Serendipity DVD Review:


The Movie

John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale star in SERENDIPITY, a romantic comedy about destiny's hold on two people who seek nothing but each other in a not so successful attempt to re-create a spin off of Sleepless in Seattle.

While it never reinvents the romantic-comedy wheel of Sleepless in Seattle, Serendipity generally offers a reasonably good movie experience largely thanks to the excellent cast.

It all begins during the busy Christmas shopping season, Jon and Sara meet at a department store.

This is where the women get turned off, Jon agrees to give up the gloves to the lovely Sara, on a side note Jon was purchasing these gloves for his GIRLFRIEND, if Sara agrees to except, then Jon gets a cup of coffee with her. So of course she's going to except and the story begins. Now Sara and Jon hit it off, Sara starts with the fate crap and resists Jon's attempts to wheedle additional information about her.

Now if Jon was a smart man, he would get the hint and start looking for another gift for his GIRLFRIEND. But it doesn't end there, Sara conjures up a great comprise for Jon, so we think.

She has Jon write his name and number on a five-dollar bill, which she then uses to buy some breath mints. Sara writes her own info inside a book that she will then sell to a used bookstore the next day.

If one of them eventually finds the other's number, then it was meant to be. Oh God, please kill me now, why am I still watching this crap?

Several years later...Sara lives in San Francisco, where she is now engaged to a New Age musician Lars (John Corbett). Back in New York, Jon has his own wedding to plan with Halley (Bridget Moynahan).

However, both Sara and Jon remain obsessed with their one special evening together, and Jon decides he has to make one last search for Sarah before the wedding. Coincidentally, Sarah does the same.

The Video

Serendipity appears in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on this single-sided disc, double-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions.

The picture looked very good. Sharpness appeared solid. A few interiors seemed slightly murky, but those were rare. Overall, the movie was crisp and well defined.

Jagged edges were of no concern, and I didn't see signs of edge enhancement. Some light grain showed up at times, but otherwise, the image was clean and fresh.

Colors were natural. The movie was bright and clear, with no bleeding, noise or other concerns. Black levels also seemed deep and dense, while shadow detail generally looked clear and appropriately opaque. Overall, Serendipity maintained a attractive presentation.

The Audio

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack of Serendipity didn't show much of exceptional DD 5.1 sound, but keep in mind this is not a "shooten up" kind of film, so there's no need for much movement. Still the film worked well for the city scenes, some cars drove from side to side and the general impression offered a realistic experience within the front speakers. Rear speaker usage largely stayed with moderate reinforcement of the music and effects, the sound-field featured a definite emphasis on the forward channels.

The Extras

Audio Commentary With Director Peter Chelsom, Behind-the-Scenes Starz Encore "On the Set", Deleted Scenes With Optional Director's Commentary, Still Gallery, Storyboard Comparisons, Theatrical Trailer , and Peter Chelsom's Production Diary.

Overall

Not that I regard this as a negative film, because predictable movies can still be good, and Serendipity offers a fairly entertaining experience assisted by Jon and Sarah's friends, Jon's buddy Dean (Jeremy Piven) and Sara's cohort Eve (Molly Shannon).

If I had to pick the main negative, it would stem from the first meeting of the two and the fact that both of them were in separate relationships at the time; it really turned me off and I know most women would agree. I think the film would have been better if one of the two were not in a relationship

John Cusack is likable and charming, so to have him be the one who really doesn't have time for fate or soul searching, would have been a better idea.

I'm a sucker for John Cusack so I have considered keeping this film but only because I know many people still would like to view it - so this film will definitely be one of those, don't bother to rent it I have it and I'll let you borrow it type of films.

Is it a date movie? Be careful with this one, rent with caution when considering this film, this could possibly stir up some questions within ones relationship, especially if your significant other doesn’t trust you very much. Remember this is the film about soul searching and fate, even if that means the one you love is 5,000 miles away and your getting married in three days.

Although this movie may insult the intelligence of some - I mean come on, we've seen enough of these flicks to know how it ends - keep in mind it's only a movie.

As I stated before, Serendipity does nothing to reinvent the romantic comedy, but it offers a reasonably charming and entertaining piece nonetheless. The DVD features are very good and the picture and sound quality are fantastic.

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