Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 6, 2023

“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is a terrific example of acting, and how it’s capable of supporting a viewing experience when the material periodically dips into uninspired areas of drama. The star is Lesley Manville, who made powerful impressions in “Phantom Thread,” “Another Year,” and “Ordinary Love,” and she returns to full power in her latest turn, which distances her from the usual emotional severity she’s normally hired to communicate. As the title suggests, “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is entertainment, mixing lighter feelings with a comedic approach, but Manville doesn’t ignore the possibilities of the character, delivering a full-bodied performance that carries the feature at times, backed by an impressive supporting cast and occasional moments that land their intended fuzzy feelings. It’s not the most rousing endeavor, but small creative goals help the film remain as charming as it possibly can.

Ada (Lesley Manville) is a WWII widow working to grieve the loss of her husband, Ed, keeping up with mounting bills as a house cleaner for a variety of needy employers. Ada trusts in the power of luck and believes in signs, finding one when she spots a Dior dress belonging to Lady Dant (Anna Chancellor), which inspires a dream of visiting Dior headquarters in Paris. Working to save up travel money, Ada starts to understand her value to others, and when she makes her way to France, her eyes are opened to the glamour of Paris. Intending to purchase a dress directly from Dior, Ada’s brash British demeanor upsets manager Claudine (Isabelle Huppert) and delights Andre (Lucas Bravo), an ambitious employee, working her way into a week-long private fitting that keeps her in town, tempting local widower Marquis de Chassagne (Lambert Wilson), refreshing the visitor’s spirit as she challenges French behaviors and business practices.

“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is an adaptation of a popular 1958 novel by Paul Gallico, which has inspired a few different interpretations since it was originally published (including a 1992 T.V. movie starring Angela Lansbury). For this endeavor, co-writer/director Anthony Fabian (“Louder Than Words”) provides a distinct look at Ada’s experiences as a widow, still clinging to a final package sent by the military she doesn’t want to open, and she’s struggles with her status as an “invisible” woman, dealing with employers who barely acknowledge her presence despite needing her help with cleaning, mending, and reassurance. She’s a friendly person, but adrift without her spouse, enjoying friendships (including Jason Isaacs) and trusting in luck to add surprise to her increasingly unfulfilling life. “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” deals with her English experience and her monetary situation, which improves due to a military payment error, and it perks up with the introduction of the Dior dress, which fills Ada with tremendous joy, helping to motivate travel plans, imagined as a simple day trip to France to finally purchase a luxury item she’s been craving.

“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” perks up in France, sliding into comedy formula as Ada’s British boldness clashes with Claudine, who wants nothing to do with the frumpy customer. However, Dior is having monetary issues, and Ada has cash, allowing her to remain as a dress is prepared for her. The plot follows her week-long stay in the city, where she befriends Andre, a man who wants a new direction for Dior, and she helps to inch him closer to model Natasha (Alba Baptista), who also enjoys Ada’s unique spirit. She makes time for the Marquis, who appears to be interested in romancing the visitor, drawn to her comforting spirit. Ada also becomes part of the Dior experience, challenging the establishment and even helping with the sewing. The second act of “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is most alert, mixing up the characters and emphasizing matters of heart and business, also playing up the mystery and magic of the city.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation welcomes viewers into the different moods of the period picture. Warmer, golden hues are found with domestic experiences, and brighter, sharper whites are offered in the Dior offices. Costuming is distinct, with rich fashion primaries retaining their intended pop, and skin tones are natural throughout. Detail delivers textured facial surfaces with aged characters, and clothing is fibrous, especially with Dior dresses, showcasing luxuriousness. Parisian tours are dimensional, along with clubs and fashion spaces. Delineation is satisfactory.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track delivers crisp music throughout the listening event, with sharp instrumentation with warm orchestral selections. Brassier songs are distinct as well, while music provides some surround activity for immersive club visits and movie moods. Dialogue exchanges are clean, preserving softer emotional scenes and more animated banter. Low-end isn't challenged, but some bigger beats register with weight. Sound effects are appreciable.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Deleted Scenes (HD) include "Ada Rushed Toward the Metro" (:25), "Ada Wants to Speak to Andre" (:25), and "Full Cabaret" (3:36).

• Gag Reel (5:14, HD) collects numerous flubbed lines, giggle fits, botched movements, and an ill-timed sneeze. What's interesting here are the COVID-19-related blunders, with an extra wearing a mask walking in the background of a shot, and Manville accidentally pulls a bottle of hand sanitizer out of her purse during a take.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The feature does well with relationships, and while predictability is present, it doesn't torpedo the viewing experience. The endeavor eventually runs out of steam in its final act, but the pleasures of "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris" aren't found in the storytelling. The actors are the big draw here, with Manville bringing dramatic shades to Ada, keeping her interesting and real, while Huppert goes enjoyably cartoonish as the huffy gatekeeper at Dior, rarely offered such broadness to play. Turns from Bravo and Baptista are appealing as well. The ensemble makes some magic in a production that desperately wants to be loved, presenting an empowerment tale with plenty of candied moments and easily conquered conflicts, and that's exactly right for this picture's target demographic.