Release Date: October 18, 2011
Rating: PG
Running Time: 2 hours, 16 minutes

Bon Voyage! Take a journey across the ocean with a trio of friends who make front page headlines when a dream trip turns into a hilarious case of mistaken identity. The delightful jet-setting comedy MONTE CARLO arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on October 18th. Produced by Academy Award®-winner Nicole Kidman* (Moulin Rouge, The Stepford Wives), MONTE CARLO will take you on a fanciful ride through the picturesque sights of Europe – with three charming girls in tow!

Actress and pop sensation Selena Gomez (Ramona and Beezus, “Wizards of Waverly Place”) lights up the screen as Grace, a high-spirited high school graduate looking forward to a vacation in Paris with her best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy, “Melrose Place”), and stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester, “Gossip Girl”). Just as the girls think their trip is ruined when their hyperactive tour guide leaves them behind, Grace is mistaken for a wealthy socialite and the trio is whisked away to Monte Carlo for a thrilling week of glitz, glam, and unforgettable fun.

MONTE CARLO features supporting performances by Cory Monteith (“Glee”), Pierre Boulanger (Monsieur Ibrahim), Luke Bracey (Home And Away), and Andie McDowell (Groundhog Day).

As a fan of all of the leading ladies of this film, I was already sold. But I am a sucker for these young female led… okay, tween films anyway. While I am not a little girl anymore, this film is a fun reminder of that time and equally exhilarating escape into this different world. The execution of this fun premise is so great that I am planning on reading the novel from which the film was (from what I hear, loosely) based on, Jules Bass’s “Headhunters.” Everything about this film is enchanting and inspiring, from the visuals to the score to the story and characters who are all flawed in their own way but that’s what makes their journeys worth watching and worth rooting for.

And while Grace is the main character, Meg (Leighton Meester) goes through the biggest metamorphosis… and Meester adds a depth to her character that otherwise would not be there so there’s definitely something more here to appreciate. This isn’t just another fluffy chic adventure for the younger audience. There’s plenty of comedy and yes, eye candy, but there is so much more to this adventure, so much so that it makes this one of my favorite films of the year. I know that I am in the minority when I say that but I don’t care. No, it is not Oscar worthy but that doesn’t mean there isn’t heart here, great writing, and even better performances.

Yes, the film is rather predictable but the lessons learned and positive messages that are conveyed in the end… you can’t get enough of these reminders in life. So as adorable and fun as this film is, it is grounded just enough in reality to capture what it means for these girls to find themselves and that is definitely worth watching. If there’s not a sequel to this, there needs to be! I’m not ready yo let these characters go! Anyway, be sure to get your copy to add to your DVD collection today.

Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes (6:48 minutes) – There are seven deleted scenes including
“Meet Madame Valery,” “Try on the Dior,” “Owen Plays Soccer,” and “Owen at Sacre-Coeur.” “Pont Des Arts Bridge” is my favorite deleted scene as it’s all about the visuals. There is no dialogue, just beautiful music playing as the ladies walk on Pont Des Arts Bridge. Beautiful. I also really enjoyed “Cordelia Confronts Alicia” and “Cordelia’s Fate” as I am a big fan of Catherine Tate ever since Doctor Who and find any extra scene of her (opposite Selena Gomez) entertaining.

Monte Carlo Match Up – This is a game consisting of ten questions that results in telling you which Monte Carlo character you are, Meg, Grace, or Emma. I was expecting to get Grace and even accepted the possibility of getting Meg while knowing that Emma was not even an option for me. And to my delight, I got Grace, so the game seems to definitely match up correctly. This is a fun, quick game that if I were younger would be sure to play with all of my friends at a sleepover.

Ding-Dang Delicious: The Boys of Monte Carlo (5:46 minutes) – This feature puts the spotlight on Cory Monteith, Luke Bracey, and Pierre Boulanger as the cast and crew talk about casting the guys, working with the guys, and of course… the documentary maker and goofball Monteith is on set, the Australian hunk that Bracey is, and incredible sweetheart French actor, Boulanger is. It’s a great homage to the few guys of the film who were clearly great sports in a film that mainly following three young ladies. This feature captures the young, fun, and inspiring spirit on set and that is worth capturing and sharing so good job on this feature.

Also Appearing in this Feature:
Screenwriter, April Blair
Director, Thomas Bezucha
Producer, Alison Greenspan
Cast Members, Selena Gomez, Katie Cassidy, Leighton Meester

Backstage Pass (3:47 minutes) – Selena Gomez, Katie Cassidy, and Leighton Meester take viewers behind the scenes of Monte Carlo in the makeup trailer, on set and on location very briefly as Gomez compares her dual roles in the film, Cassidy talks about shooting, and Messter discusses her jet setting and big stunt for the film. The feature is just long enough to get some satisfying footage but can also be seen as a tease with the locations that the film shot in. The landscape of the film is really a whole ‘nother beauty here that time cannot put limit on for a feature. Best watch the film over and over again for that.

Own Monte Carlo on Blu-Ray and DVD today.