MovieFreak.com - "Down with Love" DVD Review by John Teves

DVD REVIEW

Down with Love (2003)

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor

Director: Peyton Reed

Rating: PG-13

Distributor: Fox Home Entertainment

Release Date: October 7, 2003
Review posted: October 23, 2003

Spoilers: None

Reviewed by John Teves

Synopsis

It's the swinging '60s in New York City, and all the ladies are angling for the attention of handsome journalist Catcher Block (Ewan McGregor). All of them, that is, except for Barbara Novak (Renee Zellweger), a feminist advice columnist who stands for everything that the womanizing Catcher doesn't. But love has a way of sneaking up on even the unlikeliest pairs in this tribute to the classic Doris Day-Rock Hudson romantic comedies.

Critique

DOWN WITH LOVE makes no presumption at being about anything. The film doesn’t try to be anything but a buoyant, pleasant and delightful film that generally worked. The film is visually stunning to look at and its overall presentation is pleasurable. This is a true celebrated image of the 1960's romantic comedies. It is created resembling the studio film genre of which it pays respect to.

DOWN WITH LOVE is childish with a blend of pitch-perfect parody and passé boorishness. The film's design is so succulent you want to lick it up. I can’t say much else about the film; you'll either love it or hate it. It’s a great date movie if you’re looking for something imperceptible and merry.

The Video

DOWN WITH LOVE appears in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. For the most part the video transfer provided a positive picture. Sharpness was adequate. The movie presented reasonably crisp and concise visual presentation, and I noticed no signs of softness or fuzziness during the wider shots. Colors were vivid and blissful. The films color palette properly balanced the films unique presentation, which at times seemed a little bit too much to bear. Black levels and shadow detail appeared solid. Taken as a whole, DOWN WITH LOVE presented a clean video transfer presentation.

The Audio

DOWN WITH LOVE is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. For the most part the immeasurable bulk of the film was focused on dialogue. The front surrounds contained an ample amount of directional effects considering this is a dialogue driven film. The rears jumped into action from time to time creating a wide-ranging ambience. Dialogue was fine, sounding natural and distinct. Effects were clear and realistic, while the score sounded smooth and bright. Overall, the track boasted a solid dynamic range and packed a decent punch when necessary for this type of presentation.

The Extras

Commentary by director Peyton Reed
Four deleted scenes with optional director commentary
"Here's to Love" original network TV performance!
"Guess My Game" featuring celebrity guest Barbara Novak - original network broadcast
Hair and wardrobe tests
Blooper reel
Featurettes: On Location, Creating the World, The Costumes, The Swingin' Sounds, Down with Love Up with Tony Randall, Split Decisions
HBO special
"Down with Love" testimonial

Overall

The video transfer was stellar and the audio track was enjoyable. DOWN WITH LOVE comes recommended for the ladies who want to see it. Guys will never divulge the fact, but they’ll be secretly thanking the ladies for this rental.

John Teves rates the film 3 out of 4.

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

VERDICT: RECOMMENDED

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