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?
You’ve Got Mail is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. This seems to be the same transfer as before, but the movie still looks solid. The image is a little soft at times, but holds up well enough. The print is clean, contrast is smooth, and colors appear bright, if not always as warm as they should be. Not the best by any means, but a decent looking presentation that should satisfy fans, I think.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc uses a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, but since this is a dialogue driven picture, the surrounds won’t pulse off the walls, by any means. Some surround use is evident with the musical soundtrack, but aside from that, this mix is handled by the front channels and handled well at that. A couple instances of impact sound effects do surface, but most are simple background noise and don’t cause much dynamic presence. The main focus here is the dialogue, which sounds excellent at all times and never falters in the least. This disc also includes subtitles in English and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
New to this Deluxe Edition are two featurettes, both new and both with the two leads and the film’s director. These combine to run about fifty minutes and are warm looks back on the production. Fluff? Of course, but I am sure fans will love to hear from the stars and get their retrospective take on the movie. The rest of the goodies are rehashes, but its nice to have them on deck. Director Nora Ephron and producer Laura Schuler Donner provide a decent audio commentary, while an HBO special features an interview with the director also. This disc also includes an interactive map of New York’s Upper West Side, a music video, and an audio option that highlights the film’s music.
