Nights In Rodanthe - Blu Ray Review

"Nights In Rodanthe" is a progression of the weepy 40s films that had so much power. Despite the possibilities to be over melodramatic, there is a sense of calm balance to the proceedings. The images themselves work because they seem lifted from a novel (which they are). The setting itself is what allows it to breathe. The simple blue house provides the best amount of story structure because it is a place that nothing can break down. Diane Lane and Richard Gere work easily with each other and you see and know the history which works both for and against it. The resolution and soft touch of the director and succinct and effective supporting players in Scott Glenn and James Franco balance the proceedings. The Blu Ray transfer makes the ocean undeniably pop with the scenes on the beach and especially the initial flying shots looking quite beautiful.In terms of the extras "Nature Of Love" speaks to the mythic elements of what the film tries to portray and the angle of chemistry between the two leads. Everything becomes about trust and finding that deep place of ebb, and not comfort, that defines great love. "In Rodanthe: Writing With Emmylou Harris" talks with the songwriter about composing her first song for film. The key here was capturing a balance of love and joy with the pain. It is about that moment when you realize that love is fleeting. The alternate scenes are primarily little bits and pieces although the image of a house floating away after the hurricane seems quite stunning but probably overdone. The director in his comments also talks about this area in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and why it is so susceptible to such storms."A Time For Love" has novelist Nicolas Sparks talking about what influences his writing. He also talks about teaching track at the local high school and the elements of his next novel which is about a soldier in Kuwait. Also included is the music video for "Love Remains The Same" by former Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. I had no idea the song was attached to the film having only seeing the original cut of the video. "Nights In Rodanthe", like and in a lesser way than its cousin "The Notebook", examines love for all its traits in a necessary romantic overlay. Date night at the movies it is for sure. And it works in that way. Out of 5, I give it a 3.