The Heartbreak Kid (2007)

I appear to be in the minority, but I couldn't stop laughing during this movie so I have to defend it against the other reviewers. I went to see it at the theater, and it reminded me a lot of "There's Something About Mary". Of course Ben Stiller's character is a heel, that's the whole point of the movie. He marries a girl that he barely knows, realizes that she's not the person he thought she was (she's very disturbed, in a Farrelly Brothers sort of way) , meets a normal (and I might add very hot) girl while on his honeymoon, and falls in love with her. Just by knowing that plot, that Ben Stiller is in it, and that the Farrelly Brothers directed it, you've really gotta see this movie for what it is. It's not Shakespeare. It's just a very funny, very ADULT summer comedy.

Very funny movie. Saw it on cable and had to buy it. Never was a big fan of Stiller, but he did a good job with this movie.

Plot is pretty simple. He has no gf/wife, finds random girl marry's her on a whim, then while on his honeymoon, meets another girl, breaks up with his wife, girl finds out he's married and leaves to marry some random guy, stiller shows up in that girls bedroom with her husband sleeping next to him, she tells him off and he leaves for mexico, 13 months later... girl shows back up in mexico to tell stiller she loves him and she divorced her husband for him, she leaves for a fam event... and he had remarried during the 13 months to Eva Longoria and then wants to divorce her...

Friggen plots... Actually this movie has 2 good sex scenes in it and shows some big boobed girls bobbing up and down in the water as she's in a hot tub with stillers real dad Ben.

I paid a buck for it and it's def worth checking out.

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I very rarely rent comedies, but I'm a fan of Ben Stiller. I like the neurotic comedy thing so Ben does it for me. This movie started off kind of dumb and boring and I was like, "uh oh....another waste". Finally the story got interesting when he met the psycho girlfriend. I was totally impressed with her performance (Mila Akerman?). She reminds me of Cameron Diaz. But if Cameron Diaz played the part of the girlfriend, I know I wouldn't have liked this movie, she's too over the top and self-aware and a crap actress. What I loved about this movie is the unraveling of how much of a loser she turns out to be. I enjoyed watching Ben Stiller have to deal with her and slowly start to realize what he had got himself into. I was like, "ha ha, you ended up with a looneybird". If you have issues with men, you actually get enjoyment out of seeing him all dissapointed and screwed over. There are some dull moments, it's not a perfect comedy, but overall, "Hearbreak Kid" had me laughing out loud in the genuine giddy way near tears. It's extremely rare for me to laugh, I'm sort of jaded like everybody these days. I think Ben Stiller is fantastic, and I loved Mila's performance, she made the movie for me. This is now one of my favourite comedies and worth owning, it deserves more praise than what it's getting!

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This movie did quite bad at the box office compared to comedies like Superbad or Knocked up. I really don't know why, maybe people were shocked of the crude / sexual humor? Maybe they thought it was a teenager romantic comedy?

I liked it a lot, laughed most of the movie as Ben Stiller is at his best as the unlucky guy gettings in stupid situations.

Picture quality : 4.5/5

Image detail is very consistent during the movie, the hotel / scenery shots are very vivid, and clothing detail is very strong. Screen depth is present at times, but there are lots of close ups so it's not that important.

Audio quality : 4/5

Usual life sounds are well reproduced and carry the movie so that you're welcome into it easily.

Special features : 3.5/5

Deleted scenes, gag reel, some featurettes : fun atmosphere in these features.

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This is a good Ben Stiller movie with several shocking parts and lots of laughs. Malin Akerman is one of the hottest actresses around yet this movie almost ruined it for me, not for bad acting but the character she plays is psycho. All in all good entertaining movie and addition to comedy collection.

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Charlie's Angels (2000)

As much a tribute to pop culture as a big-screen version of the '70s

series, 'Charlie's Angels' has so much energy and tongue-in-cheek

charm that it DARES you NOT to root for its three young stars! And

while the film won't erase the images of Farrah Fawcett in a thin

tanktop on a very cold day, there is a wholesome sexiness and

accessiblity in Barrymore, Diaz, and Liu that none of the various

teamings of TV 'Angels' ever achieved!

The pre-title sequence is

outrageous, and fabulous! ...

Each Angel has a unique

backstory...Natalie (Diaz) is an ditzy, upbeat 'Soul Train'-dancing

wannabe who 'shakes her booty' at home in Spider-Man undies, looks for

'Mr. Right', and is a crack driver; Alex (Liu) is a 'leg waxer'/extra

on an action movie set, who is a lousy cook, sleeps with the film's

star (Matt LeBlanc, in a funny cameo), and is an expert in technology

and martial arts; Dylan (Barrymore) is an ex-high school 'bad

girl'/free spirit involved with a seedy, insecure hippie living in a

tugboat (humorously portrayed by Tom Green, Barrymore's real-life

boyfriend), is a master of disguise, and leads the trio.

As in the

TV series, the Angels work out of the Townsend Detective Agency (still

located in the famous colonial brick building), and communicate with

the never-seen Charlie (voiced, as always, by John Forsythe) via the

telephone. As the trio's liason, Bosley, Bill Murray is simply

perfect, hilarious in his patented 'smarmy but lovable' persona!



The plot revolves around the kidnapping of a Bill Gates-type

computer genius (Sam Rockwell, 'The Green Mile'), and a technology

that can pinpoint any person's location, anywhere in the world. The

prime suspects are competitor Roger Corwin (Tim Curry, in a

delightfully wicked turn!), and his hitman, portrayed with kinky

relish by Crispin Glover. Hired by Kelly Lynch (who has a ball in the

role of Rockwell's partner!), the Angels embark on a case with all the

twists, betrayals, action, humor, and mayhem that a fan could ask for!



Loud, good-natured, and pulsating with a soundtrack of '70s-'80s

Top Ten songs, the film combines 'Matrix'-style freeze-frames and

slow-motion FX with a ton of Pop Culture references and a

swashbuckling sense of derring-do! The film literally rocks, and never

lets up!

Is this 'Great Cinema'? Certainly not! But in its sheer

audacity, and sense of fun, no recent film can match it! And while the

original series teased with a visual sex appeal that was was largely

ignored in the storylines, the big-screen version has a 'if you got

it, flaunt it' attitude that is both refreshing and empowering! This

is a 'Girl Power' movie, in the BEST sense of the word!

I HIGHLY

recommend it!

Maybe I am speaking from the perspective of all shallow, easily pleased and lusty young men that may have seen this movie. But I am also looking at this movie as a dedicated film goer. This flick is mighty impressive, in every way. The plot is thin but who needs it?? Gorgeous people performing unbelievable stunts in an action packed movie that provides more excitement than a massage down at Madame Lou Lou's Shag Pad!!! Its great fun and if you don't come out smiling after seeing this flick you need to be ordering a hell of a lot more prozac from your therapist!!!

The sound track adds to the excitement as a constant provider of wild thumping tunes that only adds the fast paced, insane and incredibly sexy vibe that this movie produces..

Go see, go smile, go enjoy, go ogle, but just go...Buy this DVD and have a good time.

Buy Charlie's Angels (2000) Now

In the history of the cinema, most feature films that are the progeny of a successful television series have been less than satisfying or able to capture the essence of the original. There are exceptions, of course, and "Charlie's Angels," directed by McG (Joseph McGinty Mitchell), and starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu, is one of them. A great movie it is not, but it is fun, the trio of Angels are engaging, and it is non-stop action from beginning to end. It starts with a dynamic skydiving stunt and never slows down. Along the way a lot of things blow up, there's music,dancing, plenty of stunts, some clever lines and a bit of comedy relief from Bill Murray (Bosley). There's just enough plot to keep things interesting, but it really doesn't make much difference; this is like a party to which everyone's been invited, and Angels Natalie (Diaz), Dylan (Barrymore) and Alex (Liu) are everything their T.V. counterparts ever hoped to be and more. This is the way Charlie's team was meant to be. What really puts this movie over, though, is the Angels themselves; there's a natural camaraderie between them that seems sincere and never forced, and they all seem to be having a great time, especially the charismatic Diaz, who could easily win an Oscar for Best Supporting Smile. Barrymore looks good and exhibits plenty of spunk, as does Liu, who has a captivating screen presence as well. It's all played pretty much straightforward, there's no attempt at parody or heavy drama, and nothing is taken too seriously, which enables the story to move along without getting bogged down with any unnecessary business. Murray is used just enough to make his presence welcome and effective, and he makes his Bosley fit nicely alongside this latest incarnation of Angels. The action sequences are well done and the choreography (by Cheung-Yan Yuen) is exciting; the influences of John Woo and "The Matrix" are obvious, and the less experienced McG was wise to draw from the best, for it adds to the success of his film. There's something of the James Bond films in here, and "Mission Impossible 2" (of course), but to McG's credit, it mainly plays like an extended, more detailed version of the original series. The supporting cast includes Tim Curry (Roger Corwin), the versatile Sam Rockwell (Knox), Kelly Lynch (Vivian Wood), Tom Green (Chad) and, in smaller but effective roles, Matt LeBlanc, Luke Wilson, and Crispin Glover. The familiar voice of Charlie is once again supplied by the man who created the original, John Forsythe. There's so much energy in this movie you get the feeling that the Angels must have always started their day's work with a triple from Starbucks; it's a high voltage romp that's upbeat and filled with fun and positive vibes. In the end, "Charlie's Angels" is an entertaining, feel-good movie that should satisfy a new, younger audience, as well as those with fond memories of the show that started it all a generation ago.

Read Best Reviews of Charlie's Angels (2000) Here

This movie is a good example that a movie does not always have to be deep and have an excellent plot to still be fun. I appreciate deep films with deep characters and good writing, this film has none of those. However, I can't say for one minute that I was not entertained. This movie blew me away, the sound was literally a blast, and the visuals were a treat. It is easy to tell that the director has directed many music videos.

You will not like this film if you are turned off by shallow stories and mindless action. It also is an insult to anyone serious about martial arts. If you like cheap thrills and want to have fun, I highly reccomend it.

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My wife (who doesn't remember the original show) and I went into the movie with zero expectations and found ourselves having an absolute ball. The film is funny, self-aware and great fun. Any film that includes the line "for god's sake, FLIP YOUR HAIR!" isn't one that takes itself too seriously, even for a moment.

Add to that teriffic Hong Kong action-movie sequences -See Cameron Diaz question a thug with her foot! See the Angels take on a sword-cane wielding and high-flipping Crispin Glover! -and the film got a well-deserved round of applause from a packed theater in very jaded Los Angeles.

This isn't the film for those who prefer their action grim or their female heroines desexualized -the Angels go from kicking the crap out of bad guys to checking out hot guys in zero-to-60 flat -but for those looking for some light movie fare served at rocket speed, "Charlie's Angels" is the way to go.

The Angels out-Bond every James Bond movie without Sean Connery, and as we left the theater, my wife and I agreed that we would be getting the DVD ...

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Grosse Pointe Blank (15th Anniversary Edition) (1997)

I first saw this during it's initial VHS release. The story is of Martin Blank, a professional Los Angeles hit man who is drawn back to his rural hometown to both attend his high school reunion and take on a contract to whack a guy.

One of the most well-written scripts of the 90's, in my opinion, doesn't work without John Cusack being cast as Martin Blank. He sold the role perfectly, and shines throughout the film, alongside a witty, phenomenal supporting cast of Minnie Driver, Jeremy Piven, Dan Akroyd and Joan Cusack.

Often mistaken as completely morbid, the film takes on not only a tone of humor, but that of vengance and morality. You must see this film.

The DVD, on the other end, [stinks]. Yet another incredible film thrown out there on DVD with a poor transfer and a trailer for an extra. The film sounds fanastic though, and scenes such as the Akroyd/Cusack gunfight and the destruction of the mini-mart can be greatly enjoyed with a good surround sound setup.

Grosse Pointe Blank is an unusual movie. A professional hitman returns to his hometown to "do a job" and, while he's there, attend his 10 year highschool reunion. John Cusack plays the role well, charming and remarkably likeable, despite his profession. This "dark comedy" is very clever, and I rate it as one my favorite 90's films.

Too bad the DVD isn't up to par. It has next to zero extras. But even that could be passable if the picture was good. First of all, the movie is non-anamorphic. That doesn't make a difference unless you have a 16x9 television, it'll look the same on a regular tv, it's just a pet peeve of mine. But, the transfer we did get is just pathetic; it looks like a (bad) laser disc transfer. The picture is grainy, and there are some definite compression artifacts to been seen.

Bottom line: this DVD is worth buying for the movie, no doubt... and since this is the only version available, it's this or nothing. Just don't expect a really terrific picture.

Buy Grosse Pointe Blank (15th Anniversary Edition) (1997) Now

I went into a local store to check out the packaging for this 2-disc re-release, hoping that Disney would finally release a DVD of Grosse Pointe Blank with a new 16x9 anamorphic transfer. This new disc appears to be the same disc that was released in 1998, and NOT a new anamorphic widescreen transfer. On the back of the package, it still lists "Dolby Digital Surround Sound" and "1.85:1 Widescreen," the same as it did on the original DVD (and the combo GBP/High Fidelity disc that came out later). The new 2-disc release for "High Fidelity" lists the same bonus features as its original release, and showed as "Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions."

It appears the only difference between this release and the original 1998 issue is a second disc with a digital copy for portable video players and updated packaging. I didn't end up buying it based on the packaging and won't until they release a proper version for 16x9 televisions (hopefully a Blu-ray).

I am extremely disappointed that Disney would even bother to re-release such an antiquated, low-quality DVD with only the most minor of improvements (packaging, digital copy). Even if they had not added any bonus features (the original release had none to speak of), an updated anamorphic transfer wouldn't be too much to ask. Will absolutely not buy a copy of Grosse Pointe Blank until a good-quality DVD or Blu-ray is made available.

Read Best Reviews of Grosse Pointe Blank (15th Anniversary Edition) (1997) Here

Having seen quite a few of John Cusack's movies, I think this one hits exactly the right tone. He often plays lovable loners or losers who somehow manage to get the girl. In this film, he is the ultimate loner, a professional hitman, with very little to brag about at his 10-year high school reunion. He can't even figure out what to tell people who ask him where he's been for the past 10 years, so he tells them the truth, but nobody believes him.

Cusack's character, Martin Blank, is filled with angst, and trying to work this out in therapy. Unfortunately, his therapist (brilliantly underplayed by Alan Arkin), doesn't want to talk to him ever since Blank told the good doctor what he does for a living. The interaction between Cusack and Arkin in this film is much funnier and more real than the Billy Crystal/Robert DeNiro shtick in "Analyze This."

The heart of the film is the relationship between Blank and his high school sweetheart (Minnie Driver), whom he stood up on prom night 10 years before and never contacted again. Blank is emotionally repressed and morally confused (which is why he is well-suited to be a hitman) but Driver is still crazy about him, not believing his statement about his chosen profession. She has some huge trust issues though, what with being stood up on prom night, and all. She is somewhat willing to give him another chance. The playfulness of their interaction is charming, especially when it's tinged with irony and distrust. She doesn't want to have sex with him right away, but she would like an "airplane." (he holds her up with his feet while she pretends to fly)

The climatic scene, where Blank declares his love for Driver, acknowledges his own considerable shortcomings, and promises to change, meanwhile engaging in a gripping, over-the-top shootout with the bad guys, is absolutely perfect for what Cusack's character is about: he can't express himself unless he's pumped full of adrenaline in a battle to the death, but he doesn't want to stay trapped in this way of life.

All of the actors are wonderful, especially Joan Cusack as John's office manager and the person who needles him into going to his reunion and rejoining the human race. Dan Akyroyd is also a hoot.

Everything works in this movie. It's a black comedy/screwball romance/action flick with subtle, clever dialogue, cool music and beautiful scenery. It is completely irreverent, but hopeful and life-affirming, as well.

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If I'm correct, after this movie came out, all the big Cusack fan sites started. Coincidence? I think no compadre. I know I definatly fell head over heels for John Cusack after this movie, not only because of his performance, but because he also wrote the movie, produced it, and supervised the soundtrack (which also kicks some serious boo-tay, featuring some great 80s hits such as: "Blister In the Sun"-by The Violent Femmes, and "Rudie Can't Fail" by The Clash. A little trivia for you...When John Cusack and his buddies at New Crime Productions were writing the script to this movie, they kept The Clash in mind throughout and had Joe Strummer write the score for the movie.)

I was a little dispointed in the DVD version of this movie because of the lack of extras. I was hoping for some commentary or deleted scenes, but alas, all you are left with is the trailer and some "suggested titles," which bore everyone to death. Still, it is wide-screen and the movie is amazing by itself so the rating will not be lowered.

I'm sure everyone viewing this review has seen the movie, but I'll outline the plot for the unblessed among you.

Plot: Martin Q. Blank doesn't know what to do with his life. He has the money, car, but his life feels empty. His therapist reminds him that the angst over killing a lot of people might have something to do with this (He's a lonegunman, professional killer, hitman, however you'd like to describe that profession.) He and his assistant (a brilliant Joan Cusack...what great genes that family has) tell Martin to go back to his high school reunion on the way to do a hit to reunite with his old girlfriend...the one he ditched on prom night and has not stopped dreaming about since. Chaos insues when after not joining a hitman's union fronted by Grocer (a phycotic hitman with frayed nerves), plans to kill Martin by siccing Feds on him after he performs his hit. In the process of reuniting with Debbi, (Minnie Driver, love that woman, she is funny and great in this movie) he realizes that there is so much more to life that he overlooked. It so cute when he holds that baby at the reunion...he realizes the value of human life when he looks into the baby's eyes...a very touching moment.

Does Martin deserve a second shot? (Bad pun, I know) Will he redeem himself? What will Debbi do when she finds out what he really does for a living? Will Martin ever live down his shame at being know as "poodle puncher?" Watch the movie one time to find out, and twenty more times for fun and the joy of seeing John kick some butt (he does all his own kick-boxing stunts that he learned in Say Anything...his kick-boxing instructor also plays the "thug" that is trying to kill him) and wear all black suits. Great plot, witty dialogue, wonderful cast, plus John's friend George Piven's in it. Amazing John movie, definatly in my top five list.

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Grumpy Old Men / Grumpier Old Men (Double Feature) (2010)

I owned both of these movies on Laserdisc, long, long ago. And until this Blu Ray was released, that was the only way to see these funny movies in a WIDESCREEN transfer! I was very excited to get this Blu Ray in the mail a few days ago! The transfers look awesome! Very clean, and sharp, and, at LAST, in 16x9 WIDESCREEN.

I do agree with the reviews that I've read, stating most people are kind of upset about being able to own BOTH films for the same price, or less than, the cost paid for Grumpy Old Men on Blu Ray. I too bought the Grumpy Old Men Blu Ray, back in December. I paid $17.99 here on Amazon for it. Then a few weeks later I saw the listing, thanks to High Def Digest () and was bummed to think I bought 1 film for 17.99, when the pre-list price for BOTH was 17.99! But oh well! I am just EXTREMELY happy to see both of these great films on Blu Ray!

Now I am hoping that FOX will release Out To Sea on Blu Ray! Walter and Jack were the greatest duo in the past 30 years, and are always a joy to watch!!!

Sure this disc is missing the trailers, and there are NO special features. But, if you like the movies, BUY this Blu Ray! You will NOT be disappointed!!!

I must respond to the negative comments concerning the DVD format...Are we really going to condemn 2 fine films just because they're not available in widescreen?? The back clearly states "in fullscreen", so we can't claim we were "duped". Plus, I checked my old separate collections of each film, and they were also in fullscreen--nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Just kick back and enjoy the work of 2 masterful actors who have since left us; the lovely/saucy presence of Ann-Margret (and later, Sophia Loren); plus, the scene-stealing "dirty old man" Burgess Meredith.

However, it would've been nice to have a "making of.." featurette or cast & crew interviews.

Buy Grumpy Old Men / Grumpier Old Men (Double Feature) (2010) Now

Although Warner already released Grumpy Old Men on Blu-ray last year and now are technically re-releasing it again, I am pleased that the underrated sequel, Grumpier Old Men finally received a proper widescreen transfer versus the full frame video the DVD versions have had.

The Blu-ray itself, for both films, look as good as they probably can and the audio (both sport DTS-HD Master Audio, with Grumpy has 2.0 channels and Grumpier has 5.1) for both are better than acceptable. Also, both films are on one disc but given there are no features, a 50GB Blu-ray disc easily handles them both.

If you're a fan like I am for both of these films, Warner has set a respectable SRP ($24.98 at the time of this writing) so it very well may reach the $10 mark in the not too distant future. For those who don't appreciate Warner doing this, I understand, but if you can get it on the cheap, then just think of it as getting this sequel and ignore the original (if you already own the stand alone Blu-ray).

Personally, I think it's worth it to get the widescreen transfer at long last...

Read Best Reviews of Grumpy Old Men / Grumpier Old Men (Double Feature) (2010) Here

I knew one day Warner Bros. would put these great movies in Widescreen and thus, help me add them to my shelves. But today is not that day! After seeing this advertised as Widescreen on this website and the Warner Home Video website, I was beside myself with glee and anticipation. I went to four different stores in California, and found that each time I went to purchase, the back of the DVD read, Includes full screen version. Confused I bought it anyway. Thinking maybe the back was a mis-print? Or maybe it meant, includes widescreen and full screen. I was wrong... On both counts! So when I contacted Warner Home Video, and nasty Nurse Ratched answered the phone and told me that "If I didn't buy it on their website then what did they care that it was being advertised wrongfully", I knew that these movies would not find a place on my DVD shelves anytime soon.

Buyer beware! This is not only being advertised wrongly but, no one will care once you purchased it!

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I was really looking forward to the double feature blu-ray Grumpy/Grumpier package. I returned my first blu-ray copy to Amazon and got an exchange.

Then the second copy had the same audio issue:

the audio on the Grumpy title would only play in French and Spanish, not English.

The Grumpier title had no problem.

So I decided to search the web for any other comments about this. Ah, there was someone else out there. I do have a DTS receiver, but for whatever reason, and I am no rocket scientist, I had to reset my audio out feature on blu ray player to PCM? I don't know. Somehow I managed, and it worked. Since the Grumpy feature is only a 2.0 DTS. while the foreign language was Dolby Digital. Since the track was only 2.0 why did they have to make it DTS? In my opinion the manufacture %#@!ed up on this.

Would love to hear feedback if anyone knows the science. I am so much grumpier since I purchased this disc. But I loved these movies.

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Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Bollywood Blu Ray With English Subtitles) (2011)

"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" (ZNMD) is a complex, honest, and thoroughly refreshing story about friendship, about love, about choices, about ... well ... the journey of Life (lit. 'zindagi'). Writer-Director Zoya Akhtar takes three characters we might think we've seen before ... but deftly makes them original, fresh, and unexpectedly engaging. Her intelligent script perfectly balances the very real, even painful, personal transformation of each character with moments of joy, wit, charm, and humour.

No one's Life Journey is ever quite what one plans!

Our protagonists? Three best friends since childhood: Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), now an investment broker in London; Imraan (Farhan Akhtar), an advertising copywriter in Delhi; and Kabir (Abhay Deol), a construction architect in Mumbai. Ten years after college Kabir's imminent wedding impels 'The Three Musketeers -all for one, and one for all!' -to finally embark on the many-times-deferred adventure challenge they'd always planned.

ZNMD explores whether three grown men can survive a 3-week road trip together *and* still remain friends *and* still be the same people.

Think you've heard similar, before? Guess again! Ms Akhtar elevates the basic 'road movie' premise into something rare and sublime: brilliant character-driven comedy never cheap but often laugh-out-loud funny, and so true to life and people each of us actually know that it genuinely moves the heart as well as the mind and funny-bone. As each ZNMD character in turn challenges his own fear, whatever personal demon that has been holding back his life, it becomes our victory, too.

See ZNMD and discover: *your* life may change, too!

Such strong story and plot would be lost, without great acting.

Farhan Akhtar (the writer-director's twin brother) just gets better and better, as an actor, every time out of the gate. Already one of India's best young directors, his deceptively brash but sensitive and layered acting in ZNMD is quiet excellence ... and deliciously funny.

Abhay Deol I confess I had not seen before. Not exciting, but I like his potential. A good foil for the other two.

However the real revelation in ZNMD is, most surprisingly, he whom we might have *thought* most familiar. Hrithik Roshan we see so often in heavy dramatic and/or demanding multi-part roles -because, let's face it, he's that rare actor who CAN do them, and do them brilliantly well -that it's easy to forget just how plain damn funny and versatile he can be. Casting one of the world's more notorious compulsive workaholics as, well, a compulsive workaholic? Absolute genius!

On the distaff side ... Katrina Kaif. Wow! Where did this performance come from? She's always been beautiful, of course, but in ZNMD for the first time she shows subtlety and depth as an actress. Easily, her very best work to date.

Cannot finish without special mention of the fantastic music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy (long my favourite Hindi film composers). Their ZNMD soundtrack perfectly backdrops the film's emotional journey. Irresistibly hummable music spans the full range of moods and emotions, much like our three main characters: everything from amusingly lighthearted ('Senorita', sung by Mssrs Roshan, Akhtar, & Deol) to cool and modern ('Ik Junoon -Paint It Red') to reflective ('Der Lagi Lakin') and even unabashedly romantic ('Khaabon Ke Parinday').

But the rocking 'Dil Dhadakne Do' seems to capture the very Joy of Living ... and that is the ultimate spirit of Zoya Akhtar's ZMND.

Perfect summer movie! 10/10

Best film I've seen yet from anywhere in the world, thus far in 2011.

If you liked Dil Chahta Hai, you will like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. I'm not going to tell you the summary of it because you can read it yourselves. I'm going to tell you the thinks I liked about this movie:

1. The actors. Each of the three main actors did a great job. Hrithik was the work-a-holic, which is something he has never played before so it was nice to see him play something different. He did a great job. Farhaanthe jokester of the group. His one line jokes had us laughing throughout the whole movie. This is also a new role for him because in his other movies he has played someone serious. He also has a serious role in this movies but you don't see it until the end. AbhayI don't usually like him in movies but I think he did a very good job playing the guy getting married. He also had his own one line jokes, but not as much as Farhaan.

2. The storyThere is something about three guys coming together on a trip and finding themselves and dealing with issues. Each of the guys have to deal with something in their lives and you learn that their issues aren't known to each other until the end of the movie. This movie is a lot like Dil Chahta Hai because both movies are about three friends going on a trip to find themselves.

3. The settingmost of the movie takes place in Spain, where they decide to go on their trip. The scenery was beautiful and a great place to film, since there are no Bollywood movies made in Spain (that I know of). Also the setting is important for the trip because each guy picks a sport to do that the other two do not know about it so the sports takes place in Spain.

4. The Musicthe music was amazing. I bought the soundtrack before I saw the movie and I loved it. Hearing the songs made me want to see the movie even more. My favorite song (which is hard to pick, since the album is great) is Senorita. In the movie, all three actors do their own singing for the song. The music video for the song in the movie is great as well.

I recommend this movie for anyone. Even some of my friends who have never seen bollywood films loved this movie.

Buy Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Bollywood Blu Ray With English Subtitles) (2011) Now

Embarking on a road trip before entering a important phase in life has been done dealt with in movies in the past. ZNMD is about such a raod trip as three friends travel across the country in Spain, changing their lives forever.

The director's brother Farhan Akhtar had made a film on his debut which was about friendship but this sophomoric debut by his sister Zoya is completely different from the Dil Chahta Hain.

Abhay Deol is plannig to get married to Kalki Koechlin but before he does, he wants to have a road trip in Spain with his childhood buddiesFarhaan Akhtar and Hrithik Each of them will choose an adventure sport and will participate in it, whether they like it or not. It is during the road trip that they meet women, resolve issues in their life and live lie to the fullest.

This is a fantastc film in all respects, I had loved 'Luck by chance' and this one furthers the evidence that Zoya Akhtar is one of the most underappreaciated but one of the greatest directors that we have on the scene today.

Hrithik Roshan is great throughout the film and so are Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol. Karina Kaif looks pretty after a long time and Kalki Koechlin plays the part of the possesive girlfriend ably.

Shankar . Ehsaan and Loy have gven us a decent soundtrack. Especially 'Senorita'

Carlos Catalan's cinematography transforms the film and the locations are superb.

I thought these scenes were the best:

Kalki's expression when she watches the friends walk in the lobby, while Ajay is cradling Katrina in his arms.

The song Senorita

The tomatino festival in Spain

The Sky diving scene

The events that led to the engagement of Kalki and Ajay

Farhaans meeting his father for the first time and his conversation with his mom.

The song in the climax.

ZNMD is one of the better films of the year and Zoya Akhtar has created an anticipation for her next work. See this now. 8/23/2011 4 stars

Read Best Reviews of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Bollywood Blu Ray With English Subtitles) (2011) Here

"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" (ZNMD) is a complex, honest, and thoroughly refreshing story about friendship, about love, about choices, about ... well ... the journey of Life (lit. 'zindagi'). Writer-Director Zoya Akhtar takes three characters we might think we've seen before ... but deftly makes them original, fresh, and unexpectedly engaging. Her intelligent script perfectly balances the very real, even painful, personal transformation of each character with moments of joy, wit, charm, and humour.

No one's Life Journey is ever quite what one plans!

Our protagonists? Three best friends since childhood: Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), now an investment broker in London; Imraan (Farhan Akhtar), an advertising copywriter in Delhi; and Kabir (Abhay Deol), a construction architect in Mumbai. Ten years after college Kabir's imminent wedding impels 'The Three Musketeers -all for one, and one for all!' -to finally embark on the many-times-deferred adventure challenge they'd always planned.

ZNMD explores whether three grown men can survive a 3-week road trip together *and* still remain friends *and* still be the same people.

Think you've heard similar, before? Guess again! Ms Akhtar elevates the basic 'road movie' premise into something rare and sublime: brilliant character-driven comedy never cheap but often laugh-out-loud funny, and so true to life and people each of us actually know that it genuinely moves the heart as well as the mind and funny-bone. As each ZNMD character in turn challenges his own fear, whatever personal demon that has been holding back his life, it becomes our victory, too.

See ZNMD and discover: *your* life may change, too!

Such strong story and plot would be lost, without great acting.

Farhan Akhtar (the writer-director's twin brother) just gets better and better, as an actor, every time out of the gate. Already one of India's best young directors, his deceptively brash but sensitive and layered acting in ZNMD is quiet excellence ... and deliciously funny.

Abhay Deol is not exciting, but I like his potential. A good foil for the other two.

However the real revelation in ZNMD is, most surprisingly, he whom we might have *thought* most familiar. Hrithik Roshan we see so often in heavy dramatic and/or demanding multi-part roles -because, let's face it, he's that rare actor who CAN do them, and do them brilliantly well -that it's easy to forget just how plain damn funny and versatile he can be. Casting one of the world's more notorious compulsive workaholics as, well, a compulsive workaholic? Absolute genius!

On the distaff side ... Katrina Kaif. Wow! Where did this performance come from? She's always been beautiful, of course, but in ZNMD for the first time she shows subtlety and depth as an actress. Easily, her very best work to date.

Cannot finish without special mention of the fantastic music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, long my favourite Hindi film composers. Their ZNMD soundtrack perfectly backdrops the film's emotional journey. Irresistibly hummable music spans the full range of moods and emotions, much like our three main characters: everything from amusingly lighthearted ('Senorita', sung by Mssrs Roshan, Akhtar, & Deol) to cool and modern ('Ik Junoon -Paint It Red') to reflective ('Der Lagi Lakin') and even unabashedly romantic ('Khaabon Ke Parinday').

But the rocking 'Dil Dhadakne Do' seems to capture the very Joy of Living ... and that is the ultimate spirit of Zoya Akhtar's ZMND.

Perfect summer movie! 10/10

Best film I've seen yet from anywhere in the world, thus far in 2011.

Am definitely holding out for the complete 2-DVD version (and/or Blu-Ray) on this title.

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Three best friends embarked on a three-week road trip across Spain. Three musketeers, one for all and all for one:

Artemis Kabir (Deol)

Arthos Arjun (Roshan)

Porthos Imran (Akhtar)

Kabir as the reliable, responsible, most grounded of the three .. or so I thought.

Hrithik Roshan completely shreaded his usual heartrob, devastated handsome image. At the beginning of the movie, he was the self centered, competitive, career focused guy who has been dumped by not once, not twice but thrice by 3 different women. Yeap, Hrithik being dumped by women is a sight to behold.

Imran as the devil may care, spontaneous charmer, I like his character the most! so carefree and full of surprises.

Love the scenes, love the interior decoration settings, love the musics, love those underwater shots, strongly recommend this movie for those who love roadtrips as I!!

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The Magic Christian (1969)

The first time I saw the hunting scene in which Ringo Starr opens up on game birds with a tommy gun, followed by a Peter Sellers-thrown hand grenade, British Army anti-aircraft artillery barrage, and a final flame-thrower toasting, I just about wet myself laughing. It is one of the most unpredictable, insane, fully-developed lambasting of British pomposity I've ever encountered, on film or in print. And this bit takes place early on in this wonderful movie.

The film is a series of excellently written and staged sketches, connected by Terry Southern's original concept of an aging billioinaire, bored with the world and his corporate life who turns his wealth and energies to proving that all things are corruptible. The individuals and groups then corrupted, and the settings for their betrayals are hilarious, including a strip-tease to Hamlet's "To be or not to be" at Stratford-on-Avon, a jaguar disguised as a dog at Cruft's dog show, two heavyweight boxers opting to neck in the ring rather than beat each other senseless, a sham of a Sotheby's rare art auction, and a riverine melee at the annual Cambridge v. Oxford rowing race.

Concealed in the comedy are some serious observations on the nature of modern society, growing more pronounced and direct as the movie continues. By the end, the shots at class systems, sexual repression, greed, religion, vanity and pretension, government, and the Vietnam War are plainly obvioius, and brutal.

This mix of serious satire and slapstick comedy come almost naturally from the cast. International comedy legend Peter Sellers is the lead, but he is not given the freedom to truly cut loose as Kubrick gave in Dr. Strangelove. The Sellers characterizations are stock and well-known, but the situations and venues succeed in making the combination very funny. A very seriously hippie Ringo Starr is the prime supporting actor, bringing along the Yellow Submarine, Help!, and A Hard Day's Night, as well as a deep understanding of the 60s psychedelic drug culture. Added to that are the then-emerging unpredictable surrealistic comedy of Monty Python's John Cleese and Graham Chapman. This all comes together in the chaotic train-disco scene.

Keep a sharp eye out for a number of wonderful, unexpected and well-disguised A-list cameos, including Richard Attenborough, Raquel Welch, Yul Brynner, Keith Moon, John Cleese and Graham Chapman, Spike Mulligan, and Christopher Lee.

This film is a hoot, no doubt, but it's also some very intense black comedy, exceedingly well done.

Sir Guy Grand is a pompous billionaire who, while strolling through St. James' Park, adopts a homeless young man as his own new son. With his protegee in tow, Sir Guy proceeds to tour the town; confirming his belief that everyone in London(and the world) is beholden only to the all-mighty British quid. Things really go bonkers when the pair joins the maiden voyage of a new luxury liner. The party becomes a riot. 1969's "The Magic Christian" is a zany, riotous romp released at the end of the turbulent, psychedelic 60's. Dated it is. Starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr(as his son), "The Magic Christian" is a pre-Monty Python extravaganza featuring some funny skits, cameo bits by celebrities, and a series of long, boring episodes with Sir Guy(Sellers) lost in total self-absorption. Among the guest stars are Laurence Harvey(in a strip-tease), John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Raquel Welch, Christopher Lee as Dracula, Roman Polanski, John Cleese and Yul Brynner in drag. The real glistening gem of "The Magic Christian" is the vibrant music by Badfinger and Thunderclap Newman. With songs written by Paul McCartney(and sung by his brother), Badfinger was once considered heir to the Beatles. Their meteoric success capitalized on British hard-rock and lilting gentle lyrics. But after 2 band members committed suicide, they quickly disappeared. As chronicled so expertly by Roger Lewis' "Life and Death of Peter Sellers" in 1994, the British actor/superstar was an amazing whirl of selfish, vain psychosis. Hidden behind wigs and make-up, Sellers had no real personality of his own, his psyche melting into his many odd roles with unsettling ease. Peter Sellers' temper tantrums destroyed marriages, wives, children, and fellow actors. Just 2 years before "The Magic Christian", Sellers had quit the set of "Casino Royale" during production. The real failure of "Casino Royale" is the fact that it's hero, James Bond, completely disappears half-way through the film. 2 years later, nervous "Magic Christian" producers wanted to avoid another calamity, and allowed Sellers to tinker with the screenplay and take over direction. In 2 sequences, Sellers acts with his back to the camera. "The Magic Christian" is a curious mish-mash of adroit British humor, shaky hand-held photography, and cut-and-paste story-telling. This new DVD is a bare-bones, but lovely full-screen transfer. How could a big-budget comedy with the premiere performer of it's day, 2 of the Beatles(and singing by a third) go wrong? It's well worth your time to find out why. Just once.

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Peter Sellers is one of my favorite actors of all time. He is British, after all, and starred in the Pink Panther series as Inspector Clouseau.

The Magic Christian, in which he plays billionaire Guy Grand, is one of his best vehicles, and what a bonus it is to have Ringo Starr as his adopted son, Youngman Grand.

I liken the smattering of cameo appearances as an extension of the guest stars in that other movie based on a Terry Southern novel, Candy. As another note of interest, Candy also featured in a small role as a Mexican gardner, yes, Ringo Starr! But those of us in the know already knew that. Right? Right and double right, as Guy Grand would say.

I recognized Joan Benham, who intermittently played Lady Prudence Fairfax in the Upstairs Downstairs series, as a socialite discussing the maiden voyage of The Magic Christian to her friends.

Dennis Price, who starred in some Ealing comedies in the 1950's and who was the ill-fated Hector Snipe in Theatre of Blood, plays one of Grand's company executives.

There's David Hutcheson, one of the hunters, who gets frozen to death by a hail machine in The Abominable Dr. Phibes.

Among the most notable is John Cleese's role as Mr. Dugdale, a museum attendant with a supercilious attitude and voice to match, who is understandably shocked when Grand snips out the nose of a Rembrandt he has purchased. Ringo finishes the scene off with a sensory organ joke: "Keep your eye out for a good ear." Precious!

Raquel Welch is the whip-wielding queen of the Magic Christian galley. And finally there is Yul Brynner, who in drag, sings Noel Coward's "Mad About The Boy" before whipping off his wig to reveal his familiar bald pate.

Wilfrid Hyde-White, best known as Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady, has a lot of fun in his role as Captain Klaus, the skipper of the Magic Christian.

The songs by Badfinger also give a boost to this movie, such as "Come And Get It" which is the theme that permeates throughout this movie. The somber and heartfelt "Carry On Till Tomorrow" is a perfect reflection of Ringo Starr's pre-Grand life, as he is harassed by all sorts of nasty people, a groundskeeper, a bobby, and a hideous crone who gives him heck because of his sunglasses.

What I find infuriating is that the album by Thunderclap Newman, who sings "Something In The Air" during the scene where all sorts of people swim around in a huge vat of urine, manure, and blood to get tenners, is criminally out-of-print, which means we only have Tom Petty's version of it on his first greatest hits album, which is good by the way. But that's a mere minor complaint.

My two favorite scenes involve the strip tease version of Hamlet featuring Laurence Harvey, and the auction scene, during which Grand signals his bids in the most unconventional ways. The auction ends at the expense of a social-climbing American couple purchasing a Lancier painting.

The climactic scene of chaos inside the Magic Christian is the high point of the movie, and perhaps mirrors that chaos and turmoil going on, especially the upsurgence of the hippie generation, student revolutionaries, and anti-Vietnam protests in the late 1960's.

Comparing the movie to the novel, I say both are effective, but it was impossible to make the movie exactly like the book, but most of Grand's schemes made it, such as the Silky hair conditioner, the hot dog vendor, the opening of the stores with low introductory "get acquainted" sales, the newspaper that printed the news with foreign words, and the aforementioned vat of urine schemes were included. In the novel, Grand is having tea with his two sisters, and the story keeps intercutting between the tea party and his schemes, which were narrated in the past tense rather than being presented in present tense as it was in the movie. It would have been interesting if the subtle corrupting of the films (the novel) had been included. A classic period piece of the 1960's, and one that I hope will be enjoyed by all for all eternity. The Magic Christian is available, so, as the song says, "if you want it, here it is, come and get it."

Read Best Reviews of The Magic Christian (1969) Here

Few films come along that I watch and say "Yeah, that's exactly right. That's exactly how I feel." The Magic Christian is one of them. Its a perfect satire of our culture and perfectly relevant today as it was then. Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr are well-suited to each other in this off-kilter satire of a billionaire looking for everyone's "price". Why? To prove a point. To punish as well as teach.

Some may disagree with me, but I think the movie outdoes the book by some miles. (...) In fact, we have TV shows dedicated to just this fact. Don't people eat bugs on Fear Factor or Survivor? Do horrendously awful things for that all-mighty dollar? Yes.

Sir Guy Grand, a grand guy (Sellers), and his adopted son Youngman Grand (Starr) commit the ultimate heresy by faking a gigantic luxury liner for the cream of society only to mess with their heads with gorillas, Christopher Lee in full Dracula gear, and Yul Brenner in drag singing "Mad about the Boy" to Roman Polanski. In short, this film is dangerous and brilliant.

(PS to the reviewer who mentions the Beatles. John isn't in it, its a double ... and Paul isn't singing, he just wrote the song for Badfinger.)

Unfortunately, I can't give it a five for two reasons. 1. Much of the dialogue is ADR'd and Sellers can't give quite the subtle performance he might have done ala Strangelove (another Southern writing project.) 2. The DVD is pretty much a slap-dash full screen copy of the crappy version that was out on VHS for years. I hope one day they put out a good version.

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I saw this movie in the late '60's when it was made. I liked it then. I had not seen it since, but have been contemplating attitudes toward money lately and remembered the movie. It is interesting how 36 years (or so) can change one's perspective. Although the movie did not change (obviously), my attitude toward money has changed. I still have a certain amount of disrespect for money and for selling the days of my life for money. I still believe that people are much more greedy than they need to be. All of these things stayed the same, both in the movie (of course) and in my mind. I now have enough money to meet my basic needs and even a few "wants" that are not needs. When I first saw the movie, I was on the outside, not always knowing if I would have enough to secure basic needs. Either way, this movie is a biting satire and can allow one to step far enough from the current attitudes toward money that one might have and start to explore them from a different perspective.

Even if the viewer does not want to have that deep of an experience while watching a movie, it is interesting to see how many well known people, both living and (now) dead are in one movie; sometimes just walking through in the background, sometimes with important parts.

This movie is part of the culture and should not be missed.

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The Brass Teapot (2012)

My wife and I are a pair of aging boomers, but we loved The Brass Teapot. Full disclosure: It is probably aimed at 20 and 30 somethings, but we were taken by the charm of the story and the authentic renderings by Juno Temple and Michael Angarro -guess we are young at heart after all. That said, the film deals with some pretty deep philosophical material, yet never seemed to take itself too seriously. Saw it over a week ago, and it is still a rich source of conversation around our house. Lots of fascinating back story to analyze -can't wait for the sequel! This movie will become a cult classic for a generation. Wonderful film!

Judging by the trailers of The Brass Teapot, I didn't expect much from the movie, and it seemed like another cliché and Hollywood version of funny; however after watching it today, I have to admit it has its moments, and it can satisfy different audiences. If you just want to watch something fun and easy-to-digest and you enjoy simple jokes and humors, this movie delivers that with adequate acting and appealing story. If you need something deeper from the movies you watch, you still are going to find some hidden meanings behind simple humor and sarcasms, but you have to look harder. All and all, it is worth one time watching.

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How much pain would you endure to get what you want? Then, how much injury inflicted on somebody else would maintain your wealth? Likable film, a little dark, but more lighthearted then "The Box". Glad I rented it.

Read Best Reviews of The Brass Teapot (2012) Here

The Brass Teapot was really great. The actors are phenomenal-John and Alice make the cutest couple and the storyline is enchanting. If you like dark comedies, stories of good vs. evil, and a little bit of romance, you'll LOVE this movie!

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I was skeptical when I first saw the poster for this movie, but after renting it and watching it with my girlfriend I was surprised! For it's dark premise about inflecting pain for money seemed more like the plot to a horror movie, but the tone of the film is very light-hearted and interesting, and if you're in your 20's, it hits close to home. It has a very 80's vibe to the movie, like GREMLINS where it's dark but still keeps it's sense of humor. This is the perfect date movie to sit at home and rent on a nothing going on Saturday night. My girlfriend loved it!

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A Star Is Born (2013)

A blockbuster at the time of it's original release (it was the second-highest grossing film of 1976), the third screen version of A STAR IS BORN has always divided critics and fans alike. The film open to scathingly negative reviews, however, $5.6 million-budgeted picture went on to gross over $150 million at the box office and won an Academy Award and five Golden Globes. It's not without some irony that Streisand's most commercially successful film would also remain her most controversial. For every ten fans who state that STAR is Streisand's best film, there are always ten more who claim it is the weakest film in her filmography. Although both sides have some merit to support their claims, it should still be noted that the seventies take on A STAR IS BORN remains one of the most touching and highly entertaining showbiz dramas that Hollywood ever produced. For my money, it's the best version of the often-told tale.

The film is solidly enjoyable and throughly absorbing. Changing the setting from the old Hollywood studio system to the competitive world of the music industry was actually a great idea, and the screenplay forges a realistic contrast between the characters' romance and their careers. This is the main area that the 1976 version of A STAR IS BORN actually surpasses it's classic predecessors. For example, the film is especially successful when depicting the clashing personal and professional difficulties during recording sessions and the never-ending phone calls that interrupt Kristofferson's songwriting attempts. This version of the story is also more believable in it's portrayal of the lead characters. For example, the female leads in the two previous versions were so virtuous and self-sacrificing that they came off as saints. On the other hand, Esther, the female lead in this version, is not only portrayed as being strong and passionate, but also flawed and conflicted. This makes her feel more real than the Janet Gaynor or Judy Garland characters felt in the previous films, and makes the story that much more effective.

The performances are all on target, even though the supporting characters aren't fleshed out enough. If you're looking for an actress/singer who can walk the fine line between tough and vulnerable without making herself seem like a script contrivance, Streisand is definitely the girl you want. She's one of the few film stars who can make even the most banal dialogue seem fresh and natural, and, as usual, she manages to make a strong emotional connection with the viewer. Simply put, her Esther is a fully-realized, three-dimensional human being. Kris Kristofferson may not get much respect now for his laid-back characterization, however, he's always interesting watch and displays a magnetic charisma here that he seldom displayed elsewhere in his career. Kristofferson actually received rave reviews at the time from Newsweek, Time, and even the New Yorker's usually vicious Pauline Kael. Gary Busey and Paul Mazursky also give believable performances, but both have a fairly minimal amount of screentime.

The film's soundtrack recording was also a massive success, hitting the #1 on Billboard's Hot 200 and selling over four million copies in the US alone. The Streisand-composed "Evergreen" (with lyrics from Paul Williams) is unarguably one of the most gorgeous songs in contemporary pop, brought to even-further life by an absolutely incomparable vocal performance from Streisand. The rest of the film's original songs (mostly composed by Williams and Rupert Holmes) are pretty good as well, and Streisand sounds fantastic her live solo numbers remain in the memory long after the rest of the movie has faded. Streisand's vibrant performances bring "Woman In The Moon" and "With One More Look At You" to thrilling life, and make even sillier numbers like "Queen Bee" work far better than they have the right to. Kristofferson's solo numbers sound somewhat tuneless, however, that may have been intentional since he is playing a singer in decline.

Though naturally dated in some respects (it definitely does reflect the decade in which it was made), the seventies take on A STAR IS BORN still holds up remarkably well. The film is well-mounted and slickly produced, the chemistry between the leads is extremely powerful and always feels genuine, and Streisand has two emotional scenes near the finale that are both aching effective. In conclusion, A STAR IS BORN is not only entertaining and moving, but it also transcends all criticism.

DVD UPDATE (12-6-06): The A STAR IS BORN DVD is finally here after several delays, and it was worth the wait. The picture quality is well above average, and is very film-like. Sure, there are the usual tale-tale signs that mar all films from the seventies (namely grain and inconsistent sharpness), but the transfer is great for a catalogue title that is over the 30 years old. The 5.1 sound is exceptional even by modern-day standards.

As far as supplements, Streisand's commentary is informative and entertaining, although I would have loved to hear Kristofferson join her on at least some scenes. The wardrobe test reel is good fun, and the 12 deleted/alternate scenes are great to have. I wish that the promotional television special "With One Look at You" and Streisand's thrilling performance of "Evergreen" from that year's Oscar telecast had also been included, but perhaps Warner Home Video could not secure the rights. All in all, with great picture, exceptional sound, and a healthy portion of supplements, the A STAR IS BORN DVD was well worth waiting for.

I highly recommend the disc to Streisand fans who will relish Barbra's full-length film commentary, 16 minute of additional scenes (many previously unseen), and original wardrobe test footage. Of course, the movie itself in all of its remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack glory sounds and looks as vibrant and possibly even better than it played in cinemas. The musical numbers and theatrical lighting are exceptional and features some truly classic Streisand singing on stage. With the inclusion of Barbra's complete humming and acoustic guitar rendition of "Evergreen," we finally have the opportunity to enjoy an otherwise unused musical number. Even her commentary is enlightening, revealing that Kristofferson had a first shot at the song's lyrics but didn't submit them until just a few years ago when he sent Barbra a framed copy. Among the deleted footage is Barbra applying lipstick to KK in the bathtub scene where she admits being comfortable enough with him from earlier years to forego anything covering her chest. Indeed, she first met KK at L.A.'s Troubador club escorted by manager Marty Erlichman whose virtues she frequently praises in the commentaries. In her discussion during the film Barbra recalls being certain she wanted to become a film director during A Star Is Born's shooting, as she often made suggestions to KK between takes and thought the movie's director Frank Pierson cut the camera prematurely. After directing three films, Barbra recently declined ASIB producer Jon Peters's recent invitation to direct an upcoming ASIB remake. Her commentary also details her music composing resume back to "Ma Premiere Chanson," admitting that winning an Oscar for composing "Evergreen" is the biggest thrill of her career. She wants to release another set of unreleased songs, including recordings made with Leon and Mary Russell in their home. In the commentary Barbra identifies her antique clothes worn in the film and says "People look great in black...you listen to them better." Of course, her 2006 concert wardrobe is almost exclusively black. She also engages in thoughtful analyses of the importance for her of being in the moment when capturing performances on film, especially her singing. Barbra elaborates how choices were made for the film's finale and even calls attention to her runny nose quite candidly and humorously. Concluding, she remembers ASIB as "a satisfying work experience," and that's how I would describe this DVD, perhaps more than satisfying yet not completely satisfying. Missing is the excellent Barbra: With One More Look At You TV program on the making of the movie, copies of which have circulated among fan-collectors for years. The DVD would also be enhanced and appear more complete by a collection of photo stills, especially the famous Scavullo poster session, a staple on nearly all DVDs. Including the original 4-minute theatrical trailer for ASIB as well as those for the previous two Star films with Garland and Gaynor is a nice touch.

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(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)Thirty years after its initial release, the third version of "A Star Is Born" finally comes to DVD in a package that should please the most devoted fans of Barbra Streisand. That would include me since I just saw her in concert singing among other numbers, the feminist anthem "Woman in the Moon" from this 1976 film. Easy to dismiss, the movie's career-polarizing story is such a sturdy pile of Hollywood-style clichés that variations of it exist in other films including Streisand's own "Funny Girl". This time reset to the then-contemporary music scene, the timeworn plot follows self-destructive rock star John Norman Howard on his deep-dive career descent just as he meets club singer Esther Hoffman who is awaiting her big break.

Troubles dog their courtship from the outset, as John Norman (both names please) responds to grasping fans and bloodless DJs with random acts of violence (from which he inexplicably escapes prosecution). To John Norman, Esther represents his last shot at happiness, and in turn, she is drawn to the innately decent, creative musician underneath the façade. In the movie's most pivotal scene, he gives Esther her big break at a benefit concert, and her career takes off. Inevitably, he can't handle the failure of his career in light of her meteoric success, and if you are familiar with any version of this story, you know the rest. Directed by Frank Pierson (although Streisand's budding directorial talents are obviously on display), the film still manages to draw me in, even though I know it is shamelessly contrived and manipulative. It still has a certain emotional resonance despite its numerous flaws.

Although Streisand in her prime seems like the ideal choice to play a rising singing star, her screen persona is simply too strong and predefined to play Esther credibly. The same can be said for her performing style since the script seems to make allowances for her softer Adult Contemporary-oriented material to be accepted within the otherwise hardened world of arena rock. From the moment she pops her head up as the middle of the Oreos, she can't help but come across as an established star. I can forgive the lapse simply because she is an unparalleled vocal talent, but what becomes less forgiving is how she makes Esther more strident than poignant when John Norman's woes become overwhelming. This creates an oddly discomfiting dynamic in the last part of the film when it becomes less about what caused the climactic event than Esther's response to it. This is capped off by an uninterrupted eight-minute close-up of her memorial performance great except when she regrettably mimics John Norman's style toward the end.

Kristofferson, on the other hand, gives a superb performance throughout, managing a level of honesty that grounds the film and makes palpable his concurrent feelings of love, pride and resentment toward Esther. He makes his vodka-soaked onstage growling work within this context. Otherwise, what always strikes me as strange about this version is how all the supporting characters are relegated to the background as if they didn't exist unless they were interacting with the two principals. The only ones who register are Paul Mazursky as John Norman's level-headed manager Brian and Gary Busey as his cynical band manager Bobbie. Veteran cameraman Robert Surtees provides a nice burnish to the cinematography though a level of graininess persists in the print. A big seller in its day, the soundtrack is a hodgepodge of different styles from the 1970's some songs still quite good ("Everything", "Woman in the Moon", "Watch Closely Now"), some that have moved to kitsch ("Queen Bee", Kenny Loggins' "I Believe in Love") and of course, the inescapable "Evergreen".

The print transfer on the 2006 DVD is clean and the sound gratefully crisp thanks to digital remastering. Streisand's participation is the chief lure of the extras beginning with her feature-length commentary. She gives insightful information about the genesis of the film, the casting and the reportedly troubled production. She is also refreshingly candid about the megalomania of Jon Peters, her hairdresser boyfriend who became the movie's producer, and her dissatisfaction with Pierson as a director. I just wish she could have provided more scene-specific comments that directly relate to what is onscreen. She also tends to repeat the same anecdotes when the mood strikes her, e.g., it gets tiring to hear for the third time how the person playing the chauffeur was a friend of Peters. I think having a second commentator could have drawn out other nuggets from her.

There is a wardrobe test reel that shows some amusing 1970's clothes, especially Kristofferson's mixed-fabric poncho and orange polyester shirt. There are also twelve deleted scenes included with Streisand's optional commentary. One is a comic bread-baking scene which reminded me how much I like Streisand in farcical comedies. Another is an extended scene in which she plays "Evergreen" on the guitar in front of an awestruck Kristofferson who then falls asleep. The most interesting is an alternate take on the musical finale incorporating fast cuts, which I agree with Streisand should have been used. Fittingly, the theatrical trailers for all three versions of "A Star Is Born" are also included.

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Why in the heck is this movie not out on dvd yet?? I've been waiting for years to own the disc!! It's such a classic love story of my time and I will never forget all of it's tender moments. I first saw it at it's premiere when I was 17 in Hollywood. After that I owned the music LP, now today the cd. I think the movie to this day is still as great as it was back then. Can you imagine hearing it come in on 5.1 surround? Aw nice!! Come on now, A Star Is Born fans are waiting!!!

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Originally scheduled for a December 2005 release, A STAR IS BORN was delayed by Warner Home Video with no definite release date revealed. Streisand fans are well aware that, out of her film career, only A STAR IS BORN and YENTL remain unreleased on DVD. (YENTL will be released by Sony, which bought MGM/UA's library ... again, no official date set for that one).

On February 21, 2006, reps from Warner Home Video chatted online at hometheaterforum.com. Of the delayed STAR IS BORN disc, they said: "The approval process on the '76 STAR IS BORN is taking longer than we had anticipated, but it's happening and will be worth it."

So, there is still no official release date, but at least they acknowledge they're working on it! Warner Home Video always does an excellent job on their DVD releases -A STAR IS BORN ('76) will certainly be no different. I am most excited to hear the 5.1 mix Dolby Digital mix of sound. (I reported alll of this over at my Streisand fan site, )

By the way, isn't this summer the 30th Anniversary of STAR IS BORN? It was released summer 1976 ... and this summer is 2006. That would certainly be a good selling point.

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