We said Love Actually - the directorial debut of Richard Curtis, writer of such feelgood Brit hits as Four Weddings And A Funeral, Notting Hill, and Bridget Jones's Diary - was "warm, bittersweet and hilarious". Bridget Jones came out on a wonderful DVD that didn't have any bells or whistles, but did boast quality deleted scenes that were every bit as good as the film. The Love Actually DVD isn't in quite the same league, but it comes close.
Deleted Actually
Richard Curtis wound up with a two hour-plus movie, but still smarts with the pain of having to exclude scenes from his initial three-and-a-half hour cut. Ten deleted scenes are included on the disc, and most of them are really meaty - one clocking in at ten minutes. You can't complain that he doesn't give value for money, and indeed if you watch Richard's intros to each scene, you'll find out that he cut some of his favourite moments. It's good material, mixing humour and pathos, and gives fans of the movie added character depth to enjoy.
Commentary Actually
The group commentary with Richard Curtis, Bill Nighy, and Thomas Sangster is chatty and easy to listen to, without springing any major revelations upon us. Things liven up a touch when Hugh Grant arrives late and injects his characteristic wry humour into proceedings.
There's also a behind-the-scenes featurette, which passes the time without inducing nausea, but it's the deleted scenes that make this film worth seeing on DVD.
EXTRA FEATURES
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.