HTF HD DVD / DVD COMBO REVIEW: The Lake House

The Lake House
HD DVD and DVD Combo







Studio: Warner Brothers
Format: HD DVD / DVD Combo
Year: 2006
Rated: PG
Film Length: 98 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 Widescreen
Audio: DD+, DD 5.1
Color/B&W: Color
Languages: English, French & Spanish
Subtitles: English, French & Spanish
Genre: Romance/Drama/Fantasy
MSRP: $39.99
Package: Single DS disc/Red HD DVD Keepcase





The Feature:
The Lake House is a romantic drama which reunites the previous on-screen couple of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Alex Wyler (played by Reeves), is a young and budding architect who strives to be as successful as his father, Simon (played by Christopher Plummer) who shares the same profession, although family strife has kept the pair apart for the past four years.

A beautiful all-glass lake house (designed by Alex’s father) set high atop stilts on a lake near Chicago becomes the pivotal point of the film.

Alex decides to rent out the lake house to a young doctor, Kate Forster (played by Sandra Bullock). When Kate decides to move to the big city, a note to its new tenant regarding her mail being forwarded commences a series of puzzling questions which leads to a peculiar relationship. Love letters are exchanged instantaneously by using the mailbox at the lake house. Alex thinks she has mistaken the address as nobody has resided at the lake house in almost two years and then questions her when the letters are dated two years in advance. Fact of the matter is this; they’re both right. Present day for Kate is 2006, while present day for Alex is two years earlier in 2004.

Obviously talking about this type of a plot would quickly spoil it for those who haven’t yet seen it, however, suffice it to say that a series of events take place which will determine whether or not Alex and Kate are able to eventually meet.

Based on the Korean film, Siworae (2000), The Lake House is a difficult film to watch as you are literally required to perform mathematical equations in order to establish various timelines; a modern day film that requires its viewers to think – not a bad thing, I’d say. A film such as this takes a lot of liberties in order to execute its intended goal. We know that the implausibility of the events are likely to lead to a number of questions i.e. if Kate possessed knowledge of past events, why would certain things be allowed to happen…? How could communication be so instantaneous (as if they were talking)…? (although we are led to believe they are reading aloud their written thoughts). Heck, if she loved him so much, why wouldn’t she slip him yesterday’s Powerball Lottery numbers…?

Despite the liberties the film must take, it possesses enough charm and chemistry for those of us willing to suspend our sensibilities to be captivated with the hope of these two likeable characters to eventually meet up – even if they haven’t cashed in on the lottery…

The Feature: 3/5




Video:
Presented in widescreen with a 2.40:1 transfer (enhanced WS on the SD side), this is a hard transfer to sum up for sure. In comparing the two versions and starting with the SD version, I became concerned by the lack of (or slightly weak, if you will) image definition which was also noticeable on the HD side.

Most disappointing were facial close-ups as I found myself getting up more than once to confirm the resolution output on my Toshiba player, but that wasn’t the culprit. Now having said that, when the focus of the scene shifted to foliage, tree branches, gravel, water etc, the amount of definition was superb – particularly on the HD version. So, one has to assume this is photography related. Also impressive (and improved on the HD version) was the depth and texture of the film. Quite a few shots are taken in a wooded area and the bare branches look as though they are literally poking out from the screen.

The same can be said for the colors. Much of the film has a rather bluish sterile tint to it with many of the colors looking slightly muted. Many other scenes, had colors looking vibrant and lush and would again leave one to believe these were DP choices.

While there was a slight – very slight amount of edge enhancement noticeable on the SD version, the HD version was artifact free.

While my concerns are noticeable issues with both versions, to be fair I don’t believe the transfer has anything to do with the end result, although I didn’t see the film theatrically. It just doesn’t look… well, all that great.

Video: 3/5




Audio:
Perhaps a slight disappointment. A brand new transfer of a new release – I suppose I was expecting more, but this audio transfer barely raised its head above even average. A DD+ as well as a 5.1 track have been included and while there’s not much in terms of the “action factor”, there are plenty of serene musical interludes but nothing here really stands out. The soundstage is limited – almost constrained and the separation is noticeable but not all that gratifying.

The track is immaculate and free of any hiss or other noisy distractions and the dialogue is mostly intelligible but there were signs of compression when voices were raised. Initially, I observed a synch issue when Mona started talking but that appears to be a dubbing issue which also pops up later when a few of Reeves’ lines were also dubbed. I found myself making very few notes relating to the surrounds other than music filler and LFE is all but non-existent.

Despite the enjoyable music that was chosen to help score the film, the audio portion could have played a major role in the film’s presentation – but sadly, it doesn’t. The difference between tracks on the SD side are negligible.

Audio: 2.5/5




Special Features:

The only special features provided here are Five Additional Scenes and Outtakes, presented in non-anamorphic widescreen which can be accessed with a “play-all” feature. Duration: 3.51 minutes. The only other feature is a Theatrical Trailer which is in perfect condition. Duration: 1:43 minutes. Not all that surprising given the film’s theatrical success, or lack thereof.Special Features: 2/5**Special Features rated for the quality of supplements, not the quantity**Final Thoughts:The Lake House is a endearing film which requires all rational sensibilities to be put aside. Logic tells us that many of the events which take place are implausible, however there is enough charm offered within the two main characters for us to quickly forget why the plot shouldn’t be closely examined. Regardless of your feelings for Keanu and his acting abilities, the fact remains, he possesses a likeable quality that is undeniable and we spend the entire 98 minutes hoping he is somehow able to hook up with the charming Sandra Bullock. Warner’s presentation is satisfactory however, it’s not likely to leave a lasting impression. The special features however, are somewhat disappointing. If you’re looking to cuddle up to your significant other on a cool autumn night, check out The Lake House -- just remember to check your senses and your abacus at the door. Overall Rating: 3/5 (not an average)Release Date: September 26th, 2006