Sideways [Blu-ray]

The following describes the tasks performed to prepare for a reviewing of the film and the Blu Ray media format as well...The "Sideways" Blu Ray disc arrived at my house 'on' the day it was released (Amazon obviously obtained their allotment prior to the release date). But, I had to wait 2 weeks until everyone who was to participate in the viewing could attend. I do not yet have an HD setup, so one of the attendees' home was appropriated for the event.Most of the attendees had already seen the film at least once, and many had viewed it both in the theater and on regular DVD (during it's popular sales period, found on end-caps of the grocery store wine aisles).Since this was to be an HD viewing with the proper sound system attached, I strove to find a way to further enhance the proper atmosphere and moods for each scene. To accomplish that feat, I provided various types and qualities of wines to pair with the sequence of events throughout the film.There was of course much feasting prior to the start of the film, with snakkies consisting of smoked salmon, triple-cream brie, green grapes, and a variety of crackers.The wine selection started with what I thought would present a 'cheap' bland beverage, to accompany the visit to Mile's mothers home, but it turned out to be an excellent wine (2007 Gruner VELTLINER , pronounced with heavy German accent). Who would've thought that an $8 bottle of white wine, contained in what appears to be a green Tanqueray Gin bottle with a beer cap top, would turn out to be a favorite of the evening... (is there a hidden message in there somewhere ?)Once the evening and the film moved along, the wines progressed into the red variety, with Pinot Noir's presented at the appropriate moment, as well as (ironically) Merlot, just when it was stated that there shouldn't be any...At the end (when the C****l B***c is imbibed) I served a 2002 "Sarah's Blend" by the 'original' Marquis Phillips vineyard (a wine which represents one which 'I' take out for special occasions).Once the film viewing was completed, and several of the attendees had passed-out, I was able to contemplate the quality of the film and the new HD format it was presented in...The film "Sideways" itself, has already been reviewed by viewers extensively, with 'half' praising it, and the other denouncing it as either 'trash', 'boring' (no light sabers), or 'making no sense'. I would not argue with any of the points of view, since I've come to realize, that the movie as a whole, is itself an allegory to wine. No two people will get the same appreciation, perception, flavor, etc from a particular wine, and this film can be interpreted in so many ways, that everyone comes away with a different perspective as to the quality of the movie, as well as what the storyline really was...There are people who just do not like wine, and those who will just not like this film. Those that enjoy 'sweet', light, critter-labeled, wines, and may only see what's presented 'on the surface' in the movie, and those that taste something different in the same wine every time they serve it, and see a different aspect of the story every time they view the film. I myself thought the whole "Merlot" scene was a slight at that variety of wine, but now (after getting hints from other film reviews) see that it was just another allegory for a character in the movie (I won't reveal who). The more you watch "Sideways", the more you understand, and see how the nuances of the dialogue are like those of wine, which change as your pallet learns to discern them. Those who do not like the movie, probably never will. For those who think highly of the film, they will always find enjoyment from watching it again (especially with snakkies and wine).The only 'gripe' from those that complain about the movie, that I can understand, is that it is marketed and hinted-at to be an extreme comedy. Obviously this is not so.. I find the film to be very sad at times, with a general malange that mirrors Miles' general state of mind. There are 'cringe factor' moments and a non-glossing-over of the character's faults or actions, which, along with the attire of the characters, creates a realism which makes you believe that 'you' could be driving down route 101 through that region, and pass them walking along the road (heading to or from the hitching post).As for the Blu Ray format of the film... I was expecting better. Being a recent production, I had hoped that it was filmed in digital format from the start (was it ?), which should transfer to HD easily. Though the picture was clean, the only moment that it stood out was during the scene (with the gum) where both Miles and Jack hold up their wine glasses (at an angle to check for the water layer on the surface). I was able to judge the clarity, color and the water layer from my seat which was the furthest from the screen (10 feet from a 50" LCD). I've always felt that the quality of an HD video, as well as the equipment used to display it, was best illustrated by 'glass', 'liquid', and 'reflections'. The scene with the glasses held aloft had all three elements in view, and I could find no flaws.Needless to say, I had been drinking while viewing the film, which must be taken into consideration. I intend to watch it again (like many fans of the movie) with my soon-to-be superior HD environment, and will compare the Blu Ray release to the 'standard' DVD (which will be played in a 1080P uplifting drive).Perhaps I will then see yet another nuance to the film, or figure out why Miles doesn't like 'manipulated' Chardonnay's (I 'do').

This movie was mentioned during several wine tastings I attended. The speaker kept talking about how a movie made in the 80s/90s destroyed merlot wine sales. A movie? impacting what wine I want to drink?Paul giamotti mentions disliking merlot and refusing to drink it just in one scene. I would have missed it entirely had I not been pretold to look for this scene. Can't believe one scene, by an actor playing a character, impacted merlot wine sales and increased Pinot Noir sales but this was the movie that achieved that.

Paul Giamatti has a knack for playing the downtrodden character. If you like that, as well as a hero like ability to be real life, you will Love this movie. It has a lot of truly funny parts and some sadness. Overall it's got a great theme of success and survival, buddies and Love. Great script and acting!

I LOVE THIS MOVIE! It rarely gets old, after all these years.

What do you get when you put together two guys going through a mid-life crisis, wine country and a humorous yet moving portrayal of all the ups and downs of life? You get the best film of 2004. Miles is a depressed English teacher that went through a divorce two years ago and has a drinking problem. His best friend Jack is an irresponsible has-been actor that is about to get married. The two of them take a trip to wine country to celebrate Jack's wedding. While Miles believes that this is going to be a regular trip, Jack decides to have one last fling before the big day. While in wine country, they come across Maya (an acquaintance of Miles) and her friend, Stephanie. During this one week, Miles and Jack will learn important lessons about who they are, what they want and that little "Sideways" adventure called life. The direction and script are top notch but what really makes this film are the performances by the four leads. Paul Giamatti gives the performance of the his career a man who's life is not turning out the way he would like it too and where he goes from here. Thomas Haden Church also shines as a guy who makes many reckless mistakes but also learns about himself in the process. You might not like them at first but by the end of the film, you find yourself both liking and feeling sympathy for the both of them (especially Miles). Virginia Madsen is terrific as a waitress at Miles favorite restaurant that is going through the growing pains of life. The scene with her and Miles talking about wine (when in actuality they are describing themselves) is a major highlight. Sandra Oh was also good even though we do not see as much of her. She is lively and feisty as Jack's "love interest." The film works because all of these characters are real people with hopes, dreams, desires and their own sets of problems. Because of this, we can relate to all of them. The film received a total of five Academy Award nominations (Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor for Church and Supporting Actress for Madsen). The real crime here is that Paul Giamatti's humorous and moving performance was not nominated for Best Actor. This man was the emotional core of the entire movie. His character might have seemed pompous and self-centered but we really feel for this guy and hope that things will turn around for him. The ending perfectly does this. As a little side note, the ending mirrors the very beginning of the film but you will have to see it for yourself. For anyone going through the ups, downs and "sideways" of life (whether young, middle aged or old), you need to see this movie. It was a life changing experience for me and I am only 23-years-old. The first time I watched it I was a couple of years ago. I give this remarkable film my highest rating of five out of five stars.

Two floored characters, a teacher and an actor, go on a week's holiday of wine and golf to "kickback" before one gets wed. It sounds a so/so premis and when my partner chose it for an evening's viewing I huffed and moaned audibly thinking of a hundred other jobs needing doing.Of course I was wrong.Hilarious in parts, deeply sad in others, the acting is superb the script is of the kind that can be watched again and again. Giamtti and Hayden-Church are brilliant double act. Giamatti the depressive "Neg-Head" teacher, Hayden Church the self-centerd actor.Catch the commentary by the two actors too. Great Fun.

An understated film that many who love wine will appreciate for its humour and insight to the unnecessarily tangled lives we sometimes lead.

The first time i watched this movie i thought it wasnt all that good, i guess i expected something different. I was wrong, this a great movie, clever dialogue,amazing acting and leaves one with a feel good factor. This is a moive i can watch again and again, especially with a nice bottle of red. Its low key charm gives it the longevity of a movie worth owning.

I blame Rick Stein for my buying this. it was mentioned several times on his road to Mexico series and so I bought it. I like Rick. Oh my days it looks dated now - the plot is thin and it drags on and on...not my cup on tea...or pinot noir !

Read the book on holiday last year and absolutely loved it - and so did my friend who also read it. We were both laughing out loud so much. I was really disappointed by the film. It skipped over the best parts of the book and missed several out altogether. Read the book but film is not recommended.