The Holiday, the latest chick-flick from director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, Father of the Bride) was released on DVD and Blu-Ray March 13. Why the marketing team didn’t release it closer to Valentine’s Day, the world will never know. Maybe they’re gearing up for a special edition on Feb. 14, 2008.

Clocking in at nearly two hours and 20 minutes, the drippy, lighthearted romance is longer than it needs to be-especially when any viewer who is well-versed in the romance genre could predict the ending almost as soon as the opening credits begin.

Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Jack Black make up a likeable foursome of main characters who cross paths in the most eyeroll-inducing of circumstances (i.e. if an American woman-Diaz-rents an English cottage for two weeks in order to swear off men, the first man she would meet would, obviously, be Jude Law). Citizen Kane it’s not, but if you’re in the mood to watch beautiful people (and Black) fall in love in an escapist, feel-good romantic comedy, look no further. Taken at face value, The Holiday provides some generic laughs and some food for thought on the geographic requirements of intimate relationships.

The Holiday contains typical Meyers-esque sequences, including cringe-worthy solo dancing and air-guitar scenes by both leading ladies. The performances are decent and believable, if unchallenging. Black tones down his usual over-the-top comedy to become a charming counterpart to Winslet’s character.

Extras are limited to a commentary by director Meyers and guests, as well as a making-of featurette and behind-the-scenes interviews with the film’s stars.

Blast Magazine staff reporter Dan Peleschuk contributed to this report.

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Elizabeth Raftery is senior editor of Blast. Follow her on Twitter.

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