Search - The Affair of the Necklace on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Questionable for Children, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 2001 DVD Release: 06/25/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 57 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Drama, Historical Film, Romantic Drama, Period Film

A director of contemporary comedies, Charles Shyer makes a genre leap into period costume drama with this lavish epic based on a controversial chapter of French history. Hilary Swank stars as Jeanne de la Motte Valois, a countess whose royal title has been stripped from her family by the crown in late 18th century. Determined to restore her good name and privilege, Jeanne schemes politically and sexually with a trio of co-conspirators that includes her gigolo lover, Retaux de Villette (Simon Baker), her husband, Nicolas (Adrien Brody), and a mysterious Italian count (Christopher Walken) to obtain a diamond necklace worth millions. Jeanne's cabal concocts a series of forged letters linking Marie Antoinette (Joely Richardson) and the stunning 2,800-carat jewelry to the debauched Cardinal Louis de Rohan (Jonathan Pryce), an act that could end up restoring rank to the Valois family or fanning the flames of growing revolutionary sentiments. The Affair of the Necklace (2001) co-stars Brian Cox as the narrator Minister Breteuil. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Hilary Swank - Jeanne Valois
Jonathan Pryce - Cardinal Louis de Rohan
Simon Baker - Retaux de Vilette
Adrien Brody - Nicolas De La Motte
Brian Cox - Minister Breteuil

Oscar winner Hilary Swank stars in the period piece The Affair of the Necklace. This is a very pleasing 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation by Warner. Sporting solid colors and well saturated black levels, the image quality on this disc is excellent save for a few minor instances of edge enhancement. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in English and is very well produced. This mix utilizes a vast array of surround sounds during the film, making sure that both the front and rear speakers are given a nice workout. All aspects of the dialogue, effects, and music are free and clear of any distortion or hiss. Also included on this disc are English, French, and Spanish subtitles. There are a good number of extra features on this DVD, starting off with commentary track by director Charles Shyer. Shyer is a funny and literate man who has a lot to say about the production and release of the film. Next up is a 15-minute behind-the-scenes documentary which features interviews with many of the cast and crew members. "Designing Affair" is a 15-minute piece which focuses on costume designer Milena Canonero and her work on the fashions of the film. Five additional scenes are included with optional director's commentary, though overall they wouldn't have added much to the final film. Finally there is a short gag reel of outtakes from the film, a theatrical trailer for the film, and some information on the cast and crew. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide