Happiness Never Comes Alone (Un bonheur n'arrive jamais seul) (2012)

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General		Extras
Category	Romantic Comedy	Theatrical Trailer
Rating
Year Of Production	2012
Running Time	104:52
RSDL / Flipper	No/No	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	James Huth
Studio Distributor	Madman Entertainment	Starring	Sophie Marceau Gad Elmaleh
Case	Amaray-Transparent
RPI	?	Music	None Given

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	French Dolby Digital 5.1
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.66:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	576i (PAL)
Original Aspect Ratio	1.66:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	English	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     French cinema produces some wonderful comedies of all types, romantic, dramatic, slapstick, farce and everything in between. This one is a romantic comedy but certainly has some dramatic elements, some slapstick and a bit of surrealism for good measure. It is entitled Happiness Never Comes Alone or Un bonheur n'arrive jamais seul in the original French. It was written and directed by James Huth, an upcoming French director and stars two big stars of French cinema Sophie Marceau and Gad Elmaleh.

     The story focuses on Sacha (Elmaleh), a free spirited jazz pianist and jingle composer who spends his nights playing in a jazz band and his days either sleeping or occasionally working on an advertising jingle for the media company he works for. Along the way he meets a beautiful woman, Charlotte (Marceau) who happens to be the ex-wife (but still lives in the same house as) one of Sacha's biggest clients. She has three children and two ex-husbands. He falls for her and she is intrigued by him and they start an on and off relationship. Will they end up together or will his desire for freedom or her baggage get in the way?

     This is a fun but disposable film with a good start and good third act, however the second act includes a few too many subplots which results in a lack of focus. At 100 minutes this film feels too long for its plot, seemingly stretched out for the subplots which don't really add much such as Sacha's friend and the musical they are trying to pull together. The film is at its best when it focuses on the two core characters and their interactions are fun. Elmaleh and Marceau work well together and are the core of this film.

     Worth a look for fans of French cinema but not the one to start with.

Video

     The video quality is very good with no issues to report.

     The feature is presented in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 16x9 enhanced.

     The picture was sharp and clear. Shadow detail was very good.

     The colour is also very good for DVD.

     There were no noticeable artefacts.

     There are subtitles available in English which are clear and easy to read.

     There is no obvious layer change.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

     The audio quality is very good.

    This disc contains a French soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1.

     Dialogue seemed clear and easy to understand.

    The music was great with lots of good song choices. It really enhanced the viewing experience.

    The surround speakers were used for atmosphere and music mostly.

     The subwoofer supported the music.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

Menu

    The menu features music.

Theatrical Trailer (1:45)

    French version.

Madman Propaganda

    Other trailers.

    This film is available in other regions on Blu-ray and I presume DVD however I cannot find any specific details. Buy local.

    The video quality is very good.

    The audio quality is very good.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall