Into the Blu

Every now and again, a real gem of a film is overlooked by the critics and the general public as well. These films feature a fine cast, fine performances and a very creatively presented story. Perhaps it is the creativity of the storytelling that is the problem or the subject matter, which may put off off too many. Whatever the case may be, these little gems deserve a wider audience. Just such a film is the subject of today’s review, De-Lovely. Continue Reading

I have always been skeptical of making Broadway hits into films. It seems that far too often, what works so well on the stage doesn’t always translate well to film. They are two very different mediums both for the actors as well as the audience. Far too often, too many changes have to be made to the script and the overall presentation to make the play work for the big screen. In doing so, some of the magic of the play, especially if you have seen it live, is lost. One of the exceptions to this rule is the subject of this review, Fiddler On The Roof, which takes on a whole new dimension on the silver screen. Continue Reading

As I had admittedly gushed about my appreciation for Elvis in prior reviews, I could be viewed as somewhat prejudicial in my viewing of Jailhouse Rock.  Although Elvis on Tour was disappointing, I thoroughly enjoyed Viva Las Vegas and was hoping this other “young Elvis” film would deliver an equally lightweight and enjoyable cinema experience.

I was somewhat curious about reviewing my first “true” black and white film (Young Frankenstein was the first I had reviewed), and was equally curious to see how much charisma the relatively young Elvis of 1957 possessed. Continue Reading

It has been a long time since I have watched Fantasia or Fantasia 2000. I probably haven’t watched them since their original release on DVD and they have been collecting dust on the bookshelf ever since. I am not sure why that is the case as they are both interesting films featuring some wonderful music and some very interesting video. As I recall, both looked and sounded great on DVD and it was with some anticipation that I awaited their eventual release on Blu-ray to see not only how they looked in high def, but how they sounded with a full lossless audio track. I can report that both films have never looked or sounded better.

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You know when you are getting old when you saw a movie celebrating its 45th anniversary during its original theatrical run. Such is the case with The Sound of Music which is the first movie I can really recall seeing as a kid with my parents. I was wowed by the scope and color of the film as a kid but have been disappointed with all of the previous home video releases of this classic. Thankfully, the first Blu-ray release of this film can only be described as spectacular, both visually and sonically. All I can say is that it is about time! Continue Reading

Although I have enjoyed the music of Elvis since being a wee lad (and even being known for performing Suspicious Minds occasionally at Karaoke), it was very odd that I had never sat down and watched an Elvis movie.

My impression of the films was that they were fluff pieces, that Elvis wasn’t really much of an actor, and that they were really “teen exploitation” films (the logical successors of which include The Hannah Montana Movie).  So it was with some amusement that I sat down to watch Viva Las Vegas, curious to see just exactly what an Elvis film was. Continue Reading

 After reviewing both Silent Movie and Young Frankenstein, I was extremely curious to see which of the remaining seven discs in the Mel Brooks Collection would fit into the categories of “underrated comedy” or “overhyped disappointment”.  For this third movie, I selected another Mel Brooks film I had not seen before, To Be or Not to Be, Mr. Brooks’ 1983 remake of Ernest Lubitsch’s 1942 original.

Mr. Brooks has never struck me as a subtle humorist, and I had some worry that a comedy-musical-drama about World War II and Nazism could be taken from funny to farcical under his guidance.  Perplexingly, I also had high expectations at the same time – with such rich subject matter, and a stellar cast, this movie had the potential to be really good.  And in short, this movie was really good, the type of comedy I grew up on, and the type that seems to have fallen out of favor with the viewing public. Continue Reading

The Music Man started off as a Broadway musical and became a hit in 1957, winning five Tony Awards. Due to the film’s success the usual route was taken and a film adaptation was made in 1962. Does the Blu-ray release breathe new life into the classic musical or does it simply try and inflate a time weathered ruin? Continue Reading

I’m not sure what everyone’s problem is with this film.  I have previously been lambasted for openly writing my feelings about how much I liked Fame during its theatrical run and I have seen and heard nothing but pessimistic and repugnant comments from the critical community.  Am I the only one out there who sees the beauty, faith and inspiration that can be drawn from the film?  Should I be concerned or seriously ponder anymore why I thought Fame was one of the better movies of 2009?  I initially went into the theatrical presentation of this movie that I had little to no interest in, especially considering the subject matter, and I came out a believer.  I’ll expound on that in a little bit, but for now let’s talk more Fame! Continue Reading

In the realm of classic musicals such as An American in Paris (a previous review of mine), next on the critique agenda was Gigi.  Released in 1958, Gigi has been billed as “A stylish triumph from start to finish,” but can it withstand the test of time and the transfer to Blu-ray?  Let’s find out. Continue Reading

I am not a fan of musicals.  That’s my pessimistic intro and when I found out I would be reviewing An American in Paris, I was apprehensive but moved forward with an open mind.  After all, it does star Hollywood legend Gene Kelly.  Growing up, I remember my mom frequently watching musicals such as The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Oklahoma! and Meet Me in St. Louis.  Meanwhile, my dad was listening to Black Sabbath and Lynard Skynard.  I drifted toward the latter.  Guys in cowboy hats smiling and singing in a circle just didn’t do it for me.  Open mind, here I come.  Let’s review the classic musical, An American in Paris. Continue Reading

Hot off the release of Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta made his way back into the spotlight with his dance moves; this time with the inclusion of a great singing voice and a high school backdrop in 1959. While the film itself was actually released in 1978, it is based upon the Broadway play of the same name from 1972. While some minor elements have changed in the transition, the film remains quite true to the original production and has garnered quite a following since its release over 30 years ago. Cast alongside Travolta are Olivia Newton John, Stockard Channing, and Jeff Conaway all playing memorable roles, but with the release of so many great musicals in the modern age can Grease really hold up? Continue Reading