Reviewed by Johnny McNair

 

Fox Home Entertainment – 123 minutes – 2004 – Rated R – 1080p Widescreen 1.85:1 – DTS Lossless 5.1 Audio Mix

 

 

 

Sometimes you watch a film not expecting much, and then by the time it’s over you understand why you love movies. Fortunately, Sideways is one of those films, mainly because it’s not about our planet self-destructing, zombies, transforming robots, or giant blue creatures, it’s simply about people like you and me. Sideways is the definition of why sometimes simple is better and more satisfying. For those of you who have never seen the film, or just to refresh yourself on how good it is, Sideways is available on Blu-ray from Fox Home Entertainment, so hold up that wine glass and enjoy.

 

THE MOVIE

 

Call it a bromance, call it a buddy road trip, or you can call it both as two friends, Miles (Paul Giamatti), a depressed divorcee who can’t even get his novel published, and Jack (Thomas Haden Church), a wild guy who’s just out to have fun, drive to Santa Barbara’s vineyards on a quest for good wine and women. Jack, a has-been actor, is days away from getting married, but wants to have an eleventh hour fling or two. Miles tries to fight his self-battering when he meets a waitress in town named Maya (Virginia Madsen), who he surprisingly has a lot in common with. Jack, on the other, hand begins to court a townie named Stephanie (Sandra Oh), but after she learns about his fiancée things quickly turn sour. Things get really complex when all the wine and women mix together, causing a shattering effect that can damage Jack and Miles’ friendship forever.

 

Sideways works because all the pieces fit together nicely, starting with excellent direction from Alexander Payne, followed by a well adapted screenplay by Payne and Jim Taylor, and topped off with a solid cast, which all results in filmmaking perfection. The on-screen chemistry between Paul Giamatti and Thomas Hayden Church is priceless, which makes you want to replay scenes just to see them going at it again. We all know guys like this, or may be just like one of them, a quality that compliments the film even more. These are real guys, not the ‘always ready with a witty one-liner’ type who seem to dominate comedies now. Also, the female characters played by Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen are not just the typical objects of desire for these guys, they are both centered women who know exactly what they want, making them more focused than the guys that pursue them.

 

A movie like Sideways comes along few and far between, but when it does you harness it for all it has. Many have said they would like to see a sequel to this film just to see what has become of Miles and Jack. Being that lesser films get sequels, it would be interesting of Alexander Payne and his ensemble reunited for a follow-up. But realistically this probably will never happen, which is fine, because it’s always best not t tamper with perfection.

 

VIDEO

 

Offering a full 1080p image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Sideways has a simple look that is reminiscent of an older 60’s and 70’s movie, which works perfectly. Flesh tones look good and colors are balanced, but the overall soft look (which was purposely done) does not deliver the hi-def picture that you’re used to seeing on a Blu-ray. But if you look at this compared to the standard DVD, you will see that the difference is obvious because the Blu-ray delivers a much more solid picture. If you’re thinking of an upgrade, definitely do it.

 

AUDIO

 

The Blu-ray features a Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS-HD audio mix that does a fine job, allowing you to hear every line of dialogue crystal clear. This is not a heavy sound effects film so the center speaker is the only one in the batch that will get a workout. It’s nothing fancy, but it gets the job done well.

 

EXTRAS

 

This is a straight port from the DVD, so if you were thinking up upgrading you will not be missing anything.

 

The stars of the film Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church provide a great audio commentary track, because these guys have such good on screen chemistry that it rolls over perfectly with their tales of making the movie. This is definitely worth listening to.

 

There are seven deleted scenes that run a little over fifteen minutes. A few work but it’s obvious why the majority were cut out. Overall, it’s worth checking out.

 

A way too short making of featurette is more fluff than information, and does not compliment the film. You’re better off just skimming through this and instead listening to the audio commentary track.

 

BOTTOM LINE

 

Sideways is one of those films that doesn’t come around very often, so you have to harness it. With a great cast, script, and direction this one is not to be missed. The Blu-ray offers good image and sound quality, but the only notable bonus feature is the audio commentary track by the stars of the film. If you’ve never seen Sideways, do yourself a favor and check it out; and if you’re already a fan this one is a must own.

 

SCORES (out of 5):

 

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 3.5

Sound: 3.5

Extras: 3.0

Bottom Line: 3.5