1 / 5Life During Wartime: The Criterion Collection DVD
Life During Wartime from The Criterion Collection is a DVD comedy directed by Todd Solondz. The film revisits characters from Happiness with a new cast, shifting the setting to Florida and exploring forgiveness through dark, dry humor.
At a glance
- A dark comedy by Todd Solondz, described as a distorted mirror image of his earlier film Happiness.
- Features a new cast in roles originated in the earlier film, including Allison Janney, Ally Sheedy and Shirley Henderson.
- Listed in color, widescreen, NTSC and surround sound formats.
Pros and cons
Pros
- The listing identifies the director, cast and disc format, making it easier to assess fit for a film collection.
- Its connection to Happiness may appeal to viewers interested in Solondz's recurring characters and themes.
Technical specifications
13 specifications| Genre | Comedy |
|---|---|
| Studio | Criterion Collection |
| Director | Todd Solondz |
| MPAA rating | R (Restricted) |
| Release date | July 26, 2011 |
| Number of discs | 1 |
| Format | Color, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Surround Sound, Widescreen |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Runtime | 1 hour and 37 minutes |
| Contributors | Allison Janney, Ally Sheedy, Ciaran Hinds, Paul Reubens, Shirley Henderson, Todd Solondz |
|---|---|
| Actors | Allison Janney, Ally Sheedy, Ciaran Hinds, Paul Reubens, Shirley Henderson |
| Dimensions listed | 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.72 ounces |
|---|
| Model number | 17542412 |
|---|
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing describes the film as an R-rated, dark comedy and says it revisits Happiness with different actors. Buyers seeking a light or conventional comedy may want to consider that tone before choosing it.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Viewers looking for Todd Solondz's dark comedy and character-driven films.
- Collectors interested in Criterion Collection DVDs or the film's relationship to Happiness.
Less suited to
- Buyers specifically seeking a Blu-ray or 4K edition, since the listed format is DVD.
- Viewers who prefer lighthearted comedy or want to avoid R-rated films.

Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
68% 68% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
4% 4%
Aggregate customer ratings are mostly in the higher star categories, but include a smaller spread across three-, two- and one-star ratings. Without written feedback, those figures do not show what viewers liked or disliked. Consider them only as a broad reception signal alongside the listed dark-comedy tone and DVD format.
Frequently asked questions
What is the listed video format?
The listing identifies the DVD as color, NTSC and widescreen, with surround sound.
How long is Life During Wartime?
The listed runtime is 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Is this film connected to Happiness?
The listing describes it as a distorted mirror image of Happiness, with new actors playing roles from the earlier film.
What content rating is listed?
The listing gives the rating as R (Restricted).

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