Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Sony Movie ••• Picture/Sound •••½ Extras ••½

The ever-charismatic Will Smith may be perfectly cast here as New York City's "love doctor" - the man who coaches hopelessly smitten guys into the arms of their beloveds - but that doesn't help this romantic comedy work up much passion of its own. Smith and co-star Kevin James (TV's The King of Queens) do manage a few outsized laughs as Hitch himself falls prey to the love bug, but the real star of the film is in the background. Director Andy Tennant shot the movie all over lower Manhattan, and the sharp, detailed images show this idealized setting as the ultimate adult playground. Warm, natural skin tones make all those beautiful New Yorkers even more attractive. The 5.1-channel mix is subdued, the soundtrack leaning instead on pop tunes that fairly scream "Yuppies in Love." Extras include a gag reel, deleted scenes, an uninspired half-hour documentary, and the "I Thing" music video by Amerie. [PG-13] English, Dolby Digital 5.1; French, Dolby Surround; letterboxed (2.35:1) and anamorphic widescreen; dual layer.