Sleepless in Seattle

Writer/director Nora Ephron hit a high point with this delightful 1993 film, perhaps the epitome of the modern romantic comedy, and certainly the inspiration for many other films over the past decade, few of which have even approached its warmth, naturalness, and genuine spirit of amour. Tom Hanks, as widowed Seattle architect Sam Baldwin, and Meg Ryan, as unhappily engaged Baltimore journalist Annie Reed, are two romantic lost souls who barely appear onscreen together and yet, thanks to a nationwide radio talk show in which Sam pours out his broken heart, create a palpable sense of yearning that only the other, on the opposite coast, can satisfy. Matters of destiny are usually only this magical in the classic tearjerkers of Hollywood past, to which Ephron alludes with a wonderfully deft hand. Boasting a beautiful new digitally remastered image, widescreen and full screen versions, and a handful of solid extras (Ephron's commentary track, a "Love in the Movies" featurette, and the music video for "When I Fall in Love"), this 10th anniversary edition offers a perfect excuse to revisit this rare gem. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)