🎬 Pretty Woman – Review of the 15th Anniversary DVD
Pretty Woman 15th Anniversary Edition on DVD with original artwork
There’s a reason people still talk about Pretty Woman—but nostalgia alone doesn’t excuse everything. As a reviewer, I can appreciate the charisma of Julia Roberts and the smooth detachment of Richard Gere, but let’s not pretend this is a flawless film. It’s a polished, glossy version of a street-level story, directed with a light hand by Garry Marshall, and while it works in many places, it also ducks some opportunities to go deeper.
About Pretty Woman
Synopsis: A wealthy businessman hires a Hollywood prostitute for a week of companionship, but their unexpected connection transforms both of their lives in this romantic comedy turned modern fairy tale.
Main Cast: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Héctor Elizondo, Laura San Giacomo, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander
Roberts and Gere elevate a script that plays it safe
🎞️ Performance & Presentation
Let’s start with what works. Julia Roberts absolutely owns the screen. Her performance is a balancing act—wide-eyed charm mixed with grounded vulnerability. She delivers humor without mugging and heart without manipulation. Richard Gere, meanwhile, plays it cool. Maybe too cool. His character’s arc feels shallow, but Gere keeps it watchable with subtle shifts in posture and tone.
Their chemistry? It’s there. Not electric, but comfortably warm. You believe their connection more because of their body language than the script.
Héctor Elizondo, in a smaller role, brings both class and comic timing. His scenes with Roberts add grace to the story and provide a moral compass the film quietly leans on. Laura San Giacomo offers a bold contrast as Vivian’s wild roommate, while Jason Alexander adds just enough smarminess to make his role memorable.
Editing is clean and professional. The film moves briskly, with smart pacing that helps weaker scenes pass without dragging. Dialogue cuts are tight, and the famous shopping montage is particularly well-paced. The opera sequence is also a standout—romantic, well-scored, and emotionally effective.
💡 Visuals & Direction
Visually, this is a movie soaked in soft light and fantasy sheen. Cinematographer Charles Minsky shoots Rodeo Drive like it’s a dream, and the hotel scenes are lit like a Hallmark commercial. That’s not a knock—it suits the fairy tale tone. But it also means nothing ever feels truly real.
Garry Marshall directs with a light touch, which keeps things moving but avoids tension. There’s no grit, no edge. The result is a film that’s pleasant, pretty, and entirely safe. It knows what it wants to be and delivers on it, even if it pulls back from real emotional depth.
🔍 What Worked & What Didn’t
✅ Julia Roberts carries the film with ease
✅ Excellent pacing and scene transitions
✅ Visual tone matches the fantasy framework
✅ Strong supporting cast, especially Elizondo
❌ Gere’s character arc is underwritten
❌ Direction avoids dramatic weight
❌ The story feels sanitized and formulaic
Pretty Woman Official DVD Preview
✅ Includes full feature film with Dolby 5.1 audio ✅ Starring Julia Roberts & Richard Gere ✅ Bonus features: bloopers, commentary, behind-the-scenes ✅ Perfect for fans of feel-good romantic classics
Family enjoying a cozy movie night on the couch with popcorn
📀 DVD Edition Highlights
The 15th Anniversary DVD offers a decent transfer, though some grain is visible in darker scenes. The color reproduction is strong, and the film’s soft-focus look remains intact. Audio is sharp, with balanced levels across dialogue and music. The menu interface is simple but functional.
Bonus features include a light but enjoyable blooper reel, commentary by Garry Marshall, and a behind-the-scenes look that offers some insight into casting and set design. No insert or slipcover, but the disc presentation is clean and collector-friendly.
🎯 Who Should Buy This?
This edition of Pretty Woman is perfect for physical media collectors, romantic comedy fans, and anyone who wants to revisit the moment Julia Roberts became a star. It’s also a great pickup for those who still enjoy rewatching classic 90s films in physical format.
🕰️ Why It Still Matters
Pretty Woman helped reshape the romantic comedy for a new decade. It paired fairy-tale framing with a then-taboo premise and made it mainstream. Roberts’ performance remains iconic, and while the film doesn’t challenge the viewer, it comforts them—and there’s lasting power in that. It also opened doors for similar films and established Roberts as Hollywood royalty.
Final Verdict: A soft-focus classic with heart—perfect for collectors, though not without flaws.
💬 “Roberts steals every scene—timeless charisma!” – Verified Viewer
💬 “Beautiful chemistry and a satisfying rewatch every year.” – Classic Collector
💬 “Still a feel-good favorite, though the story feels a bit dated now.” – Longtime Fan
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.
