This commentary features director Amy Heckerling along with screenwriter and the author of the book, Cameron Crowe. Crowe had "gone undercover" as a high school student to write the book, and discusses those experiences on this track as well.

This commentary is both very funny and filled with interesting details about the movie, plus lots of reminiscing from both of them. Amy talks about the many disagreements she had with the studio about the movie, some of which she won, and some she lost.

There are also a number of discussions about their casting choices; who else they auditioned and considered, and why they chose the actors they did. For example, Nicholas Cage was as strong contender for Judge Reinhold's part, and they explain the reasons behind their decision. That's a part of the filmmaking process that you hardly ever hear discussions about, so it makes this commentary feel especially open and candid. Crowe even reveals that the script was originally sent to David Lynch, who passed, feeling that it didn't quite fit his style.

The commentary has almost no gaps where they watch the movie rather than talk. In fact, Heckerling and Crowe not only keep talking through the ending credits, but also keep on going for seven minutes after the credits end.

This is certainly one of the better commentary tracks that I've ever listened to, and is highly recommended.

This was cool, and funny. They each have something to talk about and do it very well, both educational and entertaining. They give their praises to Sean Penn who was brilliant as the surfer dude, and chat about every aspect of the movie. They get so into it that the track goes on for an additional 7 minutes or so after the credits are done, talking over a black screen. That was pretty cool, and very refreshing hearing them talk without that background noise. 8/10

great commentary. I usually watch my movies without the commentary, and then immediately with commentary. This movie with commentary had my complete attention. Great info and back story on the film. worth criterion