MovieFreak.com - Just Married DVD Review

DVD REVIEW

Just Married (2003)

Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Brittany Murphy

Director: Shawn Levy

Rating: PG-13

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: 6.17.03

Review Posted: 6.18.03

Spoilers: None

By John Teves

Synopsis

Tom (Ashton Kutcher) is a sports announcer who comes from blue-collar roots. Sarah (Brittany Murphy) is a writer whose family is as wealthy as it is snobbish. Much to her family's and ex-boyfriend's horror, Sarah and Tom fall in love and get married. Following their wedding, Tom and Sarah set off for what they expect to be the perfect honeymoon; however, thanks to her conspiring family and vindictive ex, the happy couple experiences the honeymoon from hell.

The Video

JUST MARRIED is presented in both an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and in a Fullscreen version; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. Sharpness looked fantastic. The video transfer looked crisp and detailed. I saw no signs of jagged edges or edge enhancement. I did detect signs of grits and speckles on a few shots, but otherwise the video transfer was clean and accurate. The color palette was great. The different shots allowed for a wide range of colors to appear, and these tones looked bright and vibrant. The tones were accurately displayed and they remained tight and lively at all times. Black levels were deep and dense, while shadow detail was fittingly clear but not too shadowy. Overall, JUST MARRIED presented a image solid image.

The Audio

JUST MARRIED is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The track was involving for the most part. I felt the track demonstrated a nice sense of atmosphere. Speech was natural and clear, and I noticed no issues related to edginess. Effects sounded clean and precise. They presented no signs of distortion and presented decent bass response. As a whole the DD5.1 track worked well for the film.

The Extras

Commentary by Ashton Kutcher, Brittany Murphy, and director Shawn Levy
Deleted scenes with optional director's commentary
Comedy Central's Reel Comedy: Just Married
Making-of featurette
Theatrical trailer(s)

Summary

JUST MARRIED is one of those movies where reviewers shouldn’t really be giving it a good solid review because it really isn’t that grand. However I can’t deny the fact that I had a pretty good time watching this film. It’s one of those few instances where a broad and conventional story can come out entertaining and satisfying. JUST MARRIED is slapstick comedy done right, as it’s got a lot of brainless chaos involved in its plot but it’s executed somewhat cleverly.

JUST MARRIED is a worthy hurdle for Kutcher, the 70’s Show comedian; Kutcher essentially rises above that stereotype and amazingly hands in a genuine moment of performance. Murphy is adorable and charismatic as always. JUST MARRIED is not entirely sharp, but it possesses an easily tolerable attraction that plays well with the observer. Kutcher and Murphy look great together, and have a genuine spark between the two that makes the film convincing.

The DVD provides a great transfer, category DD5.1 track with some lesser extras. JUST MARRIED may not appeal to everyone, however, I felt the film in it’s own right was charming and enjoyable. If you like this brand of romantic comedy you may find yourself pleased with this film, on the other hand I can’t recommend this film to anyone who doesn’t already feel enthusiasm for it.

DVD Rating: 3 out of 4

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

DVD REVIEWS BY JOHN TEVES:

- Frida

- Cheers - Season One

- Frasier - Season One

- Catch Me If You Can

- Young Guns - Special Edition