'East Side Sushi' DVD: Diana Elizabeth Torres, Yutaka Takeuchi Digital Release Date

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is bringing the critically acclaimed drama, East Side Sushi, to DVD and Digital. Before its official release date, check out Diana Elizabeth Torres (Inherent Vice) and Yutaka Takeuchi (True Blood) in this exclusive clip from the DVD special features.

From the official website, East Side Sushi follows single mother Juana, who can slice and dice anything with great speed and precision. After working at a fruit-vending cart for years, Huana decides to take a job at a local Japanese restaurant. Intrigued by Japanese food, Juana learns how to make a multitude of sushi on her own. As she attempts to become a sushi chef, there are harsh critics who believe she is the 'wrong' race and gender. Against all odds, Juana embarks on a journey of self-discovery a she becomes determined to not let anyone stop her from achieving her dreams.

In an interview with SF Weekly, writer/director Anthony Lucero discusses how the concept came about, I was actually at a diner, I was just watching this guy wash dishes and I thought, I wonder what this guy aspires to do with his life. Does he enjoy washing dishes? Maybe. Well, maybe he wants to be a cook here at this restaurant. Maybe the lead cook has his domain. "You can't touch the stove, this is my world." Then I was eating sushi, and I was like, "Maybe he wants to be a sushi chef instead of that greasy spoon restaurant." Then I started writing about this Latina that wanted to become a sushi chef."

Lucero adds, "Then I realize that there's no woman doing this job so I thought, "Okay, it's much more compelling if a woman wants to do this." So I switched the roles and the original screenplay was called Konichi­Juan. You get it? That was funny. Then for a minute it was Konichi­Juana, but it didn't quite roll of the tongue right. I like the original title."

DVD Bonus Features Include:

Behind the Sushi - Making of the film along with on-set interviews

Behind the Music - Development of the original score for the film

2 Deleted Scenes!

East Side Sushi arrives on DVD and Digital May 3

Readers, are you excited to add East Side Sushi to your movie collection?