The DVD

Video:
I Am a Promise is presented in its original 1.33:1 full frame format and looks pretty much like what you would expect from a early 1990's production shot on 16mm. Detail is lacking, colors sometimes bloom, and some of the brighter spots even look a bit blown out. The print is not in the best shape with noticeable grain, dirt, and even a few scratches throughout. A digital remaster may have been able to remedy a few of these problems, but it's probably not necessary. The film looks as good as it's ever going to look, and this transfer is serviceable enough.

Sound:
The audio on this disc is presented in a Dolby 2.0 stereo format and, just like the video, suffers from a lack of quality source material. Sound levels fluctuate from time to time and there isn't much of a spacious soundstage, but the dialogue does come through nice and clear. Really, that's what is important for a film like this anyway. I was even surprised to hear a little bit of ambience and bass pumping through my speakers when I ran the film through Dolby ProLogic II decoding. Nonetheless, everything you really need to hear is intelligible, and for a film such as this that is plenty.

Extras:
The one real shining extra feature on this disc is an audio commentary featuring the filmmakers and former Principal Deanna Burney. The track is mostly screen-specific with Susan and Alan Raymond expanding on some of their difficulties in bringing the film to life. They share more stories about the children and provide some great insight into exactly what it was like to film at Stanton Elementary School throughout the course of a year. Principal Burney, however, contributes the most intriguing part of the commentary track, as she is able - ten years later - to reflect on the choices she made and the hardships she had to endure when I Am a Promise was being filmed. She even provides an update on the whereabouts of a few of the children. The three participants are very focal and honest about the film, which makes for a very engrossing track.

Also included on this disc are a text biography of Susan and Alan Raymond, a brief text feature on DocuRama, and the entire text of the DocuRama catalog. A few trailers for other DocuRama features are also included.

Final Thoughts:
While I cannot recommend the film highly enough, I would have liked to see a little more effort put into this DVD presentation. The audio-visual presentation is adequate, and the inclusion of the audio commentary is a nice touch, but it would have been nice to have a little more insight into such an important film. A retrospective featurette would have been great, and I would have liked to know where more of these students are today. Nevertheless, the strength of the film alone is worth the price of admission, and - with the inclusion of the engaging commentary track - it would be hard not to recommend this disc.