7 | / 10 |
Users | 3.4 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.8 |
Vivian is a spirited, streetwise diamond in the rough when she meets no-nonsense billionaire Edward. It's a chance encounter that turns a weeklong business arrangement into a timeless rags-to-riches romance when Edward hires Vivian to be his date and discovers there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye.
Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Laura San GiacomoRomance | 100% |
Comedy | 68% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: LPCM 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
French (Canada): Dolby Digital 2.0
Spanish: Dolby Digital 2.0
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 2.0
Thai: Dolby Digital 2.0
English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Indonesian, Korean, Malay, Mandarin (Traditional), Thai
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
I'm going to treat you so nice, you're never going to want to let me go.
Quickly, name several films that defined the 1990s. Certainly, Terminator 2 ranks
near,
if not at, the top of the list as one of the most influential films representing the new era of
special
effects that continue to amaze audiences today; Pulp Fiction enjoys the status as
perhaps
the favorite cult classic of the decade; Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
represents the pinnacle of anticipation; and Titanic owns all the records. Most any
honest
top-ten list would have to include these as well as 1990's Pretty Woman, director Garry
Marhsall's
(The Princess Diaries) smash hit that has rightfully cemented its place as a modern
classic. It
is
a rags-to-riches fairy tale that might superficially seem to show what a credit card and some nice
clothes can do for a person, but the film is far more than that. It is an exquisite Romance, and in
some ways the perfect film, with instantly recognizable and relatable characters despite their
larger-than-life stature; a breezy, quotable script; a fantastic soundtrack; and most
importantly, a genuine, heartwarming, and meaningful story. Even today, approaching its
twenty-year anniversary, the tale remains as
timeless, the story as moving, the jokes as funny, the themes as important, the characters as
memorable, and the feelings as delightful as they ever were, and will continue to be.
He went to Jared!
Pretty Woman looks better than ever in this 1080p high definition transfer, the film presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film is colorful and pleasing to the eye in most every shot. It's not overly bright, perhaps a shade or two dimmer than may be expected, in fact, but those familiar with the movie will note that it looks just as it should. Black levels are wonderful; the nighttime street-level shots of Beverly Hills during the film's first act are splendid. Flesh tones occasionally look slightly red, but are mostly stable and pleasing. Fine detail is adequate, not mind blowing, but good, and certainly far better, obviously, than any previous VHS, LaserDisc, or DVD version has offered. Bright outdoor scenes fare the best; a polo sequence in chapter eleven is the highlight of the film from a purely visual, high definition perspective. Natural film grain is present throughout that adds a sometimes surprisingly gritty feel to several sequences, but also lends to the film a nice theatrical feel. This one is definitely not going to set the high definition world on fire the way Baraka or I, Robot did, but it's still a real treat to see a classic like this looking as good as it does here. Fans should be absolutely thrilled by this release.
Pretty Woman shines in high definition with a lovely PCM 5.1 uncompressed soundtrack, and the film has never sounded better, at home anyway, and probably theatrically, too. The best part of the experience is enjoying the classic soundtrack, which plays better than ever. The music isn't overplayed, over-pumped, or in any way phony sounding, but is rather natural and pleasant. It's all focused up front, with a nice amount of heft accompanying each song. Christopher Otcasek's Real Wild Child, David Bowie's Fame 90, Roxette's It Must have Been Love, and Natalie Cole's Wild Women Do are among the selections that lend to the film its stature as an all-time classic soundtrack, bring back memories of the 1990s, and, of course, sound fantastic in PCM 5.1 lossless audio. Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman, heard briefly and instrumentally for the first time in chapter 10, delivers a nice bit of low bass, the best in the film. Then, the song begins in full over a brief montage, delivering a clear but classic sound. There is a nice sense of space to the track, particularly across the front, especially in regards to the popular music and atmosphere. The rear channels don't receive much action, but that's alright. This is a character- and dialogue-driven story that allows the acting, direction, sets, popular music, and script to carry the story, and the soundtrack supports this perfectly. Like the video, Pretty Woman's soundtrack won't amaze the senses, but it's very good for what it is, and what it needs to accomplish.
This Blu-ray release of Pretty Woman features a few supplements. Headlining this set is a commentary track with director Garry Marshall. Right from the get-go, the director lends a light, easy, and friendly feel to the track as he takes audiences throughout the movie, discussing the stars, the purpose behind many shots, the motivations of the characters, the themes of the story, what worked in the film then, what doesn't exactly work now, and what still works today. In short, the track is an excellent one; it's an easy and entertaining listen that anyone who enjoyed the film will want to give a chance. Next up is a blooper reel (480p, 2:36). Live From the Wrap Party (480p, 4:05) is a brief look at the festivities that took place after the shoot, focusing on stars Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, and director Garry Marshall performing the song Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. LA: The 'Pretty Woman' Tour (480p, 9:11) features director Garry Marshall leading viewers on a brief interactive tour through several of the locations seen in the film. Locations include the L.A. Equestrian Center, Hollywood Boulevard, the W Hotel, Rodeo Drive, the Regent Beverly Wilshire, the National History Museum, the Las Palmas Hotel, and Cicada. 1990 Production Featurette (480p, 3:46) is a short promo piece that shows clips from the film and cast and crew interviews. Concluding the supplements is the Wild Woman Do music video (480p, 4:09) by Natalie Cole and the film's theatrical trailer (480p, 2:38).
Pretty Woman enjoys its status as a classic Romance because it does everything right, playing as a simple fairy tale updated for modern times, with an impeccable cast, unobtrusive direction, a classic soundtrack, and a witty, smart, and meaningful script. The film is also paced incredibly well; five minutes into the film becomes 15, which becomes 30, which becomes an hour, which becomes the credits. There is nothing to drag the picture down in any one area. It holds tremendous replay value, and is one of the finest feel-good movies ever to grace the silver screen. Disney has seen fit to release Pretty Woman just in time for Valentine's Day, and the film has received the treatment it deserves. Though not in the same league as the best reference Blu-ray discs on the market, Pretty Woman nevertheless sparkles in its own right, looking and sounding far better than it ever has on home video. The disc also features a nice, though underwhelming, selection of bonus materials. Pretty Woman is a classic film that is to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and by most anyone, but Blu-ray has certainly breathed new life into it, and the film is a necessary addition to every serious Blu-ray collection. Highly recommended.
1998
10th Anniversary Edition
2006
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30th Anniversary Edition
1989
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Extended Cut
2008
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70th Anniversary
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