Blu-ray Specs:
Video: 1080p
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD/ Spanish, French and German 5.1 Dolby Digital
This film was originally released on September 15, 2006 in theaters; The Last Kiss has brought in more than $11 million in revenue. The film was adapted from the Italian film L’Ultimo Bacio by writer Paul Haggis (writer of Million Dollar Baby and co writer of Crash). This was the film debut of Rachel Bison and also stars TV’s Scrubs star Zach Braff, along with Casey Affleck and Jacinda Barrett.
The story follows a group of young men going thru different stages of life and love as they approach age 30. Michael (Braff) is the main focus of the story as he and his girlfriend (Barrett) of 3 years find out she is pregnant and they are discussing the next steps of their relationship, which has Michael wondering what his life will be like and the fear of losing the feeling of surprise in his life. At a friend’s wedding, Michael encounters a beautiful young college woman (Bison). What seems to be a harmless meeting between them has Michael really questioning his choices and land him into a short lived affair of the heart till he realizes his mistake and runs home to his true love. After making extreme sacrifices, and waiting for forgiveness, he does the ultimate in giving to a relationship, doing whatever it takes to make his future with his girlfriend work.
His DVD is chocked full of extras for hours of behind the scenes entertainment. Along with the usual Director Commentary and Cast Commentary, there is a music video “Ride” by the Cary Brothers, deleted scenes, gag reel, and a real in-depth look at how the movie all came together.
I found that the audio mixing was a bit off as the dialogue was very quiet and then when music or mood setting took place, my ears were being blasted out. As far as the quality of the Blu-ray video perspective, awesome views of Wisconsin and what seemed to be Lake Michigan. I’m not sure that this is the type of movie that sell because of the audio/video aspects, but who am I to say. But the cinematography was well done.
Zach Braff was terrific to watch in this serious role as opposed to his recurring character on Scrubs, but I really think he pulled it off well as he melted into the part nicely. Casey Affleck is a true up and comer, but I think people tend to put him in the shadow of his brother, it should be the other way around, Casey is much better as a performer. Aside from my personal opinions of the actors, I felt as though the story was really a nice cut from the cross- section of young adult life with all of the drama there is to offer and the temptations that walk in our paths every day.
Reviewed by Michael Albaugh
