Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

Every once in a while, there is a chick flick that tranforms the genre. In other words, it's so funny and so charming, that you may actually be able to convince your husband, boyfriend, father, or all three into watching it. Sadly, Confessions of a Shopaholic is not that movie.

This was supposedly Isla Fisher's (Wedding Crashers) big breakout movie. After all, how could Mrs. Borat (or his squeeze, whatever you want to call her) be so damn unfunny? I won't go so far as to blame Fisher. She is as charming and cute as ever. The movie? Not so much.

Rebecca Bloomwood (Fisher) is like a Barbie doll on speed -- but with better accessories. In fact, she's so stylish and perky, she makes Legally Blonde's Elle Woods look like a man. When Rebecca sees something sparkly, she must have it, even if she has to take out a few fists full of hair at the local sample sale. Unfortunately, her crappy little writing job doesn't allow her to afford Barbie's dream house and all of the accoutrements. Soon her shopping gets so out of control, she racks up $16,262.70 in debt.

If the idea of massive debt is your idea of comedy, it gets even better. Rebecca then loses her job. What's a girl to do? To make ends meet, she lies her way into a job at a financial magazine, because, um yeah, all of those guys seem really dumb. Soon, Rebecca becomes an anonymous sensation and falls for her hunky boss (Hugh Dancy). While her life seems to be better than Prada at 50 percent off, a debt creditor (Robert Stanton) keeps harping to collect and cramp her style.

Sure, it's based on a best-selling book, but Legally Blonde plus 13 Going on 30 do not equal a successful chick flick. In fact, for a movie that's supposed to be so cute and perky, Shopaholic is a real downer. Rebecca doesn't belong at a magazine; she belongs on an A&E/TLC reality show -- and it's not an entertaining one.

Want a second opinion? Check out Lexi Feinberg's review of the theatrical release of Confessions of a Shopaholic.

The Picture

Like Rebecca Bloomwood, we like when things are bright and sparkly, and this Blu-ray does not disappoint. Unfortunately, it's sort of like a kid watching bubbles -- it’s pretty, but that doesn't make the content riveting. Still, Rebecca has plenty of outfits that pop in this 2.40:1 transfer. Notable moments include that green scarf, as well as the wedding scene. Also, flesh tones are right on target, which means an extremely lifelike John Goodman.

The Sound

It's a comedy, so you know this one isn't going to blow the roof off the place. Of course, there are some sassy pop songs in the DTS-HD Master Audio track. Also, the sales and parties will show off some surround action. Overall, though, the movie is mostly dialogue. It's not good dialogue, but it sounds nice here.

The Extras

Music videos, outtakes and bloopers aside, Confessions of a Shopaholic has a short series of featurettes all lumped under the title, "Behind the Fashion." Each one is about 2 or 3 minutes, which is perfect for the short-attention span. Unfortunately, none are all that interesting, unless you really want to know about the making of the film. The one that could have been good is "Sample Sale Madness." Have you ever been to one of those things? Hopefully, you lived to tell the tale because this short isn't doing it for you. Instead of talking about the madness behind actual sample sales, it talks about shooting the sale scene from the movie. Lame.

Final Thoughts

I have a confession to make: I watched Confessions of a Shopaholic. At least it was for a review, though. The Blu-ray looks sparkly, but there's little else in this release that would warrant a viewing, let alone an actual purchase. Overall, the comedy is kind of sad. The one funny thing: The Blu-ray comes with $10 in Fashion Cash, which completely negates the point of the movie. Did you not pay attention? Lucky you.

Where to Buy:

• Confessions of a Shopaholic on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb
• Director: P.J. Hogan
• Audio/Languages: DTS-HD 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (French, Spanish)
• Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 2
• Rating: PG
• Studio: Touchstone Home Entertainment
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: June 23, 2009
• Run Time: 105 minutes
• List Price: $39.99
• Extras:
• Wardrobe by Patricia Field
• Temple of Shopping
• The Green Scarf
• New York: Fashion Central
• Sample Sale Madness
• Window Shopping
• Deleted Scenes
• Bloopers
• "Stuck With Each Other" Music Video by Shontelle Featuring Akon
• "Accessory" Music Video by Jordyn Taylor
• "Takes Tome to Love" Music Video by Trey Songz