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Something's Gotta Give is the kind of film I would normally resist. It is written, produced and directed by a Hollywood power player, Nancy Meyers (Baby Boom, The Parent Trap), nakedly autobiographical and populated with all of Meyer's big-name friends. That it is precious, coy even, about its obviousness should only make it more grating, especially when we are expected to empathize with its rich and pampered characters, the kind who have to suffer indignities that you and I could only dream about. As I watched Erica (Keaton, aka Meyers) turn heartbreak into a new hit play, all against the picturesque backdrop of her multimillion dollar estate in the Hamptons, I couldn't help but imagine Meyers doing the same, madly typing the screenplay to Something's Gotta Give (on her new Mac, no doubt) with a box of tissue by her side. I expected such a vision to leave me with a slight feeling of seasickness if not outright nausea. Instead, I actually found it all rather endearing, even invigorating. Who knew rich old Hollywood folk could be this sexy?

Much of the success of Something's Gotta Give has been attributed to the chemistry of Nicholson and Keaton, but that is a backhanded compliment. While Nicholson once again gives us a familiar if entertaining riff on his usual lothario persona, Keaton's life is not that of Meyers, and her acting here is so seamless it is easy to underrate the performance. She is vibrant and alive in a way few actresses are today, and gives the already sharp and witty dialogue the extra pop-fizz that elevates it to the level of the sublime. Meyers can be precious about her own condition - Keaton's cry-montage in the middle of the film is cringe-inducing - but you have to admire anyone brave enough in this day and age to not only the tackle the last taboo of the screen - middle-age sexuality - but revel in it. And that she got a $100 million-plus hit out it only brings an even bigger smile to the face.

My only caveat against giving Something's Gotta Give an unequivocal recommendation is a petty one. Despite the film's PG-13 rating, Meyers decided to pull no punches and treat us to not one but two, much-discussed scenes of overt nudity. While Keaton going full frontal only makes her look courageous (and still sexy), the sight of Nicholson's festively plump hairy ass is downright terrifying. I am sure there is some sort of cosmic karma in making Jack the aging butt of the joke, but it is still an image I wish I could erase from my mind. But if you can get past that cinematic indignity, Something's Gotta Give offers plenty of rewards.

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

Something's Gotta Give looks terrific. THis is a bright, vibrant and three-dimensional transfer, presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and anamorphically encoded. The print is pristine, with rich, wonderfully stable colors and rock solid blacks. Contrast is excellent, and detail often exquisite - the transfer looks very film-like, so much so that at times it does look like you are staring out a window. There is also no annoying edge enhancement to distract. Next to hi-def, this is about as good as DVD gets. Something definitely did not give here.

Audio: How Does The Disc Sound?

While not as sparkling as the transfer, the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track is still a perfectly fine one. Expertly recorded as you would expect for a big-budget Hollywood event, this very dialogue-driven movie benefits from crystal clear frequency response and a very natural, alive feel. Stereo separation across the fronts is very strong, especially with the songs and the rather subdued score by Hans Zimmer. However, the sound design is very front heavy, so I noticed few discrete effects and only some score bleed to the rears. Low end is present but never intrudes. A typical comedy soundtrack.

A French Dolby 5.1 dub is also provided, along with English, French and Spanish subtitles and English Closed Captions.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

Columbia has put together a fairly good lineup of supplements for Something's Gotta Give, although a bit less than you would expect for a film that grossed over $100 million.

The main attraction will certainly be the two audio commentaries As Meyers begins her first commentary, she recalls that it was Francois Truffaut once said, "Making movies is an accumulation of details. So that is what we'll talk about, details." Joined by co-producer Bruce Block, they do indeed go into plenty of them, from the choice of songs to shooting at the Hamptons beach house to various character bits and screenplay developments. It is a very strong track, as is the second, where she gets to sit down with Nicholson, who delivers what I believe is his first screen-specific commentary ever. Let's face it, we are all going to listen to this one just to hear Jack crack wise, and he can be very, very funny (and dry). To be honest, I found 128 minutes of this a bit dull after a while, but Jack fanatics will love this. Note, by the way, that the first track is also advertised on both the packaging and the menu as featuring Keaton, but even after listening to the whole thing, I must have experience an early bought of Alzheimers. She just isn't there.

Up next is the Hamptons House Set Tour with Amanda Peet, who describes the location as "very beachy." This odd little featurette runs only three minutes and will likely only appeal to the kind of people who sit by the mailbox, waiting impatiently for the next Restoration Hardware catalog to arrive. (Okay, okay, I will admit I am one of them.) I can't say I learned much about anything watching this one, but I sure want to live there. Also included is a single deleted scene, a cute little moment where "Harry Sings Karaoke to Erica." Since I felt the film was already a bit overlong at 128 minutes, this was a wise deletion. The clip is presented in non-anamorphic widescreen and the quality is just fair. (Oddly, Meyers talks at length in her commentary about over 30 minutes of scenes she cut from the film, but none of them are included. Bummer.)

Rounding it out are some brief filmographies for cast and crew and various theatrical trailers for other Columbia flicks, although no promo for Something's Gotta Give.

DVD-ROM Exclusives: What do you get when you pop the disc in your PC?

There are no PC enhanced extras on the disc.

Parting Thoughts