Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

Sarah Jessica Parker modifies her New Yorker role made famous in Sex in the City to partner up with Hugh Grant in Did You Hear About the Morgans? now on Blu-ray. This movie takes Meryl Morgan (Sarah Jessica Parker) out of her New York environs by placing her and her estranged husband Paul Morgan (Hugh Grant) in witness protection, in Ray, Wyoming. The typical comedy ensues as the two experience small town living such as stores like the Bargain Barn, the only diner in town, target practice with a shotgun, and riding a horse. When the criminal they're being protected from rolls into town on rodeo day, the two get to show off some of their new skills.

The Picture

Director Marc Lawrence and crew illustrate the difference between the big city and rolling plains by using different color palates for the two settings. New York City sparkles in steel blues and grays while Wyoming is tinged with the yellow of the tall grasses and dusty dirt roads. The 2.35:1 transfer shows realistic color and skin tones and captures the landscape of New Mexico, where The Morgans was filmed.

The Sound

What did you hear about the Morgans exactly? Well, like the picture, the sound also highlights the difference between the hectic New York City and a quiet town in Wyoming. The disc's 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack brings out the street noise and other elements bringing the city to life, even to those with country ears, whilst the countryside is typically quieter, but with plentiful ambient sounds from nature.

The Extras

The bonus material wasn't in witness protection, and there are several making-of featurettes and behind-the-scenes segments. All of this gives perspective for fans of Marc Lawrence and the duo that brought to the theaters (and Blu-ray) other popular rom coms including Two Weeks Notice and Music & Lyrics.

Final Thoughts

It's lighthearted, it's fun, but alas, it's not much more than that. The film is entertaining for those who like Sarah Jessica Parker and her signature surprise scream, and Hugh Grant's charming babble. But as a Blu-ray it isn't likely you'll be asking about the Morgans again and again.

Product Details

• Actors: Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen
• Director: Marc Lawrence
• Audio Languages: English, French (QC) 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English - Audio Description Track 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, French
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: PG-13
• Studio: Sony
• Release Date: March 16, 2010
• Run Time: 103 Minutes
• List Price: $34.95
• Extras:
  • Deleted scenes and outtakes
  • Commentary with director Marc Lawrence and stars Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker
  • Cowboys and Cosmopolitans: The Stars of Did You Hear About the Morgans?
  • Park Avenue Meets the Prarie: The Fashions of Did You Hear About the Morgans?
  • Location, Location, Location: The Making of Did You Hear About the Morgans?
  • A Bear of a Scene: Behind the scenes with the bear trainer from the film
  • International Making-of special
  • MovieIQ
  • BD-Live