The Devil Wears Prada Blu-ray Review

"The Devil Wears Prada" Blu-ray delivers an intriguing visual experience with its 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer, offering a mix of pros and cons. The film's warm color palette impresses with vivid, dazzling hues that enhance the visual appeal of the numerous clothes and accessories. While black levels are generally robust, they occasionally overshadow finer details, particularly in darker settings such as dimly lit scenes that lose some depth and texture. The sterile Runway office environment appears average, though exterior shots of New York and Paris exhibit a commendable level of fine detail. The image carries a slight grain layer that remains non-intrusive while maintaining the integrity of the print, free from splotches or scratches.

Color accuracy and fleshtones are noteworthy; Anne Hathaway's complexion maintains a consistent orange glow. The detail is excellent, boasting a refined depth and dimensionality indicative of superior MPEG-2 encoding. Although most of the image is sharp and clear, some outdoor scenes suffer from overblown contrast that lends them a washed-out appearance—likely a stylistic choice. Minor patches of video noise are visible on larger displays but should be negligible on smaller screens. Overall, "The Devil Wears Prada" presents a high-quality visual experience that predominantly meets the expectations of modern Blu-ray standards, falling just short of reference quality due to minor imperfections.

The Blu-ray of "The Devil Wears Prada" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that stands as the technical highlight of the disc. This high-energy audio presentation is consistently strong throughout the film, delivering stable and crisp music with a pronounced yet balanced surround presence. Notable sequences, such as Andrea attempting to book Miranda on a flight out of hurricane-ravaged Miami and the deeper beats during the Paris fashion show, showcase a punchy low-end that adds depth to the soundtrack. Atmospheric details, like the light din of a restaurant or scattered footsteps in the Elias-Clarke building lobby, enrich the soundscape, but it's during the Paris fashion show where the audio truly shines. The deep, potent music and sounds of camera shutters and attendee chatter fill the soundstage beautifully.

Fox's presentation also includes Dolby Digital 5.1 options in French and Spanish. Even with only 1.5mbps DTS core extraction, the mix remains robust, aided by the film’s perky sound design. Although this is a romantic comedy and therefore not expected to feature extensive sonic richness, lively outdoor and party scenes, alongside recent pop hits, keep the atmosphere upbeat. The surround channels are particularly engaging during scenes like the mid-film party sequence, where discrete sounds and atmospheric effects are finely rendered. Bass response is surprisingly potent, with occasional low-end bursts that add a notable punch to the soundtrack.

Dialogue reproduction is generally strong throughout, though there are occasional issues with Meryl Streep's softer spoken lines sometimes being hard to discern. However, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from an otherwise impressive audio track that supports the material perfectly.

The Blu-ray release of "The Devil Wears Prada" includes a robust collection of extras that complement the film well. The standout feature is the multi-participant commentary track, featuring Director David Frankel, Producer Wendy Finerman, Costume Designer Patricia Field, Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, Editor Mark Livolsi, and Director of Photography Florian Ballhaus. This commentary is engaging and informative, delving deep into the film’s costumes, locations, and cast performance dynamics. While it thoroughly covers technical aspects, some viewers may miss commentary from the actors themselves. Additionally, the disc offers a text-based trivia track rich with fashion-related insights, 15 deleted scenes with optional commentary, a gag reel capturing the lighter moments on set, and several high-definition trailers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Director David Frankel and other key crew members.
• Trivia Track: Text-based facts focused on the fashion elements.
• Deleted Scenes: Fifteen scenes with optional director and editor commentary.
• Gag Reel: Moments of humor from the filming.
• Trailers: High-definition previews for various films.

"The Devil Wears Prada" (2006) is a compelling blend of comedy and drama with elements of romance, skillfully directed by David Frankel. The film explores the intricate balance between personal fulfillment and career advancement through the journey of Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway), whose aspirations of becoming a journalist lead her to a job as an assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), editor-in-chief at Runway magazine. The narrative deftly examines themes of integrity and personal identity within the ruthless fashion industry, highlighted by the contrast between Andrea's initial outsider status and her gradual, transformative immersion into Runway’s world, catalyzed by Art Director Nigel (Stanley Tucci).

The storyline’s effectiveness lies in its equally engaging character dynamics and sharp dialogue. Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly is nothing short of spectacular, delivering a performance that injects depth and nuance into a role that could have otherwise slipped into caricature. Her character's evolution from an unfeeling tyrant to a multifaceted persona adds layers to the film’s satirical perspective on corporate hierarchies. Supporting roles by Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt further elevate the narrative, each actor bringing authentic vulnerability to their parts, ensuring that the story remains relatable despite its opulent setting.

Technically, the film captures the frenetic pace of the fashion world with precision. Frankel’s direction coupled with Brooks McKenna's script adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's novel ensures that while the film's core themes remain impactful, they are enveloped in wit and charm. The production design vividly brings to life the high stakes environment of Runway magazine, reinforcing the narrative tension between personal sacrifice and professional ambition. Overall, "The Devil Wears Prada" stands out not only for its entertainment value but also for its insightful commentary on the costs of success in a cutthroat industry.

"The Devil Wears Prada" Blu-ray release is an excellent presentation of a modern cinematic gem. The film, directed by David Frankel, balances sharp humor with deeper thematic elements, making it an engaging watch beyond just superficial entertainment. The narrative explores personal integrity and the complexities of the fashion industry, with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway delivering standout performances. The first act is particularly strong, setting high expectations for the rest of the film, though a few sections understandably slow down due to the initial peak. Nevertheless, the movie maintains its charm and significance, reminding viewers to stay true to their values amidst external pressures.

Technically, the Blu-ray release by 20th Century Fox performs well for its era. The 1080p picture quality is commendable, although slightly less impressive compared to more recent transfers. The lossless soundtrack truly shines, providing an immersive audio experience that complements the film's vibrant on-screen fashion world. Extras included on the disc are standard for its time but offer worthwhile content for fans looking to delve deeper into the making of the film. The overall package is more than adequate for those who appreciate both the cinematic and technical aspects of Blu-ray releases.

In conclusion, "The Devil Wears Prada" stands out as a sophisticated take on the Chick Flick genre, delivering both entertainment and meaningful messages. The Blu-ray presentation holds up well, offering solid audiovisual quality and enjoyable supplementary content. Whether you're a fan of compelling storytelling or high-quality Blu-ray releases, this disc comes highly recommended.