Following the announcement of a TV remake of the iconic story, Arthur Hiller’s iconic romance Love Story has made its UK Blu-ray debut with a sparkling new 4K restoration from the wonderful folks over at Paramount Home Entertainment. But have the years been kind to this schmaltzy drama?
Everyone knows this weepy classic’s narrative beats like the back of their hand. It certainly set the framework for what would follow countless times: boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, girl dies of terminal illness, the end. It is a tragic and depressing tale that, 50 years ago, probably felt wholly original and surprising. Now, having been subjected to an endless stream of cheesy teen dramas that tick every cliché on the bingo card that Love Story birthed, it feels predictable and bland.
“Love means never having to say you’re sorry” is certainly one of the most quoted romance movie moments – albeit one that is absolutely untrue and downright ridiculous – but aside from that questionable dialogue, there’s really not much else here that has really stood the test of time, aside from arguably Francis Lai’s score. Paramount’s gorgeous new 4K restoration certainly makes the film look beautiful though, and there’s something inherently charming about this era of 70s cinema. It’s one of those oddly comforting films that, regardless of its tragic tale, is perfect Sunday afternoon fodder with your feet up and a cup of tea in your hand. Whether you find it a powerful romantic drama or an unintentional laugh-out-loud comedy will vary wildly…
Ultimately, Love Story is a film that just feels like an overtly saccharine Hallmark movie. It’s cheesy to a point of being a danger to the lactose intolerant, and uncomfortably sentimental to a laughable degree. However, there’s no denying that the film is – for better or worse – an undisputed classic of the genre, and Paramount have done a great job bringing the film into 2021 with this gorgeous transfer. Fans of the film will be delighted, but if you’re coming into the film based only off the back of its ‘classic’ status, brace yourself for one of the mawkish and cloying films you’ll ever endure.
Love Story is available now on Blu-ray from Paramount Home Entertainment