A Guy (Glen Hansard) singing on the streets of Dublin meets a Girl (Markéta Irglová) and together they make beautiful, if sometimes bittersweet, music.

CRITIQUE

I recently named John Carney’s wondrous romantic melodrama Once 2007’s best film saying that this heartbreaking and wonderful Irish unrequited love story musical was as timeless as it was perfect. I hold to that statement. I have now watched the picture more times than any other this year and not ever have I grown bored or tired of viewing it.

It’s hard for people to believe such a simple tale could be so amazing, but the reality is that simple stories told to perfection can many time have far more weight and resonance then any complex intricately plotted behemoth. Such is the case here, Carney, Hansard and Irglová pooling their talents and resources in such a way the effect is absolutely timeless.

There isn’t any reason for me go into this anymore. Between my theatrical review and my statement in my annual year-end recap there just isn’t anything else to say.

THE VIDEO

Once is presented in beautiful 1.85:1 Widescreen, the digitally photographed images crisp, clean and displayed with little to no imperfections.

THE AUDIO

Once is presented in its original English (Dolby Digital 5.1) audio with optional English, French or Spanish subtitles.

THE EXTRAS

For such a small and intimate picture I didn’t expect a lot of special features on the DVD and, more so, I really didn’t think the picture needed them. That said, Fox’s release of the film as far as additions are concerned are just about perfect.

The highlight are the two audio commentaries from Carney, Hansard and Irglová, one running the length of the entire feature and the other covering all of the intricately beautiful songs. These are commentaries to treasure, listening to them speak about the film bringing back fond memories of sitting at the Fairmont Olympic interviewing the trio way back in May.

The rest is the usual bunch of stuff, just a bit more interesting and fun to watch than they usually are. Both featurettes, “Making a Modern Day Musical” and “More Guy, Bore Girl,” are extremely strong, while the “Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy” webisode is exceedingly hysterical.

The disc also allows you to download the film’s most endearing song “Falling Slowly” to your computer, an extra bonus those unlucky enough not to have the soundtrack are sure to adore.

FINAL THOUGHT

Once is the perfect film. Everyone I know who I have recommended it to has fallen in blissful love with it. You will, too. Trust me.