Reviewer's Rating 2 out of 5
Uptown Girls DVD (2004)

Brittany Murphy plays nanny to Dakota Fanning in the "laughable, laugh-free comedy drama" Uptown Girls. On its initial release, the movie failed to find its audience. And given its awkward blend of twentysomething angst and prepubescent growing pains, it's difficult to know precisely who this comedy is aimed at. Sadly, the DVD only adds to the confusion.

Uptown, Down And Dirty

Uptown Girls DVD screengrab The bulk of the package is made up of 13 deleted scenes, all of which set up Brittany Murphy as a promiscuous party girl. Downing shots of tequila, indulging in a one-night-stand, and a hint at three-way sex obviously posed a problem in securing that kiddie-friendly 12 rating. It's obnoxious stuff, but there is some comedy value in watching sweaty revellers rocking out to complete silence in the unfinished nightclub scenes.

Murphy introduces The Lowdown On Uptown as "an adventure, which is a behind-the-scenes look at Uptown Girls". Sadly, it's not very adventurous and there's next to nothing in the way of behind-the-scenes footage. Instead, we're fed a lazy compilation of bland cast and crew soundbites. Among them, child star Fanning is nothing short of creepy as she burbles precociously about her approach to the "the craft". Even director Boaz Yakin comments, "It's as if you're talking to a 40-year-old actor." Yeesh.

All Style, No Substance

Strictly for the fashion conscious, the Rockin' Style featurette is a leisurely trawl through Brittany Murphy's wardrobe. While we're assured the changing clothes reflect the development of her character, costume designer Sarah Edwards' most profound insight concerns the importance of dressing the "uptown girls with a downtown feeling". Stunning.

The addition of a video stills gallery and Chantel Kreviazuk's Time music video are superfluous padding for a package of extras that's scantier than a supermodel's lunch.

EXTRA FEATURES

  • The Lowdown On Uptown featurette
  • Rockin' Style fashion featurette
  • Thirteen deleted scenes
  • Time music video by Chantel Kreviazuk
  • Video stills gallery
  • Technical Information

    REGION SOUND MENUS RATIO
    2 Dolby Digital 5.1 Still, with music 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
    CHAPTERS SUBTITLES AUDIO TRACKS
    32 Multiple languages English, German, Italian, Spanish
    CAPTIONS EXTRAS SUBTITLES CERTIFICATE
    English All of the special features are subtitled except the trailer 12

    End Credits

    Director: Boaz Yakin

    Writer: Julia Dahl, Mo Ogrodnik, Lisa Davidowitz

    Stars: Brittany Murphy, Dakota Fanning, Marley Shelton, Donald Faison, Jesse Spencer, Heather Locklear

    Genre: Comedy

    Length: 92 minutes

    Cinema: 05 March 2004

    DVD: 21 June 2004

    Country: USA