More about this DVD  •  DVD Info  •  Movie Main Page  •  Message Board

Before I begin, I'll preface my remarks by reminding you that I am not a fan of cloyingly sweet movies. I prefer a bit of an edge whether it might be satire or sarcasm or wit. And I admire unpredictability and a well-written screenplay that doesn't underestimate the intelligence of the audience. That said, I will admit up front that despite The Princess Diaries being predictable, sweet, and a bit of a retread, I liked it. I suggest that this may be credited to director Garry Marshall, screenwriter Gina Wendkos (who adapted Meg Cabot's novel), and a fine cast that includes - in her big screen debut - the appealing Anne Hathaway.

Amelia "Mia" Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is a 15-year-old San Francisco High School sophomore. Mia is not on the A-list and Mr. Marshall wastes little time to establish Mia as one of those poor souls who spends high school alternating between being the brunt of ridicule and being invisible. She's awkward, crowned with a vast mane of unruly hair, wears no makeup, prefers glasses to her contact lenses, and if, "Brooke Shields married Groucho Marx, [their] child would have [her] eyebrows." Most of her classmates don't yet see the beauty within, but she does have a few loyal school friends including the smart environmental activist Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo). Mia lives with her divorced mother, Helen (Caroline Goodall), in an eclectic, converted firehouse in which much of the space has been devoted to an artist's studio for Helen's work. Helen is a supportive and loving mother, but has chosen to withhold a vital bit of information until Mia's eighteenth birthday. Circumstances intervene.

Mia knows little of her father; her only contact is the annual arrival of a wonderful birthday gift. Quite unexpectedly, her paternal grandmother comes to town and asks to see her at the consulate of Genovia - a small European principality where her father was born. Somewhat bewildered, she arrives to discover that her grandmother is no less than Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), the reigning monarch. Over tea, Mia is told the reason for the Queen's visit. Queen Clarisse is widowed and her son and heir - Mia's father - recently died. Mia is, in fact, Princess Amelia Thermopolis-Renaldi, and she's presented with a difficult decision. Mia must chose whether or not to accept her place as Princess and heir to the crown; if she does not, Genovia then will be ruled by some dreadful noble family and the country will suffer as a result.

Mia is overcome. How can someone who can't address her class without hurling possibly rule a country? After Mia's mother and the elegant Queen Clarisse explain that her background was kept from her to allow her a normal childhood, they suggest that Mia should spend a few weeks in training to see if she might be able to be accepted as the Princess at a state dinner. Then she can decide her future. Mia agrees and the Queen becomes her Pygmalion (the irony of Ms. Andrew's role reversal from her stage portrayal of Eliza Doolittle did not go unnoticed). And so, just as Julia Robert's Pretty Woman is transformed in another Garry Marshall film, so is Mia.

As she's coached in secret, Mia considers whether to accept or renounce her royal title and responsibilities. When news of her identity leaks, her decision is influenced by a growing affection for her grandmother, her classmates' reactions, and a journey of self-discovery. Her story arc is both satisfying and predictable. Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway are lovely together. Andrews' portrays the Queen as a bit stuffy and formal, but willing to relax as she becomes closer to her granddaughter. Ms. Hathaway is both delightful and a budding physical comedienne, a blend of charm and beauty and coltishness. A special mention must go to Hector Elizondo as Josef (the Queen's chief of security and a Marshall perennial); he may have the best lines in the film. The subplots of A- list catty cheerleaders, handsome jocks, sincere and loyal friends, and the ultimate Cinderella story have all been done before, but somehow this fresh look works well. It amuses and touches the heart.

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

Released once on DVD back in 2001, Buena Vista has repackaged The Princess Diaries in a new two-disc special edition that is largely the same as before, with a few extras goodies thrown in. They have also included both 1.85:1 and 4:3 full screen transfers, one per disc, both THX- approved and appearing exactly the same as the previous release. With the exception of some intrusive edge halos, this is a very fine transfer. The image's sharpness reveals textures and detail that add a dimensionality to the video. Colors are painted to the screen without chroma noise or smearing. Skin tones are very natural. Rich colors, like the paints within the balloons Helen bursts in her studio as she experiments with an art form, are vivid. Brightness and contrast are first rate with admirable shadow detail in the few night scenes. I did not notice any mosquito noise or blocking artifacts.

Audio: How Does the Disc Sound?

The film is again presented in the same Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, but surround effects are all but absent. Based on the material, dramatic sound effects and deep bass are not needed. John Debney's charming little orchestral score is overshadowed by loud source material including a number by Mandy Moore, who plays the ringleader of the obnoxious cheerleaders, Lana Thomas. What little orchestral score remains is presented with a pleasing fidelity across a broad soundstage. The primary audio element is the dialog and it's crystal clear throughout. This is impressive considering how little looping was required for the film.

A second audio track is available in French Dolby 5.1, and supported by subtitles in French and Spanish and English Closed Captions.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

Just in time to promote the new theatrical sequel The Princess Diaires 2: Royal Engagement, Buena Vista has regurgitated all of the features on the previous release, and thrown in a few new ones, too. Following the usual Disney Sneak Peeks, disc one includes the full frame version plus four extras carried over from last time.

A New Princess is a full frame featurette produced originally for the previous DVD and which runs 24:13. This is a pleasant and revealing little documentary that includes interviews with many of the principals, behind the scenes footage, and some screen tests. Mr. Marshall is impish and droll both in front the camera and, more importantly, on the set. I came away with the distinct impression that this was a very happy shoot. Birthday celebrations, a Thanksgiving Day parade, off screen chuckles - Mr. Marshall makes the telling point that if the work isn't fun, it's not worth doing.

There are eight Deleted Scenes. Each is book-ended by Mr. Marshall, who explains the nature of the scene and why it wasn't included in the theatrical cut. Quite a few are worthy but simply had to be cut for pace or length; the film does, after all, run 115 minutes. These scenes may be played individually or sequentially. You will also find two music videos: "Miracles Happen" featuring Myra, and "Supergirl" with Krystal Harris.

Next up on disc two, we have the widescreen version of the film, plus not one but two feature-length, screen-specific audio commentaries. The first scene-specific commentary is by director Garry Marshall and he does not disappoint. He has a unique style that consistently amuses me. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that tickles me. His unique cadence? His selection of words? Which syllable he emphasizes? His gentle wit? There were three cats, each trained as a specialist, used to portray Fat Louie. One was trained to lie quite still and not be perturbed during filming. Throughout the narrative, Mr. Marshall delights in interrupting himself to declare with great glee "there's the cat that does nothing." (I guess you had to be there.) He's open and charming and funny, and we learn much about his approach to filming and directing comedic actors.

The second commentary is with Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway. It's entitled "The Ultimate Tea Party," and we soon discover why. The two actresses sit down in a Disney screening room to record their commentary and they are served English High Tea. This is a ritual in Britain, typically served around four in the afternoon. It's intended to satiate that late afternoon peckishness so that one can wait until eight or nine for dinner. No small amount of time was devoted to a discussion of cucumber finger sandwiches and the strong tea. There was quite a bit of gushing. For the first hour they gushed over each other, over Mr. Marshall, over producer Whitney Houston, and over pretty much anyone who appeared onscreen. Miss Hathaway retains a charming vivacity and youthful enthusiasm (she was 17 at the beginning of the shoot and turned 18 before the picture wrapped) and chatters delightfully. I suspect that their dark tea was not decaffeinated. Ms. Andrew remains dignified and sometimes had to struggle to contribute. It was like listening to two friends reminisce about a fun vacation. It may not be very scene-specific, but it is pleasant.

The only remaining extras are new to this edition. The Livin' Like a Princess featurette runs 4 minutes, and is actually an animated history lesson on various real-life princesses. There is no actual film footage here, just cute cut-outs, narration and - god help us - a rap song. This reminded me of nothing so much as one of those Fractured Fairy Tales television shorts. Next we have the 6-minute Princess Diaries 2 Sneak Peek - guess what this is? Yes, an extended trailer for the sequel, hosted by Andrews and Hathaway and posing by a video diary. It is cute and fun but nothing more - but that is not bad. Last but not least is a 4-minute collection of never-before-seen Outtakes. They are sorta funny but not hysterical. Kids should like 'em though.

Lastly, you'll find THX Optimizer tests for Audio and Video. The feature film has twenty-seven chapter stops.

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

Buena Vista has also added a few exclusive extras for computer users as well, and they are accessible on both the PC and Mac platforms. Pop in the disc and a custom (and oh-so-very pink) interface pops up, complete with basic DVD controls and nice music to curl your hair by. While the extras here are not extensive, they should please the target audience.

There are three main extras: a Screensaver, an automated Image Gallery with 50 images (that you can click through either manually, or via an automated function that even plays you some music) and a Printables section that is the best of the bunch. The activities are pretty wide-ranging, including a few puzzles, word games, picture frames, stationery (fit for a princess, of course) and even your own tiara. You can print each separately or all of them at once.

Also included are some weblinks to a sweepstakes page, a Disney Birthday Club and Newsletters, plus the film's official website and the usual Disney.com portal.

Parting Thoughts