Four Weddings and a Funeral Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory's reissue of Four Weddings and a Funeral on Blu-ray is marked by a new 4K scan from the original camera negative, presenting notable enhancements over previous editions. The refreshed transfer exhibits vibrant colors that breathe new life into the film's cinematographic elements. The summery locations and period costumes are portrayed with brilliant clarity, where primary colors, particularly reds, blues, and greens, stand out vividly. This augmentation extends to ceremonial décor featuring crisp pinks and whites, while detailed costumes highlight deep blues and blacks. Overall, textures—from facial features to fibrous clothing and intricate dress designs—are sharply defined, adding an inviting depth to each scene and enhancing the viewer's immersion in the rural and architectural settings.

Despite the enhanced color saturation and tighter contrast ratios, some sections of the transfer expose limitations inherent to the original filming techniques. The use of optical mattes for subtitles introduces a layer of fine debris and dirt particles, noticeable to keen observers. These portions of the 1.85:1 presentation display inferior picture quality when compared to the cleaner scenes, though still representing a substantial improvement from earlier Blu-ray versions. Encoded with a strong AVC on a BD-50, the 1080P video remains of high quality, although it doesn't achieve the dramatic visual upgrade seen in other recent Shout Factory releases. Nonetheless, this transfer provides a more visually satisfying experience overall, capturing finer details and ensuring the charm of this low-budget British film endures for contemporary audiences.

The "Four Weddings and a Funeral" Blu-ray offers two audio options: a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (MA) track and a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix. The 5.1 mix, serving as the default option, captures the dialogue crisply and cleanly, maintaining performance nuances such as accents and timing, notably Hugh Grant’s signature stutter. However, it falls short in the musical department, with the main title track exhibiting a slight echo in the surrounds that distractingly mimics the feel of being in the back row of a large concert venue. Despite some atmospheric enhancements and mild panning effects that effectively mimic the ambiance of various scenes, especially group gatherings transitioning from churches to celebration halls, the low-end experience remains minimal.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a more straightforward presentation free from the echo issue but lacks the spatial openness of its 5.1 counterpart. While it predominantly mirrors the original theatrical audio, purists might appreciate its simplicity. The 5.1 track's front soundstage is dominant, with limited activity in the rear surrounds except for occasional ambient moments during wedding celebrations. Additionally, minor sound errors like out-of-phase effects introducing echo can detract from the overall experience. Though dialogue clarity is consistently maintained even amidst crowd scenes, the audio remains serviceable without aiming for an immersive surround spectacle.

Considering technical inclusivity, the Shout! Factory disc provides only English SDH subtitles in a white font, whereas those requiring foreign-language dubs or multiple subtitles may prefer MGM's more varied options. Ultimately, the audio presentation, while adequate for this dialogue-driven romantic comedy, does not deliver an exceptionally engaging or elaborate surround sound experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" features a robust collection of extras, highlighting both new and previously released content that explore the filmmaking process in substantial detail. The commentary by director Mike Newell, producer Duncan Kenworthy, and writer Richard Curtis offers deep insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics and is as entertaining as it is informative. The standout addition is an extended interview with cinematographer Michael Coulter titled "The Wedding Photographer," which goes into meticulous detail about the film's technical aspects and his experience working with a limited budget. Among other notable extras are a comprehensive retrospective titled "Wedding Planners," exploring casting decisions and production challenges, and a series of deleted scenes introduced by Kenworthy. Though several features are ported from previous releases, the collection remains engaging for both new viewers and longtime fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Wedding Photographer: Interview with cinematographer Michael Coulter.
• Wedding Planners: Detailed featurette with cast and crew.
• In the Making: Vintage EPK-style featurette.
• Two Actors and a Director: Insights on casting Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell.
• Deleted Scenes: Introduced by producer Duncan Kenworthy.
• Promotional Spots: Creation of trailers for the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the movie.

In 1994, "Four Weddings and a Funeral" quietly emerged as a major sleeper hit, defying its low-budget origins and largely unknown cast. Pivotal to its success were the brilliant screenplay by Richard Curtis and the adept direction of Mike Newell. Curtis skillfully weaves character-based shenanigans with heartfelt romantic comedy, examining the rituals and camaraderie of social gatherings. Hugh Grant’s stellar performance—with his effortless charm and stammering charisma—propelled him into stardom, making him a quintessential figure in romantic comedies. Supported by an ensemble cast including Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Rowan Atkinson, their collective performances inject the film with a balance of silliness and sincerity.

The narrative follows a group of single friends navigating romantic entanglements across four weddings and one funeral. Shy Brit Charlie (Hugh Grant) repeatedly crosses paths with American Carrie (Andie MacDowell), sparking an infatuation that’s complicated by fate and circumstance. Curtis’s acerbic wit and sharply observed British comedy of manners elevate the screenplay, while the supporting characters add layers of humor with their own love trials and tribulations. Highlights include Scott Thomas’s icy detachment and Atkinson’s comedic bumbling as a novice priest.

While MacDowell’s performance does sometimes feel like an outsider in the predominantly British cast, her chemistry with Grant remains compelling. Nominated for Best Picture and Best Screenplay in 1994, the film stands as a delightful and sophisticated romantic comedy that has aged gracefully. Its enduring appeal lies in Grant’s charismatic portrayal and Curtis’s keenly observed dialogue. Despite occasional cultural-specific humor, "Four Weddings and a Funeral" retains its charm and continues to capture the hearts of audiences.

"Four Weddings and a Funeral" graces the Blu-ray format with an admirable technical presentation, bolstered by lush cinematography and authentic costume designs. The film is spearheaded by Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell, whose performances, albeit varied in emotional depth, highlight a stellar ensemble cast. Grant’s quintessential British charm seamlessly navigates through Richard Curtis's sharp yet endearing script. Despite Andie MacDowell's struggle to capture warmth and comedic timing, other cast members manage to inject genuine emotion into their roles, creating a patchwork of amusing and touching moments.

Technically, this Blu-ray release maintains high visual and audio fidelity, making it an excellent choice for home viewing. The dynamic between heartfelt romance and humor is underpinned by an elegantly simple premise – attending weddings – albeit stretched across an arguably extended runtime. The charm of the film lies in its character interactions and situational comedy, often masking its thin plotline. Certain aspects could have benefitted from tighter editing to enhance its screwball comedy essence.

Curtis has revisited this successful formula in later works such as "Love Actually," honing his ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments. Mike Newell has since explored diverse cinematic landscapes. "Four Weddings and a Funeral" stands out for its mixture of charming quirkiness and poignant relationships. This Blu-ray edition ensures that the film's visual and emotional subtleties are preserved, making it a worthy addition to any collector's library.