Vivian (Roberts) is a spirited, streetwise diamond in the rough when she meets shrewd, no-nonsense billionaire Edward Lewis (Gere). It s a chance encounter that turns a weeklong business arrangement into a timeless rags-to-riches romance. Fall in love all over again as this contemporary Cinderella story unfolds before your eyes in the sparkling clarity of high definition- up to six times the resolution of DVD! Savor every word, every laugh, and every unforgettable song as the magnificently enhanced audio quality embraces you. Experience all the comedy, charm and passion of this beloved classic as never before on Blu-ray Hi Def!

• Amazon Sales Rank: #808 in DVD
• Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
• Released on: 2009-02-10
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English, French, Spanish
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 120 minutes

Amazon.com
Like a pumpkin that transforms into a carriage, some very shrewd casting (and the charisma of Julia Roberts, in particular) morphed this story of a Hollywood whore into a Disneyfied Cinderella story--and a mainstream megahit. This is the movie that made Roberts a star; the charm of her personality helping tremendously to carry viewers over the rough spots in the script (which was originally a cynical tale about prostitution called 3000--after the amount of money Richard Gere's character pays the prostitute to stay with him for the week). Gere is the silver-haired Wall Street knight who sweeps streetwalker Roberts into a fantasy world of room service at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel and fashion boutique shopping on Rodeo Drive. The supporting cast is also appealing, including Laura San Giacomo as Roberts's hooker pal, Hector Elizondo as the hotel manager, Jason Alexander, Ralph Bellamy, and Hank Azaria. Now, is this something you want your sons and daughters to see? That's entirely up to you. --Jim Emerson

From The New Yorker
The lovers in this romantic comedy, directed by Garry Marshall, are a long-legged, golden-hearted Hollywood Boulevard hooker (Julia Roberts) and a cold, suave corporate raider (Richard Gere). He buys her tasteful (expensive) clothes and shows her how to act "classy"; she opens-in order-his wallet, his fly, and his heart. The only real distinction of this long and rather uneventful diversion is the radical contrast between the stars' performing styles. Roberts is all ebullience and scattershot charm. The kind word for Gere's style is minimal. He's opaque, stubbornly remote; he seems to have faxed his performance in. At its worst, the movie is just unimaginative; at its best, it's pleasant and competent. It's business-as-usual entertainment. Also with Jason Alexander, Laura San Giacomo, Ralph Bellamy, and Hector Elizondo. The screenplay is by J. F. Lawton. -Terrence Rafferty
Copyright © 2006 The New Yorker

Most helpful customer reviews

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful.
Special Film.....Not So "Special Edition"
By L. Shirley
This review refers to the Special 10th Anniversary DVD Edition(Touchstone) of "Pretty Woman"...

There are a couple of reasons why you may want to go with this "Special" edition of this charming and very modern update of the classic "Cinderella" story. The first is that at this time, the original edition seems to be unavailable, except from the outside sellers with prices higher then this one. The second reason is the fabulous music video with Natalie Cole doing one of the best songs from the film, "Wild Women Do". Other then that, I did not find anything really "special" about this "special" edition.

Here's what you get...A "Behind the Scenes" featurette, which runs a couple of minutes and is just some footage of Geer, Roberts and Marshall, getting ready to shoot a scene at the Polo game with the "Pretty Woman" music playing in the background. There is a very short production featurette, and except for Garry Marshall telling us what the film is about, appeared to be nothing much more than a long trailer. There is also the option of Director commentary, which may be viewed during the film, and the film is in widescreen, but both of these features are also available on the original release.

There is also some extra footage. An added scene where Vivian takes Edward back to her stomping grounds so she can check on Kit, and the two are confronted by drug dealers hardly seemed necessary. As a matter of fact it seemed to detract from the story, as it too soon takes the audience back out Vivian's fairy tale world we have entered briefly.

As far as the film itself, I still love it 15 years after it's original release. Wonderfully directed by Garry Marshall, it's a feel good film, and a wonderful love story that makes you feel you can fulfill your dreams. A great soundtrack, and the superb cast including Laura San Giacomo(she was a great Kit), Jason Alexander, Hector Elizondo, Elinor Donahue, and legend Ralph Bellamy, all make this a very special film all on it's own.

The DVD presents a very nice picture in widescreen, and good sound in Dolby surround. There are nice captions in English for those needing them, but no other subtitles. The price is actually pretty decent for a "special" edition, just don't buy it expecting a ton of extra goodies.

"What's Your Dream?"....enjoy...Laurie

85 of 96 people found the following review helpful.
not the original
By A. Woodman
For anyone who simply wants to know if this is the original theatrical version, like myself--it's not. It's the same as the 10th Anniversary Edition, with the stuff from the cutting room floor thrown back into the movie, instead of in Bonus Features where it belongs. I'm so thankful I still have the oringinal release that I love on video.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful.
THE DEFINITIVE VERSION OF "PRETTY WOMAN"
By Wayne Racine
First of all, I compared the 10th and 15th anniversary versions side-by-side and here's what I observed on my 65" widescreen HDTV:

1) while the 15th anniversary version claims to be "anamorphic widescreeen", there is absolutely no difference in the size of the picture onscreen (the 10th anniversary version was also presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, making it "anamorphic");

2) that said, however, the picture quality of the 15th anniversary version is far superior to the 10th anniversary version, which is marred by dark shadowing and lots of grain - the 15th anniversary version is cleaned-up, with a much brighter picture and virtually devoid of grain or flecks;

3) while the 10th anniversary version was "edited for content", the 15th anniversary version is the full-length, unedited theatrical version;

4) the 15th anniversary version includes a few bonus extras and bloopers.

The bottom line is, if you're a fan of "Pretty Woman", a full-length, improved-picture version of the movie makes it a must-have. Get it - if for nothing else, your significant live-in lady will love you for it.