"Smart, savvy and very, very funny" - we're sold and very much up on Down With Love, but can the film charm quite so well on DVD? The movie itself looks stunning with its lavish colour palette, impeccably captured on disc, but some of the special features are surprisingly serious. Having said that, there are a few choice treats to enjoy in between.

Serious About Being Funny

Director Peyton Reed is clearly a man for whom comedy is a precision art, as you'll learn from his audio commentary. Some may find him a bit dry. However, aficionados of Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies will enjoy his knowledge of the genre, and ability to cross-reference everything from the art design to the writing of his film in comparison to the classic Universal comedies he set out to capture.

Back Lot New York

A series of short featurettes on the making of the movie don't outstay their welcome but do efficiently show the work that went into the production design, from costumes and sets to special effects - including turning a Universal backlot into a convincing New York.

Having Fun

Indeed Ewan and Renée did seem to have fun making the movie, judging from the lengthy gag reel and zippy wardrobe test footage. These both make for amusing viewing and a perfect way to round off the Down With Love DVD experience.

EXTRA FEATURES

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.