The Notebook: Limited
Edition Notebook (2004/Warner/New Line Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: A- Film: B+
New Line
Cinema has always put out a high level of quality with its DVD releases and
that trend now continues with their Blu-ray titles. Here we have the Limited Edition release for
the 2004 film The Notebook starring
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in a memorable film that has grown in
popularity ever since it’s release. The
film is directed by Nick Cassavetes who shows that he knows how to handle the
material well and takes what would otherwise be known as a clichéd chick flick
and turns it into a serious film that deals with a young woman torn between her
first love and her new fiancée.
It’s a
rather realistic portrayal as the story is being told from the point of view
from an old man reading the story to old woman in a nursing home. Again, Cassavetes takes the Nicolas Sparks
book and turns it into a cinematic event that is rather faithful to the source
and yet takes certain liberations here and there with Jan Sardi’s
adaptation.
The DVD
from New Line was particularly strong for a DVD release with a transfer that
was detailed, colorful, and had solid contrast, but the Blu-ray even takes that
to a whole new level. Most of the
difference is noticeable just in the refinement with the image quality, as the
2.35 X 1 scope transfer showcased in 1080p truly looks remarkable throughout
with superb detail and depth. Faces look
natural with close up definition and there are moments where film grain is
still evident to keep the texture of the film intact. Audio is also strong with a Dolby Digital
TrueHD 5.1 mix that upgrades from the basic Dolby Digital and gives more life
and breath to the mix with a greater range of detail and overall resolution
that makes the film work on an even larger scale.
The real
winner here though is the fabulous Limited Edition gift set that includes
several great packaging items including a 46-page booklet with stills from the
film, plus a stationary set that includes envelopes, stickers, bookmark, and
note cards. This is all pieced together
in an expanded box that lifts open to hold the film and the memorabilia for the
film. The film also contains a features
section that includes two commentaries for the film (Sparks and Cassavetes,
plus featurettes about the book, about the director, and casting, audition
tapes, various deleted scenes that contain optional commentary, and the films
trailers.
If there
is a version of this film to own, hands down this is the winner and you can
even write a note to your friends and tell them that too with this gift set!
- Nate Goss
