When Harry Met Sally (DVD)

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Video:
The SE listed the aspect ratio as 16:9, while this version lists it at 1.85:1. But because the latter is stretched to fill out the screen and I can't tell any radical difference in the framing, I'm led to believe it's the same transfer. In any case, it looks very good for a DVD, with minimal graininess and only a little fuzziness along the edges. In his review of the SE, John J. Puccio complained about orange complexions, and I don´t see any of that here.

Audio:
The audio sounds a little peppier, though, with a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround added and the original SE English Dolby Surround still on the menu, along with French and Spanish Dolby Surround. Subtitles are in English (CC) and Spanish.

Extras:
Instead of a "How Harry Met Sally" documentary, which was very good, there are seven new documentaries that rely more on interviews. "It All Started Like This" is reminiscent of those couples sequences. The recently made feature has Ephron and Reiner sitting opposite each other telling the story of how the film came into being. At one point, Ephron says, "That is not what happened," and sets Reiner straight. ""Stories of Love" brings Crystal in, with he and Reiner reminiscing about the genesis of those stories and a real-life story about how Reiner met his current wife on the set of the film. "When Rob Met Billy" traces the pairs friendship, with the two on-camera talking again, and "Creating Harry" overlaps quite a bit with "It All Started Like This." "I Love New York" tells about the locations that have since become famous, while "What Harry Meeting Sally Meant" is a wrap-up summary of testimonials from Reiner, Ephron, Crystal, Carrie Fisher, and others, concerning the impact and legacy of the film. And finally, "So, Can Men and Women Really Be Friends?" brings onboard a psychologist and sex therapist, who throw in their two cents' worth.

The biggest difference, though, is the commentary. In the original, which Reiner tackled alone, he seemed a little lost and uncomfortable, and there were long pauses. For this version, he's joined by the outspoken Ephron and Crystal, who cracks jokes and asks questions to prod the pair. It's a pretty entertaining commentary, though in the beginning they interrupt each other a great deal, as if mindful that the previous commentary had lots of dead air and wanting to make amends. But it all evens out, and it makes for another entertaining way to watch the film.

One last disappointment to report: the souvenir eight-page booklet from the SE is nowhere to be found in this "collector's edition."

Bottom Line:
If you know this film, then you know how good it is, and if you don't, it's a classic that belongs in your collection. John likened it to "Sleepless in Seattle" or "While You Were Sleeping," but I think it's more insigthful and edgy than either of those films, and frankly more perfect. This edition offers an upgrade on extras that should entice a few more people to have what we're having.

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