Plot: What’s it about?
The King of Navarre (Alessandro Nivola) and his three closest friends have decided to forsake love, in an effort to fulfill their intellectual potentials. On this loveless path, the chance for distraction is minimal and that will allow them to reach enlightenment as soon as possible. But this decision is not to be a permanent one, as the four have promised to study with each other and after three years, return to the realm of romance and love. So the King of Navarre and his friends Berowne (Kenneth Branagh), Longaville (Matthew Lillard), and Dumaine (Adrian Lester) have made these powerful vows and plan to adhere to them, but then…temptation entered the picture. The temptation has come in the form of the Princess of France (Alicia Silverstone) and her three beautiful handmaidens, who seem to sweep the gentleman off their feet at first glance. This was intended as a mere diplomatic summit, but no matter how much the men deny it, it is turning into a tense romantic visit. Can the men remain true to their vows, or are these lovely ladies too much, even for them to resist?
I missed this film at the theaters, so when this disc arrived, it was given a quick spin right away. Now I am a fan of director Kenneth Branagh’s previous works, so I expected to like this film and I was correct in that assumption. I am not one for musicals most of the time, but this is a really fun throwback film, one that I think deserves more attention than it has gotten. I love the cast, which includes Branagh, Alicia Silverstone, Matthew Lillard, Nathan Lane, and others, all of whom seem well chosen for their roles. As I am sure you know, this is an update of Shakespeare’s story, but don’t slap the typical stereotype on Love’s Labour’s Lost. As usual, Branagh is able to bring across the wonderful dialogue in a form that suits modern audiences, a task he seems to have mastered. This means all the impact and emotion of the original work is present, but it all put together in a more modernized package, very cool indeed. This is a very fun movie with some nice performances and as such, I give it a solid recommendation. I think a rental is a good idea, but fans shouldn’t hesitate to pick up this disc, as it well worth the cash.
Once again, Kenneth Branagh has tackled some of William Shakespeare’s work and in the end, done a nice turn with it. Now I don’t think Love’s Labour’s Lost measures up to some of his finer works, but I do think this is a fun film and one that is underrated. Branagh uses a unique approach here and shoots in the form of a classic era Hollywood musical, which works well and that’s impressive, as his cast members aren’t usually found in the musical genre. As a director, Branagh shoots much you’d expect from a master of the stage, very basic, but also very effective. The visuals are very enticing, which is always evident when Branagh and his crews take on a film. I think this might have been a little with a different cast, but Branagh still delivers the goods in the end. Other films directed by Branagh include Henry V, Hamlet (1996), Much Ado About Nothing, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and Dead Again. Along with Branagh, this film’s cast includes Alicia Silverstone (Clueless, Blast From The Past), Matthew Lillard (Scream, SLC Punk), Natascha McElhone (The Truman Show, Ronin), Adrian Lester (Primary Colors), Alessandro Nivola (Face/Off, Best Laid Plans), and Nathan Lane (Mousehunt, The Lion King).
Video: How does it look?
Love’s Labour’s Lost is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is an above average presentation, but some flaws surface and that keeps the score down in the end. The film has a rather dream-like visual style, but even so, I think the image is too soft at almost all times. This means detail is rather fuzzy most of the time and the other elements don’t pack the punch they should, though the softness isn’t to an extreme degree. The colors aren’t as sharp as I would have liked and the contrast is a little on the light side, but the transfer still emerges in fine form. This could have been a more solid effort in the end, but overall, this is still a very good presentation and shouldn’t scare off potential buyers.
Audio: How does it sound?
This is a musical and what’s a musical without some smooth audio, right? You won’t hear much in terms of sound effects, but the musical numbers come through in shining form, very immersive and expansive at all times. Both the music and the vocals come across in fine shape here, no harshness or balance issues in the least. That’s about all the audio range you’ll find in this mix, but then again, that is all this film needs. The speaking vocals also seem in good form here, no volume or clarity errors to address. This disc also includes English subtitles, in case you’ll need them.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a brief promotional featurette with some interesting rehearsal footage, a reel of outtakes, and about twenty minutes of deleted scenes. Now the deleted scenes are shown in one reel, so you have to watch them all, but some of them are well worth the effort.
