The typical 9-to-5 schedule can be a formidable opponent, but films like Waydowntown (2000) ensure that those with boring jobs can still emerge victorious. It's not as over-the-top as Clerks or even Office Space---and for good reason, I might add---but this black comedy from Canada is one of the better films you probably haven't seen...yet. Basically, it centers around a group of bored young office workers and a bet: to see who can stay inside the longest, with the winner getting a full month's salary. Just for the record, the reigning champ avoided going outside for an entire year. How is this possible?

Through Calgary's Plus 15 walkway system, of course. Basically, it's an honest-to-goodness series of nearly 60 enclosed glass "bridges" that connects dozens of downtown shopping centers, apartment complexes and, of course, offices ("Plus 15" refers to the bridges being approximately 15 feet from ground level). Sure, it might make for a nice stroll in bad weather, but one could only imagine the hamster-like claustrophobia that would eventually ensue.

It's a tough challenge, and Waydowntown brings us up to speed on Day 28; the lunch hour, to be precise. We're introduced to Tom (Fab Filippo, below), a young worker who's been given the job of picking out the company founder's retirement gift. He works next to Brad, AKA "Sadly I'm Bradley" (Don McKellar, eXistenZ, at top), a 20-year office veteran who's seriously considering a long trip out of his window. There's also the paranoid Sandra (Marya Delver), whose new assignment is tailing the company founder in case his kleptomania kicks in; and Randy (Tobias Godson), who needs out of a midday task that requires him to go outdoors. Rounding out the crew are Curt and Vicki (Gordon Currie and Jennifer Clement)---the former being the reigning indoor champ---who have been engaged to other people for roughly two years, but they're also feeling a bit trapped.

At its heart, Waydowntown is a darkly funny satire about how closed-in life can really leave us, regardless of where we live and work. Shot on location in downtown Calgary---in just under three weeks on a shoestring budget---it's also got an appropriately claustrophobic atmosphere. From the cold, impersonal cubicle walls to the maze-like shopping monstrosity, this is equal parts "Wish you were here!" and "Run for your life!". Director Gary Burns has successfully combined fear, paranoia and satire to make a nearly-flawless black comedy---the real surprise, though, is that it's been stuck under the radar for nearly five years now.

This DVD comes to us from Home Vision Entertainment---and while it's a decent effort for a film that really deserved one, there's certainly some room for improvement here. The technical presentation is fine with only a few notable exceptions, but the lack of bonus features might make this a hard sell for casual film lovers at $25. Still, the film is strong enough to make this disc worth digging into...so let's se how this one stacks up, shall we?

Although originally presented in Dolby 2.0 Stereo---at least according to the packaging notes---Waydowntown also features a new 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround mix. The film's claustrophobic nature is represented well here, and the rear channels even get some use. It could have been a bit more aggressive at times, but it's a great mix for a film that's mostly dialogue-driven. Optional English subtitles are included, and they've thankfully been made 16x9 friendly for widescreen TV owners.

The menu designs (seen above) feature relatively simple layouts, making for smooth, easy navigation. The 83-minute film has been divided into a generous 20 chapters, and a layer change was not detected during playback. Packaging was relatively simple, as this one-disc release is housed in a sterile white keepcase with attractive cover artwork. There's also a nice insert that features a short essay by Mark Peranson, editor and publisher of Cinema Scope magazine.

Ah, the only real roadblock for an otherwise excellent disc. I'd have loved to hear a cast and crew commentary or at least an interview with director Gary Burns---but all we get here are 8 minutes worth of raw Behind The Scenes Footage and the film's Theatrical Trailer, both presented in 1.33:1 fullscreen format. Both are worth a look, but a lack of more substantial bonus features really hurts this release. Luckily, the film stands up pretty well on its own two feet.

With more attention paid to the bonus features and an anamorphic video presentation, Waydowntown could have been one of 2005's best-kept secrets. As it stands, though, it's still a terrific movie that's really worth checking out on DVD. The film's always the most important thing---always---and this is a well-made effort that deserves a wider audience. If the daily routine is closing in on you, this one should be right up your alley. Recommended.