Twilight Saga: New Moon – DVD Review

The next chapter began in November 2009 with the theatrical release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon. And now that it is out on DVD and Blu-ray, there is one question on the mind of all Twi-hards – which version should I buy?

The Film:

New Moon is the second installment of Stephenie Meyer’s saga. And it is significantly more serious than Twilight. If the first movie (and book) in the series is about the wonder, elation, tumult, giddiness and head-in-the-clouds feeling of first love, then New Moon brings it crashing back down to earth as that first love finds its basis in reality and figures out how to sustain itself when circumstances seem to want to tear it apart.

In New Moon, Bella Swan is injured at her birthday party, which leads her boyfriend, vampire Edward Cullen, to decide to leave her – for her own good. Bella goes into a deep depression but finds that things start to improve as her friendship with Jacob Black (who turns out to be a werewolf) deepens. Then, after a misunderstanding, Bella travels to Italy to stop Edward from making the ultimate sacrifice. While there, it is decided that she, too, must become one of “the cold ones.”

Overall, this film is fairly true to the book, which I appreciate. The deviations made from the text make sense when it is translated on screen. However, there are some important details left out – in particular, some pretty significant conversations between Edward and Bella as they return from Italy.

The performances reflect the emotional intensity of the novel. Kristen Stewart makes you feel Bella’s heartbreak. Robert Pattinson captures Edward’s anguish as he struggles to do what he thinks is the right thing. And Taylor Lautner literally warms the screen with a big smile as Bella’s best friend and would-be suitor.

The cinematography, too, is good. The warm earth tones are pleasant, and the transitions from shot to shot have a nice flow.

The DVD:

Audio/Video: The audio and video are comparable to the theatrical release. The colors and visuals are crisp and clear as is the sound.

Commentaries: An audio commentary with director Chris Weitz and editor Peter Lamber is included.

This is the one area where the DVD is truly lacking. One of the best parts of the Twilight DVD is the commentary with director Catherine Hardwicke as well as Stewart and Pattinson. It is both hilarious and insightful. Of course, Weitz and Lambert’s commentary on New Moon is just as insightful, but it’s missing the actors’ perspectives. Commentary with Stewart, Pattinson and Lautner would have added greatly to this DVD.

Special Features: This is where things get interesting. It seems there are approximately 927 different versions of the DVD and Blu-ray, all with their own special features. (OK, I exaggerate. There aren’t quite than many, but you get my point. There are several to choose from.) All versions include the commentary, a six-part behind-the-scenes documentary, band rehearsal footage with Muse and music videos from Death Cab for Cutie, Anya Marina and Mutemath. But here’s a look at what’s included with three other popular versions.

Target version: Here is the PSA where I mention that, for the sake of this study, this is the version I looked at. Target has a three-disc deluxe edition. On that third disc are exclusive deleted scenes (and some of them are quite good), “Interview with the Volturi”, a feature on the film’s music, feature on how the film was made from storyboards to screen, and a feature on the fans, aptly titled “Fandimonium”.

Wal-Mart version: The big draw here is a seven-minute look at Eclipse (coming June 30 to a theater near you). Other features include “Team Edward vs. Team Jacob: The Ultimate Love Triangle”, “Edward Fast Forward”, “Jacob Fast Forward”, “Becoming Jacob”, “Introducing the Wolfpack”, and a feature on shooting in Italy.

Borders version: Special features include a medallion necklace, unreleased extended scenes, interviews with Weitz and cast members (including Stewart, Pattinson and Lautner), red carpet footage from the movie’s premiere, and front row seats to The Twilight Saga: New Moon webcast.

Conclusion: Most Twilight fans are going to buy more than one version of this DVD based on the special features and packaging they want. But it’s a should-buy (or should-rent) for everyone else, too. Give this saga a try.

The Film: Rating:

The DVD: Rating: