Dating the Enemy Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Dating the Enemy Blu-ray Movie Review

Dating the Enemy is an impressive and beautiful romantic-comedy gem. Executive produced by Phil Gerlach, Heather Ogilvie, and Michael Selwyn, Dating the Enemy features exquisite filmmaking. A storytelling delight. Produced by Sue Milliken, Dating the Enemy is a classic of Australian cinema. Featuring performances by Guy Pearce, Claudia Karvan, Matt Day, Lisa Hensley, Pippa Grandison, and John Howard.

Brett (Guy Pearce) is a sophisticated and successful young man with a sense of ego and unbridled confidence. Tash (Claudia Karvan) is an intelligent and beautiful young woman with plenty of big career goals. The two seem like opposites and opposites often do attract one another.

After the two begin an unexpected argument, the next morning both Brett and Tash wake up to discover themselves in each other’s bodies. A body swap happened overnight and now the two are wondering what they must do to restore the natural balance and regain their original selves.

Guy Pearce and Claudia Karvan both deliver fantastic performances. Both Pearce and Karvan deliver something special with these intricate and nuanced leading performances. Both actors are gifted – providing a sense of wonder to their roles. Dating the Enemy is a beautiful body-switch comedy, providing a lot of comedic moments with both actors. The performances give each actor a lot of moments to shine and demonstrate their acting chops. The occasionally over-the-top nature of the performances make the filmmaking all the more delightful and worthwhile.

The supporting cast of characters includes Rob (Matt Day), Laetitia (Lisa Hensley), Colette (Pippa Grandison), and Davis (John Howard). The performances are engaging from the ensemble. The supporting players have nice moments to shine in Dating the Enemy. The result is an even more engaging romantic-comedy classic.

The cinematography by Steve Arnold (Sissy, Rams) is well-done throughout. The Dating the Enemy cinematography is beautiful, robust, and engaging. Arnold is such a talent and the visuals add an abundance of whimsy to the filmmaking. Arnold made the film even more beautiful to behold.

Edited by Marcus D'Arcy (Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, Lorenzo's Oil), Dating the Enemy is well-paced. The editing and vision of the film is something that adds a lot to the experience. D’Arcy did something remarkably special with the production. The efforts are top-notch throughout and the epic storytelling flow is fantastic.

Featuring production design by Tim Ferrier (NCIS: Sydney, SAS Australia) and Deborah McNamara, Dating the Enemy is well-done. The designs are terrific and engaging. The art direction by Michelle McGahey (Dark City, The Matrix). The gorgeous style of the filmmaking allows for subtle but highly effective set elements perfect for the romantic-comedy genre.

The costume designs by Terry Ryan (King Kong, Muriel's Wedding) are excellent, too. Ryan did great work with the costuming. The efforts are incredible throughout the feature-film. The designs are excellent for both the lead and supporting characters.

Featuring a score composed by David Hirschfelder (The Dressmaker, Australia), Dating the Enemy has a beautiful score. Hirschfelder made a fun score and one that is well worthwhile. The music adds much wonder to the film. The score is a perfect backdrop to the romantic-comedy elements and the body switching comedic elements of the gem.

Written and directed by Megan Simpson Huberman (Alex, War of Distance), Dating the Enemy is a lot of fun. The comedic aspects are perfect and add a lot to the production. Huberman is a gifted director, too. The directing superb from beginning to end. Dating the Enemy is such a sweet-natured and charming romantic-comedy that it is so easy to become engaged by it. Dating the Enemy is an essential classic.

Megan Simpson Huberman is a talent through-and-through and there is so much joy to the filmmaking. Women filmmakers have some of the best stories to tell. Megan Simpson Huberman has a lot to say as an artist. The superb storytelling of Megan Simpson Huberman is something that makes the film all the more special as a romantic-comedy.

Dating the Enemy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, Dating the Enemy is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The high-definition presentation is outstanding. The transfer is robust, clear, and engaging. The presentation has a natural and filmic appearance.

One of the nice qualities of physical media is the superior video encoding. Physical media can provide higher video bit-rates with more detail and clarity compared to streaming video services. Fans of the physical media format can appreciate the extra detail in the image.

Streaming has other variables to consider, too – from data plans, internet speed caps, number of connected users, weather issues, and other unexpected variables. Physical media provides a consistency that some appreciate – one can simply put on a disc, press play, and get an impressive presentation. The wonderful consistency of physical media is one of the key reasons people keep coming back to it time and time again.

Dating the Enemy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The lossless audio encoding is one of the best qualities of the presentation. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The soundtrack is reproduced well. The dynamics of the presentation impress in spades, too. The 2.0 stereo audio is compelling and works well throughout the entire feature film presentation. The authentic audio manages to capably provide an engaging experience for fans of the feature-film.

One of the best qualities of the Blu-ray disc format is the lossless audio encoding. The audio encoding is crisp and engaging. For home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, the lossless presentation offers a distinct advantage. The theater quality sound makes a noteworthy difference.

Dating the Enemy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited edition comes packaged in a deluxe chipboard artbox with gorgeous collectable packaging. The release also includes a nice o-card slipcover that covers the standard edition cover-art. The effect created is that of additional key artwork. The box set also includes a booklet and a selection of art cards. The release also provides a double-sided poster (one side featuring the theatrical poster artwork and the other side featuring key character artwork).

On disc supplements include:

Audio Commentary with Director Megan Simpson Huberman and Cinematographer Steve Arnold

Interview with actor Matt Day (HD, 14:42) provides an in-depth interview with Day as the actor discusses his involvement with Dating the Enemy. For fans of Day as an actor, the interview is something audiences may find enlightening and engaging – to get more insights into the filmmaking and the role of the actor.

Trailer (HD, 2:30)

1996 Channel 7 Feature Interview with Megan Simpson Hubernan (SD, 46:01) is an in-depth interview with Hubernan. The extensive interview covers a lot of ground and fans will appreciate that it runs at almost an hour in length.

Romantic TV Trailer (SD, 00:32)

Comedy TV Trailer (SD, 00:31)

Umbrella Entertainment provides the best possible editions compared to any other boutique Blu-ray label in the market. There is no single label I appreciate more than Umbrella Entertainment. With a fantastic dedication to creating worthwhile sets with absorbing packaging, gorgeous cover art, and collectables, Umbrella knocks it out of the park time and time again. There is something special to appreciate here and Umbrella continues to reward fans with the best-of-the-best. Outstanding.

Dating the Enemy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Dating the Enemy is a wonderful and heartfelt feature-film. The romantic-comedy classic is a gem of Australian cinema. The body- swap comedy element is another fantastic side of the production. The performances by Guy Pearce and Claudia Karvan are terrific and add a lot to the filmmaking, too. A wondrous effort all around.

The Blu-ray release provides a superb high-definition transfer, lossless audio, and a nice selection of bonus features. The collectors edition is superb, too. The box-set has deluxe chipboard packaging, a collectable slipcover, a poster, art cards, a booklet, and more. A great release all around. Highly recommended.