7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
An American inherits an apartment in Paris that comes with an unexpected resident.
Starring: Kevin Kline, Michael Burstin, Elie Wajeman, Maggie Smith, Raphaële MoutierDrama | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.41:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
None
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
UV digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Sometimes a curse can be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes a blessing can be a curse in disguise. Life has a funny way of bending things to its whim and will, often for the better but also often up against someone too stubborn to take it all in and realize that things aren't always as they seem or that every cloud has its proverbial silver lining. Indeed, life has a funny way of manipulating any given situation, making it what it must be rather than what one would like it to be, and such ebbs and flows are at the center of My Old Lady, a hit-or-miss story of a man's inheritance coming with all sorts of strings attached that threaten to hold him down but are really trying to lift him up. Based on Writer/Director Israel Horovitz own stage production of the same name, the film is a hit-or-miss affair that's wonderfully lively and depressingly dark alike as it maneuvers through the ups and downs of an unusual situation where money talks but the soul whispers in the ear, promising something better than money could ever buy.
My new place...?
My Old Lady arrives on Blu-ray with a clean, accurate, and oftentimes pleasing 1080p transfer. The digital source material does leave the movie looking a bit flat, quite clean, and in some darker scenes rather pasty -- particularly where skin is concerned -- but at the same time it yields some breathtaking Parisian architecture accents, many lightly worn and displaying tangible character that's revealed with remarkable ease and precision detail down to pinpoint, tactile accuracy. Likewise, brighter scenes reveal fine skin and clothing details with ease. Colors are cheery and true, particularly evident in the vibrant shades of green scattered throughout the backyard garden. Black levels are a bit flat but retain an inky, even consistency. Light banding appears in a couple of spots, but the image is otherwise delightfully crisp and absent any glaring weaknesses. Overall, this is a strong presentation from Universal.
My Old Lady's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is a simple affair, but Universal's audio presentation does all that's asked of it with commendable effortlessness and accuracy. Music and dialogue are the only major pieces here. The former plays with an airy, nicely spacious presentation and produces notes throughout the range with honest clarity and fair heft towards the bottom. Dialogue is even and accurately presented from the center. Listeners will appreciate a few little extra bits, like footfalls in the apartment, flicking a light switch on, and gentle waves rolling up against a boat near the end. Otherwise, this is straightforward material, the simplest sort that Universal's track handles with ease.
My Old Lady contains only one supplement, 92nd Street Y Annette Insdorf Interview with Kevin Kline and Israel Horovitz (1080i, 57:32). The moderator of Reel Pieces sits down with the actor and writer/director to discuss the film in some detail. Unfortunately, an annoying electronic buzz plays over part of the program. A UV/iTunes digital copy voucher is also included in the case.
My Old Lady is a fairly uneven picture, one that enjoys a wildly promising open only to go a little too dark and dour before finding a harmonious middle ground by the end. The picture's stark contrast in mood nearly devours its fluffier, funnier, and much more enjoyable opening act that sees Kline and Smith engaged in an almost magical battle of wits. The darker revelations certainly give greater shape and depth to the characters, but here it comes at the expense of an otherwise charming, free-flowing experience. The performances, however, hold fast and true even through the film's most difficult moments. Watch for a great supportive performance from Dominique Pinon. Universal's Blu-ray release of My Old Lady features excellent video, stable audio, and one lengthy interview serving as the release's sole extra. Definitely worth a rental now and a purchase later at an aggressive bargain price.
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