having a good time, and if you're in the right mood, you might to."