Emma

Rating:
Summary: Gwyneth Paltrow is terrfic in Austen's Emma
Review: I am one of those guys that just go ga-ga over Gwyneth Paltrow, a symptom that reduces me to a little school boy, with eyes wide open and mouth agape. Those eyes, those smiles, that long neck, everything about her exemplifies elegance, and more importantly, her talents as an actress match her beauties, making her such a rare treasure on-screen. Her current role in the critically acclaimed Shakespeare in Love might very well earn her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress. I'll be watching the show at home and cheering like an idiot. In the meantime, we can relish her breakthrough role in Emma that is now available on DVD from Disney.

Jane Austen's Emma is by far the most accessible of her many timeless novels, the adaptation is lighthearted and fun, and yet, sophisticated enough to appeal to those with an intellectual bend. Paltrow's portrayal of Emma is remarkable, she embodies the spirits of the character, well-intentioned if not a bit naive that led her into all sort of troubles when trying to be a matchmaker for her friends, and nearly giving away her true love. Her performance is instantly likeable without being over the top in sweetness, as Alicia Silverstone is in Clueless, the modern adaptation. Directed by Douglas McGrath, whose credits include the screenplay of Bullets Over Broadway, Emma is immensely enjoyable with a crowd-pleasing ending that makes everything seem just right. If only that could be the real world.

Unforutnately, the DVD production left something to be desired. Disney, with all their financial might, is incredibly stingy in offering features on their DVDs. "Chapter Search" and "Dolby Surround" should not be listed as special features on the back cover, and including a theatrical trailer should be a minimum bonus. We are grateful, folks at Disney, that you are releasing films on DVD, but stop trying to fool the public with bogus extras, which are standard, and start releasing some substantial supplemental materials to your great library of films. While you are at it, I beg you to please remove that ugly "Widescreen" arch from the cover design. It is nothing but an eye sore and serves no purpose whatsoever.

With that out of the way, let's move on to the transfer. The picture is perfectly framed at the approximate ratio of 1.85:1. To further incense the consumers that like their format pan and scan, it is not offered, even though that version could have easily fitted on the unused side of the single-layer DVD. Normally, I could care less about the pan and scan format, but offering both versions on the same DVD when possible would appeal to everyone. The picture exhibits no apparent digital artifacts, but does contain few dirt particles. Cinematographer Ian Wilson (The Crying Game) shots the film with delicate lighting and gauzy filters that lend softness to the images. During defining moments, shade and lighting are used in great effect to accentuate the characters and surroundings. The English countryside provides for a picturesque backdrop. Colors are well saturated from the soft warm glow of candlelight to sunlight filtering through windows. The Oscar nominated costume design by Ruth Myers (L.A. Confidential) looks gorgeous draping on Paltrow, and for the men attired in the most civilize and gentleman manner.

The audio encoding is listed as Dolby Surround, but the rear channels are nearly none existence during the movie. Occassionally, when the orchestrated score swells up would the rear speakers participate. Rather, the source is through the front speakers, with the center channel getting the majority of the activities. The soundtrack is blessed by the Oscar winning score composed by Rachel Portman, the first female to ever win in that category. Like Emma, the score is instantly likeable and affectionate, as first heard on the opening credits. Consist of mostly strings ensemble, the score is lyrical and melodious and when needed be, provides for a lively ballroom sequence. Imaging and panning are not as prominent as I would like, however, dialogue sounds natural throughout.

On a side note, Alliance Video, which owns the distribution right in Canada, offers the DVD with an English and French soundtrack.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Film!!
Review: Emma is wonderful in so many ways and it is even more enjoyable in such great picture quality. The images are truly crisp and clear.

Of course, Gwyneth gives an inspired performance. The story is funny and romantic. Get it today!!!

Rating:
Summary: Jeremy Northam IS my Mr. Knightly!
Review: This is a sweet, whimsical, romantic comedy that my 4 year old daughter and I absolutely love. Paltrow is excellent, but Jeremy Northam steals the show! Watch his facial expressions and you'll understand what I mean.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: One of the best adaptations of a classic novel I've ever seen. As another reviewer pointed out, it captures Austen's mood perfectly. Paltrow's Emma is so humanly flawed and grows so believably in this film. I was near tears in the scene where she insults Miss Bates at the party. On watching this film for the second time, I not only appreciated Paltrow's performance, but also that of Sophie Thompson (as Miss Bates), as well as Juliet Stevenson as Mrs. Elton. I can't wait to share this film and its wonderful messages with my daughter when she's old enough.

Rating:
Summary: It's Teriffic!
Review: "Emma" is a teriffic movie, full of laughter, learning, and generally a lot of fun. Emma begins as a catty matchmaker and finds herself learning a bit about being a true friend, being truthfull, and being kind. It has a good moral message to it, and is well worth watching; I love it.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Movie
Review: This was a wonderful movie with a brilliant plot and awesome actors. Watch the movie Clueless (1995) and watch the parallels in it. It is a hilarious spoof on a novel written in 1816.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie!
Review: If you like Empire-era comedies and dramas (like Sense and Sensibility) then you'll adhore Emma. It's a perfect companion piece to Sense and Sensibility, equally standing on its own two feet, and is surpassing in its quality. The dialogue is top notch, and Paltrow is simply ravishing. A notable performance by Ewan McGregor. If you've seen Clueless before, you'll be surprised by how much it borrows from the story. If you didn't like Clueless, then don't worry, this is an old fashion telling, and very proper.. Its a win win situation!

Rating:
Summary: Emma is a great movie.
Review: This movie was wonderfully filmed. The cast, costumes, and sets are perfect. I loved this movie so much, that I am now going to read the novel. A must see for all romantics!

Rating:
Summary: Great Movie!
Review: I loved this movie! The costumes and diologe are great

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!!!
Review: My three-year old daugheter loves this film!!! The dialog is great and the costumes authentic. A very happy film. I can't wait to read the novel. A film that even a Christian can watch.