Tyler Perry Collection: Why Did I Get Married? DVD: Review By kaismith

If you are not as familiar with Tyler Perry's work he started with plays. Why Did I Get Married> is the film of his work performed on stage in three acts. The main story is the relationship between Sheila (Cheryl Pepsii Riley) and her mentally abusive husband (Cordell Moore) who is suspected of having an affair. The two characters question why they got married.

Don't think that just because it is on stage that it demotes the quality. While there aren't super close ups the writing and acting is still very strong. This cast isn't famous but they shine. And sorry Madea fans she is not in this but the comedic relief is Poppy played by LaVan Davis who is too funny.

"Why Did I Get Married? Behind the Scenes

This is a featurette that is lengthy but gives a formal introduction to all of the actors as they discuss their characters and the many elements Tyler added to this multi-layered story. While the actors aren't house hold names they are amazing at what they do in this play and I am sure to see much more of them. Also the audience comments are brought in as well and Perry comments on why he wrote the play.

This is a bit preachy with "God" this and "God" that but is to be expected since it is often mentioned in Perry's plays and ingrained in the African American culture. If that is not your thing though don't let the god comments distract you from the story, because it has so much more to say.

Tyler Perry Introduces Chandra Currelley "Love Songs"

Perry describes her songs as "Grown folks music" but I enjoyed it and I am not "over the hill yet." Her music is accessible to all since it addresses the common dilemmas of love.

Full Screen - 1.33:1. I usually like widescreen but because this is a play Full screen is totally appropriate simulating as if you are sitting in the theater. While I did miss the super close ups the emotion is communicated through action and the little mannerisms often taken for granted in films.

Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround with English and Spanish tracks and subtitle options. The actors wear mikes so there is no problem with not being able to hear the dialogue.

Cheryl sports a big rock on her finger as she smirks in a red velour get up. On the reverse, Sheila strikes a pose against the special features list and a brief plot synopsis.

I liked Tyler Perry's films but his writing truly shines through the plays. While I haven't seen all of the plays this is by far my favorite. One of the differences between plays and films is that because the camera is not a factor the weight of the performance is on the writing and the acting. There is no editing to cut scenes together or close ups to magnify emotion. The writing in this play is like steel. Even with out Madea it is strong. Some of his best work yet.