Director Alexander Payne discovered Rex Pickett's unpublished novel, Sideways, while flying home from a European film festival. Captivated, Payne immediately secured the film rights. In 2004, a few months after the book's publication, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning both critical and audience acclaim. It went on to receive five Academy Award nominations, winning Best Adapted Screenplay. Although there's no confirmation of a physical 4K disc release, the 4K digital version from Disney and Searchlight Pictures is currently available.
Here is the plot: A week before his friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church; Spider-Man 3) is to be married, best man Miles (Paul Giamatti; The Holdovers) and the prospective groom head off to wine country for a week of fun, relaxation, and - of course - wine drinking. Miles, an oenophile, attempts to educate Jack on the art of appreciating fine wine. However, Jack is more interested in drinking and carousing, which he does when he meets the attractive Stephanie (Sandra Oh; Grey's Anatomy) at one of the vineyards.
Miles, a high school English teacher and a failed writer struggles to move on from his divorce and faces the nerve-wracking wait for news from a prospective publisher. When he meets Stephanie's friend Maya (Virginia Madsen; Candyman), he sees a chance for a fresh start. However, when he reveals Jack's impending marriage, it seems any hope of a relationship is lost.
Giamatti, despite not being nominated for an Oscar, is the glue that holds this film together, displaying the same depressive qualities he shows in The Holdovers. He embodies Miles as a "sad sack" of a person. Haden Church is effective as his scoundrel best friend, determined to have an affair just before his wedding. While Oh is sufficient in her role, Madsen shines, giving Maya depth and complexity beyond what could have been a simple portrayal of a divorced waitress.
The 4K digital release of Sideways offers a resolution of 2160p with Dolby Vision HDR, providing visual clarity and rich colors. While some grain is visible, the blacks are deep, and the daytime vineyard scenes are visually stunning. The audio upgrade to DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 offers a surround sound experience that balances modern standards with the original cinematic feel. Dialogue is clear in the front speakers, while the ambient sounds and jazz-inspired soundtrack fill the side and rear channels. Extras include previously released content such as an audio commentary with Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, behind-the-scenes features, deleted scenes, a theatrical trailer, and a photo gallery.
As evidenced by its five Oscar nominations, Sideways is a well-written, well-acted, and beautifully shot film about two friends navigating mid-life challenges. Payne skillfully brings Pickett's story to life, using California's wine country as a picturesque backdrop. The combination of engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and superb acting makes this film a must-see. With its upgrade to the latest technical standards, it is a worthwhile digital purchase.
Sideways 4K is now available at digital retailers, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango.
Grade: A
