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May 18, 2010 DVD & Blu-ray: 'Extraordinary Measures' taken by John Crowley to find a cure for Pompe

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NY DVD Examiner
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What measures will you take to save your dying children? 

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Based on a true story, Bristol-Myers Squibb executive John Crowley (Brendan Fraser) and his wife, Aileen (Keri Russell), take Extraordinary Measures when their children (Megan and Patrick), ages 9 and 7, are diagnosed with Pompe disease (acid maltase deficiency). Refusing to watch their children die, the Crowley family raise money to enlist the aid of Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford), an eccentric University of Nebraska research scientist, to help them find a cure. With the financial support from venture capitalists, they create a bio-tech company to formulate a cure and save the dying Crowley children (Meredith Droeger as Megan Crowley and Diego Velazquez as Patrick Crowley). The real John Crowley makes a cameo appearance in the film.

Pompe disease is a metabolic disorder caused by inborn lack of the enzyme alpha-1,4 glucosidase (lysosomal glucosidase; acid maltase), which is necessary to break down sugars or glycogen, the body's energy source. It is a genetic, autosomal recessive disease, where both parents carry the recessive gene. It causes muscular dystrophy and the weakening of the diaphragm, leading to breathing issues.  Sometimes the heart, liver and/or tongue may be enlarged. Life-threatening complications may result due to progressive cardiac failure. The disease can strike at any time.

Directed by Tom Vaughan, the film is based on the Crowley family and the nonfiction book by Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Geeta Anand titled The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--and Bucked the Medical Establishment--in a Quest to Save His Children. The real Crowley children, Megan and Patrick, were diagnosed when they were 15 months old and 7 days old; treatment began when they were ages 5 and 4 years old. Generally most children affected by Pompe disease die before reaching their second birthday. As of 2009, Megan is 12 years old and Patrick is 11 years old. Thanks to their father and the scientists, they are still alive. They do require a wheelchair and respiratory support.

On the film's release date, January 22, 2010, New York State Senators Dean Skelos and Kemp Hannona introduced a new legislation (Bill #S.6656/A.9791) to add five rare genetic diseases to be tested in the New York State’s Newborn Screening Program. The five new additions include Pompe disease, Fabry disease, Niemann-Pick disease, Gaucher disease and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID). Established in 1965, the New York State’s Newborn Screening Program already tests for more than 40 disorders using a simple blood test. Early diagnosis and medical treatment have prevented or lessened the severity of these diseases, which includes mental retardation and/or abnormal physical development. Pompe disease occurs in 1 in 40,000 people and is already incorporated into Missouri and Illinois newborn screening programs. Barring any issues, the legislation will take effect on January 1, 2011.

Special Features:

  • Go Behind The Scenes Of This Uplifting Movie With Interviews Of The Cast And Also The Family Whose True Story Inspired The Film
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Movie IQ *Blu-ray exclusive*
  • BD-Live *Blu-ray exclusive*

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, NY DVD Examiner

Annie Chu is President of the renowned media specialty site, SteelBookHunterz.com, the first dedicated to SteelBook™ collectors worldwide. She is a frequent contributor to numerous Blu-ray and DVD-related sites. An avid collector, her personal collection contains well more than 1,000 Blu-ray,...

Comments

  • Cgrof 2 years ago

    How do I get the coupons off the computer? What do I click to get them?

  • Annie 2 years ago

    Cgrof, currently there aren't any coupons for Extraordinary Measures DVD/Blu-ray. However, you can go to the article that has this week's latest coupons: www.examiner.com/x-34131-NY-DVD-Examiner~y2010m5d16-DVD--Bluray-coupons--deals-051610

    Click on any of the coupon links that interest you and there will be instructions on how to print the coupons. You may be asked to install a coupon printing software program. It is a legitimate program that many coupon providers use. I would suggest using Internet Explorer browser in case you run into any browser compatibility issues. If you have any further questions about a specific coupon you are having problems with, you can contact me, post a comment or contact the site that is providing the coupon. I hope this helps you!

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