Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5297 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-09-08
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Widescreen, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, German, Greek, Hebrew, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish
• Dubbed in: German
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 111 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Patch Adams raises two schools of thought: there are those who are inspired by the true story of a troubled man who finds happiness in helping others--a man set on changing the world and who may well accomplish the task. And then there are those who feel manipulated by this feel-good story, who want to smack the young medical student every time he begins his silly antics.

Staving off suicidal thoughts, Hunter Adams commits himself into a psychiatric ward, where he not only garners the nickname "Patch" but learns the joy in helping others. To this end, he decides to go to medical school, where he clashes with the staid conventions of the establishment as he attempts to inject humour and humanity into his treatment of the patients ("We need to start treating the patient as well as the disease", he declares throughout the film). Robin Williams, in the title role, is as charming as ever, although someone should tell him to broaden his range--the ever-cheerful, do-gooder à la Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society is getting a little old. His sidekick Truman (Daniel London) steals the show with his gawky allure and eyebrows that threaten to overtake his lean face--he seems more real, which is odd considering that Patch Adams does exist and this film is based on his life. Monica Potter is the coolly reluctant love interest and she makes the most of her one-dimensional part. While moments of true heartfelt emotion do come through, the major flaw of this film is that the good guys are just so gosh-darn good and the bad ones are just big meanies with no character development. Patch Adams, though, does provide the tears, the giggles and the kooky folks who will keep you smiling at the end. --Jenny Brown

Special Features
2.35 Wide Screen
DVD 9
German
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.0 English German
Dolby Digital 5.0
Directors Commentary
Making Of Featurette
Production Notes
Filmography
Theatrical Trailer
Interviews
Out Takes
Czech\Danish\Dutch\English\Finnish\German\Greek\Hebrew\Norwegian\Polish\Swedish

Synopsis
Tom Shadyac's (ACE VENTURA) film tells the true story of Hunter "Patch" Adams (Robin Williams), an aspiring doctor in the 1970s who attempted to treat his patients with a medicine that modern science had totally disregarded: humor. After a stint in a mental hospital where he discovers his need to help others, a young Patch enters medical school. There he develops his own methods of reaching patients as an antidote to the the pomposity he witnesses in his instructors and fellow students. While his patients and fellow staff members appreciate his approach, the powers-that-be frown upon his "unschooled" methods and attempt to prevent him from practicing. Philip Seymour Hoffman (MAGNOLIA) and Monica Potter (ALONG CAME A SPIDER) co-star in this crowd pleaser based on a book by Adams.

Customer Reviews

Patch Adams, a gem of a film
Patch Adams follows a depressed lonely guy who checks into a mental institute and finally realises his purpose in life, to help people. He works hard and two years later arrives at a medical school to follow his new dream of being a docter, and here the fun really begins. You see Patch believes laughter is the best form of medicine and he will stop at nothing to get it!

Patch Adams is a gem in any film collection, it's funny, sad, truthful and a great film. There are twists and turns when everything seems simple and on the right track, and at parts when disaster strikes it can't help but bring tears to your eyes.
Patch Adams is a beautiful film, well made, well written and all the actors perform to perfection especially Robin Williams who will make his way into your heart. Patch Adams can only be described as perfect and is worth every penny spent.

Patch Adams
This is what the world should be like...an amazing presentaion of human expresion brought forward and focused on bonding with others, with what? a simple smile ;-) and a few moments of conversation - Not out for personal gain, merely to make others smile and make them feel sound in themselves. after all health is more important at the end of the day..."to make one smile" is Robins god given gift and with his warm heart he has concocted an ideal man/person we should all try to become...forget fancy cars, posh night out eatings etc...take a few moments to look a round and try to get to know the people beside you, to bond for a few moments can make those around you feel welcome and magically warm and healthy inside..."Patch Adams" based on a true story this is one i recommend to all ages.
...In my final days i would make one wish...for me to be treated by a doctor with the same care and love that Robin has in this movie because all his heart warming gentleness would comfort me forever...this is how the movie has touched me and im sure will do the same to all. out of 5 stars i give 5000 *'s :-)

The doctor will see you now....
One of Robin Williams best films. This is one of those films that is half inspiring, and the other half makes you fell good. This is a very feel good film, despite some tragic consequences for its main character. I think a lot of people will love it!