An ill-fated love affair scandalizes glittering Belle Époque France in Chéri, coming to DVD on October 20, 2009. Directed by two-time Oscar nominee Stephen Frears (Best Director, The Queen, 2006; Best Director, The Grifters, 1990), Chéri is a sensual and provocative celebration of the meeting of love and lust in the sumptuously realized demimonde of turn-of-the-20th century Paris.

Release Date: October 20, 2009
Rating: R, Bonus Features Not Rated
Run time: 93 minutes

Three-time Academy Award® nominee Michelle Pfeiffer (Best Actress, Love Field, 1992; Best Actress, The Fabulous Baker Boys, 1989; Best Supporting Actress, Dangerous Liaisons, (1988), Academy Award® winner Kathy Bates (Best Actress, Misery, 1990) and Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas) star in the sensational story of forbidden passion between a famed professional beauty and a man half her age.

Cheri is a romantic melodrama that at times can be quite comedic although while edgy and provocative, this piece is not a powerful drama and unfortunately lacks real body and passion. Michelle Pfeiffer is engaging and radiant, as always and provides a wonderful performance as Lea however Rupert Friend lacks the right chemistry with Pfeiffer in his role as Cheri. Kathy Bates brings a light to the film that no other actress could have as Cheri’s mother. While the film takes place in 19th-century France, the central themes are very relevant to today’s society, which makes the film more entertaining. Though while leisurely paced, the score from Alexandre Desplat brings to life the tone of the film as well as the exquisite sets and wardrobe, and gorgeous cinematography. If you sit down to watch Cheri, expect a melodrama, nothing intense or thought provoking. Overall, Cheri is a great period piece that many will find to appreciate in one way or another.

DVD Bonus Features:

The Making of Cheri –
This feature consists of more interviews than a behind the scenes look into any specific aspect of creating the film. Screenwriter, Christopher Hampton and Director, Stephen Frears open the feature discussing the novel which this screenplay was adapted from. Producer, Bill Kenwright talks about how he became involved in the project and soon everyone talks about the different aspects of how the film came together. Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates, and Rupert Friend discussed the character of Lea and also working with each other. It was quite enjoyable hearing the leads discuss what it was like working together. Production Designer, Alan Macdonald discusses his inspiration for Madame Peloux’s home and the women talk about their wardrobe (from costume designer, Consolata Boyle) for a short moment. This feature is quite short, yet still enjoyable.

Deleted Scenes – There are two deleted scenes, “Turpentine,” and “Never.” Watching the first, it is quite easy to see why this scene was deleted. However, the second scene involving Michelle and Rupert shows potential and makes me wonder why it was cut. If only there were commentary for that deleted scene.

Cheri releases on DVD October 20, 2009.