Bottle Shock – DVD Review

By June L. Feb 20, 2009, 13:44 GMT

One small american winery & its workers are about to show the exalted french that the worlds finest wines will now come from the other red white & blue. Based on an inspiring true story. ...more

Bottle Shock is such a pleasant surprise!  This film is based on a true story, set in the 1970’s…1976 to be exact when something called The Judgement of Paris took place and changed the world of wine forever.  Clean and crisp, with hints of humor and a satisfying buttery warm finish, this movie is a heady delight.

Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) is British, lives in Paris where he owns and operates a fine wine shop.  Business is not booming, and Steven has an idea that might make a difference.  He has heard of the Napa Valley wines, and makes arrangements to travel to California and bring back bottles of this new breed of wine to be matched in a taste test against the time honored French wines. 

On his journey he meets Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman) of Chateau Montelena winery who is up to his ears in debt, mortgages and worries.  Jim is also trying to make the perfect chardonnay.  His hippie son Bo (Chris Pine), is somewhat interested, but not completely committed to his father’s business. 

On the other hand Jim’s second in command Gustavo (Freddy Rodriguez) is passionate about making wine, and feels that Jim and Bo just can’t get it right.  And then there is Sam (Rachael Taylor) a free spirited graduate student from UC Davis who is there to do an internship with Jim. 

The other vinters in the valley look to Jim for leadership, concerning this competition.  They are not quite certain how to deal with Spurrier, but they are anxious to have him make the rounds and taste the wine.  Jim has started off on the wrong foot with Spurrier, and decides not to participate in the match. 

With all kinds of confusion, romantic tangles, maturing and life changes, things are eventually set on course and the test is set to happen.

This movie is such a team effort and shows what can be done when people take every part and treat it with the consideration of a starring role.  Eliza Dushku is Jo, a small role, but pivotal to the movement of the plot.  Ms. Dushku is perfect as the crusty but kindhearted proprietress of the local bar. 

Another outstanding performance is given by Miguel Sandoval as Mr. Garcia, Gustavo’s mentor and friend.  And Dennis Farina as Maurice is great fun as an American who owns a travel agency next door to Steven’s wine shop in Paris. 

He knows all the people, and has the ideas to get the business going.  It is evident that cast and crew were engaged in giving their best to this film, and that kind of attention pays off in audience enjoyment.

Bottle Shock is presented on single disc in widescreen format with a running time of 109 minutes.  It is in English audio, and English or Spanish subtitles are available.  There are some nice special features included on the disc.  There is a feature commentary with Randall Miller, Jody Savin Ross Schwartz, Lannette Pabon, Chris Pine, J. Todd Harris, Bill Pullman, and Eliza Dushku. 

The making of Bottle Shock: An Underdog’s Journey, which takes a look behind the scenes at the problems and positives of the film process, including interviews with the cast, crew and the real Jim and Bo Barrett.  Shot over a period of only six weeks on location at Chateau Montelena, the scenery of the Napa Valley is gorgeous, and the grapes so beautiful you can almost smell their sweetness. 

Chateau Montelena:  One Winery’s Search for Excellence, a look at the actual work and production of wine at Chateau Montelena and Jim and Bo Barrett today, and what they see as the future of California wines.  Also included are deleted scenes, and the original theatrical trailer.

If you have not seen this film, now is your chance to enjoy an off beat story of success, and if you have seen it, I’m certain this is one you will want to have in your collection.  Don’t let Bottle Shock get away from you, it is worthwhile and simply a lot of fun.

Bottle Shock is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.