Release Date: May 1, 2012
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 118 minutes

Director/producer Garry Marshall brings together an stellar ensemble cast to celebrate love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, in intertwining stories told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year.

Having enjoyed Valentine’s Day so much, I was very much looking forward to New Year’s Eve and am happy to say that my expectations were met for the sequel! This star studded film kept me on my toes as I was anticipating in every moment what big star would pop up next. Aside from the fabulous cast, the characters were engaging. Not as compelling as the characters in Valentine’s Day since they were all over the place in story. New Year’s Eve represents new beginnings for everything and anything. Valentine’s Day just focuses on love (and lust, let’s be honest) so I found that with so little time, it was hard really fall in love with all of these characters on such very different paths. I fell in love with a few but others I could have done without.

Essentially, Valentine’s Day is more bright and has more laugh out loud comedy than this film. For me, the former trumps the latter since there was more stress among the characters and their journeys in this film but less depth if that makes any sense at all. That said, I still very much enjoyed the film as the different stories were interwoven in such a clever way and it was so much fun trying to put the pieces together, watching what became of these characters. New Year’s Eve brings for pleasant viewing, especially on a rainy day. So be sure to pick up your copy today.

Bonus Features:

Commentary – The commentary is conducted by director, Gary Marshall. What I love about listening to this commentary, what I love about Marshall is that he gives credit where credit is due. He’s clearly a people person and great supporter of the work that the people he works with have done/are doing and that is wonderful to see. He also has a great love for New York City which is made evident from the very beginning. Marshall mostly narrates the story with commentary interwoven but it works because it’s Marshall. If you enjoyed the film, a commentary viewing is definitely in order!

The Magic of Times Square (Approx. 7 minutes) – The cast and crew of New Year’s Eve share their love for New York City and celebrating the New Year in Times Square. This feature could have been merged with the next feature if you ask me. Between the two, I’d say watch the latter.

New Year’s Eve Secrets of the Stars (Approx. 6 minutes) – The stars, director (Gary Marshall), writer (Katherine Fugate), and producers of New Year’s Eve share memories from their favorite New Year’s Eve and whether or not they actually make and keep their resolutions. It’s a fun feature but not necessary viewing.

Jon Bon Jovi & Lea Michele Rock New Year’s Eve (Approx. 6 minutes) – This feature takes viewers behind the scenes as Jon Bon Jovi records his three numbers for the film. There’s fun back story told of how Jon Bon Jovi became attached to the film before the feature turns to Lea Michele recording her part of one of the songs in California. Aside from learning how Marshall snagged Jon Bon Jovi, this feature is a pass. Director, Gary Marshall and Music Producer, Don Was also appear in this feature.

Deleted Scenes (Approx. 8/18 minutes) – The deleted scenes come with introductions by Gary Marshall (optional). The first scene includes John Stamos. As big of a star that he is, this scene had to be included on the Blu-ray of course. It simply could not have been cut never to be seen again! But his character and scene was useless so it came as no wonder why this scene was cut. The second scene seemed like it belonged in the gag reel but Marshall says it as cut because of the setting, which I can definitely understand. There were10 weak cameos from athletes and about seven other scenes, one of which I found especially engaging as people around the city shared their new year resolutions. If you enjoyed the film, you’ll enjoy the deleted scenes so be sure to watch!

*Gag Reel (With introduction by Gary Marshall, Approx. 10 minutes)

Own New Year’s Eve on Blu-Ray and DVD today.