In dire need of a upgrade, this release of Something's Gotta Give can finally let fans of the film ditch their DVD copies. It doesn't get a royal treatment or anything, but the Blu-ray is well worth upgrading if you're a fan of the film. This one is out now.
“Harry Sanborn, a perennial playboy, develops chest pains during a romantic weekend with his latest infatuation Marin at her mother’s beach house. He winds up being nursed by Marin’s reluctant mother Erica Barry, a successful divorced New York playwright, and develops more heart pangs the romantic kind for her. But some habits die hard. When Harry hesitates, his charming doctor steps in and starts to pursue Erica. Harry, who has always had the world on a string, finds his life unraveling.”
Nancy Meyers has built a career writing and directing some of the most charming, crowd-pleasing romantic comedies of the last few decades: The Parent Trap, What Women Want, It’s Complicated, and The Intern all bear her signature blend of witty dialogue, strong female leads, and feel-good escapism. Something’s Gotta Give fits right in that filmography as one of her most personal and thoughtful entries, and it holds up beautifully more than 20 years later. I hadn’t seen it in probably two decades, and revisiting it now it feels even more charming and insightful, exploring the dynamics between men and women, the realities of aging, and the messy, rewarding side of late-life relationships in ways that only get funnier and more resonant the older you get.
Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton have electric chemistry on screen, their comedic and romantic timing perfectly in sync. Nicholson brings his trademark swagger and vulnerability to Harry Sanborn, the aging playboy forced to confront his own mortality and feelings, while Keaton is radiant and relatable as the guarded, successful Erica Barry. Her flustered exasperation and gradual thawing feel authentic as the relationship progresses. Their back-and-forth is sharp, charming, and genuinely funny. Keanu Reeves, Amanda Peet and Francis McDormand all provide great supporting characters that round out the film.
Something’s Gotta Give paints a thoughtful portrait of love at a certain age, and its observations on gender roles, independence, and second chances hit harder today. With the passing of Diane Keaton last year, it’s great to finally get an upgrade from the DVD release in order to revisit some of her iconic roles and collaborations with some of the Hollywood greats.
Video
This Sony Blu-ray is presented in 1080p in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. As a MOD-style release (catalog title made on demand rather than a full retail pressing), it carries a higher price point than standard discs. The image is clean with natural colors and detail. While I wasn’t overly impressed by the transfer itself, it is a clear upgrade from the DVD release that was the only option previously.
Audio
Audio is delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with clear, centered dialogue and a warm, enveloping mix that lets the score and subtle ambient sounds breathe nicely. It’s a faithful presentation that suits the film’s intimate, conversational tone.
Special Features
This set does not contain a digital code. On this set you’ll see:
- Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Nancy Meyers and Jack Nicholson
- Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Nancy Meyers, Diane Keaton, and Producer Bruce A. Block
- Harry Sings Karaoke to Erica – Deleted Scene
- Hamptons House Set Tour with Amanda Peet
- Theatrical Trailer
Something’s Gotta Give on Blu-ray is a welcome catalog upgrade for a film that only gets better with age. Meyers’ signature warmth, the unbeatable Nicholson-Keaton pairing, and its smart look at love and aging make it a keeper. Despite the MOD limitations and higher price point than you may expect, the movie itself remains a delight. This one is out today.
AV Entertainment provided us with a copy of this disc for review, which if interested, you can purchase here.
