ELLA ENCHANTED

"Ella has to do anything we say!"

Hattie

After been given a 'gift' as a baby by her Fairy Godmother Lucinda (Fox), Ella (Hathaway) would have to spend the rest of her life been obedient. In other words, if someone told her to do something, she had to do it. When her father married Dame Olga (Lumley), her family expanded to include two stepsisters Hattie (Punch) and Olive (Higham) who found out her secret and exploited her at every opportunity. Tired of been used by her new family, Ella sets out to find Lucinda and ask her to remove the spell.

Combining modern music and fairy tales has been done to amazing success in the world of animation but could this successfully transfer to live action?

Based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine, 'Ella Enchanted' takes modern music and ideals and transports them into a world of Giants, Knights, Elves and Ogres. This is a world ruled by a tyrant that has forced all the non-humans into servitude, so it is up to our heroine to save the day and unite the all the different people. While in the realm of fairy tales this might not sound that unique, but the movie takes a fresh approach and makes this tale very up to date.

This is another movie that is meant to showcase the talents of Anne Hathaway and it succeeds. She is an instantly likeable actress that has everything to appeal to her target audience for this movie, young girls. She is very pleasant, extremely appeal and while she is very pretty, she is not totally stunning to the point that no one can connect with her. The main thing she has going for her is that is extremely nice. This is a girl that the audience would like to be friends with and this is Anne Hathaway's appeal. As Ella, she personifies this by making the obedient character instantly likeable and easy to get behind. This is a role that she excels in but it would be in good to see her in a more challenging roles.

Her supporting cast is also good. Hugh Dancy is the love interest of the piece and is the typical Prince Charming. In fact his name is actually Prince Charm. He plays the role with a certain about of daring do and charm that will instantly appeal to the target audience. Aidan McArdle is also good as Slannen, an elf that wants to break away from the traditional singing and dancing niche that elves have been forced into and become a lawyer. There are also noticeable cameo roles from Minnie Driver, Vivica A. Fox, Eric Idle and Joanna Lumley, who all bring something to their roles.

Ella Enchanted is a nice film that will really appeal to its target audience. This is another showcase for the talents of Anne Hathaway, in which she also gets to sing, and she is surrounded by an accomplished supporting cast making this a good family film and a live action update of the fairy tale movie.

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 2.35:1 Anamorphic with Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is extremely good. Ella's enchanted world is vividly brought to life via an extremely sharp picture. The sound is also good, filling the speakers during the song and dance numbers.

BONUS FEATURES

Feature Commentary with director Tommy O'Haver and stars Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy
This fun and very chatty commentary reveals many behind the scenes secrets and gossip from the set of 'Ella Enchanted'. The trio constantly take the mickey out of each other, with most of it towards Anne but she gives as good as she gets. They also talk about the singing, rehearsals, the soundtrack and the special effects in the film. This is a good commentary track that fans of the film will enjoy listening to.

Deleted Scenes (9.37 mins)
Entitled 'This is Frell', 'So last century', 'A serious situation', 'A squirrel', 'Poisoning the crown', 'Montage' and 'End scene', these seven deleted or extended scenes have optional commentary from director Tommy O'Haver and star Hugh Dancy.

Extended Scenes (5.22 mins)
Entitled 'Invitation to the Ball', 'Dear Char', 'Be happy for Hattie' and 'Which way', these four extended scenes have optional commentary from director Tommy O'Haver and star Hugh Dancy. Prince Charmont's Fan Club An interactive game were you have to help Prince Char avoid his adoring fans.

The Magical World of Ella Enchanted (28.32 mins)
Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy introduce a behind the scenes look at the making of 'Ella Enchanted'. Director Tommy O'Haver, producer Jane Startz and stars Minnie Driver, Aidan McArdle, Vivica A. Fox, Cary Elwes, Heidi Klum, Patrick Bergin and Lucy Punch talk about the visual effects, characters and story. Music stars Jesse McCartney, Kari Kimmel, Bryan Adams, Amanda Remanda, Raven and Jump 5 talk about contributing music to the soundtrack. This is a decent featurette that covers most aspects of the film's production.

Ella Enchanted Red Carpet Premiere Special (23.14 mins)
Kari Kimmel and Jesse McCartney take you onto the red carpet of the New York Premiere for 'Ella Enchanted'. The pair interview stars Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Minnie Driver, Aidan McArdle, Vivica A. Fox, Cary Elwes, Lucy Punch and Parminader Nagra and show you some behind the scenes footage from the film, most of which you saw in the last featurette.

Music Video 'It's not just make Believe' performed by Kari Kimmel
The promotional music video for 'Ella Enchanted'

Trailer
A preview of 'The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement'

Easter Egg
Find the hidden face in 'Ella Enchanted'

OVERALL

Fans of 'Ella Enchanted' will be very pleased with this DVD release. Packed to the brim with extra features and interactive games, the disc is great value for Anne Hathaway fans. This is a great DVD for a good family film.

DVD

The Princess Diaries

The Princess Bride

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2004