Directed by Garry Marshall, Beaches is a story about two 11-year-old girls who meet on the beach in Atlantic City and continue to keep in touch and weather the challenges of adult life throughout the years. The film is best remembered for its ability to turn on your waterworks, but the best thing about it is that it doesn't sugarcoat what really happens in a friendship, like the one between CC Bloom (Bette Midler) and her best friend, Hillary Whitney, (Barbara Hershey). Beaches is a moving story, filled with camaraderie, jealousy, glory, pain, and forgiveness.

Unfortunately, the digital 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer doesn't look as good as it could have. Throughout the film, there are obvious artifacts and flaws, including a soft picture and dull colors. However, the sound, in Dolby Digital 2.0, is excellent. The soundtrack is an essential element—without it, the film would not have as much of an emotional impact.

Special features include a segment from "AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs" with Midler, a bloopers reel, "Mayim Bialik Remembers," and the vital piece, the "Wind Beneath My Wings" music video.

This was my first time watching Beaches. For the past 17 years since its release, I've been avoiding the film, mainly to evade possible disappointment from all the hype—well, that and not wanting to cry over a sappy movie. Even though I finally caved in, I have to admit that Beaches is a worthy purchase. Oh, and remember to bring a box of tissues, too.