Four Weddings and a Funeral Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Four Weddings and a Funeral Blu-ray Movie Review

In 1994, “Four Weddings and a Funeral” wasn’t meant to be much. It was a low-budget British production with a largely unknown cast, with Andie MacDowell offered up as the most defined star of the group, bringing a little bit of Hollywood to the effort. It was the second produced screenplay from Richard Curtis, who wasn’t a brand name just yet, also providing work for director Mike Newell, who watched his 1992 feature, “Into the West,” bomb at the box office. There wasn’t a single distinguishing mark on the picture, and yet, through the miracle of word-of-mouth, the film managed to become one of the biggest sleeper hits of the 1990s, charming audiences with its offering of silliness and sincerity. Taking a long look at the rituals and camaraderie of social gatherings, Curtis strives to blend character-based shenanigans and longing with more chipper romantic comedy happenings, while Newell brings in Hugh Grant as his secret weapon, with the actor’s charisma leading the charge, stammering his way into the hearts of millions. It’s impossible to deny the hold “Four Weddings and a Funeral” had on audiences back in the day, managing to marinate in pop culture attention over the last 25 years. Is it a good movie? Yes and no, but in 2019, the endeavor’s magic hasn’t dissipated for many.

Four Weddings and a Funeral Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Four Weddings and a Funeral" was originally released on Blu-ray in 2011, giving Shout Factory a reason to revisit the title in 2019. They come armed with a "New 4K scan from the original camera negative," gifting the movie a healthy refreshing for fans. The results are impressive, reviving cinematographic nuance with exceptional colors, offering a production in love with costumes and summery locations a chance to really show off its stuff. Primaries are secure and bright, keeping ample greenery wonderfully defined, while period fashion and wedding dress designs are impressively vivid, with deep reds and blues. Ceremonial decoration delivers crisp pinks and whites as well, and suits retain heavy blues and blacks. Detail is sharp and inviting, picking up on fine hairs and fibrous outfits, securing a clear view of delicate dress construction. Facial surfaces are textured, along with locations, which remain appealingly dimensional, identifying church architecture and rural settings. Also open for inspection is extra work, with faces in the crowd newly distinct. Delineation is tight. Source is in good shape, without any significant points of damage.

Four Weddings and a Funeral Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-MA HD track is one of two audio options on the "Four Weddings and a Funeral" disc, with a new (to Blu) 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix as well. The 5.1 is the default mix, and it's somewhat problematic. Fullness of performances are secured with crisp, clean dialogue exchanges, detailing accents and timing, along with Grant's stuttering ways. Music gets off to a rougher start, with the main title track created with a slight echo in the surrounds, throwing off the music and confusing the mood, making the listener feel like they're sitting in the back row of a stadium concert. The 2.0 mix doesn't share the same issue, but also lacks the open feel of the 5.1, which provides mild panning effects and appealing atmospherics, achieving a feel for group gatherings as they move from churches to celebration halls. Low-end is minimal, capturing percussion beats but little else for a largely gentle rom-com.

Four Weddings and a Funeral Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Mike Newell, producer Duncan Kenworthy, and writer Richard Curtis.

• "The Wedding Photographer" (26:31, HD) is an extended conversation with cinematographer Michael Coulter, who initially describes the process of getting the "Four Weddings and a Funeral" gig, which he acquired after an arduous shoot for Bill Forsyth's "Being Human." Coulter goes into detail about the demands of his job and his position in the camera crew, along with his relationship with Newell. Dealing with a short shoot and a limited budget, Coulter explains the challenges of corralling extras, managing busy frames every single day, often relying on intense preparation utilized to keep the production on the move. The interviewee highlights crew achievements and discusses technical choices, eventually going into the creation of several shots. Coulter reflects on his work, happy with the movie, and mentions the lessons learned during his time creating "Four Weddings and a Funeral."

• "Wedding Planners" (29:41, SD) is a 2004 overview of the "Four Weddings and a Funeral" production experience, gathering cast and crew to describe their part in the creation of one of 1994's biggest hits. Curtis recalls the origins of the screenplay, working to develop the project with producer Kenworthy. Casting is a major topic, with Newell examining how the leads were found, while Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell share their initial impressions of the material, with the former at a particular low point in his career, happy to participate in anything of quality. Curtis explains how the script was influenced by real experiences, and the progressive nature of the movie and its treatment of gay characters is lauded. With Newell, Curtis, and Kenworthy locked in a tight collaboration, tensions and depression are recalled, but such anxiety melted away when "Four Weddings and a Funeral" tested highly before going on to be the sleeper hit of the spring. Also examined are publicity needs, with Elizabeth Hurley's cleavage-baring premiere dress largely credited as a reason for the film's presence in global press write-ups.

• "In the Making" (7:34, SD) is a short summary of character and story in "Four Weddings and a Funeral," using on-set interviews for an EPK-style overview of dramatic intent. For lightness, the cast and crew share a few of their own anecdotes concerning wedding disasters.

• "Two Actors and a Director" (5:33, SD) highlights the work that went into finding Grant for the lead role, trying to manage his natural talent for comedy for the picture. MacDowell's participation is also noted, representing the only Hollywood star in the ensemble - - a position the actress was playfully teased about.

• Deleted Scenes (9:58, SD) offer two different situations of receiving line mischief, some more sweating and flubbing from Father Gerald, a necessary moment of character backstory for Charles, and a brief kissing scene between Charles and Carrie. These snipped selections are offered with introductions from Kenworthy.

• Promotional Spots (3:27, SD) return to Kenworthy, who describes the creation of specialized trailers to help introduce "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and its stars to the world, with Grant and MacDowell in charge of playful banter. Awkwardness ensues.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:08, HD) is included.

Four Weddings and a Funeral Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Curtis has returned to this formula on many occasions, creating a more heartfelt version with 2003's "Love Actually," and Newell has certainly made more interesting pictures during his career. "Four Weddings and a Funeral" is technically solid, with lovely cinematography and unique costumes, and a few of the performances manage to punch through layers of quirk to truly hit hard with emotion (MacDowell tries to compete, but doesn't possess the chops to launch jokes or project warmth). Overall, it's a mixed bag of charm, and an extended run time doesn't exactly support the thin premise, but character typically wins out in the end, providing mild delights in an effort that could some tightening to find its screwball spirit.