Plot: What’s it about?
Nora (Camilla Belle) and Mary (Alexa Vega) have lived pampered lives, thanks to their father’s wealth. The two have always had the best of everything, from the most expensive clothes to the most exclusive parties. Beverly Hills has been their playground, but when their father passes on, they discover not all was as they imagined. Their father was close to being broke, but he kept it a secret and the bombshell is dropped on his daughters. And when an estranged brother returns and takes over the family home, which leaves the girls depressed, homeless, and broke. An aunt offers to take them in, but the lifestyle they’re used to has come to an end and some big changes are ahead. Can Nora and Mary prove they’re more than flighty socialites and survive in this new environment, or will they be unable to fend for themselves in the real world?
As with most romantic comedies, From Prada to Nada doesn’t break new ground and sticks to the standard formula. And while that isn’t great news, the movie has competent production design and a capable cast. So while it walks a well trodden path, it does so better than many of this kind. Alexa Vega and Camilla Belle bring more to their socialite roles than you’d expect, with solid efforts to make them more than flimsy stereotypes. The rest of the cast puts in good work too and while I doubt this movie will be showered with accolades, for a romantic comedy, it is a step above most of the genre. The plot is classic fish out of water stuff, but with a game cast, it works most of the time. From Prada to Nada might not be high art, but in a genre overflowing with mediocre tripe, it manages to provide some entertainment.
Video: How does it look?
From Prada to Nada is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen. This transfer looks quite good, though it won’t be able to compete with the top tier of visual standouts. The print is clean and detail is strong, but not many scenes pop off the screen with the kind of depth we’ve come to expect from high definition. Even so, this is a marked improvement over the standard edition, so you will know this isn’t a DVD. The colors are bright and bold, while contrast is stark and consistent. Not one of the best you’ll see, but this treatment still looks very good.
Audio: How does it sound?
A DTS HD 5.1 option is present and it sounds great, though this material doesn’t pack much of an audio punch. Even so, the movie sounds quite good. The front channels handle most of the audio, which is fine since this is a dialogue driven film and never demands much of the surrounds. The music has a lot of life however, so the mix does have some depth when called on. Not then kind of track to flip your lid over, but it more than gets the job done.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The main supplement here is a half hour roundtable with the director and several cast members. This is a fun, but also insightful piece that is a most welcome addition. This disc also includes two more featurettes, some deleted scenes, a gag reel, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
