Nicholas Sparks' novels have been a source of inspiration for many romantics as well as pharmaceutical sales reps, since the late '90s. (He allegedly wrote and sold "THE NOTEBOOK," while waiting in doctor's offices, working as a sales rep-a miserable job!) Some have been semi-decent(Message in a Bottle), some have been over-rated crap(The Notebook) and some just plain maudlin'( A Walk to Remember). But, "DEAR JOHN" is, far and above, not just his best work, but actually the best film, and one that improves greatly upon its source material!

Most of this praise is due to its director, Lasse Halstrom, whom, while working in successive, tear-jerking moments, still manages to offer some genuinely contemplative, provocative thoughts concerning the human condition. 

Channing Tatum stars as John Tyree, a Special Forces Soldier, whom meets the beautiful Savannah(Amanda Seyfried)when on leave, and the the couple fall madly in love, almost immediately.  When John returns to duty, following their two week love-fest, Savannah returns to college, both promising to write each other, every day, hoping the year apart will seem to move quicker. However, when 9/11 occurs, John decides to re-enlist, opting for patriotism over love, the ultimate sacrifice! The time increased time apart raises the concerns as to whether this couple's love can last, or whether he'll receive the infamous "DEAR JOHN" letter stating his lover has moved on with her life, without him.

Halstrom's imagery, use of music, pacing and general sensibilities make "DEAR JOHN" a much more intriguing film than it would seem to be in less capable hands. He manages to make the film's romance, believable, in spite of average performances. Seyfried is ok, but Tatum,....? It's really impossible to tell whether this guy can act at all yet. He's a good looking guy, but so far, he's never really given any screen performance that stuck out as being better than average.

But, as mentioned, "DEAR JOHN" works as a romance and tugs at the audience's heartstrings, even if fighting it, by the film's ending. It's well worth viewing and many will undoubtedly consider it worthy as part of their film collection.

SONY has provided the correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray.  Colors are among the strongest, so far available, on any blu-ray existing! Depth is flawless throughout! There isn't a scene that falls flat! Blacks are inky, ensuring the intricate detail of facial pores and more, are never lost to the shadows. It's an incredible looking transfer!

SONY presents a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. While not an aggressive mix, it offers the kind of pristine ambience and subtleties, which make for a surprisingly effective mix, within the boundaries of a romance drama.  A really good mix, but not of demonstration quality.

Some extras, include: featurettes in 1080p, most involving cast and crew, and one looking at the world of coin collecting, and its relation to the film. Unfortunately, the 12 deleted and alternate scenes are only offered in 480p. An alternate ending is offered in 1080p.