Must Love Dogs Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Must Love Dogs" is a noteworthy adaptation of its original 35 mm film capture, which was executed using Panavision Panaflex and Primo cameras along with C-series and AWZ2 spherical lenses. The transfer, in the aspect ratio of 2.39:1, offers a workmanlike image that brings clarity and contrast to the forefront. It maintains a respectable quality reflective of the original yet slightly dated source, surpassing the DVD version without the need for modern restoration techniques that older titles might require.

Color reproduction is notably compelling, with a natural palette that includes vivid greens, buttery yellows, soft blues, and muted reds. These hues are especially pronounced in outdoor scenes, demonstrating the film's vibrant tone. Complexions appear lifelike, while deep black levels and well-rendered shadow details enhance the dimensionality without succumbing to crush.

The image also boasts precise details capturing the essence of the film’s smooth textures—whether it's the fur on dogs or intricate patterns on clothing. The video quality is free from damage, debris, and digital scrubbing, contributing to a uniformly clean and polished presentation. While it lacks the film-like quality of newer Blu-ray transfers from Warner Archive, it stands as an excellent rendition of its source material, offering viewers a satisfying visual experience that complements the film’s narrative charm.

The audio presentation of the "Must Love Dogs" Blu-ray is serviced by a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix, ensuring a satisfyingly clean and clear experience. Dialogue takes precedence throughout, typically anchoring the front channels but expanding into surround channels when needed, effectively adapting to scenes with varying crowd sizes and atmospheric conditions. The design allows non-diegetic music cues to subtly complement the dialogue, occasionally overshadowing it for dramatic purposes. This blend maintains a pleasing auditory experience that does not aim to innovate but rather fulfills its purpose proficiently.

The soundtrack showcases English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, with optional English SDH subtitles included, albeit presented in all uppercase, which some might find distracting. The dialogue clarity is notable and enhances the film's humor by preserving a natural, conversational tone without resorting to overemphasis. Ambient sounds, such as those heard in restaurant and park scenes, are rendered authentically, crafting a believable soundscape that supports the context. Craig Armstrong's musical score remains primarily upbeat and skillfully avoids overly sentimental pieces, complemented by a diverse selection of songs including works from Eddie Holman, Linda Ronstadt, Diane Lane, Dermot Mulroney, Susan Haynes, and Ryan Adams with The Cardinals.

Overall, the audio configuration competently captures the essence of the film through a balanced integration of dialogue clarity and immersive ambient elements while supporting the narrative with fitting musical arrangements.

The "Must Love Dogs" Blu-ray extras offer limited but enjoyable features that complement the main movie. The deleted scenes section presents four segments, running a total of 8 minutes and 23 seconds, though they suffer from a noticeable lack of polish due to being in upscaled standard definition. The gag reel, titled "Pass the Beef," showcases humorous outtakes and runs for just over a minute, providing a brief but delightful peek behind the curtain. Additionally, viewers can revisit the energetic original theatrical trailer with a runtime of 2 minutes and 3 seconds, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the film’s promotional campaign. While the additional content might not be extensive or in high definition, it still adds a layer of depth to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Features four deleted scenes in sequence.
• Pass the Beef Gag Reel: A collection of humorous outtakes.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A lively piece promoting the film.

"Must Love Dogs," directed by Gary Goldberg, struggles to engage audiences as a romantic comedy, with its primary boasting point being that its leading character, Sarah Nolan, played by Diane Lane, is refreshingly age-appropriate for her suitors. Despite this promising setup, the film falls short of the genre's best, with a script lacking in cohesion and originality. The plot centers around Sarah, a 40-year-old divorcee who is reluctantly nudged back into the dating world by her well-meaning sister Carol, portrayed by Elizabeth Perkins. The film depicts an overly contrived narrative where an online dating profile leads to cringe-worthy encounters and predictable outcomes.

John Cusack's character, Jake Anderson, another recent divorcee, intersects Sarah's life through this online matchmaking facade. While the concept of two hesitant individuals rediscovering romance holds potential, the execution is marred by stilted dialogue and unimaginative scenes that lend an artificial feel. The two characters meet under the pretext of a dog walk in the park, yet their forced chemistry fails to elevate the film beyond its formulaic roots.

Veteran actor Christopher Plummer takes on the role of Sarah's father, William, who adds another layer to the mishmash of romantic misadventures with his own tangled pursuit of love. His subplot, although intended to inject humor and complexity, comes across as awkward and misaligned with the main narrative. As a result, the film flounders through its 98-minute duration with rushed pacing and lifeless emotional depth. Despite a potentially charming premise drawn from Claire Cook’s novel, "Must Love Dogs" unsuccessfully juggles too many elements and ends up rarely hitting its stride as a standout romantic comedy.

Warner Archive's release of "Must Love Dogs" on Blu-ray represents a surprising entry into their catalog, given their typical focus on earlier works. The film, while not the most critical choice for a high-definition upgrade, benefits from its charismatic cast, which appeals to fans and justifies its modest success. The Blu-ray edition offers an admirable audio-visual presentation that effectively translates the film’s lighthearted charm. Additionally, it thoughtfully includes the original DVD-era bonus materials, providing long-time enthusiasts a compelling reason to upgrade from their aging DVD copies.

"Must Love Dogs" is a romantic comedy that invites viewers to embrace fantasy amidst reality. Though it leans heavily on familiar clichés, the film's humor and warmth derive strength from its talented cast. There are moments where the story strays into subplots that may detract focus, particularly surrounding Plummer’s character and side narratives of family drama. The climax, albeit predictable, does not deviate sharply from audience expectations, as the true enjoyment lies in protagonist Sarah’s journey rather than her inevitable romantic pairing.

Overall, the Blu-ray release offers a satisfactory addition to any collection of rom-com enthusiasts, delivering a quality viewing experience and preserving nostalgic extras. While "Must Love Dogs" is not without its narrative flaws, its engaging cast provides ample reason for revisiting this light-hearted tale, making this edition a worthy purchase for both new viewers and long-time fans seeking durable format longevity.