From Justin to Kelly (Fox, VHS $19.98, DVD $27.98, rated PG) 2003. Directed by Robert Iscove; starring Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Katherine Bailess, Anika Noni Rose, Greg Siff, Brian Dietzen, Jason Yribar and Theresa San Nicholas.

From Justin to Kelly suffered dismal opening weekend box-office results this summer and still took a tremendous nose-dive the following weekend. That is part of the reason it has come to DVD just 10 weeks later, although it was always intended to be released quickly on DVD to get it out in time to help promote the start of the third season of the TV series from which it sprang, American Idol.

While it doesn't seem likely that the DVD will do much to promote the third season of the amateur singer contest TV series, From Justin to Kelly, featuring the winner (Kelly Clarkson) and the runner-up (Justin Guarini) of the first season, should satisfy most viewers of the TV program. In fact, even casual fans will at least find enough here to justify at least a rental fee.

Sure, it's a basic story and cut-out characters, but no more so than summertime movies of yore such as the Frankie and Annette beach movies and even Grease, though From Justin to Kelly will never be favorably compared to Grease.

The story is simple: It's Spring Break and Justin and his friends happen upon Kelly and her friends. There is instant attraction between the two, but Kelly's jealous friend continually prevents the two stars from connecting and causes some moments of heartbreak due to orchestrated misunderstandings before all gets worked out in a happy ending.

Ironically, Clarkson and Guarini do a better job proving they can pull off acting performances than proving they can be convincing as singers and dancers outside the American Idol show. But the latter issue has more to do with the types of songs and choreography handed them for this movie. None of it is particularly memorable, even very impressive, or, most importantly, great fun.

Assuming more is better, the DVD also offers much more value than the theatrical version. The DVD also includes two additional musical numbers, which can be a plus if you enjoy the elaborately choreographed dance numbers, or a minus if you already feel overloaded with the numerous performances that sometimes seem to be a substitute for dialogue and story. One new number, Brighter Star, a kind of Olivia Newton-John/John Travolta Summer Nights wannabe, is actually one of the more enjoyable performances.

Also included are a couple of behind-the-scenes featurettes, an amusing gag reel, three deleted scenes and an unusual commentary with director Robert Iscove and Clarkson and Guarini because the actors are commenting mostly in amazement, wonder, surprise and sometimes amusing self-deprecating remarks as they watch the movie for the first time.