Monday, April 13, 2009

Enchanted Whatsit?


No, you haven’t stumbled onto the wrong site.

Every once in a while, it’s healthy to remember that there are things in life other than horror and the horrible. It’s in that spirit that we pass on this news – the immensely popular Enchanted April, which has been bewilderingly unavailable on DVD in America, is finally getting a stateside release from Miramax Studios on May 5th (I guess their April release calendar was full.) From the press release:

Coming to DVD for the First Time Ever on May 5, 2009

Two proper Englishwomen find romance, hope and renewal in the Italian countryside when Enchanted April makes its highly anticipated DVD debut on May 5, 2009 from Miramax Films. Enchanted April’s breathtaking scenery and charming story make it the perfect movie for anyone who has ever dreamed of an unhurried sojourn in Italy. The DVD includes audio commentary by the director and producer. Josie Lawrence (“Eastenders”) and Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) head a stellar ensemble that also includes Joan Plowright (The Spiderwick Chronicles), Polly Walker (“Cane”), Alfred Molina (Spiderman 2) and Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent (Best Supporting Actor, Iris, 2001). Gorgeous visuals and top-notch acting, directing and writing made Enchanted April an international hit and earned the film three 1992 Oscar nominations including Best Adapted Screenplay for screenwriter Peter Barnes, Best Supporting Actress for Plowright and Best Costume Design for Sheena Napier. In addition, the film received two Golden Globes, one for Richardson (Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical) and one for Plowright (Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role) and was nominated for Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical.

All-New Bonus Feature • Feature Commentary with director Mike Newell and producer Ann Scott

In a temporary escape from their drab lives and inattentive husbands, Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) and Rose Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson) rent a magnificent villa on the Italian Riviera. To be able to afford a month of this luxury, they must share expenses with two unlikely companions – Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright), a crusty widow living in the past and Caroline Dester (Polly Walker), a charming, but bored aristocrat. The mismatched housemates find that the spectacular villa and lush Italian setting hold a special magic that soon sparks friendships and reminds the women of ways to live and love that have long eluded them. Gorgeously photographed and superbly acted, Enchanted April is like taking a little mini-trip to a sunny Italian paradise.

Enchanted April on DVD is priced at $29.99 (US) SRP. STREET DATE: May 5, 2009 Pricing: DVD US: $29.99 SRP Feature run time: 95 minutes Rated: US: PG Technical specifications may only apply to feature Aspect ratio: Widescreen (2.35:1) Aspect ratio - Enhanced for 16X9 Televisions Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Languages: Spanish and French Subtitles

So, why post this here? Well, the Scribe knows someone very special who adores this film. Under normal circumstances, reading this blog more closely resembles a chore than a pleasure for her, so we hope that she happens upon this post.