Blu-ray Review: BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER

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Jul 10, 2023 Posted by Kyle Nolan in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

Book Club: The Next Chapter is the follow-up to the 2018 comedy/drama Book Club, which found a group of four lifelong friends exploring changes in their romantic lives while reading 50 Shades of Grey in their monthly book club.

As this sequel opens, the women find themselves locked down in their separate homes as the world faces a global pandemic. Vivian (Jane Fonda) had planned to spend just a few days quarantined at boyfriend Arthur’s (Don Johnson) condo, but weeks quickly turn into months. The two realize they really enjoy spending time together, so much so that they get engaged, despite the fact that Viv has always touted her unattached lifestyle. Meanwhile, the world shutting down hasn’t been good for chef Carol (Mary Steenburgen), who’s forced to close her restaurant. Her husband Bruce (Craig T. Nelson) also has a mild health scare, causing her to constantly worry about him and all the bad things that could happen in the future, rather than just enjoying all the good things that could be happening in the present. The shutdown has also sped up judge Sharon’s (Candice Bergen) decision to retire, but now she doesn’t really know what to do with all her free time. Finally, despite things going well between Diane (Diane Keaton) and her new beau Mitchell (Andy Garcia), Diane still has issues moving on from her deceased husband—whose ashes are still on her mantle.

As the travel ban lifts, the women reminisce about their planned trip to Italy decades earlier, which never happened due to life events getting in the way. However, with Viv’s wedding coming up, now would be the perfect time to take a girl’s bachelorette trip to Italy. The trip doesn’t quite go exactly as planned due to some unexpected bumps and twists along the way, but the women still have a wild, wacky adventure, enjoying each other’s company and helping one another overcome their own personal relationship roadblocks along the way.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a sequel to Book Club—I hadn’t seen the first movie since it was originally released, and it didn’t seem like the type of film that had people clamoring for a sequel. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this follow-up. The first film was more about each of these women’s separate romantic journeys, just checking in with one another for their book club. However this follow-up feels more like a real ensemble, with all four of these iconic actresses on a wild road trip together. Some of twists are a bit predictable, and the jokes a bit dirty old lady-ish—such as the women making bawdy double-entendres about naked statues or about what Carol’s former chef mentor could put in her mouth—but I still had a lot of fun, and found myself laughing and smiling throughout this movie.

Each of the women has her own quirks and unique style and personality, and the cast has amazing chemistry, playing off one another really well. There’s this sweetness and joy in the way the women rib one another, but in a supportive and loving way, trying to help one another address the things that are holding them back from being their best selves. While this movie is primarily about the women, the male supporting cast also brings a lot of heart and humor to the film, whether it’s Don Johnson as Viv’s supportive fiancé, Craig T. Nelson as the “delicate” husband Carol is always over-protective of (him crawling on the ground hiding from a security camera as he tries to sneak a slice of bacon had me laughing out loud), Vincent Riotta as the chef who still has feelings for Carol, Andy Garcia as Diane’s patient new beau, Giovanni Esposito as Pasquale, a debonair stranger they meet in Italy, or Giancarlo Giannini as the “lazy” Police Chief who’s constantly butting heads with Sharon. The film is very rewatchable—I first saw it in the theater, and laughed and enjoyed it just as much the second time around on this Blu-ray release.

UPHE has released Book Club: The Next Chapter on Blu-ray & DVD, but it is also available in 4K via Digital. I was sent the Blu-ray for review. The picture quality is excellent, with an incredibly clean and clear picture throughout that really captures the often breathtaking beauty of the Italian setting—whether the women are walking the streets of Rome, traveling on the river in Venice, driving down a country road, traveling by train, checking out museums, having a candlelit meal, or just trying on couture dresses. The audio track provides clear dialogue throughout and utilizes the surround channel to provide a subtle but constant ambiance. The film’s score is delightful, and the soundtrack is really fun, making use of Italian versions of recognizable songs such as “I’m a Believer” and “Gloria”.

The Blu-ray release includes both a Blu-ray and a DVD, placed on either side of a standard HD keepcase, which is covered by a glossy cardboard slipcover. An insert provides instructions on how to redeem an HD digital copy of the film. The bonus material is the same on both discs, consisting of three behind-the-scenes featurettes with the cast/filmmakers totaling about 17 minutes.

What’s Included:

Film: (1:47:18)

1080p / Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service), Spanish 5.1 DTS Digital Surround, French 5.1 DTS Digital Surround
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

DVD:

480i / Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service), Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital (code may not be valid after 9/30/2024):

HD Digital Copy (Movies Anywhere compatible)

Extras:
Play All, or select from:

Book Club: Back in Session (6:04)
The cast and crew talk about what made the first film so great, returning to do a second movie, the characters’ arcs, working with the amazing actresses, what they hope people take away from the film, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director/co-writer/producer Bill Holderman, co-writer/producer Erin Simms, and stars Candice Bergen (“Sharon”), Jane Fonda (“Vivian”), Mary Steenburgen (“Carol”), Diane Keaton (“Diane”), Don Johnson (“Arthur”), Craig T. Nelson (“Bruce”) & Andy Garcia (“Mitchell”).
Still Stylish (5:21)
The cast and crew discuss coming up with the unique the look and style for each of the women. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, concept artwork, and interviews with costume designer Stefano De Nardis, director/co-writer/producer Bill Holderman, co-writer/producer Erin Simms, and stars Mary Steenburgen, Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda & Diane Keaton.
The Women in Italy (5:29)
The women talk abut wanting to do a sequel in Italy, shooting in Rome and Venice, the filming locations, the food, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director/co-writer/producer Erin Simms, director/co-writer/producer Bill Holderman, executive producer Enzo Sisti, production designer Stefano Maria Ortolani, and stars Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, Candice Bergen, Diane Keaton & Andy Garcia.

Final Thoughts:

My Rating

Film:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Recommended

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed Book Club: The Next Chapter since the first one was not one I ever really revisited. However, it is an entertaining sequel that often surpasses the original, not only because it takes the characters to new, exotic locations, but also because it is more of an ensemble that allows these iconic actresses to just have fun with one another. The film becomes a wild, wacky and heartwarming road trip between these lifelong friends. Universal’s Blu-ray release looks and sounds great, and contains a small but entertaining assortment of bonus material. This is an easy recommendation for fans of the first film, or of the main actresses in general. But for those still on the fence, the film is currently streaming on Peacock, if you want to try before you buy.