Today is the DVD release date for the best film I saw this past year, Pan’s Labyrinth.
If you haven’t seen it, you simply must. If you live in a large city, see if it is still playing in a Theatre. I know it was still playing in Houston last week. As excited as I am about the DVD release, this film should be experienced on the big screen. The camera work is lush, the sound is simply amazing. The thought and detail that went into every shot is truly phenomenal. It also won three Academy Awards, for Cinematography, Art Direction and Makeup. (It was robbed in several other categories, but that's another post.)
I won’t give any spoilers or plot points, because those are readily available out there, if you want them. Suffice to say it is a film which seamlessly blends an adult fairy tale with the stark realities of war and fascism. In the hands of a lesser director these two elements might have easily clashed or at least, intruded on each other, but Guillermo del Toro brilliantly weaves you in and out of these two stories to the point were you wish they were both on screen at the same time. The entire cast is amazing, Ivana Baquero, the young actress that plays Ofelia is just stunningly good.
So tonight at my house, I'm having friends over and you are all invited! Dinner is at 7:00, film to follow. On the menu is Balsamic glazed chicken breast, zucchini, lemon asparagus risotto, salad and peach cobbler. Haven’t decided on the wine yet, but I have it narrowed down to three. I’m leaning towards the Sauvignon Blanc because I think it would play well with the lemon in the risotto. Then again, the Chardonnay would stand up against the balsamic in the chicken. Then again, everybody loves Pinot Grigio. What to do?
Anyway, hope to see you there!
One more warning. This is a B.Y.O.T. party. (Bring your own tissue – you’ll need it for the film.)
12 comments:
Pinot Grigio is my first-reached-for, w/ Sauvignon Blanc second. But if you can find a Pinot Gris -- Yum!
I'm so afraid somebody somewhere is going to announce that Pinot Grigio is the Merlot of white wine...
I'm so afraid somebody somewhere is going to announce that Pinot Grigio is the Merlot of white wine...
YES!! exactly!!, It's one of those, of "I don't like white wine, but I'll drink that", type things.
Too funny that you would think that too.
But if you can find a Pinot Gris -- Yum!
The wine is already purchased. (I'm in a wine club, so it comes in the mail 5 times a year.)
I LOVE that movie. Just downloaded the soundtrack a few days ago, too.
And the dinner sounds delicious!!!
I've been listening to the soundtrack all day!
I'll post pics of dinner.
:)
So which wine?
Oh, to be in a wine club...
I think the wine choice really depends on the individual wines (the house and the region). Chardonnay can be substantial and heavy on the oak, but I've also had ones that bring out more fruit (namely citrus). I tend to be a little ho-hum on Pinot grigio, but that might just be my personal taste. What are the actual wines among which you're deciding?
Oh, and Pinot gris and Pinot grigio are the same thing, just from different regions. "Gris" and "grigio" both mean "grey," but one's French and the other's Italian. It's still the same grape, though as with any single type of grape, differences among regions and producers will yield wines with different characteristics.
"If they want to drink Merlot, we're drinking Merlot."
"No. If anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am NOT drinking any fucking Merlot!"
I'll have to wait until I get home to check the labels, I have several to choose from. I've been saving all my whites for summer.
One is an Italian Chardonnay from the Umbria region I remember, lightly oaked.
The Pinot Grigio is California, North Coast I think.
I have a California Chard as well, and three choices of Sauvignon Blanc. I drank one of the bottles though of Sauvignon though, so I won;t pick it. (I get two bottles of each wine per shipment - 6 red, 6 white.)
When I get home, I'll post the label info.
I'd love your opinion.
So, which one(s) did you end up serving? :)
Sorry, I didn't get back on, there was so much to do when I got home.
Ended up serving the Intrigo Chardonnay.
It was perfect.
The risiotto had a bit too much lemon, but the chicken was great and a good time was had by all.
With dessert I opened a bottle of San Antonio Muscat Canelli and it was a big hit.
You should have been there!
No worries, I figured you had your hands full in the kitchen. :)
The wine looks delicious! I wonder if Central Market carries it. I shall investigate.
The wine was yummy!
Pan's Labyrinth was one of my top four last year. As Anne and you say, the score is great.
I have a review on my blog from back in April, but let me link the Fresh Air interview with del Toro. It's being re-run tomorrow, actually. Oh, and here's his interview on The Treatment.
Thanks Batocchio!
I listen to Fresh Air all the time! Sirius has the NPR channels and I love them.
Post a Comment