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Sideways (Widescreen Edition)
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January 24, 2012 "Please retry" | — | 1 | $1.88 | $1.33 |
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April 5, 2005 "Please retry" | — | 1 | $7.48 | $4.45 |
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April 5, 2005 "Please retry" | — | 1 | $7.52 | $1.81 |
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Genre | Comedy |
Format | Subtitled, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, NTSC, Multiple Formats, Color, Dolby, Dubbed |
Contributor | Stephanie Faracy, Joe Marinelli, Peter Dennis, Sandra Oh, Shaun Duke, Chris Burroughs, Robert Covarrubias, Paul Giamatti, Missy Doty, Lee Brooks, Jessica Hecht, Alysia Reiner, Toni Howard, M.C. Gainey, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Gallagher, Rev. Fr. Khoren Babouchian, Alexander Payne, Shake Tukhmanyan, Thomas Haden Church, Marylouise Burke See more |
Language | English, Armenian |
Runtime | 2 hours and 6 minutes |
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Product Description
Product Description
A divorced school teacher, and failed author, joins up with his buddy who is about to get married and head to wine country for a week of male bonding and wine tasting. What starts out as a whimsical trip to mark the coming milestone in his friend's life quickly dissolves into philosophical discussions and poignant debate. By the end of the week, neither man is convinced that they are on the right track.
Amazon.com
With Sideways, Paul Giamatti (American Splendor, Storytelling) has become an unlikely but engaging romantic lead. Struggling novelist and wine connoisseur Miles (Giamatti) takes his best friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church, Wings) on a wine-tasting tour of California vineyards for a kind of extended bachelor party. Almost immediately, Jack's insatiable need to sow some wild oats before his marriage leads them in into double-dates with a rambunctious wine pourer (Sandra Oh, Under the Tuscan Sun) and a recently divorce waitress (Virginia Madsen, The Hot Spot)--and Miles discovers a little hope that he hasn't let himself feel in a long time. Sideways is a modest but finely tuned film; with gentle compassion, it explores the failures, struggles, and lowered expectations of mid-life. Giamatti makes regret and self-loathing sympathetic, almost sweet. From the director of Election and About Schmidt. --Bret Fetzer
On the DVD
Stars Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church have an absolute blast on their commentary track, gleefully ripping themselves, fawning over "La Madsen," and recalling "that bad fake wine we had to drink a lot of." Director Alexander Payne dismisses the seven deleted scenes (about 17 minutes total) as "meager offerings," and it's true that there are no gems. But even better than the scenes themselves might be Payne's text introductions, which offer insight into his editing process. Each scene is surrounded by brief bits from the finished film to provide context, which should be done more often. The 6-minute making-of featurette is better than most because it spends less time on self-promotion and plot summary. --David Horiuchi
Stills from Sideways (Click for larger image)
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : R (Restricted)
- Product Dimensions : 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.08 ounces
- Item model number : FXSE2227579DVD
- Director : Alexander Payne
- Media Format : Subtitled, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, NTSC, Multiple Formats, Color, Dolby, Dubbed
- Run time : 2 hours and 6 minutes
- Release date : April 5, 2005
- Actors : Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke
- Dubbed: : French, Spanish, English
- Subtitles: : English, Spanish, French
- Language : French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- ASIN : B0007TKOAA
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #16,827 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #1,938 in Comedy (Movies & TV)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this movie deeply funny with great comedic performances, and appreciate its brilliant script and memorable scenes. The acting receives positive feedback for its character development, and customers value its realistic portrayal of wine culture, noting it's not just for wine enthusiasts. Customers describe the movie as poignant and touching, with one review highlighting its beautiful delivery of human depth. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding it slow.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find this movie to be an amazing and good solid film, with one customer particularly appreciating its beautiful scenery.
"...I give this remarkable film my highest rating of five out of five stars." Read more
"...Based on a book, the movie won the Academy Award for best Adapted Screenplay and earned nominations for Best Picture, Directing, Actor in Supporting..." Read more
"...The characters are relatable and well-developed,(didn't like the cheating fiancé much) making us laugh and reflect on our own friendships and..." Read more
"...It's a very good film, but it feels like Payne kind of bit off more than he could chew this time around, and as entertaining and funny as the film..." Read more
Customers find the movie deeply funny, with great comedic performances and laugh-out-loud moments throughout.
"...She is lively and feisty as Jack's "love interest."..." Read more
"...classic Planes Trains and Automobiles, this film has you laughing hysterically throughout, while slowly unraveling what will be somewhat of a gut..." Read more
"...Funny and moving, this movie was surprise hit...." Read more
"...Obviously this is not so.. I find the film to be very sad at times, with a general malange that mirrors Miles' general state of mind...." Read more
Customers praise the acting in the movie, particularly noting the great performances by multiple characters and enhanced character development.
"...The film works because all of these characters are real people with hopes, dreams, desires and their own sets of problems...." Read more
"...and earned nominations for Best Picture, Directing, Actor in Supporting Role (Thomas Haden Church), and Actress in Support Role (Virginia Madsen)...." Read more
"...The characters are relatable and well-developed,(didn't like the cheating fiancé much) making us laugh and reflect on our own friendships and..." Read more
"...The acting was excellent as well, and the characters are appealing...." Read more
Customers appreciate the plot of the movie, describing it as a brilliant script with a complex narrative that is both vicariously engaging and unpredictable.
"...At its surface, It is refreshingly simple - yet, vicariously complex...." Read more
"...No to spoil this story, but it is a great slice-of life piece with sex scenes." Read more
"...as a comedy, but, in the true sense of thespian categories, it is a tragedy. In sum, the title says it all - SIDEWAYS (movement, but no progress). "..." Read more
"...bring the story to vivid life with brutal honesty, pathos, humor, and love...." Read more
Customers appreciate the movie's realistic portrayal, with many noting its memorable scenes. One customer describes it as true to life, while another finds it captivating throughout.
"...and heartfelt moments kept us all entertained, and the beautiful scenery of wine country added to the charm...." Read more
"...“This film is a fictionalized microsmic depiction of situations in the lives of characters whose essence somehow entered the mind of their author...." Read more
"...And Virginia Madsen (Maya) is captivating thoughout the movie, but especially during her candlelit soliloquy where discusses the life of wine...." Read more
"...impeccably performed film, that is poignant, deeply funny, tragic and truthful, with some consistent moments of wit as well...." Read more
Customers appreciate the wine knowledge presented in the movie, noting it provides a good window into wine culture and is not just for enthusiasts, with several customers mentioning that the wineries featured are worth visiting.
"...The movie also impacted the wine industry, as Miles favored Pinot Noirs, where sales rose 16%, and hated Merlot, where sales dropped 2% that year...." Read more
"...Plus, you learn about wine." Read more
"...I certainly understand all of the award nominations. Very educational about wines too 😌 Paul Giamatti: what a particular talent...." Read more
"...Set in the California wine country." Read more
Customers appreciate the movie's emotional depth, describing it as poignant and touching, with one customer noting how the landscape enhances the experience.
"...I find it rare to find a movie so completely immersive and touching. Laughter sprinkled with tears, and a lot of reflection...." Read more
"...characters were dealing with their own issues, which is why it is extremely human...." Read more
"...The film's blend of humor and heartfelt moments kept us all entertained, and the beautiful scenery of wine country added to the charm...." Read more
"...Good entertainment, humorous, thought-provoking. An all round good time." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the movie's pacing, with some finding it a little slow and others appreciating its pathos.
"...Funny and moving, this movie was surprise hit...." Read more
"Insipid and crass, with crude, incessant, unredeming four-letter dialogue. It is a film not worth the time to watch it!..." Read more
"...again demonstrate their incredible knack for rich dialogue, as well as sly and occasionally over-the-top hilarity...." Read more
"...As far as I could see, there were no pacing problems, it may start slow, but the quality of everything else left me transfixed...." Read more
Reviews with images

DON'T LET THE WINE FOOL YOU...
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2009The following describes the tasks performed to prepare for a reviewing of the film and the Blu Ray media format as well...
The "Sideways" Blu Ray disc arrived at my house 'on' the day it was released (Amazon obviously obtained their allotment prior to the release date). But, I had to wait 2 weeks until everyone who was to participate in the viewing could attend. I do not yet have an HD setup, so one of the attendees' home was appropriated for the event.
Most of the attendees had already seen the film at least once, and many had viewed it both in the theater and on regular DVD (during it's popular sales period, found on end-caps of the grocery store wine aisles).
Since this was to be an HD viewing with the proper sound system attached, I strove to find a way to further enhance the proper atmosphere and moods for each scene. To accomplish that feat, I provided various types and qualities of wines to pair with the sequence of events throughout the film.
There was of course much feasting prior to the start of the film, with snakkies consisting of smoked salmon, triple-cream brie, green grapes, and a variety of crackers.
The wine selection started with what I thought would present a 'cheap' bland beverage, to accompany the visit to Mile's mothers home, but it turned out to be an excellent wine (2007 Gruner VELTLINER , pronounced with heavy German accent). Who would've thought that an $8 bottle of white wine, contained in what appears to be a green Tanqueray Gin bottle with a beer cap top, would turn out to be a favorite of the evening... (is there a hidden message in there somewhere ?)
Once the evening and the film moved along, the wines progressed into the red variety, with Pinot Noir's presented at the appropriate moment, as well as (ironically) Merlot, just when it was stated that there shouldn't be any...
At the end (when the C****l B***c is imbibed) I served a 2002 "Sarah's Blend" by the 'original' Marquis Phillips vineyard (a wine which represents one which 'I' take out for special occasions).
Once the film viewing was completed, and several of the attendees had passed-out, I was able to contemplate the quality of the film and the new HD format it was presented in...
The film "Sideways" itself, has already been reviewed by viewers extensively, with 'half' praising it, and the other denouncing it as either 'trash', 'boring' (no light sabers), or 'making no sense'. I would not argue with any of the points of view, since I've come to realize, that the movie as a whole, is itself an allegory to wine. No two people will get the same appreciation, perception, flavor, etc from a particular wine, and this film can be interpreted in so many ways, that everyone comes away with a different perspective as to the quality of the movie, as well as what the storyline really was...
There are people who just do not like wine, and those who will just not like this film. Those that enjoy 'sweet', light, critter-labeled, wines, and may only see what's presented 'on the surface' in the movie, and those that taste something different in the same wine every time they serve it, and see a different aspect of the story every time they view the film. I myself thought the whole "Merlot" scene was a slight at that variety of wine, but now (after getting hints from other film reviews) see that it was just another allegory for a character in the movie (I won't reveal who). The more you watch "Sideways", the more you understand, and see how the nuances of the dialogue are like those of wine, which change as your pallet learns to discern them. Those who do not like the movie, probably never will. For those who think highly of the film, they will always find enjoyment from watching it again (especially with snakkies and wine).
The only 'gripe' from those that complain about the movie, that I can understand, is that it is marketed and hinted-at to be an extreme comedy. Obviously this is not so.. I find the film to be very sad at times, with a general malange that mirrors Miles' general state of mind. There are 'cringe factor' moments and a non-glossing-over of the character's faults or actions, which, along with the attire of the characters, creates a realism which makes you believe that 'you' could be driving down route 101 through that region, and pass them walking along the road (heading to or from the hitching post).
As for the Blu Ray format of the film... I was expecting better. Being a recent production, I had hoped that it was filmed in digital format from the start (was it ?), which should transfer to HD easily. Though the picture was clean, the only moment that it stood out was during the scene (with the gum) where both Miles and Jack hold up their wine glasses (at an angle to check for the water layer on the surface). I was able to judge the clarity, color and the water layer from my seat which was the furthest from the screen (10 feet from a 50" LCD). I've always felt that the quality of an HD video, as well as the equipment used to display it, was best illustrated by 'glass', 'liquid', and 'reflections'. The scene with the glasses held aloft had all three elements in view, and I could find no flaws.
Needless to say, I had been drinking while viewing the film, which must be taken into consideration. I intend to watch it again (like many fans of the movie) with my soon-to-be superior HD environment, and will compare the Blu Ray release to the 'standard' DVD (which will be played in a 1080P uplifting drive).
Perhaps I will then see yet another nuance to the film, or figure out why Miles doesn't like 'manipulated' Chardonnay's (I 'do').
- Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2025Fun movie to watch while drinking wine!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2011What do you get when you put together two guys going through a mid-life crisis, wine country and a humorous yet moving portrayal of all the ups and downs of life? You get the best film of 2004. Miles is a depressed English teacher that went through a divorce two years ago and has a drinking problem. His best friend Jack is an irresponsible has-been actor that is about to get married. The two of them take a trip to wine country to celebrate Jack's wedding. While Miles believes that this is going to be a regular trip, Jack decides to have one last fling before the big day. While in wine country, they come across Maya (an acquaintance of Miles) and her friend, Stephanie. During this one week, Miles and Jack will learn important lessons about who they are, what they want and that little "Sideways" adventure called life. The direction and script are top notch but what really makes this film are the performances by the four leads. Paul Giamatti gives the performance of the his career a man who's life is not turning out the way he would like it too and where he goes from here. Thomas Haden Church also shines as a guy who makes many reckless mistakes but also learns about himself in the process. You might not like them at first but by the end of the film, you find yourself both liking and feeling sympathy for the both of them (especially Miles). Virginia Madsen is terrific as a waitress at Miles favorite restaurant that is going through the growing pains of life. The scene with her and Miles talking about wine (when in actuality they are describing themselves) is a major highlight. Sandra Oh was also good even though we do not see as much of her. She is lively and feisty as Jack's "love interest." The film works because all of these characters are real people with hopes, dreams, desires and their own sets of problems. Because of this, we can relate to all of them. The film received a total of five Academy Award nominations (Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor for Church and Supporting Actress for Madsen). The real crime here is that Paul Giamatti's humorous and moving performance was not nominated for Best Actor. This man was the emotional core of the entire movie. His character might have seemed pompous and self-centered but we really feel for this guy and hope that things will turn around for him. The ending perfectly does this. As a little side note, the ending mirrors the very beginning of the film but you will have to see it for yourself. For anyone going through the ups, downs and "sideways" of life (whether young, middle aged or old), you need to see this movie. It was a life changing experience for me and I am only 23-years-old. The first time I watched it I was a couple of years ago. I give this remarkable film my highest rating of five out of five stars.
Top reviews from other countries
- VeganReviewed in India on January 18, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Moves ahead greatly by going sideways
Just saw it after seeing it many years ago in the theater. Charm has not faded and the movie with its character development and dialogues is as good as it can get. When the guy explains why he finds one particular wine fascinating, we realize that he is describing himself. Payne is one of my favorite directors and enjoyed all his movies I have seen.
Election is another movie which is available in India and is a comedy about school election which is the microcosm of the real election.
Only one small caveat about Sideways - a few f*** words, explicit male frontal nudity, and some other adult scenes and dialogues might be too much for Indian family sensibilities. So please watch it while your children are away or asleep.
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Chretien pierreReviewed in France on January 19, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Très bon scénario. Excellents acteurs. Un bon moment de cinéma. Recommandé !
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mauibananaちゃんReviewed in Japan on January 22, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars 最高にファンキー
なんてことないストーリーですが、何回見ても飽きない。自然の描写が素晴らしく、ワインを飲みたくなる映画です。こんなロードムービーは最高、こういうドライブを西海岸でしたい!
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beatnoirReviewed in Germany on July 2, 2005
5.0 out of 5 stars ein edler Tropfen...
Abgesehen vom Drehbuch-Oscar und zahlreichen guten Kritiken hatte ich schon einige persönliche Meinungen über "Sideways" gehört, bevor ich mir den Film endlich ausgeliehen habe: von witzig & realitätsnah bis hin zu langweilig und sogar ordinär reichten die Eindrücke. Und ich bin froh, dass ich mir nun selbst ein Bild gemacht habe. Denn nach 2 (brauchbaren) Hollywood-Blockbustern im Kino ("Batman Begins" und "Krieg der Welten") fand ich bei "Sideways" endlich das wieder, was für mich die wahre Kunst des Filmemachens ausmacht: Gefühle, Menschlichkeit, Humor und Melancholie.
Mit einem Nichts an technischem Firlefanz und einer Riege relativ unbekannter, aber herausragender Schauspieler zaubert Alexander Payne hier einen ebenso tiefsinnigen wie unterhaltsamen Film über Männerfreundschaften, Midlife-Crisis, Liebe, Lügen und nicht zuletzt Wein auf die Leinwand. Die geflügelten Worte "in vino veritas" bekommen eine ganz neue Bedeutung, wenn uns die einzelnen Charaktere aufgrund ihres Zugangs zum edlen Tropfen ihr Innerstes offenbaren.
Alexander Payne schafft es ganz normale Menschen zu seinen Filmhelden zu machen, und sie trotz all ihrer Schwächen immer sympathisch und glaubhaft erscheinen zu lassen. Zudem gibt er seinen Charakteren in zahlreichen pointierten Dialogen die nötige Tiefe, die ein solcher Film braucht um nicht belanglos zu werden. Und die Schauspieler verpassen diesen Charakteren den letzten Schliff: Thomas Haden Church als alternder Playboy, Paul Giamatti als verhinderter Schriftsteller, und die bezaubernde Virginia Madsen als diejenige die den Film letztlich doch noch auf ein Happy End zusteuert.
Unterhaltsam sind auch die Extras: ein kleiner Beitrag über die Entstehung von "Sideways", entfallene Szenen (inkl. Begründung des Regisseurs), sowie der zusätzliche Audiokommentar der beiden Hauptdarsteller, die sich dabei in erster Linie über sich selbst lustig machen :-)
PS: an die negativen Kritiker - habt ihr den Film in Originalversion gesehen? Vermutlich nicht, denn auf Deutsch hätte mich dieser Film ebenfalls gelangweilt! Der Qualitätsverlust durch die Synchronisation ist bei diesem Film wirklich extrem. Erstens weil er sehr dialoglastig ist und bereits dadurch viel (umgang)sprachlicher Humor verlorengeht - nun gut, das ist ein häufiges Problem. Aber vor allem sind die Stimmen der Schauspieler untrennbar mit ihren Charakteren verbunden. Der kräftige Bariton des nach aussen so selbstbewusst auftretenden Schürzenjägers Jack, und die näselnde, weinerliche Stimme von Miles machen ihre Figuren erst wirklich authentisch.
- Richard FishReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2005
5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem !!! Best film of the year !
This is an award winning bittersweet comedy that takes a thoughtful, poignant and hilarious look at male friendship and midlife crisis. Miles (Paul Giamatti) is a sad divorcee and a would be writer. He's resigned himself to being a failure at just about everything except for one thing - he certainly knows and loves wines. Jack (Thomas Haden Church) is a womanising, washed up actor having doubts about his forthcoming wedding so Miles comes up with a great idea - why not 'celebrate' his last days as a bachelor with a trip to the vineyards of the Central Coast? And so the fun begins as the two old friends set off on a wine tasting road trip that rapidly deviates into an examination of the changing states of love and friendship. The two are totally different with opposing views on how to live their lives - and it's this comical mismatch that gives the film much of its humour and warmth. Their interests contrast and even their tastes in wine don't match. In fact, the only thing they seem to share is their pasts - and a strong realisation of unfulfilled potential, missed opportunities and the fact that their younger carefree days are way behind them.
It doesn't take long before the very odd couple find themselves drowning in wine and women (Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen). Emerging from a haze of pinot noir, wistful longings and fears of an uncertain future, reality inevitably rears its ugly head. As the wedding approaches so does the possibility that neither Miles and Jack will make it back to Los Angeles unscathed or unchanged... if they return at all that is! 'Sideways' is a wonderfully entertaining yet thought provoking tale. Director/Writer Alexander Payne has crafted an absorbing film. This is no big budget special effects movie - and it is much richer for that. He keeps it simple and it pays off as the strength of the movie is its characters and how honest it is. You relate to these two losers because they are human and real. Great acting and a beautiful, rich, heart warming, funny yet sad gem. Little wonder that the film won an award for best Adapted Screenplay at the Bafta's 2005 and at the Academy Awards 2005. A MUST SEE MOVIE!