Love Story is a classic romantic-drama that features two lovely performances by Ryan O’Neal and, especially, Ali MacGraw. By today’s standards this is probably a better acted of something you would find on Lifetime.
Love Story
— Paramount Presents #15 —
(1970)
Genre(s): Drama, Romance
Paramount | PG – 100 min. – $24.99 | February 9, 2021
Date Published: 02/02/2021 | Author: The Movieman
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Paramount Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 3½/5 |
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Harvard students Oliver (RYAN O’NEAL) and Jennifer (ALI MACGRAW) come from opposite backgrounds, but they share a chemistry they cannot deny — and a love they can’t ignore. Despite Oliver’s wealthy father (RAY MILLAND) threatening to disown him, the young couple marries and begin to build their new life together. But fate has other plans, and soon Oliver and Jennifer face a crisis only the strongest of loves can endure. Quick Hit Review: Love Story was a sensational hit back in 1970 and was nominated for Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Director and Writing with a win for its incredibly moving score by Francis Lai. Not sure it’s quite Best Picture worthy though the acting is near top-notch especially for Ali MacGraw who was not only attractive but just had so much screen presence. Opposite MacGraw, Ryan O’Neal excelled in one of his early theatrical performances and the two together, alongside Sai’s music and Arthur Hiller’s warm direction, takes this romance-drama out of sappy territory and instead is a pretty tender tearjerker. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3/5 |
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This is #15 in the “Paramount Presents” line and comes with a slip cover which the front cover folds open to reveal the original poster artwork. Inside is the redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Introduction (3:28) — There’s an optional intro by Ben Mankiewicz for TCM. Audio Commentary — Director Arthur Hiller. In this older track, Hiller discusses how he became in the project. It is a bit dry so having someone else there to keep the pace would’ve been advantageous. Filmmaker Focus: Leonard Maltin on Love Story (6:26) — A staple for these “Paramount Presents” releases, this is another look-back by the veteran film critic and what made the movie so special and enduring. Love Story: A Classic Remembered (14:51) is an archival featurette and include an interview with Hiller. Theatrical Trailer (2:57) |
VIDEO – 4¾/5 |
| Love Story comes to Blu-ray from Paramount, presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and has been given a new 1080p high-definition transfer which was mastered from a 4K scan. There are no notes as to what, if any, restoration work was done but the picture here looks phenomenal. Detail is sharp, particularly on the close-ups and colors appear to be nicely balanced. The original film grain and noise is still present giving it as near of a theatrical experience as possible, and as I’ve mentioned in other reviews, I’d wager it didn’t look this good upon its initial release. |
AUDIO – 4½/5 |
| The movie comes with two options, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and a restored Dolby Digital Mono track, the former being the default option and the one I went with upon my initial viewing. As such, both of these are solid, dialogue comes across with good clarity and the wonderful music and score from Academy Award winner Francis Lai. |
OVERALL – 3¾/5 |
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Love Story is a classic romantic-drama that features two lovely performances by Ryan O’Neal and, especially, Ali MacGraw. By today’s standards this is probably a better acted of something you would find on Lifetime during Valentine’s but I found it mostly engrossing and didn’t have too many sappy moments. The Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line has excellent video and audio transfers and a good set of bonus material. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.