The much talked about and anticipated film, Fifty Shades of Grey, is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
I have not read any of the books (not my “cup of tea,” so to speak), but I know they are very popular. I would hear people talking about them all the time. Even my teenage daughter asked if she could read the original book in the series (the one the film was based upon) because her friends from school read it. Seriously? Parents let their teens read that book? Not my daughter. I never read the book but I knew it had to with kinky sex.
I know before the movie was even filmed there was a lot of hype over who would play the role of Ana and Christian. Those roles went to Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan.
I received a copy of the film to review, along with other fun surprises.
Funny story… I knew I was getting the movie to review. I can check on my packages online and I saw the film was coming – but the box weighed almost 15 pounds! I wasn’t sure if there was a shipping mistake and the studio was sending me multiple copies (imagine giving those away – LOL) or “products” seen in the film (I won’t go into detail, but if you know anything about the film/story I’m sure you know what I mean).
I had to pick the package up from a local shipping center because it needed to be signed for and I’m not home in the morning. My husband came with me. We were careful to open to box in the car so that my kids didn’t see what was in the box (just in case). We were relieved to find that the box contained the film and a gift basket consisting of a tee shirt, grey sunglasses (shades of grey – get it?), two lovely glasses, two bottles (one red, one white) of branded wine and the film’s soundtrack on an actual record. I have not seen or held a record in my hands in about 30 years. That was fun. My kids still can’t believe we used to collect them and listen to music from them.
You can see other photos on my Instagram page (SheScribes).
Kudos to Universal Home Entertainment for an awesome package.
Back to the movie…
I haven’t read the book so I wasn’t really sure what it was all about.
Fifty Shades of Grey is about a young college student, Anastasia “Ana” Steele (Dakota Johnson). Her roommate is sick with the flu so Ana is filling in for her interviewing their graduation guest speaker for the college paper – the handsome, young, rich Christian Grey.
From their first meeting there was an instant attraction between Ana and Christian. Ana didn’t know it at the time but Christian was more intrigued with her then she knew. When he showed up at her place of employment she knew he was smitten with her.
Christian whisks Ana away to his home where he introduces her to his infamous “play room.” It’s a room filled with whips, handcuffs and other S&M type toys.
Ana is a bit put off by this, but she is still desires Christian.
Christian wants to make an “arrangement” with Ana. He wants her to commit to be his “submissive” in exchange for staying at his home on the weekends, having her own room and being spoiled by Christian including a brand new car and laptop.
Ana is not keen on the idea of being a submissive. Christian’s world is so different from hers. She was even a virgin before she met Christian, so the idea of allowing a man to do things to her physically like hitting her with a riding crop is not something she is comfortable with.
For a good chunk of the film Christian is trying to get Ana to sign the contract to be his submissive. Ana keeps holding him off. She’s attracted to Christian and wants to be with him, but not in that capacity.
Will she sign the contract? What will become of their relationship? To find out you need to pick up a copy of the film, available where most movies are sold.
I was worried this film could get very raunchy so we watched it when my daughter wasn’t home and told our son not to come out of his room unless he knocks on the wall and lets us know he needs to come out. We didn’t need him walking out on a sex scene.
I’m not into S&M. I don’t get that whole lifestyle. To each his own. It’s not for me. I would think it would be degrading for women to be treated in such a manner. But men are often submissives too. Honestly, I could have done without all of that but I know it’s an essential part of the film.
This is a romantic love story. When Christian is not looking to do something kinky to Ana, he can be romantic. You can see there is a powerful connection between the two characters.
There were A LOT of “red flags” that kept popping up. If I was Ana I would have ran for the hills. Yeah, Christian is handsome, powerful and has a lot of money, but he also doesn’t seem to be too right in the head. We do get a brief insight into his personal “pain.” I think the movie should have explored that a bit more. Something from his childhood made him how he is today. His character is also VERY intense compared to the more light hearted Ana.
One of my favorite parts of the film is just before Christian opens the door to his play room and Ana asks if its where he plays his Xbox. LOL! If only that was the case.
Ana comes off being the “innocent” with no power but to be honest with you I think SHE has the power over Christian. I’d be interested in seeing if their relationship “flips” in the next film (Ana has power over Christian).
The film does leave you hanging. Now I have to wait for the second film, Fifty Shades Darker, when it’s released.
The Blu-ray copy I have has an alternate ending from the theatrical film as well as a few extra minutes (extended scenes). I won’t give away the alternate ending.
There are A LOT of bonus features on the Blu-ray copy.
Theatrical version and Unrated version of the film (I watched the unrated version).
Tease of Fifty Shades Darker – a brief (1 minute) teaser for the next film. I wasn’t impressed. All if showed was Christian putting on something that reminded me of a Batman mask.
The World of Fifty Shades Darker – Interviews with the cast and crew from the film. There are also sub-clips profiling the main characters from the film as well as the actors that portray them. There also also featurettes about the wardrobe and Christian’s home.
Behind the Shades – A behind the scene look at the making of this film, including how they shot the more explicit scenes.
E.L. James & Fifty Shades – An interview with the books author, how she came about writing the film and what she feels about the success of her books.
Fifty Shades: The Pleasure of Pain – An interview with some of the cast, as well as BDSM consultant Liam Helmer, discussing the S&M elements of the film.
Christian’s Apartment: 360 Degree Set tour – I neglected to watch this bonus feature, so I am unable to describe it for you.
Music Videos – Skylar Grey – “I Know You” and The Weekend – “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey”).
Fifty Shades: The Pleasure of Pain – Footage from the music video “Earned It.”
Below is a trailer for the film. This trailer is for the theatrical release. The film is now available for purchase.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy and other goodies in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Sandy Cain says
I know this book was VERY popular, and the movie is, too. But I don’t think I would want to see it (or read it). I’ve hadtoo much kinky sex in my own life to want to read about somebody else’s!
Rosie says
I didn’t read the book and didn’t see the movie. I was curious about the post as, like you, I’m totally not into that kind of thing and don’t really get it and don’t want to, but it does make me want to understand ppl better.