Unfaithful on DVD

Judging by Adrian Lyne’s movie projects, one must wonder what his married life has been like. As if Fatal Attraction and Indecent Proposal weren’t enough, he’s now tackling the touchy subject of infidelity with Unfaithful.

Edward and Connie Sumner (Richard Gere and Diane Lane) seem to be happy enough. Edward runs a successful business, and they have a lovable son. But when Connie goes to the city and accidentally runs into a handsome stranger, their seemingly perfect marriage begins to have some problems.

Connie's "guilty secret admirer" is a French book collector who gives her the affection she desires. What starts as a harmless friendship erupts into a full-blown affair.

What happens when Edward begins to have suspicions is essentially what the movie is about. Two people’s love for each other and how they conquer the problems their marriage faces.

Unfaithful is a good movie, but it’ll probably make you think twice about entering a relationship (or make you horribly insecure if involved in one already). There are some excellent characters, metaphors, and some moments of sheer brilliance (Connie’s train ride home from her lover's house comes to mind).

There are some erotic moments that might make some feel uncomfortable, so make no mistake, this is an adult thriller. Gere’s and Lane’s performances are outstanding, and Lyne’s direction is the work of a veteran.

It’s not necessarily the most entertaining movie, but it’s one that will get you thinking. If you’re looking for a brainless movie with no redeeming value, turn this one away.

As usual, Fox has provided a very nice DVD to go along with this deserving movie. The audio and video are pretty good, and there is a nice array of extras. The video is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, 16x9 compatible, and although it’s a little soft, it’s otherwise very nice. Besides, the softness adds a bit to the film. The audio is 5.1 Dolby Digital, and it’s essentially a front-heavy track. There is little action or sound effects that would require the use of the rear speakers, so there’s really no need for anything more than it is.

Extras include an audio commentary by Adrian Lyne, about an hour’s worth of scene-specific commentaries by Gere, Lane, and Olivier Martinez, a batch of deleted scenes (some good, some not quite as good), a behind-the-scenes featurette, an editing featurette, cast interviews, and “The Charlie Rose Interview” with Lyne, Gere, and Lane. All of the supplements are very good, which is a nice change from the usual quantity over quality approach that many studios take.

Unfaithful, from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
124 minutes, anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) 16X9 enhanced, 5.1 Dolby Digital
Starring Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Olivier Martinez, Erik Per Sullivan
Produced by Adrian Lyne, G. Mac Brown
Screenplay by Alvin Sargent and William Broyles, Jr.
Directed by Adrian Lyne

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