The Brave One (Blu-ray) Warner Home Video / 2007 / 122 Minutes / Rated R
Street Date: February 05, 2008
Genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Starring: Jodie Foster, Terrence Howard, Nicky Katt, and Naveen Andrews
Director: Neil Jordan
Plot Synopsis: Neil Jordan's somber
The Brave One is a lot of things. A reflective movie about a crime victim's sense of dislocation and isolation from her own life following a harrowing trauma, the film will strike a chord with a lot of people who have known violence.
The Brave One is also a provocative drama about the nature of justice, a theme explored endlessly in American movies that typically find law enforcement wanting. In Jordan's film, however, the conflict between instinctive vigilantism and legal protocols is approached with more deliberateness and complexity than usual. Finally, despite its seriousness of purpose,
The Brave One, to a certain extent, is drearily tethered to the old atrocity-and-revenge genre, bumping along to the familiar,
Death Wish-like rhythms of an avenger seeking successive conflicts with bad guys he or she can blow away.
Somewhat at cross-purposes, The Brave One stars Jodie Foster in a shattering performance as Erica Bain, a popular essayist on a public radio station in New York. In love and engaged to David (Naveen Andrews), a doctor, Erica and her fiancé are brutally attacked one night by a gang of thugs. David is killed but Erica survives, only to find herself a stranger in her own skin, facing down her fears by shooting violent criminals.
With the city riveted by her anonymous actions, Erica becomes an object of curiosity for a police detective (an excellent Terrence Howard) disillusioned by his own struggles to protect the innocent from truly evil men. Jordan's previous films (
The Crying Game,
Breakfast on Pluto) resonate with
The Brave One's most interesting angle, i.e., that each of us possesses a hidden element in our identities that comes out in extreme circumstances, making us wonder who we really are. It's all excellent food for thought, but the film squanders much of its significance by thrusting Erica into numerous, outlandish situations in which her only alternative is to put a bullet in a bad guy.
Disc Features:Considering the fact that 'The Brave One' is an A-list Jodie Foster vehicle, it's surprising that Warner hasn't done more for the film's video release. This is a pretty anemic set of extras that offers little beyond the promotional material. (Note: Subtitles on the featurette only include English, French and Spanish.)
- Featurette: "I Walk the City " (SD, 22 minutes) - As there is no audio commentary on the disc, I hoped to get more than just surface banalities out of "I Walk the City," but that's all we get. This is another fairly generic extended commercial, with way too many film clips and only brief snippets of press kit interviews with director Neil Jordan, stars Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard, and producers Joel Silver and Susan Downey. It's all fine and dandy -- at least we get the basics behind the conception of the movie, and the usual cast backpatting -- but its all about as nutritious as a Twinkie. C'mon, Warner -- you can do better than this.
- Deleted Scenes (SD, 12 minutes) - This montage of scene extensions and a few extra character bits is decent, but far from revelatory. The presentation has a thrifty, slap-it-on-a-disc-quickly feel, with no optional commentary, no text introduction, and not even chapter stops for each scene -- it's just one long, big lump of a montage. On top of that, none of the video extras on the disc are in HD -- only mediocre 480p/MPEG-2 video.
Across the Universe (Blu-ray) Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / 2007 / 133 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: February 05, 2008
Genres: Drama, Musical, Romance
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson (VI), and Dana Fuchs
Director: Julie Taymor
Plot Synopsis: Set in America during the Vietnam War,
Across the Universe is a powerful love story set against a backdrop of political and social unrest: it's a story of soul-searching, self-doubt, and individual powerlessness cleverly conveyed through a multitude of
Beatles songs. Like young adults all across America during the 1960's, Jude (Jim Sturgess), Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), Max (Joe Anderson), Sadie (Dana Fuchs), Prudence (T.V. Carpio), and JoJo (Martin Luther) are in turmoil over the war; questioning their individual roles in the war effort and struggling to find a way to hold true to their beliefs while making a difference in the world. While love proves a powerful uniting force, its limitations become clear as relationships are strained and broken over individual perceptions of responsibility to cause and country. A fairly bizarre juxtaposition of extremely stylized, almost hallucinogenic scenes of swirling colors and reflections, highly choreographed dance segments, seemingly commonplace character interaction, and emotionally packed close-up footage of characters lost in contemplative song, this film imparts a good sense of the confusion and passion of the time and is at once powerful, invigorating, and disturbing. The film runs a bit long at 2-hours 11-minutes and several segments drag noticeably thanks to some incredibly slow song tempos. Warning: this production may change how you think about a favorite
Beatles song forever.
Disc Features: Sony has not skimped on a comprehensive supplement package. All of the video-based supplements are presented in full 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 -- it all looks great on Blu-ray. (Note: Subtitles on the featurette material include Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, and Thai, while the audio commentary has Korean subtitles only. Oddly, there are no English or French options on any of the extras.)
- Audio Commentary - My reaction to the musical interpretations of 'Across the Universe' remains mixed, but I have no reservations about this commentary with Julie Taymor and composer Elliot Goldenthal. Given the participants, the track is quite focused on the musical aspects (to the detriment at times of other elements, such as story, casting etc.), but that's what makes it refreshing and, at times, revelatory. Beatles fans in particular will probably love hearing the meanings and sonic textures of the original songs discussed at length, as well as how the were deconstructed and revitalized to shape the film's narrative. It's fascinating stuff, regardless of your opinion of the outcome.
- Featurette: "Creating the Universe " (HD, 29 minutes) - The centerpiece of the extras, this nearly 30-minute long featurette sets the tone, using video diary material but marrying it with the strong focus of a traditional documentary. The effect is strong, with "Creating the Universe" capturing some great moments (Bono acting like a pompous ass on the set, an extra breaking down during a performance of "Let it Be"), while retaining a narrative through-line that gives us a solid idea of what Taymor intended. Well worth a watch.
- Featurette: "Stars of Tomorrow" (HD, 27 minutes) - Surprising in its heft, this featurette introduces us to the entire cast, including Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, and Dana Fuchs. We are taken from auditions, to casting, to working on set, to interpreting the Beatles tunes, and again, the lack of boring film clips and plot recap is most welcome -- this is like being a fly on the wall, and it's another must-watch.
- Featurette: "All About the Music" (HD, 15 minutes) - A sort of digest version of the commentary, with Taymor and Goldenthal interviewed at length. Plus there’s tons of recording footage to sweeten the deal. This is the one segment not to be missed by Beatles fans, or just fans of great songs.
- Featurette: "Moving Across the Universe" (HD, 15 minutes) - Unusual for a major director, Taymor orchestrates a collaboration far more than she sits behind a chair barking orders, and that process is documented here (if not outright fawned over). Though Taymor can come off just a little bit pretentious (okay, a lot), it's invigorating to watch her whip out amazing ideas on the spot, even if her critics will find ample ammunition here. It's interesting to hear her say that being free from the typical cinematic restraints (three-act narrative, basic coverage etc.) is "liberating," as many critics (myself included), find that her greatest weakness. Hmmmm...
- Featurette: "FX of the Universe " (HD, 9 minutes) - A breezy look at the film's justifiably-praised visual tricks. It might surprise some, but the film was far from a CGI-fest, with many of the fantastic visuals pulled off live on the set, just like theater. The integration of it all through computer-assisted imagery, green screen, traditional opticals ,and practical magic is seamless, so it’s neat to see how they brought it all together and made it work.
- Extended Musical Performances (HD, 35 minutes) - Eight sequences are included: "Hold Me Tight," "Come Together," "I Am the Walrus," "Dear Prudence," "Something," "Oh! Darling," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Across the Universe/Helter Skelter." While some were only slightly snipped for the final cut, others, especially "Dear Prudence" really come to life in their unexpurgated form. These extended performances are also the only place you can hear some of the complete songs, as the film's soundtrack CD doesn't include all of the tunes in the film.
- Deleted Scene (HD, 1 minute) - Only one is included, for the song "And I Love Her." Unfortunately, it's so short that it really rates as a "deleted shot." Not much to see here.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Blu-ray)Genres: Drama, Historical, Western
Starring: Mary-Louise Parker, Casey Affleck, Brad Pitt
Director: Andrew Dominik
Plot Synopsis: Robert Ford, who's idolized Jesse James since childhood, tries hard to join the reforming gang of the Missouri outlaw, but gradually becomes resentful of the bandit leader.
Disc Features: • Documentary: "The Assassination of Jesse James: Death of an Outlaw"
• Theatrical Trailer
Celine Dion: A New Day... Live in Las Vegas (Blu-ray) Sony BMG / 2007 / 307 Minutes / Unrated
Street Date: February 05, 2008
Genres: Music
Plot Synopsis: A few months from now, on December 15th, 2007, Celine will take her final bows on the Colosseum stage at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, where she has enjoyed a record-breaking five-year run of sold-out performances and critical acclaim, with her spectacular show, A New Day... The show has been documented in a deluxe High-Definition DVD.
Disc Features: • Documentary
• Featurette: ""Tribute to the Fans"
• Interviews
The Jane Austen Book Club (Blu-ray) Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / 2007 / Rated PG-13
Street Date: February 05, 2008
Genres: Drama
Starring: Robin Swicord
Directors: Maggie Grace, Emily Blunt, Maria Bello, Amy Brenneman
Plot Synopsis: An all star cast joins acclaimed director / writer Robin Swicord (writer - Little Women, Memoirs of a Geisha) in this critically acclaimed film Six Californians start a club to discuss the works of Jane Austen, only to find their relationships -- both old and new -begin to resemble 21st century versions of her novels. Stars Kathy Baker (Cider House Rules), Maria Bello (A History of Violence), Emily Blunt (Devil Wears Prada), Amy Brennemen (Juding Amy), Jimmy Smits (Star Wars Episodes 1-3).
Disc Features: • Audio Commentary with Cast & Crew
• Featurettes: "Behind-the-Scenes of The Jane Austen Book Club," "The Life of Jane Austen," "Walking the Red Carpet: Los Angeles Premiere," "The Book Club: Deconstructed"
• Deleted Scenes
Me, Myself & Irene (Blu-ray) Fox Home Entertainment / 2000 / 116 Minutes / Rated R
Street Date: February 05, 2008
Genres: Comedy
Starring: Jim Carrey, Renee Zellweger, Anthony Anderson
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Plot Synopsis: Jim Carrey delivers an outrageous performance in this "fall-down, flat-out irresistibly deranged movie" (Rolling Stone). Rhode Island state trooper Charlie Baileygates proves that nice guys finish first after marrying the prettiest gal in town. But when she leaves him for another man, Charlie develops a split personality and his outrageous opposite, Hank, is born! Hank s got a filthy mouth, a bad attitude and a short fuse. When Charlie falls crazy in love with the beautiful but wanted Irene, he must wage war with himself for the confused Irene s affections.
Crimson Tide (Blu-ray) Buena Vista Home Entertainment / 1997 / 116 Minutes / Unrated
Street Date: February 05, 2008
Genres: Action, Adventure, Military
Starring: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Matt Craven, Viggio Mortensen
Director: Tony Scott
Plot Synopsis: Dynamic Denzel Washington joins Hollywood favorite Gene Hackman in this intense action thriller that's a smash hit with audiences and critics alike! In the midst of a global crisis, the USS Alabama receives an unconfirmed order to launch its nuclear missiles-signaling the start of WWIII. The tension quickly rises as the sub's respected commander (Hackman) and his brilliant executive officer (Washington) clash over the validity of their orders battling each other for control of the sub! As this epic struggle rages under the sea, Crimson Tide brings motion picture excitement to a new level-and you to the edge of your seat!
Wall Street (Blu-ray) Fox Home Entertainment / 1987 / 125 Minutes / Rated R
Street Date: February 05, 2008
Genres: Drama
Starring: Michael Douglas
Plot Synopsis:Michael Douglas won an Oscar for perfectly embodying the Reagan-era credo that "greed is good." As a Donald Trump-like Wall Street raider aptly named Gordon Gecko (for his reptilian ability to attack corporate targets and swallow them whole), Douglas found a role tailor-made to his skill in portraying heartless men who've sacrificed humanity to power. He's a slick, seductive role model for the young ambitious Wall Street broker played by Charlie Sheen, who falls into Gecko's sphere of influence and instantly succumbs to the allure of risky deals and generous payoffs. With such perks as a high-rise apartment and women who love men for their money, Charlie's like a worm on Gecko's hook, blind to the corporate maneuvering that puts him at odds with his own father (played by Sheen's offscreen father, Martin). With his usual lack of subtlety, writer-director Oliver Stone drew from the brokering experience of his own father to tell this Faustian tale for the "me" decade, but the movie's sledgehammer style is undeniably effective. A cautionary warning that Stone delivers on highly entertaining terms,
Wall Street grabs your attention while questioning the corrupted values of a system that worships profit at the cost of one's soul.
Disc Features:
Eschewing its usual bare-bones approach to catalog releases on Blu-ray, Fox has ported over all of the goodies from two previous DVD editions of 'Wall Street.' The first was produced in 2000 (and contained an audio commentary and documentary), while the second came out last year, and featured a new documentary and some deleted scenes. Combined, it's a very nice package, and certainly the highlight of this set. (Unfortunately, though the new documentary material from the latest DVD was shot on HD and composed at 1.78:1, Fox presents it here in 480i/MPEG-2 video only. The studio has also not provided any subtitle options for any of the extras.)
- Audio Commentary - Oliver Stone flies solo on this track, and to those who regard 'Wall Street' as one of his more impersonal, commercial efforts, his commentary will surprise. In almost hushed tones, he opens up about the intimate connection he shared with his late father -- a Wall Streeter himself -- and how that relationship influenced the development of the script and framed the mythological underpinnings of the Bud Fox-Gordon Gekko dynamic. It's fascinating and illuminating, which makes it a shame when Stone starts to clam up less than halfway in. If the second half of the track is slow-going (there are frequent gaps of silence), there are still enough nuggets to make this worth a listen for fans.
- Documentary: "The Making of Wall Street" (SD, 57 minutes) - This 2000 documentary was recorded at the time of the commentary, but compliments it nicely with a then-fresh selection of interviews, including Stone, Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen. Though the video quality is a bit dated, there is a sizable chunk of behind-the-scenes footage and of all the extras on the disc, it focuses the most on the shoot, as well as on Stone's work with the actors on the performances. "The Making of Wall Street" is worth a watch if you're really into the film, but it's not absolutely essential.
- Documentary: "Greed is Good " (SD, 54 minutes) - What, another documentary? Produced for last year's 20th anniversary DVD, this brings back Stone, Douglas, and the younger Sheen for brand-new interviews, plus John C. McGinley, Hal Holbrook, and editor Claire Simpson, plus a host of real Wall Street types, who all discuss the film's continued legacy. Unfortunately, after viewing the commentary and the previous doc, it does start to feel redundant. Also, there’s a lot of padding, with clips and cast & crew "insights" into the characters and story that are obvious just from viewing the film. However, the added context of the real Wall Streeters is welcome, and a montage of the film's many quotable lines is amusing. "Greed is Good" isn't quite good enough on its own to replace the commentary and the doc, but if you're only going to watch one of the extras, I'd still probably go with this one.
- Deleted Scenes (SD, 24 minutes) - 'Wall Street' already clocks in at well over two hours, so almost all of these cuts were certainly wise. Expanded upon are Bud's early nightlife escapades, along with added background on his workplace interactions with some of the nicer characters. Easily the best reason to watch these scenes is for an extended version of Douglas' famous "Greed is good" speech, which is worth the price of admission on its own. Stone offers optional commentary for all the scenes, which are presented in poor-quality SD video.
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