DVD Reviews: 8 Women (8 Femmes)

The box office sensation 8 Women that won a Silver Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival is finally here on DVD that is easily one of the most entertaining films from Europe that I have seen in a long time. 8 Women is an intriguingly funny French movie that features some of the best French actresses in this quirky comedic who-done-it movie. The movie is set in an isolated mansion in the France where a family meets every holiday season for a gathering but unfortunately this reunion will be anything than a celebration. When successful businessman Marcel (Dominique Lamure) is found murdered one morning, his closest family members and personal staff are the prime suspects of his untimely death.

The suspects are wide and varied and include his mysterious wife Gaby (Catherine Deneuve), daughters Suzon (Virginie Ledoyen) and Catherine (Ludivine Sagnier), sister Pierette (Fanny Ardent), mother-in-law Mamy (Danielle Darrieux), sister-in-law Augustine (Isabelle Huppert), cook Chanel (Firmine Richard) and the sexy maid Louise (Emmanuelle Beart). This strange European comedy is a cross between a 1950's who-done-it meets Moulin Rouge as secrets are discovered, catfights start and all the actresses join together to sing some French pop. Although the movie is in French, it is still quite entertaining to watch and the actors perform some great performances that are extremely funny and moving. 

The DVD quality of this movie is quite superior, image quality is extremely sharp and the colours are bright and vibrant without any errors whatsoever. The audio quality (although in French) sounds clear and audible and supports Dolby Digital 5.1 that really makes use of the excellent soundtrack of this movie. The unfortunate aspect of this movie is the lack of DVD extras but still boasts "scene selection" (This is NOT a DVD extra) and the original theatrical trailer.

In conclusion 8 women (8 femmes) is a delightful French movie that takes the best aspects of Hollywood and creates its own unusual version of a Hollywood musical murder mystery. With some brilliant performances, especially those by Emmanuelle Beart and Danielle Darrieux, 8 women will have you not only engrossed in the movie but also bopping along to the musical scores. Strictly for those that enjoy something more than Hollywood on their DVD diets.

- Andrew B