COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released the acclaimed “ME WITHOUT YOU” on dvd.  Michelle Williams(Dawson’s Creek) stars as Holly, and Anna Friel as Marina, as the film follows the development  and endurance of their relationship over the years.  The film begins in 1973 and ends in 2002.  As we follow them, we bare witness to the various events of their times, crushes, the punk rock scene, drugs, one-night-stands, all affecting them individually in different ways, but never diminishing their friendship. It’s akin to “BEACHES” on heroin, without the sentimentality.

The acting is terrific, and even smaller roles are perfectly cast.  Kyle McLachlan in one of his best performances ever, plays a professor taking advantage of the girls.  Sting’s real-life wife, Trudie Styler, is also on hand as Marina’s drug addict-mom.

While it doesn’t possess a conventional narrative, it’s hard not to be captivated by the film. It’s different and always intriguing.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is decent. Colors are generally sharp, but contrast lacks the deep blacks/grays, often found in superior COLUMBIA TRISTAR releases.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. There is some minor separation in the front soundstage, but directional effects are virtually non-existent.  Surrounds are used primarily to enhance the excellent musical selections. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.