Sideways [Blu-ray] by Alexander Payne, starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke: DVDNear.com

Sideways [Blu-ray]

Sideways [Blu-ray]
by Alexander Payne

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DVD Cover Information

Actor: Marylouise Burke, Paul Giamatti, Sandra Oh, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen
Director: Alexander Payne
Brand: Fox
Writer: Alexander Payne
Writer: Jim Taylor
Writer: Rex Pickett
Blu-ray: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); French (Dubbed); Spanish (Dubbed)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 126 minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: 2009-02-03
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Movie Reviews of Sideways [Blu-ray]

Movie Review: My first Blu Ray film
Summary: 5 Stars

The following describes the tasks performed to prepare for a reviewing of the film and the Blu Ray media format as well...

The "Sideways" Blu Ray disc arrived at my house 'on' the day it was released (Amazon obviously obtained their allotment prior to the release date). But, I had to wait 2 weeks until everyone who was to participate in the viewing could attend. I do not yet have an HD setup, so one of the attendees' home was appropriated for the event.

Most of the attendees had already seen the film at least once, and many had viewed it both in the theater and on regular DVD (during it's popular sales period, found on end-caps of the grocery store wine aisles).

Since this was to be an HD viewing with the proper sound system attached, I strove to find a way to further enhance the proper atmosphere and moods for each scene. To accomplish that feat, I provided various types and qualities of wines to pair with the sequence of events throughout the film.

There was of course much feasting prior to the start of the film, with snakkies consisting of smoked salmon, triple-cream brie, green grapes, and a variety of crackers.

The wine selection started with what I thought would present a 'cheap' bland beverage, to accompany the visit to Mile's mothers home, but it turned out to be an excellent wine (2007 Gruner VELTLINER , pronounced with heavy German accent). Who would've thought that an $8 bottle of white wine, contained in what appears to be a green Tanqueray Gin bottle with a beer cap top, would turn out to be a favorite of the evening... (is there a hidden message in there somewhere ?)

Once the evening and the film moved along, the wines progressed into the red variety, with Pinot Noir's presented at the appropriate moment, as well as (ironically) Merlot, just when it was stated that there shouldn't be any...

At the end (when the C****l B***c is imbibed) I served a 2002 "Sarah's Blend" by the 'original' Marquis Phillips vineyard (a wine which represents one which 'I' take out for special occasions).

Once the film viewing was completed, and several of the attendees had passed-out, I was able to contemplate the quality of the film and the new HD format it was presented in...

The film "Sideways" itself, has already been reviewed by viewers extensively, with 'half' praising it, and the other denouncing it as either 'trash', 'boring' (no light sabers), or 'making no sense'. I would not argue with any of the points of view, since I've come to realize, that the movie as a whole, is itself an allegory to wine. No two people will get the same appreciation, perception, flavor, etc from a particular wine, and this film can be interpreted in so many ways, that everyone comes away with a different perspective as to the quality of the movie, as well as what the storyline really was...

There are people who just do not like wine, and those who will just not like this film. Those that enjoy 'sweet', light, critter-labeled, wines, and may only see what's presented 'on the surface' in the movie, and those that taste something different in the same wine every time they serve it, and see a different aspect of the story every time they view the film. I myself thought the whole "Merlot" scene was a slight at that variety of wine, but now (after getting hints from other film reviews) see that it was just another allegory for a character in the movie (I won't reveal who). The more you watch "Sideways", the more you understand, and see how the nuances of the dialogue are like those of wine, which change as your pallet learns to discern them. Those who do not like the movie, probably never will. For those who think highly of the film, they will always find enjoyment from watching it again (especially with snakkies and wine).

The only 'gripe' from those that complain about the movie, that I can understand, is that it is marketed and hinted-at to be an extreme comedy. Obviously this is not so.. I find the film to be very sad at times, with a general malange that mirrors Miles' general state of mind. There are 'cringe factor' moments and a non-glossing-over of the character's faults or actions, which, along with the attire of the characters, creates a realism which makes you believe that 'you' could be driving down route 101 through that region, and pass them walking along the road (heading to or from the hitching post).

As for the Blu Ray format of the film... I was expecting better. Being a recent production, I had hoped that it was filmed in digital format from the start (was it ?), which should transfer to HD easily. Though the picture was clean, the only moment that it stood out was during the scene (with the gum) where both Miles and Jack hold up their wine glasses (at an angle to check for the water layer on the surface). I was able to judge the clarity, color and the water layer from my seat which was the furthest from the screen (10 feet from a 50" LCD). I've always felt that the quality of an HD video, as well as the equipment used to display it, was best illustrated by 'glass', 'liquid', and 'reflections'. The scene with the glasses held aloft had all three elements in view, and I could find no flaws.

Needless to say, I had been drinking while viewing the film, which must be taken into consideration. I intend to watch it again (like many fans of the movie) with my soon-to-be superior HD environment, and will compare the Blu Ray release to the 'standard' DVD (which will be played in a 1080P uplifting drive).

Perhaps I will then see yet another nuance to the film, or figure out why Miles doesn't like 'manipulated' Chardonnay's (I 'do').

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Summary of Sideways [Blu-ray]

SIDEWAYS - Blu-Ray Movie

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Sideways [Blu-ray]