Serendipity Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Serendipity" by Lionsgate-Miramax delivers a somewhat mixed yet satisfactorily detailed 1080p transfer. Encoded with an AVC MPEG-4 in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the film's video quality fluctuates between outstanding clarity in location footage and minor inconsistencies due to Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR). Close-ups, in particular, exhibit sharp and well-defined fine details, contributing significantly to the visual appeal. However, an overuse of DNR can result in a slightly waxy appearance and oversaturated colors, which occasionally render some scenes artificially vibrant. Establishing shots, especially those in San Francisco, show noticeable softness and artifacting like shimmer on buildings and edge enhancement, detracting slightly from the overall visual integrity.

Despite these concerns, the transfer showcases vibrant colors and natural flesh tones. The black levels are generally excellent, albeit with slight clipping in certain scenes. The contrast is notably good, maintaining consistency with only a single washed-out nighttime shot detracting from the otherwise robust presentation. The transition from DVD to Blu-ray reveals a significant improvement in image quality, making this edition of "Serendipity" the best it has looked on home video thus far. With a well-cleaned print displaying minimal dirt specks and no compression artifacts or digital noise, this high-definition rendition, while not perfect, ensures a pleasurable viewing experience for fans of the film.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Serendipity" provides an engaging and immersive auditory experience. The surround sound is utilized effectively, especially in the bustling sequences set in iconic locations like Bloomingdale's and the skating rink. The mix leans heavily on the front and surround speakers to deliver a well-balanced audio experience, even though the rear channels are relatively underutilized. Fidelity throughout the film is excellent, ensuring clear and consistent dialogue which is vital for this dialogue-driven narrative. The inclusion of ambient environmental sounds enhances the atmosphere, capturing the essence of the Manhattan setting with elements such as car engines, screeching brakes, and non-stop chatter.

The soundtrack plays a crucial role in evoking the film's emotional depth, featuring music from Shawn Colvin and Nick Drake that seamlessly integrates into the scenes, solidifying the film’s surround potential. The dynamics of the audio are masterfully balanced, providing a varied frequency range and dynamic range without any need for volume adjustments. While the low-end frequencies are not prominently featured, the bass is impactful when needed, notably in Piven's obituary voice-over narration and Eugene Levy's dialogue. The overall mix provides an authentic auditory environment that supports the storytelling effectively.

In summary, "Serendipity" delivers a technically proficient audio experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The judicious use of ambient sounds and a carefully curated soundtrack enriches the film’s atmosphere, making it a compelling listen from start to finish. Dialogue remains clear and prominent, ensuring that viewers remain engaged without distraction. Although the rear channels are not extensively used, the overall sound design successfully captures the lively essence of busy New York scenes, making it a commendable audio presentation.

The "Serendipity" Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production, tailored for enthusiasts of filmmaking and fans alike. The highlight is the Feature Commentary by Director Peter Chelsom, characterized by his understated British charm. While not overly technical, Chelsom shares engaging anecdotes and expresses evident pride in the smooth production process. For more detailed insights into the shoot, Peter Chelsom's Production Diary offers a text-based retrospective. The promotional Starz Encore On the Set featurette delivers interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, albeit in standard-definition quality which detracts slightly from the viewing experience. The Deleted Scenes with Commentary provide an intriguing glimpse into alternate narratives, enhanced with Chelsom’s optional commentary. Each extra complements the main feature well, but a notable gap is the exclusion of the still gallery from the DVD version.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Director Peter Chelsom: Anecdotal commentary from the director.
• Behind the Scenes Starz Encore On the Set: Promo featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Peter Chelsom's Production Diary: Text-based journal entries from the director.
• Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Director Peter Chelsom: Deleted scenes with optional director commentary.
• Storyboard Comparison: Split-screen comparison of storyboards and final filmed sequence.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

"Serendipity" is a quintessential romantic comedy centered around the themes of fate and destiny, wrapped in a narrative that plays deftly with philosophical musings and whimsical scenarios. The film follows Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale), whose serendipitous encounter over a pair of gloves at Bloomingdale's during the Christmas rush sparks an undeniable chemistry. Despite being in other relationships, their evening unfolds into a magical exploration of Manhattan, culminating in an agreement to leave their future encounters to fate. Marc Klein’s screenplay leverages genre conventions while inserting sharp dialogue and philosophical banter that make the story engaging even to those usually disinclined towards romantic comedies.

The plot's labyrinthine second act is where "Serendipity" reveals both its charm and its flaws, hinging on a series of near-misses and predestined signals that Jonathan and Sara interpret as fate. These convoluted machinations might test more cynical viewers' patience, yet they're peppered with delightful moments that underscore the leads' chemistry. Cusack and Beckinsale deliver winning performances that elevate the material, making their star-crossed journey endearing. Supporting roles by Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon add depth to the narrative, though some characters, like John Corbett's Lars, feel underutilized.

While "Serendipity" doesn't shy away from genre clichés, its grounded setting and witty, playful script make it stand out. The film strikes a balance between fairytale romance and real-world scenarios, showing that true love requires effort and isn't merely left to fate. The plausibility of the story might be strained, but if viewers suspend disbelief and embrace its charming implausibility, "Serendipity" offers a sweet respite from reality. John Cusack’s everyman appeal paired with Kate Beckinsale's authenticity ensures that even the most predictable moments are infused with heartfelt sincerity, making it a staple for fans of the genre.

The Blu-ray release of "Serendipity" stands as a delightful exploration for both the die-hard romantic and general movie enthusiast. Highlighted by charismatic performances from John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, the film captivates its audience despite occasionally teetering on the brink of romantic cliches. The narrative, penned by Marc Klein, effectively combines humor and earnestness, making it accessible to all, even those typically adverse to the romantic comedy genre. While the film does delay the eventual union of its central characters, it is precisely this drawn-out suspense that amplifies its unique charm and appeal.

On the technical front, the video presentation on this Blu-ray disc is commendable, although not without minor shortcomings. Despite some instances where Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) has slightly softened details, the visual quality is substantially improved over previous home video releases. Colors are vibrant and skin tones appear natural, augmenting the overall viewing experience. The audio presentation is robust, utilizing a lossless track which, while not fully exploiting all available channels, still provides clear and immersive sound. This ensures that viewers are aptly transported into the enchanting world of "Serendipity."

Moreover, the supplementary features included in this Blu-ray package enhance its value. Though the marquee special feature leans towards promotional content, there are various engaging and insightful pieces distributed throughout. These extras offer valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives and enrich the overall appreciation for the film. Given these factors, paired with an attractive price point, this Blu-ray edition emerges as a worthwhile purchase for both new viewers and long-time fans.

Most of us like to bargain with fate, or at least we like to pretend we're bargaining with fate, with such gambits as If the telephone doesn't ring in the next 30 seconds, it's okay to have that second pint of Haagen Dazs. That same obviously ridiculous behavior often spills into our love lives, and that's the central conceit of Serendipity, though the film spends so much time keeping the two made-for-each-other stars apart that some people are going to be tearing their hair out after awhile wishing that the damned happily ever after would hurry up and arrive already. Bolstered by extremely winning performances by Cusack and Beckinsale, and with a fitfully engaging screenplay by Marc Klein, the film may never really overcome its inherent clichés, but it will probably appeal to those hopeless romantics out there, perhaps because of those very clichés. This Blu-ray looks fine and sounds great, and comes with some appealing supplements. Recommended.