VALENTINE’S DAY (2010, Blu-ray released May 18, 2010 – MSRP $35.99)
A girlfriend (or two) once told me that I could treat everyday like it was Valentine’s Day. Well, now any day can be Valentine’s Day. Garry Marshall, the foremost director of romantic-comedies, reminds us that romance is always in the air. Valentine’s Day is his latest foray into the realm reserved for cupid and himself, of course.
An All-Star cast is a tricky undertaking. A cast of 19 stars is a little crazy—And that’s just the primary cast! Marshall is no slouch, though–He proves that he can handle it. The supporting cast is also made up of familiar names and faces, all of whom he also knows very well (as the commentary track will prove). He is the director you say “Yes” to when he calls. A prolific writer/director/producer that has been in the business for a very long time; creating unforgettable television programming (Happy Days), launching careers (Robin Williams), and making films we couldn’t avoid if we wanted to (Pretty Woman). Anyone who works with him has nothing but the nicest things to say about the experience (as evidenced time and again in the extras) and most often, actors will do several films with him. Hector Elizondo has appeared in every one of Marshall’s films!
Anne Hathaway and Julia Roberts are Marshall-film alums, and some newer faces are along for the ride, such as the Hollywood everywhere-man, Bradley Cooper, and the real-life couple (at the time) Taylor2 (Lautner and Swift)–Is that how people referred to them? A variety of age groups are represented; from elementary school kids, to retirees trying to school the younger generation on the simple complexities of love. Even though this is a Rom-com, it does have some genuine surprises that will make you smile.
Taking place entirely within that special day, Valentine’s Day weaves several stories of people looking for or avoiding love, making mistakes and questioning love, as the city of Los Angeles supplies the (beautifully shot) background. The locations look incredible. Sure, the beautiful people help, but it’s the cinematographer, Charles Minsky, who maintains the beauty without ever making the stars seem unreal. Even the second unit camera work on this film manages to capture L.A. as a character, tying everyone together.
The 1080p transfer on the Bu-ray disc is clean and details are visible enough, but never harsh. The pinks and blues prevailing throughout the film never jump out at you (thankfully, really) and the blacks contrast the lighter areas of the frame without ever getting charcoal-y or gray. The overall look is warm when appropriate—It’s a romantic comedy….
Although presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1 quality, the soundtrack is very no-nonsense, but it more than does the job; however, there is little to make the casual listener say “wow” about. This film is all about the dialogue with a mix focused on the center channel; there is little need for surround sound effects of glass-splintering or exploding-car-bits-landing-on-the-pavement. Background sounds are nice and clear as is the dialogue, and the music layers the scenes without getting in the way.
The Blu-ray comes complete with a DVD of the film and a bonus digital copy so that there is never an excuse to not have it close at hand. Also, there are plenty of extras (in 1080p, no less): Bloopers, deleted scenes, a sneak-peek at the Sex in The City feature film sequel, a Jewel music video and a couple short pieces; one where the cast show love, extolling the attributes of the director who brought them together, and the other is cast members sharing their own Valentine’s Day stories. But, for me, the highlight is the commentary track—it had me watching the entire film a second time.
Marshall’s playful delivery of details on everything and everyone, and I mean everyone; from the main cast to the extras, involved in the process of making this movie is a treat. He tells stories, mentioning people he admires that he’s worked with over the years and points out his grandchildren…while keeping up with the film! At times, he explains what is going on in the film as if we may be having hard time following, but it’s all in good fun. We get anecdotes and answers to questions un-asked. It’s honestly the stuff you wish all directors covered in their commentaries. We learn about his influences and get a sense of the huge amount of people he’s worked with over the last six decades.
Whether or not you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, there is bound to be something for both of you on this disc. Garry Marshall shamelessly tells funny love stories—Why not? He loves to laugh and he has been married to the same woman for nearly 50 years—He’s a believer.
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