Plot: What’s it about?
Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) and Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) both work in the bookselling business, but their methods couldn’t be much more different. Kathleen operates a small children’s bookstore, one handed down from her mother, while Joe heads up a discount chain that puts immense pressure on smaller stores. So while his business expands and prepares to move into the neighborhood, her store is put in potential ruin, given the huge discounts his store can offer. While the business end of things unfolds, the two share an unknown bond, through the magic of the internet. The two chat on a regular basis, sharing personal information and even giving each other advice, unaware of who they’re talking with. But if the truth is discovered, how it will impact their relationships, both professional and personal?
The romantic comedy genre is one I don’t have confidence in, thanks to movies like You’ve Got Mail. While the genre has sparks of brilliance from time to time, most filmmakers choose to go simple and cliched, just follow a tired formula and rotate a handful of bankable stars. You’ve Got Mail should be good, it has huge talent involved and had a substantial budget, but to me, it is almost insufferable. As we all know, the film is a remake of sorts with modern twists, but its a shame the film doesn’t stick closer to the source, as this is the epitome of “test screening cinema.” The movie is cliched and recycled, from the premise to the dialogue to every single inch of the plot, there is nary an original moment to be found. To add insult to injury, this paper thin plot runs for two hours, which is gives new meaning to “stretched thin.” By the numbers, by the book, formulaic, none of these are strong enough to describe how unoriginal You’ve Got Mail is. Sadly, the movie was a hit, but unless you’re an addict of bad romantic comedies, You’ve Got Mail should be sent to the spam folder. This Deluxe Edition looks and sounds the same, just with a couple of new featurettes, so don’t expect the world.
Video: How does it look?
The 1.85:1 VC-1 HD transfer for “You’ve Got Mail” looks pretty darn good, I have to say. It’s colorful, cheery and bright and certainly indicative of the movie itself. Detail has been increased a bit from the standard DVD from a few years back but not so much that it’s noticeable. The entire spectrum is used and though nothing really stands out as being memorable, we do get plenty of shots of New York. We see the fall landscape, the details on the fabrics of the actors’ clothes and it’s all a testament to those 1080 lines of resolution. “You’ve Got Mail” has certainly never looked better.
Audio: How does it sound?
By and large, a romantic comedy won’t really sound that good and this is certainly no exception. It’s mainly a dialogue-driven film with some ambient effects here and there and the remainder of the soundtrack takes place in the front stage. The DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack sounds a tinge better than the previous Dolby Digital 5.1 track found on the DVD’s, but let’s face it – this isn’t one that you’ll remember for the sound.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The supplements are exactly the same as the previously-released standard DVD edition (in 2008 for its 10 year anniversary). The commentary is the same as are the featurettes, the same “interactive” map of New York. The only bonus we get with this Blu-ray edition is the DVD of “The Shop Around the Corner” with James Stewart. I suppose if you don’t already own this movie, this Blu-ray is the one to get and you get an extra (and much better) movie to boot. Otherwise I’d pass.
