Because I Said So - Diane Keaton

directed by Michael Lehmann
USA 2007

"The rules of romantic comedy dictate a few wrong choices on the way to the right one, an alternation of giggles, tears and hugs, and ''Because I Said So'' plays cautiously by the rules. Directed by Michael Lehmann from a script credited to Karen Leigh Hopkins and Jessie Nelson, it is a mild exercise in deliberate mediocrity, with chuckles and heartwarming moments distributed as carefully as nuts in a factory-made brownie.

The movie's lack of ambition is hardly surprising, but both Ms. Moore and Ms. Keaton, who can wring flustered comedy out of the mildest provocation, deserve better. They are touching and amusing to watch -- Ms. Keaton when she grimaces and flutters her hands, Ms. Moore when she pouts and sighs and rolls her eyes -- but there is not much for them to work with here. The story ambles forward without the accelerating complication that good screwball requires, frequently substituting pop-song-accompanied montages for actual dramatic development."

Excerpt from A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Posters

Theatrical Release: 2 February 2007

Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Universal - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Yunda Eddie Feng for the Review!

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Universal Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	102 min
Video	1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 8.8 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate
Audio	Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles	Optional English and Spanish
Features	Release Information: Studio: Universal Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1 Edition Details: • The Making of Because I Said So • Designing a Wilder World • iVillage Pregnancy Ad • World Spins Madly On music video • previews for other Universal movies DVD Release Date: 8 May 2007 keepcase Chapters 20

Comments:

Video:
As expected with a recent release, the 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen image is free of print-damage and compression issues, though the movie’s visual look is rather undistinguished. Surprisingly, the picture is also a tad dark. The use of grainy film stock gives the video a soft feel despite the high bit rate.

Audio:
The sole audio option is the movie’s original Dolby Digital 5.1 English track. Like the video, the audio is rather undistinguished, with the rear channels doing almost no lifting.

Optional English and Spanish subtitles as well as optional English closed captions support the audio.

Extras:
“The Making of Because I Said So” is a standard-issue promo fluff piece with various members of the cast and crew talking about how great everyone else and the movie are.

“Designing a ‘Wilder’ World” focuses on the costumes, locations, and props that were used for the movie.

The “iVillage Pregnancy Ad” is commercial for a website.

The band The Weepies contributed the “World Spins Madly On” music video.

Finally, there are previews of other Universal movies that start playing when the DVD loads.

--Miscellaneous--
The keepcase includes a booklet advertising HD-DVD as well as an insert promoting a new CD from Mandy Moore.