The Bridges of Madison County

Say what you will about Robert James Waller's miserably written macho fable (and I'll agree), the chemistry between Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep in this unapologetically romantic story of a lonely photographer and an unfulfilled housewife was strong boxoffice medicine ($70 million). Except for the "bridging" scenes between modern and past times which a) stink, and b) break the spell, this three-hankie love story (and don't even think you won't cry) is a real winner--as long as you manage to overlook the fact that the principles are basically adulterous scum. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review—June 10, 2008—Warner, 134 min., PG-13, $19.98—Making its second appearance on DVD, 1995's The Bridges of Madison County (Deluxe Edition) features a nice widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. DVD extras include audio commentary by editor Joel Cox and cinematographer Jack N. Green, a half-hour “An Old-Fashioned Love Story” making-of featurette, the “Doe Eyes” music video from the soundtrack, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine love story.][Blu-ray Review—May 6, 2014—Warner, 135 min., PG-13, $19.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1995's The Bridges of Madison County features a nice transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras are identical to the previous release, including audio commentary by editor Joel Cox and cinematographer Jack N. Green, “An Old-Fashioned Love Story” making-of featurette (30 min.), the “Doe Eyes” theme song music video, and trailers. Bottom line: this better-movie-than-a-book adaptation of Robert James Waller's soapy melodrama arrives on Blu-ray.]