Search - La Buche [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Adult Situations Movie Release: 1999 DVD Release: 05/21/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: French Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 44 mins Studio: Fox Lorber Members Wishing: 9 Genres: Comedy, Comedy of Manners, Ensemble Film, Domestic Comedy

Noted French screenwriter Daniele Thompson makes her directorial debut with this lighthearted romantic comedy. After the December 21st funeral of Yvette's (Francoise Fabian) second husband, she is consoled by the three daughters from her first marriage to Stanislas (Claude Rich), a Russian-Jewish violinist. The oldest, Lorba (Sabine Azema), lives with her father and makes a living by singing ballads in a Russian cabaret, Sonia (Emmanuelle Beart) is a fastidious middle-class housewife, and Yvette's youngest, Milla (Charlotte Gainsbourg), is a go-getting businesswoman. As Christmas celebrations gather steam, Louba learns that at age 42, she is unexpectedly pregnant by Gilbert, her married lover of 12 years. Meanwhile, Sonia develops a habit of taking five-finger discounts while shopping, and Milla takes up with a mysterious drifter who lives as a boarder in Stanislas' house. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide

Claude Rich - Stanislas
Françoise Fabian - Yvette
Sabine Azéma - Louba
Emmanuelle Béart - Sonia
Charlotte Gainsbourg - Milla

Danielle Thompson's film about a dysfunctional French family, Le Buche, comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The French soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include an interview with the director, trailers, filmographies, and a cooking recipe. This is a solid release from Wellspring that should be worthwhile for anyone with an interest in international cinema. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide