Maid in Manhattan Blu-ray Review
Score: 58
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
'Maid in Manhattan' offers a perfectly predictable yet charming romantic comedy with excellent video and audio quality, though lacking in substantial bonus content.
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Disc Release Date
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 68
Maid in Manhattan’s 1080p/2.40:1 transfer impresses with its sharp, film-like image, remarkable fine detail, and natural colors, although minor noise specks can occasionally appear. Sony excels in delivering superb clarity, deep blacks, and healthy flesh tones, making this an exceptional presentation for a catalog title.
Audio: 68
Maid in Manhattan boasts a surprisingly rich Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack with clear, resonant music, punchy bass, and lifelike ambient sound. The mix excels in both indoor and outdoor scenes, providing immersive audio experiences that elevate the film's presentation beyond standard expectations.
Extra: 21
The Blu-ray Extras for 'Maid in Manhattan' include a standard, albeit brief, blooper reel in 480i (7:18) and 1080p trailers for 'Made of Honor' and 'This Christmas,' reflecting minimal effort in special features compared to the high-quality audio and video transfer.
Movie: 53
"Maid in Manhattan" offers a predictably heartwarming rags-to-riches tale featuring commendable performances by Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes, though it substitutes depth with charm, adhering strictly to romantic comedy formulas without innovative twists, and presents a heavy-handed social class message.
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Video: 68
The video presentation of "Maid in Manhattan" stands out impressively with its 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. Sony has exhibited technical proficiency, delivering a clean and sharp image that maintains a healthy film-like quality without excessive DNR application. Fine detail is above average, evident in everything from Marisa's textured clothing and the luxurious hotel interiors to the practical, sometimes harsh, dimensions of the maintenance areas. The transfer maintains a superb clarity and depth, free from unwanted artifacts, while the minimalist grain structure effectively contributes to a film-like appearance.
Colors are neutrally balanced yet naturally rendered, ensuring a consistent visual experience. Blacks are rich and deep, adding substantial contrast, and flesh tones are authentic, preserving a realistic hue throughout. Despite the film's age, grain and noise are minimal but present enough to provide a natural touch without distraction. White balance is meticulously managed, highlighting Sony's dedication to presenting a visually appealing transfer for this older title. "Maid in Manhattan," though not a critical darling, benefits greatly from this above-average video presentation, which undoubtedly enhances the overall viewing experience.
Audio: 68
"Maid in Manhattan" delivers a surprisingly robust Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, far exceeding typical Romantic Comedy audio expectations. The music enjoys remarkable clarity, offering a well-defined range and an impressively punchy low end, notable during musical montages. The subwoofer's presence is particularly effective, supplying tight and convincing bass that enhances the listening experience. Ambient sounds are brought to life with great fidelity; outdoor city scenes envelop the listener in realistic, multi-layered soundscapes, seamlessly transitioning across speakers. The bustling interiors, especially the hotel's maintenance and laundry spaces, also benefit from this immersive audio treatment, contributing to a natural listening environment.
Dialogue reproduction is impeccable, with clean and precise delivery through the front and center channels. Directionality is expertly handled, positioning voices effectively even when sources are slightly off-screen. Whether capturing the vibrant soundtrack or the ambient intricacies of hotel life and Central Park, the mix maintains an engaging and authentic quality. This audio presentation surpasses expectations for a film in this genre, making "Maid in Manhattan" a standout in terms of both its sound design and technical execution.
Extra: 21
The Blu-ray release of "Maid in Manhattan" offers a modest array of extras that may leave some fans wanting more. While the enhancements to audio and video quality are commendable, the special features reflect only a minimal investment of time and care. The blooper reel, delivered in 480i resolution, provides some light-hearted moments but is fairly standard fare, showcasing actors repeatedly flubbing their lines and sharing laughs. Additionally, the inclusion of trailers for "Made of Honor" and "This Christmas" in 1080p HD adds a modern touch, although it feels somewhat supplementary rather than substantive. BD-Live connectivity rounds out the extras but does little to enhance the overall value.
Extras included in this disc:
- Blooper Reel: Standard blooper fare, featuring actor mishaps and laughter.
- Trailers: High-definition trailers for "Made of Honor" and "This Christmas."
- BD-Live Connectivity: Online feature for additional content access.
Movie: 53
"Maid in Manhattan" accommodates itself well to the Blu-ray format, presenting a vibrant and visually pleasing experience. Jennifer Lopez portrays Marisa Ventura, a struggling single mother working as a maid in an upscale Manhattan hotel. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Assemblyman Christopher Marshall, played by Ralph Fiennes, under mistaken pretenses. This modern fairy tale, directed by Wayne Wang and based on a script by John Hughes, weaves a predictable yet endearing story of romance across social boundaries. The narrative revolves around Marisa's accidental deception and the ensuing charming yet far-fetched scenario of mistaken identity that drives the plot forward.
At its core, "Maid in Manhattan" doesn't attempt to innovate the romantic comedy genre but comfortably sits within its conventional framework. The film heavily relies on established tropes and a familiar storyline reminiscent of Cinderella, substituting magical elements with a hint of grounded charm and movie magic. While the narrative predictability might raise concerns, the execution remains competent, providing a heartwarming experience that aligns with audience expectations.
Moreover, the film's success is bolstered by commendable performances from its cast. Jennifer Lopez delivers a solid portrayal of the earnest and ambitious Marisa, though she does occasionally get overshadowed by Ralph Fiennes' compelling and refreshingly heartfelt performance as Christopher Marshall. Stanley Tucci adds additional depth with his role as the calculating political handler, while Bob Hoskins shines as the hotel butler, providing a key supportive role that enriches the narrative's emotional texture. The synergy among the actors helps elevate the film, ensuring it remains engaging despite its formulaic storyline.
Total: 58
"Maid in Manhattan" presents a conventional yet charming narrative that stays true to the core of romantic comedy. Though it may not push the boundaries of the genre, it successfully captures the essence of a modern Cinderella story. Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes lead the cast with commendable performances, adding a sincere touch to a familiar storyline. The film's appeal lies in its innocent and predictable plot, which offers light-hearted, uncomplicated entertainment. It's an enjoyable watch for those seeking a feel-good experience.
Technically, the Blu-ray release of "Maid in Manhattan" by Sony offers solid audio and video quality. The high-definition presentation enhances the visual and auditory experience, making it a delightful treat for fans of the movie. However, the disc falls short in terms of bonus materials, providing little in the way of additional content that might appeal to enthusiasts seeking deeper insights or behind-the-scenes features.
In conclusion, while "Maid in Manhattan" may not stand out as a beacon of innovation within romantic comedies, it delivers a pleasant and engaging viewing experience. It combines competent filmmaking with heartfelt performances, making it a reliable choice for a casual watch. The technical finesse of the Blu-ray release ensures an enjoyable home viewing experience, deserving of a solid recommendation for both fans and those exploring the genre.
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 80
The image boasts superb clarity and a good sense of depth; there are practically no unwanted artifacts to speak of, and while the picture's grain structure is minimalist in nature, it does aid in delivering...
Audio: 80
Music enjoys strong clarity throughout the entire range and delivers a good sense of space; of note is a particularly punchy low end that accompanies one of the musical montages later in the film, the...
Extras: 10
This Blu-ray release of Maid in Manhattan contains only a blooper reel (480i, 7:18); BD-Live connectivity; and 1080p trailers for Made of Honor and This Christmas....
Movie: 60
Lopez and Fiennes share a wonderful chemistry, with the latter in particular turning in an altogether charming and completely believable effort as a politician that's not stuck within the carefully guarded...
Total: 60
Sufficiently funny, delightfully irresistible, surprisingly moving, and made for the hopeless romantic inside every viewer, Maid in Manhattan isn't a shining beacon of hope for the future of the Romantic...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Even though 'Maid in Manhattan' isn't a shining piece of cinematic history, Sony seems to have taken its time with this transfer and it shows....
Audio: 80
Ambient sound frequently makes use of the surround channels, whether it be the crowded basement room of a hotel or a well-populated Central Park, the ambient noise never sounds forced....
Extras: 0
Blooper Reel (SD, 7 min) - Standard blooper fare here, where actors flub lines, laugh a bit and flub up some more lines....
Movie: 40
Sure it's got some lively acting performances from Ralph Fiennes, Jennifer Lopez, and Stanley Tucci, but the story is so bogged down in the trenches of Hollywood love that it's hard to take any of it seriously....
Total: 60
The seasoned actors involved, and their performances, are about the only reason to finish this film....
Director: Wayne Wang
Actors: Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson
PlotMarisa Ventura is a hardworking single mother employed as a maid at a posh Manhattan hotel. She dreams of a better life for herself and her young son, Ty, while striving to make ends meet. One day, while cleaning a luxury suite, Marisa tries on a wealthy guest's designer clothes for fun. Meanwhile, Christopher Marshall, a handsome and influential senatorial candidate, spots her in the outfit and mistakes her for a socialite. The two share a mutual attraction and spend time together, leading Christopher to believe that Marisa is someone from his own social class.
As their romance develops, Marisa is torn between her feelings for Christopher and the reality of her true identity. She fears that revealing the truth about her background will end their relationship and shatter any hope she has for a brighter future. Concurrently, issues from both their personal and professional lives add pressure to their budding relationship. Throughout the story, Marisa gains the courage to face her challenges head-on, grappling with questions of identity, class disparity, and self-worth. The narrative focuses on her journey toward self-empowerment and the search for true happiness, leaving viewers on the edge as they anticipate how her secret will impact her relationship with Christopher.
Writers: John Hughes, Kevin Wade
Release Date: 13 Dec 2002
Runtime: 105 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, French, Spanish