Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson play Diana and David Murphy, high-school sweethearts who marry and who are doing very well - Diana is a successful real-estate agent, and David is an idealistic architect who has built a dream house by the ocean - until the recession hits. Suddenly, David loses his job, and they can't make the mortgage payments. Dead broke, they borrow $5000 from David's father and head to Las Vegas to try to win money to pay the mortgage on their house. At first, they get $25,000 ahead - but inevitably the house always wins, and they end up losing it all. While Diana is in the fancy casino boutique trying to lift some candy, she is spotted by billionaire John Gage, who is immediately attracted to her. John invites Diana and David to an opulent party, and it is there that John offers David $1 million for a night with his wife. David is wracked by this moral dilemma, but Diana finally makes the decision on her own, with ensuing consequences for their ideal marriage and their bank account.

Adult dramas like this are few and far between these days and I’m glad to see Paramount putting out two great Adrian Lyne films on Blu-ray the same week. This film is great at stirring up conversation as to “what would you do” and brings up some interesting thoughts on love and circumstance. The film’s premise is well executed and the cast does a great job. I’m glad to see more studios catering to the more adult market lately and hope to see more.

Paramount does a good job with this catalog title, but it isn’t a homerun. The print is in relatively good shape but lacks the spit and polish we’re used to with the format. Colors a bit subdued and there is a bit of excessive noise at times around fine detail. Some minor ringing is noticed, but nothing too intrusive. Depth and dimension are pretty solid though.

The TrueHD soundtrack is good for what it is and has all the characteristics of an older catalog title. The mix is a bit thin and almost has a bright nature to it. Dialogue sounds natural enough though and ambiance is good. The score opens things up enough to be interesting but the soundstage is pretty front heavy.

Extras are limited to a director’s commentary.

Adult dramas are few and far between on Blu-ray so far and I’m glad to see Paramount delivering some. While the presentation isn’t a knockout, it is far better than the DVD release.