Plot: What’s it about?
A very clever story. Focuses on Helen and a moment in her life. She gets fired from her job and is going home to her boyfriend to tell him the news (at a time of day when she really wouldn’t be home, I’m thinkin’ 10’ish), she just misses the subway (they call it a tube, as it takes place in London). Then it rewinds and shows her making the subway. The story then follows her live(s) from that point. Very clever, because you know this happens all the time every day to all of us. You’ll like it. A great date movie. You also get to see the fine, Gwyneth Paltrow in her “Pre-Oscar” movie.
Video: How does it look?
This was one of Paramount’s newer releases, they had already stopped doing 16:9 enhancement (many think they never started), and just do not like putting features on their stuff. Anyhow, the transfer is pretty good, good sharp colors and lots of detail. The benefit of anamorphic enhancement would clear up the artifacting (there is some) and eliminate the shimmering (there is also some). Not bad, though. This is a new movie, so it has a digital transfer anyway. Could be better, though.
Audio: How does it sound?
The 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack is used sparingly. It’s not like there is an asteroid falling towards earth or machine guns. There’s a couple of scenes, particularly in a nightclub, when the dance music is coming through all speakers and sounds good. Other than that, it’s basically a really good Dolby Surround track. Crisp, clean dialogue, too.
Supplements: What are the extras?
If you go by Paramount, they say “Widescreen version, Dolby Digital, subtitles, interactive menus and scene selection”. If you go by me, I say there ain’t shit. Commentary on this movie is one I’d listen to. Get with it, Paramount!
