The Relaxing, Enchanting Land of Italy
I had not heard of Sweden’s 1992 film, Enchanted April, before receiving the DVD for review. From what I can tell, this DVD release, due out in a few days, is actually the first time the film has been released on DVD in the United States.
Enchanted April does not star any actors you’ve probably heard of, but the performances are no less very good, including Joan Plowright’s performance as supporting actress which had an Academy Award nomination. That said the film is primarily about four women and their vacation in Italy. Bored, depressed, and unattended by their husbands, Miranda Richardson and Josie Lawrence, who play Rose Arbuthnot and Lottie Wilkins respectively, decide upon seeing an ad for a vacation in Italy, to quickly organize their trip. However, the cost of staying is fairly expensive and they enlist the company of an older lady and a young socialite who is very intrigued by the idea of a vacation. About an hour into the film, the husbands of Rose and Lottie come out to join their wives.
It is here, against the lush Italian countryside that relationships are mended and new friendships are born. The deliberatlely slow pace and dialogue driven nature of the film make it a good watch on a rainy day with a loved one, although for most of guys it’s going to be a exercise in patience.
The DVD Release
This DVD release is nicely packaged in Miramax Films’ Award-Winning Collection series. Similar to Paramount’s Centennial Collection although not as fancy, the packaging is decorated in gold and black. Inside the locking keep case you will find a single disc that contains the film and a single extra feature. As far as presentation quality goes, the video is presented in widescreen and looks fine, although far from outstanding. The audio, which is mostly dialogue driven, is offered in a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround track, which does well for itself.
As for extra features, there is just one — an audio commentary track with Director Mike Newell and Producer Ann Scott.
To the summary…