Plot: What’s it about?
Having never read Lauren Weisberger’s original novel, I had nothing to go off of when I first popped in The Devil Wears Prada into my player back in 2006. As it turns out I (as did a lot of folks) really enjoyed the film. And the best thing about it was that the viewer didn’t have to have the inside scoop on the fashion industry to enjoy it. About my only experience with that was that I’d worked retail sales while in college. It turns out I liked it, but not enough to make a career out of it. Nevertheless, the world is a different place than it was in 2006 and the somewhat “fresh faces” of Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt are ones we’ve become accustomed to seeing in countless films since. Stanley Tucci doesn’t seem to age and Meryl Streep is, well, Meryl Streep. The same cast is back as is director David Frankel, but it’s also been two decades. Did they miss their window or were they waiting to give audiences what we’ve been clamouring for?
Andy (Anne Hathaway) is no longer an intern as she’s now an award-winning reporter. However, after losing her job, she gets an offer to become the features editor at, you guessed it, Runway magazine. She’s set to work alongside her old boss/nemesis Miranda (Meryl Streep) and longtime Art Director Nigel (Stanley Tucci). But there are some changes at the magazine as the digital “content” has somewhat altered its business model. This means that Andy has to work harder to create these viral stories that will satisfy Miranda (who will in turn need to satisfy the magazine’s owner). Andy’s new role puts her in contact with her former rival Emily (Emily Blunt) who now works for Dior.
In other words, it’s more of the same but…it hits a bit differently than it did back in the mid 00’s. While it’s great to have the returning cast back, there was just an element missing. They’re all seasoned actors and know their stuff, but the smile quickly faded from my face, much as it always does when it’s been two decades since the last installment. There’s a poignant scene in the original that I watch when I start to get down on myself. Check it out. I think it epitomizes a lot about the world and certainly the selfishness that embody a lot of people. But, let’s not read anything too serious into what I’m saying. This certainly isn’t a bad film and it does deliver if you’ve been missing Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly. If you haven’t, there plenty of other options out there.
Video: How’s it look?
The first film was one of the early big releases on the then fledgling Blu-ray format. Time has passed, we’re onto 4K films and this is a shining example of what to expect. Some of the outdoor shots in the city seem to get washed out a bit. Flesh tones are natural and warm, detail looks good but after seeing some recent films, it excels. Our four stars have aged about 6,000 days since the first, but it’s hard to tell. If fashion is your thing, then this one is where it’s at and the 2.39:1 HEVC 4K image pulls no punches – it’s a gorgeous film.
Audio: How’s it sound?
No punches are pulled with this Dolby Atmos mix. Granted this is, for all intents and purposes, a “chick flick” or “romantic comedy” if you must, so don’t expect a lot out of the channels. Vocals are, by and large, very strong though Streep’s character seems to mumble her lines a bit. I won’t question Streep’s character choice and her dictation – she clearly had something in mind, though when it comes to how it sounds – it’s a bit muddled in spots. Surrounds are used sparingly, though they do offer a bit of range in some of the scenes. By and large this track is front heavy and will not disappoint.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Director David Frankel, writer Aline Brosh McKenna and costume designer Molly Rogers combine for a pretty decent track. It’s chock full of what we might expect and gives us what we want. Fans will eat this one up.
- Level Up: Updating the Icons – Join the cast, crew, and other notables as they look back on the iconic first film and its timelessness. Then see how the characters and their wardrobes have evolved for the sequel, and follow the shoot in New York.
- Inside the Fashion Closet – Sit down with the cast, filmmakers, and lead costume designer Molly Rogers as she talks about dressing Miranda, Andy, Emily, and Nigel. Discover their of-the-moment but timeless fashion looks that shine a spotlight on each of their personalities.
- Front-Row Access – Shooting in Italy: Join the cast, crew, and director David Frankel as he talks about the production in Italy and shooting during Milan’s fashion week. Hear how top design houses supported the production and how Runway’s own fashion show and concert was created.
- Music Video -“Runway” by Lady Gaga and Doechii
- Gag Reel – Check out the fun on set in these outtakes from the making of the movie.
The Bottom Line
While not as good as the original, there’s still some merit to be found. Older and wiser – yes, but there’s a fine line between “been there, done that” and nostalgia. Fox’s disc looks and sounds amazing and it offers up enough supplements to warrant a purchase.
