Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

Whether she likes it or not, Sandra Bullock owns the rom-com genre. Just when you thought Miss Congeniality was getting a bit long in the tooth to play cutesy, here comes The Proposal. To make things slightly interesting, she is paired with Ryan Reynolds, who is 13 years her junior. It doesn't quite make her a cougar, but it does make the film semi-enjoyable.

Both Margaret Tate (Bullock) and Andrew Paxton (Reynolds) are single, attractive people. Why not make them a couple? Well, maybe because Margaret is Andrew's boss and well, she's a major biotch. However, instead of sticking pins in his boss voodoo doll, Andrew agrees to marry her, to save her from being deported. Crazy? Of course. However, this is rom-com-ville, so throw in a weekend in Alaska at Andrew's parents' house, Betty White as grandma, and you've got some sticky sweet possibilities.

Obviously, the movie is half-baked, but it also isn't half bad. When Reynolds isn't busy being an action hero, he does comedy well. Also, despite the age difference, he and Bullock make a cute couple. Still, are we supposed to believe that Bullock, the queen of rom-com, is a tiger lady? Nope. Ain't buying it. Also, why is her character Margaret so freaked about returning to Canada? It's not so bad, eh?!

Need to know more about the movie? Check out Karen Dahlstrom's review of the theatrical release of The Proposal.

The Picture

At the beginning of the movie, this 2.35:1 transfer looks impressive with outdoor images -- from Margaret's high-def TV. The fleshtones are a bit of a mixed bag, but it doesn't matter. There's plenty to look at, from the office paneling and lighting to the many details in and around the Alaskan house. The colors and texture of the "baby-maker quilt" is also pretty trippy on its own.

The Sound

The DTS-HD Master Audio track does slightly better, right from the beginning. The streets of New York (which are actually Boston) project a lot of little horns, high heels and other city sounds. Once we hit the open air of Alaska, the surrounds open up as well. There are boat noises, water lapping, an eagle soaring and even an impromptu bachelorette party to enjoy.

The Extras

This movie made $307 million at the box office. Then why did the studio wimp out on extras? Don't expect much from the film's two stars. They are involved in the "Set Antics," which are worth one quick look. However, all of the extras only equal about 20 minutes, which includes deleted scenes and an uber-lame alternate ending.

Final Thoughts

The Proposal follows the rom-com handbook to a tee. You can take that however you like. Despite the lack of extras, the Blu-ray release is pretty decent. So, if you are interested in love, a few laughs and a whole lot of Betty White, this movie is pretty pain-free.


Product Details

• Actors: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Malin Akerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, Betty White
• Director: Anne Fletcher
• Audio/Languages: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English), DTS 5.1 (Spanish, French)
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 2
• Rating: PG-13
• Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: October 13, 2009
• Run Time: 108 minutes
• List Price: $44.99
• Extras:
  • Audio Commentary by Director Anne Fletcher and Writer Peter Chiarelli
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Alternate Ending
  • Set Antics, Outtakes and Other Absurdities from The Proposal
  • Digital Copy