Overview: Available for the first time in one collection, the 'Nicholas Sparks: Limited Edition Collection' gift set features seven (7) films based on the best-selling author’s novels; including 'Safe Haven,' 'The Lucky One,' 'Dear John,' 'Nights in Rodanthe,' 'A Walk to Remember,' 'Message in a Bottle' and 'The Notebook.'

DVD Verdict: As I'm sure all you ladies are well aware by now, Nicholas Sparks' books make for some choice cinematic viewing! Taking the films one at a time, 'SAFE HAVEN' tells the story of a young woman (Julianne Hough) with a mysterious past who lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower (Josh Duhamel) forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her. Directed by Lasse Hallström, the movie teaches us that in the darkest hour love is the only light that shines. An affirming, and suspenseful story about a young woman's struggle to love again, 'Safe Haven' also features a big twist that wil stick with you long after the film has ended!

Deleted scenes
Alternate ending

In 'THE LUCKY ONE,' a Marine travels to Louisiana after serving three tours in Iraq and searches for the unknown woman he believes was his good luck charm during the war. Starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling in the main roles, but the always-reliable Blythe Danner as Ellie also, as romantic dramas go, 'The Lucky One' is pretty thin stuff. It has a workable premise, but the movie can't think of anything to do with itself; so it pads out its running time with one musical montage after another. Indeed, you know a director has run out of ideas when he puts two (2) different montages two minutes apart from each other!

Zac Efron Becomes a Marine
Watch the Sparks Fly - The Romantic World of ‘The Lucky One’
Zac and Taylor’s Amazing Chemistry
Zac and Zeus

Another serving male lead falling in love story is 'DEAR JOHN,' which is a romantic drama about a soldier (Channing Tatum) who falls for a conservative college student (Amanda Seyfried) while he's home on leave. Directed again by Lasse Hallström, 'Dear John' Channing is very believable and sympathetic as John; Seyfried is perfect as Savannah, but the actor playing Tim is miscast (it should have been a younger actor, in my opinion). That said, he wasn't that bad! Oh, and the score in this film is, by and large, one of the best scores I have ever heard. Ms. Lurie did a fantastic job, blending classical-type instruments with a sort of Southern style. It's simply amazing!

Deleted & alternate scenes
Alternate ending
Outtakes
A Conversation with Channing, Amanda and Lasse Hallstrom
Transforming Charleston featurette
Military in Movies: ‘Dear John's’ Military Advisors featurette
Mr. Tyree, The Mule and Benny Dietz featurette
The Story of Braeden Reed

In 'NIGHTS IN RODANTHE,' a doctor who is traveling to see his estranged son sparks with an unhappily married woman at a North Carolina inn. Directed by George C. Wolfe and - for the first time - bringing us older, and yet no-less-sexy lead actors/characters (Richard Gere and Diane Lane) 'Nights In Rodahthe' is a simply beautiful story of a man and a woman hungry for something more in their lives than they have at present. The chemistry between Lane and Gere is magical from the first scene in the film to their last embrace. The locations, beauty of their attraction for one another when it unfolds when they first meet, and the story that follows, and as they begin to know each other with the attraction they feel towards each other is real, is romance that is projected to an audience with tender care.

Alternate scenes with director commentary
The Nature of Love: Richard Gere; Diane Lane and director George C. Wolfe Recall
A Time for Love: Keeping Up with Nicholas Sparks
An Intimate Look at ‘Nights In Rodanthe’ with singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris
'Love Remains the Same' - Gavin Rossdale’s music video

'A WALK TO REMEMBER' tells the story of two North Carolina teens, Landon Carter (Shane West) and Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), who are thrown together after Landon gets into trouble and is made to do community service. In truth, 'A Walk To Remember' is such a wonderful surprise to behold. While I was expecting a moderately lightweight piece of teen fare, the film came in with truly profound depth, impeccable performances, solid direction and good pacing through a difficult story. Mandy Moore is a certifiable superstar. And Shane West is really good. But a BIG surprise was Lauren German, who is not only a very good actress, but so beautiful it is pure joy to watch her. The religion elements of the story are effectively interlaced into the narrative without feeling like the viewer is being force-fed a theological viewpoint. And have tissues ready as this one is a real tearjerker which leaves you feeling uplifted and optimistic. (Oh, and FYI, much of the movie's soundtrack includes music from the band Switchfoot, who at the time were really only recognized in their native San Diego, and in Contemporary Christian music circles).

Audio commentary by director Adam Shankman, Mandy Moore and Shane West
Audio commentary by author Nicholas Sparks and screenwriter Karen Janszen
'Cry' - Mandy Moore music video

Next is 'MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE' which tells the story of a woman (Robin Wright) who discovers a tragic love letter in a bottle on a beach, and is determined to track down its author (Kevin Costner). Taking us all the way back to 1999, and bringing us two great, experienced actors at that, 'Message In A Bottle' also allows us to see Paul Newman (as Dodge Blake) in yet another powerhaus performance of commanding the screen. Anyway, the movie developed its characters perfectly. I found myself really caring for all of them. The dialog between Costner's and Newman's characters; son and father, is very natural and believable. The meeting and getting to know one another by Wright's and Costner's characters is also very natural and believable. The movie could have taken the easy way out, with a neatly tied together ending, everyone living happily ever after. And I suspect that is exactly what happened. But it does so in a way that gives a much stronger message about love, relationships, and living each day for what it is worth.

Audio commentary by director Luis Mandoki and producer Denise Di Novi
Deleted scenes with optional commentary
Five hidden special effects scenes

Finally we get the now-infamous 'THE NOTEBOOK,' a film which shows us a poor and passionate young man falling in love with a rich young woman; whilst at the same time giving her a sense of freedom. They soon are separated by their social differences, of course, but this amazing love story can be enjoyed by all. 'The Notebook' is not one of those cheesy chick flicks that often come out, it is a brilliantly written intriguing story about two young lovers that most people can relate to.

Even most males will agree that this movie pulls at your heart strings. Filled with fabulous quotes, and sentimental moments I found this movie to be one of the best I've seen. I got to know both main characters and found myself relating to each of them. Most of us remember our first love and that strong connection we had with them. This movie makes us think of what could have been and gives us a fresh look at the meaning of true love. I recommend this movie to anyone with a heart.

Audio commentary by director Nick Cassavetes
Audio commentary by The Notebook novelist Nicholas Sparks
All in the Family: Nick Cassavetes featurette
Nicholas Sparks: A Simple Story, Well Told featurette
Southern Exposure: Locating 'The Notebook' featurette
Casting Ryan and Rachel featurette
Rachel McAdams Screen Test featurette
Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary by editor Alan Heim

This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and also includes a special postcard set with images from each film and a letter from Nicholas Sparks.