"The Last Song": Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack Review
Want one more beach day before heading back to classes? One more summer romance? We've got both for you in The Last Song starring Miley Cyrus and her real-life, on again, off again hot guy Liam Hemsworth. Here's our take on the Blu-Ray/DVD and extras.
Based on the novel by Nicolas Sparks, The Last Song is about 17-year-old Veronica 'Ronnie' Miller (Miley Cyrus) whose life took a nose dive when her parents divorced and dad (Greg Kinnear) moved from NYC to the beach on Tybee Island, Georgia. Three years later, mom (Kelly Preston) sends Ronnie to spend the summer with dad. Dad and daughter share a love of music but have little else in common.
On the beach, Ronnie meets hot local guy Will Blakelee (Liam Hemsworth) and has her first real romance. The summer storms move in, however, when Ronnie learns several secrets about her dad and she clashes with Will's upscale, snooty parents.
Special Features: You get an "audio commentary" with director Julie Anne Robinson and co-producer Jennifer Gibgot that's gurl-chat friendly. You learn of problems with the shoot and other good info like there was a Miley double used when she had to leave set for other obligations. The women also chat on the budding set romance between Miley and Liam. Worth a listen but all very gushy "we love this film" sort of stuff.
On Blu-Ray disc only you get: "Alternate Opening Sequence: The Church Fire". This sets up the fire in more detail. You can watch it with or without comments by the director. It's a very depressing moment so maybe not a great way to open the film. It also tips something you learn later in the movie so better left out. In an *"extended scene"* town tough Marcus (Nick Lashaway) comes on to Ronnie but she's not into his tricks.
"Deleted Scenes" offers more with "dad" Greg Kinnear who is very good in the movie. There are several other Blu-Ray exclusive deleted scenes. Some are just extensions of scenes left in the film. Good to watch but you see why they weren't needed.
"Set Tour with Bobby Coleman" is cute as you follow the actor playing Ronnie's little bro around the island while he interviews crew about what they do on the film. Everything from producer Adam Shankman to Miley's body guard and a food lady are included. Kinda sweet but no big "find".
"When I Look at You" music video and "Making of the Music Video" cover the end credits song with Miley talking about how the song was created and the video was shot. Director Shankman, Miley and Liam all say a little about the video shoot etc. You get some behind-the-scenes stuff and Miley and Liam cut up and flirt. Cute for their fans and if you like the video and song, a must.
There is an "Easter egg" that we found; a short clip of Kinnear doing a prank on the set. Get at this from the bonus features menu.
Wrapping Up: A Miley movie could have used more Miley on the Blu-Ray/DVD. She intros her music video, you see her in it and in a few behind-the-scenes things connected with it but there isn't any "making-of" the actual movie in which we would hope to hear her take on her character, etc. Better a set tour with Miley and Liam than the cute kid who plays her brother.
Miley is more grown-up in the film, doesn't do a bad acting job and Liam is way cute and the romance is tame yet hot. Greg Kinnear makes an awesome dad and the "sad" scenes are really touching. The location on a really pretty island is great to look at. If you haven't seen this romantic tear-jerker, rent it. If you are a Miley or a Miley and Liam fan, you'll want it for your collection.
