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FILM MUSIC REVIEW - The Web Magazine
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DVD and Video Reviews
The recommended DVD and video releases between 2000 and 2003 were reviewed and selected by Roger Hall, Editor of Film Music Review.
Please help support Film Music Review...
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To search for CDs, DVDs and videos at Amazon.com, enter keywords here:
Rare, Out-Of-Print Classic Movies, TV Shows, Serials, and More.
Go to: www.lifeisamovie.com
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A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores (2nd revised edition, PineTree Press, 2002)
This expanded and updated guide was written by film music historian Roger Hall.
It has a wealth of useful information:
*A timeline of film music highlights from 1926 to 2001
*A chapter on suggestions for listening to film music
*A complete list of Academy Award film music from 1934 to 2000
*A complete list of the Sammy Movie Music Awards from 1988 to 2001
*Top100 Scores of the 20th Century
*Comments on Film Music: Interviews with two classical composers (Aaron Copland and Virgil Thomson); The Composer as Commentator (Bernard Herrmann, David Raksin, Dimitri Tiomkin); The Composer as Critic (Elmer Bernstein); The Film Lyricist and Songwriter (Sammy Cahn and Henry Mancini); The Movie Critic and Historian (David Thomson and Tony Thomas).
*An extensive bibliography and discography.
Throughout the guide are many illustrations of composer autographs, including:
Johnny Green, Bernard Herrmann, Alex North, Miklos Rozsa, Max Steiner , Dimitri Tiomkin, John Williams and others.
There are also songwriter autographs as well, such as:
Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn, George & Ira Gershwin, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, Jay Livingston, and Harry Warren.
The title page of the guide has a rare score page from the end credits of E.T., boldly signed by John Williams.
There is also an accompanying CD-R or Tape available titled: "Listener's Guide to Film Music."
This film music guide is a limited edition and will be numbered and signed by the author.
A Guide to Film Music was announced in the March/April 2002 issue of Film Score Monthly.
In a letter to the author, the distinguished film composer Elmer Bernstein has written the following:
"I do feel your book is done in a most interesting way. It affords a quick overview of what has not become a very, very broad field. Congratulations!"
To order your copy of A Guide to Film Music while supply lasts, go to:
Music Titles from PineTree Press
If you have a DVD or video for review, send your request to:
Reviews are based on the quality of the score on the DVD, plus additional features and package design.
**** = Excellent (Highest recommendation)
***1/2 = Very Good (Well worth having)
*** = Good (Some reservations but good quality)
** = Fair (Only if you're an obsessive fan)
* = Poor (Not recommended)
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Film Music DVDs of Special
Merit (2003)
These are DVDs recommended for their great film soundtracks and/or special features:
Soundtracks -
ADVENTURES OF INDIANA JONES (1981-1984/ 4 DVDs) - Music by John Williams (4th DVD has Bonus Material including "The Music of Indiana Jones") - ****
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938/ 2 DVDs) - Superb release with lots of great extras, especially the isolated score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and themes played by him on second DVD)-****
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (2002/2 DVDs) - Music by John Williams [Score featurette] - ***1/2
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951) - Music by Bernard Herrmann [70 min. documentary]-****
FAR FROM HEAVEN (2002) - Music by Elmer Bernstein [Superb score but not isolated] - ***1/2
THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR (1947) - Music Bernard Herrmann [Detailed score discussion by Christopher Husted] - ****
GIANT (1956/ 2 DVDs) - Music by Dimitri Tiomkin [he's interviewed on '50s TV program - wonderful stuff!] - ****
MINORITY REPORT (2002/ 2 DVDs) - Music by John Williams [Composer comments] - ****
THE MISSION (1986/ 2 DVDs) - Music by Ennio Morricone [Great score but not isolated] - ***1/2
ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA (1984/ 2 DVDs) - Music by Ennio Morricone [Commentary by Richard Schikel mentions the composer repeatedly] - ***1/2
SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) - Music by Franz Waxman [Featurette on the music score] - ****
THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948/ 2DVDs) - Music by Max Steiner [score not isolated]-***1/2
Musicals -
The Great American Songbook - Hosted by Michael Feinstein [Also audio commentary by Feinstein]-***1/2
HIGH SOCIETY (1956) - Songs by Cole Porter ["Cole Porter in Hollywood" featurette] - ***1/2
WEST SIDE STORY (1961/ 2 DVDs + Screenplay) - Songs by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim [superb package for one of the greatest musicals] - ****
YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942/ 2 DVDs) - Songs by George M. Cohan, arranged by Ray Heindorf [great reproduction and features in the Warner DVD vintage series] - ****
To order any of the above DVDs, go to Bookshelf Search below...
Bookshelf Search
To search for Film Books, Soundtrack CDs, DVDs and Videos at Amazon.com, enter keywords here:
Film Music DVDs of Special
Merit (2002)
These are DVDs judged worthy of extra consideration and have received a "Special Merit" ranking, arranged alphabetically:
ATLANTIS - THE LOST EMPIRE (2 DVDs) - Music by James Newton Howard (February) - ***1/2
E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (20th anniversary Collector's Edition) - Music by John Williams - ****
HIGH NOON - Music by Dimitri Tiomkin (50th Anniversary Collector's Edition)(November) - ****
KOYAANISQATSI and POWAQQATSI - Music by Philip Glass (September) - ***1/2
MINORITY REPORT - Music by John Williams (December) - ***1/2
1776 (Restored Director's Cut) - Songs by Sherman Edwards/Orchestrations by Eddie Sauter (July) - ****
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (50th Anniversary Special Edition) - Songs by Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed, Roger Edens (November) - ****
| DVD of Special Merit - February |
ATLANTIS - THE LOST EMPIRE (2001) - Music by James Newton Howard
Walt Disney Home Entertainment
2-Disc Collector's Edition
Technical: Digital-to-Digital Transfer/ Original Theatrical Aspect Ratio (Widescreen (2:35:1) - Enhanced for 16 x 9 Television
Audio: DTS 5.1 Surround Sound/ Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound/THX Digitally Mastered
Languages: English and French
Disc One: Feature Film (approximately 96 minutes) - bonus features: Visual Commentary (behind-the-scenes with Producer and Directors and "making of" process)/ DisneyPedia Atlantis - Fact or Fiction (theories about the lost continent of Atlantis).
Disc Two: Bonus Material (approximately 3 hours, 10 minutes) - Multiple Platinum Navigation System (3-D Menus with 3 Viewing Models)/ 16 x 9 Special Features/ Deleted scene/ Whitmore Industries Industrial Film/ "How to Speak Atlantean"/ History/ Story & Editorial/ Abandoned sequences/ Animation production/ Character designs/ Music & Sound design/ Publicity.
Rating: ***1/2
This is a well made animated film and this special 2 disc collector's edition is a joy to watch. The bonus features are as interesting as the film itself.
Disc 1 has chatty audio commentary by Producer Don Hahn and Directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. Also on this disc is what's called: "DisneyPedia - Atlantis: Fact or Fiction?" It has information on the theories about the lost continent of Atlantis.
Disc 2 has over 3 hours of extra features. Of special note is the "Music & Sound design," where James Newton Howard and others talk about the score. All of the features are described in a clever opening introduction titled: "Whitmore Industries Industrial Film." It is filmed in grainy black & white, just like an old newreel. The three major areas of navigation are: Tour, Explore, and Files. The sub-categories are also listed under each of these headings. All of these categories are also listed on the folder in DVD case.
This is a wonderful DVD presentation, except there is no isolated score track. It's well organized, full of fascinating behind-the-scenes material and unlike some special editions with gushy back slapping, this one concentrates on the film itself.
If you had to choose between the single disc and 2-disc DVD, I'd go for the double disc version. It's well worth the extra cost.
Though it ain't SNOW WHITE or PINOCCHIO, this is as good as any recent Disney film.
--Roger Hall, 8 February 2002
| DVD of Special Merit - October |
E.T. - THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982 & 2002) - Music by John Williams
Universal Studios
2-Discs (Limited Collector's Edition )
Digitally Remastered Soundtrack
Rating: ****
For those who have wished for this treasured classic to be released on DVD, it has now become available and was well worth the wait. There are three different versions of E.T.: the original film from 1982, the 20th anniversary release with slight alterations from 2002, and the Los Angeles premiere at the Shrine Auditourium of the new 2002 release with live orchestra.
Disc one has an introduction by Steven Spielberg, the 20th anniversary permiere, John Williams Live at the Shrine Auditorium, and a Space Exploration information section with a silly hard to understand E.T. voice. Maybe the young kiddies will like it. For me, it's the live performance that makes this DVD so special. There is a short that's especially interesting to watch for it explains how a soundtrack is put together. The performance from the 20th anniversary premiere on 16 March 2002 is the first time such an achievement has been done with a live orchestra (Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles), and who else to conduct it but the Oscar-winning composer himself, John Williams. This short includes a few themes from the film and shows the expert conducting of Williams. He is certainly the best composer-conductor working in movies today. The hearty applause after the film has been shown is well deserved for this milestone performance by Williams and the orchestra. Fortunately, this live performance is available as one of the film choices on disc one. It provides a softer underscoring to the dialogue and sound effects. Sometimes I believe it's too quiet. One of the most poignant scenes is Chapter 6 ("A New Friend"), when Elliot first meets E.T. The orchestra is so subdued that's it's barely audible. That's a shame because this music is both brilliant and touching. Fortunately the orchestra is heard better on the heartfelt finale at Chapter 19 ("I'll Be Right Here..."). For some strange reason, there is some sound dropoff on Chapter 20 ("End Credits"). With the Williams regular engineer Shawn Murphy in charge, this is puzzling. Have you ever noticed how much the finale, especially the use of horns, owes to Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2? If Williams was conscious of it, he has borrowing from one of the most beautiful symphonies by an American composer.
Disc two has the 1982 release and some bonus features, including a very good featurette: "The Making of E.T." Other features are a reunion with cast members and filmmalers as they discuss their opinions of the film. Also, numerous production photographs, conceptual drawings and the original advertising. Plus on DVD-ROM there is something called "Total Axess" to the Universal Studios Web Site. This is mostly for trailers and other ads of upcoming movies. There are also ads under "Special Announcements" so if you don't want to watch them then skip this heading.
There are two drawbacks to this release. First, there is too much of Spielberg saying basically the same thing about being glad he could make some changes. He mentions it in the accompanying booklet and also on the DVD too. It's annoying when his Introduction comes up automatically on Disc One. The other drawback is the bad packaging. It has a foldout container which doesn't stay closed and it will probably fall apart with repeated usage. The film title is not even printed on the outer sleeve of the container. The first disc also has nothing printed on it and so it can be easily lost. Why was this done? Just so it will show through as the moon silhouette on the cover! Who comes up with these foolish designs?
Even with the poor packaging, this is still an outstanding DVD release. That's because it gives several different versions of one of the great film music classics. With its slight changes and improved soundtrack, I now prefer the 2002 release to the 1982 one. In either case, you have them both to watch on the 2-DVD set.
The more expensive 3 DVD set is not worth the extra money unless you're a diehard E.T. collector.
--Roger Hall, 30 October 2002
To order your copy of the special 20th anniversary soundtrack here:
| DVD of Special Merit - November |
HIGH NOON (1952) - Music by Dimitri Tiomkin
Republic Pictures/ Distributed by Artisan Home Entertainment
1-Disc (approximately 85 minutes)
Digitally Remastered
Original restored audio and enhanced original restored audio
Special features:
Featurette - "The Making of High Noon" (hosted by Leonard Maltin)
Documentary - "Behind High Noon" (hosted by Maria Cooper)
Audio commentary by Maria Cooper (Gary Cooper's daughter); Tim Zinneman (Fred Zinneman's son); Jonathan Foreman (Carl Foreman's son); Prince Albert of Monaco (Grace Kellys' son).
Radio broadcast with Tex Ritter
Chapter Stop for Oscar-winning song - "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling."
Interactive Menus/ Scene Index/ Trailers for other restored films
Rating: ****
Dimitri Tiomkin is one of the most respect composers from Hollywood's Golden Age. So on the 50th anniversary of HIGH NOON's release, it's a pleasure to recommend this newly remastered DVD. Having watched a grainy version of the film on TV for years, and even a less than satisfying video, this DVD has crisp black & white photography and excellent sound. The digital mastering gives dramatically better sound and picture. With such a landmark score by Dimitri Tiomkin the improved sound is a great asset. The enhanced audio is really unnecessary but it is a slight improvement over the original audio.
The 22 minute featurette is a real treat. It is hosted by film historian and authority, Leonard Maltin, and includes comments by the film's star (Gary Cooper), co-star (Lloyd Bridges), producer (Stanley Kramer), and director (Fred Zinneman). In addition, it has music arranged by one of today's film composer, Fred Karlin. This great featurette provides valuable insights into the background of the film. Zinneman's comments about the use of clocks and other elements are especially fascinating. Maltin even spends a bit of time discussing Tiomkin's Oscar-winning score and song by Tiomkin and Ned Washington. The song was sung by Tex Ritter. His son, John, talks about how proud his dad was when the song won an Oscar. The film won 4 Oscars altogether with Tiomkin winning two of them.
To illustrate how popular "Do Not Forsake Me" was in its day, there is a German CD available titled: "HIGH NOON - 25 Artists, One Song" (Bear Family Records). The CD includes the best known versions by Tex Ritter (3 different recordings) and Frankie Laine, as well as other vocals by Eddie Fisher and Bill Hayes, and instrumentals by such arrangers as Ray Conniff and Henry Mancini.
The audio commentary by the children of the screenwriter (Carl Forman), director (Fred Zinneman), actor (Gary Cooper), and ballad singer (Tex Ritter) is well worth a listen. Maria Cooper acts as the host and handles the commentary session quite well. She makes one slight goof when she calls one of the source tunes "a rag." Actually, this tune ("Buffalo Gals") was written well before ragtime and was popular in the Old West. So Tiomkin made a good choice. This tune must have been one of Tiomkin's favorites since it was used prominently and sung by James Stewart in the classic sentimental film, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.
Tiomkin is mentioned right at the beginning of the commentary while the song is being sung over the credits. Maria Cooper tells the story of how a Russian singer said that the Tiomkin music was almost identical to a Russian folk song. Then John Ritter, who adds the most humor to the proceedings, says that after Tiomkin and Ned Washington won their Oscars, his father didn't even get to touch "that little bald headed golden boy." The other remarks are also interesting. Jonathan Foreman, who talks the most during the commentary, is very hard to understand because he speaks so fast. That's too bad since he is obviously well informed about his father's screenwriting work.
If you love this classic western and Dimitri Tiomkin's superb music, this DVD is the one to own rather than the earlier one released only last year, also by Artisan. The 50th anniversary Collector's Edition comes with a brown border in a nice slipcase.
One of the best DVDs yet released of a classic western film. Highly recommended.
--Roger Hall, 1 November 2002
| DVD of Special Merit - September |
KOYAANISQATSI (1983) and POWAQQATSI (1988) - Music by Philip Glass
MGM Home Entertainment
1-Disc for each film (KOYAAISQATSI = 87 minutes/ POWAQQATSI = 97 minutes)
Widescreen Format 1.85:1
5.1 Surround Sound
Original Theatrical Trailers for both films plus third film in the trilogy: NAQOYQATSI.
Interview with the Director and Composer on each DVD.
Rating: ***1/2
These two films are a perfect blending of music and images. The spellbinding soundtracks are provided by the music of Philip Glass. The cinematic images have been directed by Godfrey Reggio. Together they make for two magical films with no narration and no scene titles. While this might appear to be too high brow actually these films cover a logical plan. The film titles are taken from the Hopi Indian language.
KOYAAISQATSI ("life out of balance") shows the contrast between the simple beauty of nature and the hectic pace of our urban society. POWAQQATSI ("life in transition") moves between ancient cultures and modern day ones in such places as Brazil (the incredible opening sequence is in the Serra Palada mines, with singing by the Hispanic Young People's Chorus), Egypt, Israel, Africa, and elsewhere. This film features one of my old college classmates: percussionist Joe Passaro. He does an outstanding job handling the repeated complexities of the Glass score. There are other musicians which have solo roles, including The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble on KOYAAISQATSI, and Albert DeRutter, whose low bass voice announces the titles for each film. The majority of the music in both films is handled extremely well by the Philip Glass Ensemble.
Note: If you want the soundtracks to both films plus other film scores, then get:
Philip on Film: Filmworks by Philip Glass (Nonesuch 5-CD set, 2001)
As a special treat, there are fascinating interviews with Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass included on both DVDs. The KOYAANISQATSI interview is "Essence Of Life" and the POWAQQATSI one is "Impact Of Progress."
Both these films look and sound terrific.
They are highly recommended to anyone who wants to watch what can be done when an intelligent director, artistic cinematographers and a master composer all work closely together as a team.
Each DVD is available at a bargain price too. One slight drawback is the lack of track titles on the insert card.
Highly recommended for those looking for something out of the ordinary.
--Roger Hall, 18 September 2002
For more about Philip Glass, see From the Editor
| DVD of Special Merit - December |
MINORITY REPORT (2002) - Music by John Williams
Dreamworks Home Entertainment
2-Discs (Disc One: Feature - 2 hours 26 minutes/ Disc Two: Bonus Features)
5.1 Dolby Digital/ 2.0 Surround Sound/ DTS 5.1 Surround
Languages: English (Captioned); Subtitles: Spanish, French
Rating: ***1/2
This is one of Steven Spielberg's most ambitious films and this 2 DVD set reflects that hard work. The DVD set is available in both Wide Screen and Full Screen formats.
The film itself is included on Disc One and if the color looks washed out, it's supposed to look that way because Spielberg thought of this film as a "film noir." That seems a bit strange since the film noir of the 1940s and 1950s were all black & white films. But in any case the cinematography, special effects and other technical elements are top notch. That's not the case with the hammy acting by Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell. Both chew up the scenery with great delight. Max Von Sydow gives his usual highly competent portrayal, and Sammantha Morton as the precog, "Agatha," is also quite exceptional.
On the second disc are these bonus featutes: "Minority Report - From Story to Screen"; "Deconstructing Minority Report" (location and scenes explained); "The Stunts of Minority Report"; "The Digital World of Minority Report" (visual effects from Industrial Light & Magic); "Minority Report Archives" (production concepts for sets, costumes, props and vehicles); "Final Report" (discussion with Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise). Unfortunately the comments by John Williams are very brief and not very detailed. When will we get a DVD chapter devoted to his outstanding score for a Speilberg film?
Even with reservations, this set is a solid recommendation for those who enjoyed this Spielberg film. It's quite a ride and the DVD nicely explains how it was all accomplished.
--Roger Hall, 30 December 2002
| DVD of Special Merit - July |
1776 (1972) - Songs by Sherman Edwards/Orchestrations by Eddie Sauter
Columbia/Tristar Home Entertainment
1-Disc (approximately 166 minutes)
Digitally Mastered Audio & Anamorphic Video
Audio: English 5.1 (Dolby Digital)
Subtitles: English, French
Special features: Director and screenwriter commentary; Screen Tests; Bonus Trailers; Productions Notes.
Rating: ****
Just in time for its 30th anniversary, this musical (one of the last great Hollywood versions of a Broadway smash hit) is made available again in a stunning new DVD. The Broadway show ran for three years and won a Tony Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Award as Best Musical of 1968-69. Warner Bros. producer Jack L. Warner saw the show and was so impressed he bought the film rights in 1970 for $1.25 million. Almost all of the original Broadway cast was hired for the movie. They all did their own singing in the film. One newcomer was Blythe Danner as Martha Jefferson. This was to be Jack Warner's last production and he went out in grand style. 1776 opened at Radio City Musical Hall in New York City on November 9, 1972 and proceeded to break the attendance record for that theater. You can read Warner's comments as well as remarks about the restoration in the booklet which comes with the DVD.
There are some who will quibble about the loss of some music (Overture, Intermission music and extended song versions) from the Laser Disc release of the 1990s. That version ran approximately 176 minutes, so there is a difference of about 10 minutes. I have a copy of the LD with the restored scenes and they are mostly of poor visual quality. That version was also remixed from mono to full stereo with the original 16 track master tapes. One of the songs included on the LD is "Cool, Considerate Men" which was cut from theatrical release. Fortunately this wonderful song has been retained in the new DVD and it looks better than the LD version. The sound on the DVD is also superb.
The commentary by the director (Peter H. Hunt) and screenwriter (Peter Stone) is funny and fascinating to listen to. Hunt begins by explaining the opening Main Titles have been restored from the original film. They were cut after the preview showing. He also describes how the film was made at the Columbia Ranch and admits leaving out some underscoring because it wasn't needed for the film. That confession will not sit well with soundtrack hounds but he was the director and so it his call. Stone demonstrates his expertise with American history and also gives appropriate credit to Sherman Edwards for his marvelous songs and how well they advance the story. Stone's screenplay from his original Broadway script is wise and witty. He manages to make these early American delegates come alive.
Two people who often fail to get credit are Eddie Sauter, the orchestrator, and Ray Heindorf, who supervised and conducted the music. Both do an admirable job of making the wonderful songs sparkle like Fourth of July firecrackers. Of course the actors also help in the process, especially William Daniels as John Adams, Virginia Vestoff as Abigail Adams, and Howard Da Silva as Ben Franklin. But even the secondary characters do a great job. They include Ron Holgate singing the clever song, "The Lees of Old Virginia"; and John Cullum's magnificent full bodied singing in "Molasses to Rum." All the actors in the film, even those who don't sing, look like they belong there - Philadelphia in 1776.
This is one of my all-time favorites and on my list of Top 20 Hollywood Musicals
It's great to have this excellent restoration now available on DVD.
Highly recommended to those who love this memorable musical Americana.
--Roger Hall, 12 July 2002
| DVD of Special Merit - November |
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) - Songs by Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed, Roger Edens
Warner/ Turner Entertainment
2-Discs
Digital Transfer and Soundtrack Remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1
Languages: English and French/ Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Disc One: All new digital transfer from state-of-the-art restored elements of the film. Feature length audio commentary by Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Cyd Charisse, Kathleen Freeman, Co-Director Stanley Donen, Scrrenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Filmmaker Baz Luhrman, and Film Historian Rudy Behlmer.
Disc Two: 2 documentaries - "What A Glorious Feeling" and "Musicals Great Musicals: The Arthur Freed Unit At MGM." Excerpts from Arthur Freed & Nacio Herb Brown Songs from the original movies. Outtake: "You Are My Lucky Star." Scoring session music cues. Stills gallery.
Rating: ****
This is undeniably one of the greatest movie musicals of all time. Here it is given the royal treatment it so richly deserves for its 50th anniversary. Like so many other recent special anniversary DVDs, this one has both commentaries and documentaries to add to its riches. It's always a pleasure to hear from those involved with the movie itself. So this DVD is no exception, with 7 of the principals giving their views on the audio commentary track. Both documentaries are definitely worth watching. They give more perspective to the Arthur Freed unit at MGM and help explain why that studio was a leader in film musicals.
Most of the songs were written by the team of Nacio Herb Brown (music) and Arthur Freed (lyrics). One additional song, "Moses," was written by Roger Edens.
All the music from SINGIN' IN THE RAIN with additional music tracks on 2 CDs are available on a 50th anniversary Deluxe Edition songtrack.
For more about the soundtrack go to Soundtrack Reviews.
--Roger Hall, 4 November 2002
DVD Reviews
(2001)
These are the DVDs reviewed with those in red receiving a "Special Merit" ranking:
CITIZEN KANE (2 DVDs) - Music by Bernard Herrmann - ****
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND: The Collector's Edition (2 DVDs) - Music by John Williams - ****
THE END OF THE AFFAIR - Music by Michael Nyman - ****
FLY AWAY HOME - Music by Mark Isham - ****
GLADIATOR - Music by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard - ***1/2
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD - Music by Alfred Newman - ****
THE HOLLOW MAN - Music by Jerry Goldsmith - ***1/2
HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE - "Street Scene" by Alfred Newman/Incidental music by Cyril Mockridge - ***
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN - Music by Elmer Bernstein - ****
THE NATURAL - Music by Randy Newman - ***
SOMEWHERE IN TIME - Music by John Barry - ***1/2
SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE - Music by John Williams - ****
WONDER BOYS - Music by Christopher Young & Various Songs - **
| DVD of Special Merit - October 2001 |
CITIZEN KANE (1941) & THE BATTLE OVER CITIZEN KANE (1996) - Music by Bernard Herrmann
Warner Bros. Home Video
2 discs
Audio: Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Disc One: Feature Film (Black & White, 119 minutes) - Dual-Layer Format
Disc Two: Documentary (B&W and Color, 113 minutes) - WGBH Public Television
Special features: Two feature length commentaries (Director, Peter Bogdanovich, and Film Critic, Roger Ebert); newsreel movie premiere (Palace Theater, New York, May 1, 1941); gallery of storyboards; alternate ad campaigns; studio correspondence; call sheets; theatricl trailer; production notes.
Rating: ****
This is now almost universally known as the greatest American movie of the 20th century. Not only do I agree with that accolade, but I also believe that Herrmann's score is also the the greatest film score of the century [see Top 100 Film Scores ]. I have multilple copies of CITIZEN KANE (LP of the complete film, CDs of score excerpts, video, and laserdisc). One recent CD of the so-called "60th Anniversary Edition" (The Sound Track Factory, 2000) is unsatisfactory because it features mostly dialogue excerpts, cuts the various cues much too abruptly, and doesn't do justice to Herrmann's magnificent score.
This new DVD stands about out above them all as having the best quality for the film and the soundtrack too.
Both of the commentaries offer interesting insights. The one by Peter Bogdanovich is more personal because he knew Orson Welles and did a biography about him. The other commentary by Roger Ebert is more technical but with fascinating details.
The film has never looked better and even the darker scenes have incredible sharpness. Sound quality is also outstanding.
Also extremely worthwhile is the nearly two hour documentary on the second DVD about Orson Welles and his battle with William Randolph Hearst over getting CITIZEN KANE released. Scenes from the film are shown between the interviews with those who knew or worked with Welles. This is one of the documentaries about the difficulties of making a controversial film.
Everyone in the cast of the film is superb, especially Everett Sloane, Joseph Cotten and Welles himself. I've had the opportunity to speak with one of the few surviving mebers from the cast, Sonny Bupp. He played the young Kane III. Sonny said this about Welles "What a guy! He was very nice to all of us in the cast. He also made sure EVERY actor/actress who worked in film were given screen credit (a novelty at the time)."
One other bit of trivia: I went to school at one of the castles shown in the opening newsreel of CITIZEN KANE. I never knew that until I watched the film many years later. It just shows how many different elements were used in this landmark classic film.
There are several slight reservations. One is that Herrmann's great score is not on an isolated track. Another is the awkward cardboard sleeve which holds the two DVDs, which is less than ideal packaging. But these are not serious enough to prevent someone to purchase it.
This terrific DVD set belongs in every serious film lovers collection. The greatest American film finally gets the great treatment it deserves. Highly recommended.
--Roger Hall, 10 October 2001
| DVD of Special Merit - June 2001 |
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND: The Collector's Edition (1977/ 1980) - Music by John Williams
Columbia Tristar Home Video
2 discs
Digitally Mastered Audio & Anamorphic Video
Audio: English 5.1 (DTS and Dolby Digital); English (2 channel, Dolby Surround), French, Spanish.
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese. Chinese, Korean, Thai.
Animated Menus & Production Notes
Disc One: Widescreen presentation; scene selections with motion images.
Disc Two: Making-of documentary; 1977 featurette ("Watching The Skies"); 11 deleted scenes; filmographies; theatrical trailers.
Rating: ****
This magical film directed by Steven Spielberg has received so many video and LD releases it's difficult to keep up with them all. On top of that there's the original 1977 release and the re-release known as "The Special Edition" from 1980.
Disc one contains the 1977 original film but no isolated music score.
Disc two has an excellent documentary from 1997 on the 20th anniversary, with comments made by Steven Spielberg and others, including John Williams. There are two segments with JW. The first one is about 34:00, and JW talks about how the 5 note motif was chosen after considering about 300 possibilities. The second segment is at 1:30:52, and JW explains there are two "technical groups" in the score: (1) tonal (or concrete); (2) non-tonal (or chaotic). Near the end of the documentary Spielberg gives much praise to the Williams score saying it's like "a great symphony" or "an emotional opera." Speilberg also mentions this is one of his favorites JW scores.
Too bad the packaging for this 2 DVD set is a poorly designed carboard sleeve and flip top box. Why can't they standarize this format?
But the film and documentary make this an exceptional DVD buy.
Along with the recent SUPERMAN, this DVD belongs in every JW fans collection.
--Roger Hall, 2 June 2001
| DVD of Special Merit - January 2001 |
THE END OF THE AFFAIR (2000) - Music Score by Michael Nyman
Columbia Tristar Home Video
1 disc (101 minutes)
Special Features: audio commentary by the director, Neil Jordan, and actress, Julianne Moore; making of featurette; theatrical trailers; talent files; production notes; isolated music score.
Dolby Digital 5.1
Language: English
Digitally Mastered audio and anamorphic video
1.85:1 Widescreen and Full Screen Version
Rating: ****
This is a extremely well made film with a beautiful and memorable score by Michael Nyman. The film takes place in war-torn England during World War II.
The 7 minute making of featurette features the director, Neil Jordan, plus the three main actors: the always reliable Ralph Fiennes (Maurice Bendrix); the radiant and luscious Julianne Moore (Sarah Miles); and Jordan regular, Stephen Rea (Henry Miles). They offer their concise views on the film and thereby add to its understanding and enjoyment.
Sound and picture quality are both excellent. But best of all there is an isolated score by Michael Nyman. This lovely romantic score is meant to be heard on its own.
Unlike epics like GLADIATOR, this DVD offers just enough extras to give you the needed perspective on the film.
If you'd like to watch an adult love story told with great earthiness and sensitivity, then this DVD should be just right for you. The isolated score alone makes this a great value.
Don't ignore this one.
--Roger Hall, 23 January 2001
| DVD of Special Merit - September 2001 |
FLY AWAY HOME (1996) - Music Score by Mark Isham
Columbia Tristar Home Video (108 minutes)
1 disc
Original theatrical widescreen version (approximately 1:85:1)
Audio: English 5.1 (Dolby Digital and 2 channel Dolby Surround); French, Spanish, Portuguese
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Thai
Special features: Director and Cinematographer commentaries; Featurette ("Operation Migration: Birds of a Feather"); HBO Special ("Loading the Flock"); Documentary: "The Ultra Geese"); Theatrical trailers; Filmographies; Scene selections; Production notes; Isolated 5.1 music score with commentary by Mark Isham.
Rating: ****
When I first watched this film, I was totally charmed by it. Later I chose both the film score and song for my annual Sammy Awards. So along with many others who were waiting for this film with great anticipation, I was very glad to have it released on DVD. There are many extra features, including the isolated music score with commentary by the composer. Unfortunately, Mark Isham talks over some of his score. But his comments are worth hearing and his detailed descriptions about the score are most welcome.
The film itself is a touching story of father (Jee Daniels) and daughter (Anna Paquin) who finally connect when a bunch of geese are hatched and eventually trained to fly south from Canada to North Carolina. One of the great moments in this film is the final flight of geese with father and daughter leading them. Isham's score soars along with the beautiful cinematography. The beautiful song, "10, 000 Miles," is sung by Mary Carpenter during the end of the geese journey. If that scene doesn't move you in some way then you have little understanding of how effective music can be to affect the emotions.
This is a marvelous film, well acted, with beautiful photography, and an excellent score by Mark Isham.
The extra features are just icing on the cake. This is a delicious DVD treat for all ages.
--Roger Hall
GLADIATOR (2000) - Music Score by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard
Dreamworks Home Entertainment (155 minutes)
2 discs:
Disc One - Movie with audio commentary by director, Ridley Scott; director of photography, John Mathieson; and editor, Pietro Scalia.
Disc Two - Special Features: deleted scenes with director's commentary; montage of additional footage cut to the score; interview with the composer, Hans Zimmer; 2 behind-the-scenes featurettes; production diary by actor, Spencer Treat Clark; slide show featuring concept art and storyboards; photo galley; theatrical trailers and TV spots; in-depth production notes and detailed cast and filmmaker biographies.
DTS 6.1 Surround Sound/Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround/Dolby 2.0 Surround
2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: ***1/2
There isn't much that needs to be said about this big blockbuster film. It has already sold tons of CDs and DVDs. A few days ago, it received two Golden Globes: one for Best Picture and the other for Best Score. The film will be probably win many Oscars as well.
I found this to be too overblown a release. It's true there are two discs with lots of extras. But is it all necessary? I didn't think so. The audio commentary is not particularly interesting. Too much time is spent describing the technical side of the film. And the interview with Hans Zimmer is disappointing. He really doesn't explain much. That's too bad because I believe it's probably Zimmer's best score to date. His co-worker, Lisa Gerard, is never even shown or interviewed.
Still, it can't be overlooked that this is a high quality production. It is a very well made film and the picture and sound on this DVD are outstanding. There is also Ridley Scott's autograph on the DVD cover and booklet, if you care about such things.
Recommended for those who like epic filmmaking and lots of extra stuff.
--Roger Hall, 23 January 2001
| DVD of Special Merit - April 2001 |
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1965) - Music by Alfred Newman
M-G-M Home Entertainment
2 discs (approximate running time = 3 hours, 19 minutes)
Disc one has the entire movie. Disc two has these special features: a new documentary; a "making of" featurette; deleted scene; portions of Handel's "Messiah" cut from the original theatrical version; theatrical trailer.
Widescreen - Restored Roadshow Version, with original 6-Track Stereo and 65-mm Hi-Definition Video Transfer.
5.1 Stereo Surround.
Rating: ****
For those who bought the 3-disc CD set of this Newman score, you know what a glorious piece of work it was and it looks better than ever in this new transfer. The colors are sharp and the sound is stunning.
Even though there isn't an isolated score, this is highly recommended for all Newman fans as well as those who agree that is an unfairly maligned religious epic. After you watch the documentary and learn more about George Stevens perhaps you'll have a better appreciation of this almost four hour film.
A beautiful film with an equally beautiful score.
--Roger Hall, 7 April 2001
| DVD of Special Merit - March 2001 |
THE HOLLOW MAN (2000) - Music by Jerry Goldsmith
Columbia Pictures Video
1 disc (about 113 minutes)
Special Edition Features: Isolated music score with commentary by Jerry Goldsmith; commentary by Paul Verhoeven, Kevin Bacon, and Andrew W. Marlowe; HBO Documentary: "Anatomy of a Thriller"; 3 deleted scenes with Paul Verhoeven commentary; "Fleshing Out the Hollow Man: 15 Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes"; VFX Picture in Picture Comparisons; Theatrical Trailers.
Widescreen 1:85:1.
English (5.1 Dolby Digital and 2 channel Dolby Surround); French (2 channel).
Rating: ***1/2
This DVD is loaded with lots of special features. That's what makes it really welcome because the movie itself is unbelievably bad. The item of most interest is Jerry Goldsmith's commentary with the isolated music score. He is very chatty and also quite funny with his remarks about the movie and his score. It's too bad his fine score was wasted on such a trashy movie filled with ridiculous dialogue and hammy acting.
The special effects in this movie are quite amazing and the documentary and featurettes give much background about how they were achieved.
This DVD is recommended primarily for Goldsmith's fine score and commentary, rather than the trashy movie.
A good example of the music far exceeding the worth of the film.
--Roger Hall, 23 March 2001
HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE (1953) - "Street Scene" by Alfred Newman/ Incidental music by Cyril Mockridge
20th Century Fox Home Video
1 disc (105 minutes)
Special Features: Theatrical Trailer; Italian Trailer; German Trailer; Movietone Newsreel: "How to Marry a Millionaire on CinemaScope. Subtitles: English, Spanish.
Anamorphic Widescreen (2:55:1)
Audio: English 4.0 Surround; English Stereo; French Mono
Rating: ***
The main attraction for soundtrack fans is the six minute prologue with Alfred Newman's classic "Street Scene" piece, conducted by the composer. Unfortunately the camera remains mostly at a distance with no closeups of the orchestra or Newman conducting. With the Widescreen view, it looks like your watching from the second balcony of a movie theater. But the sound is excellent so you can just close your eyes and listen to this glorious piece.
The film itself is typical 1950s fluff but is fun to watch and the color transfer is outstanding. Cyril Mockridge did any outstanding job in setting the music (see Soundtrack Review ).
The Special Features don't offer much beyond a few Theatrical Trailers and a Newsreel.
This is one of the six DVD set: "Marilyn Monroe - The Diamond Collection." It has been released to celebrate the 75th anniversary of MM's birth. HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE is available separately as well as part of the set. It can be purchased at various outlets and from Critics' Choice at: www.cc.video.com
For more information, go to: www.marilyndvd.com
--Roger Hall, 1 June 2001 (Marilyn Monroe's 75th birthday)
| DVD of Special Merit - June 2001 |
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (1960)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Video
1 disc (approximately 128 minutes)
Special Features: Audio commentary by James Coburn, Eli Wallach, Walter Mirisch (producer), and Robert Relyea (assistant director); documentary: "Guns For Hire - The Making of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN; Trailer A and B; Photo Stills Gallery.
Audio: English 5.1 Surround and Mono; French - Mono; Spanish - Mono.
Rating: ****
Elmer Bernstein is celebrating his 50th anniversary as a film composer in 2001 (see From The Editor ). So this is an appropriate time for THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN - one of the all-time greatest westerns and film scores. Unfortunately, there is no isolated score. But there are vast amounts of time in the film when just the music is heard so the score does get its chance to shine.
In the documentary, there are brief comments from Elmer Bernstein but more time should have been devoted to him since the score is such a major part of this western. Just turn off the sound during the opening Main Titles sequence and you'll get a good idea how effective the Bernstein score is in the film. It literally keeps the pace rolling along, especially during the dialogue scenes whicht tends to slow things down.
The audio commentary is like so many others these days on DVD - it's very talky. But at least you get to hear from several actors (Coburn and Wallach) as well as the producer and assistant director).
If you're a fan of this great western (and who isn't?), you'll want to add this wonderful DVD to your collection.
--Roger Hall, 2 June 2001
THE NATURAL (1984) - Music by Randy Newman
Columbia Tri Star Home Entertainment
1 disc (approximately 136 minutes)
Special Features: Documentary featuring Cal Ripken, Jr.; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Thai; Theatrical Trailers; Talent Files; Production Notes; Original Story Source Material.
Digitally Mastered Audio & Anamorphic Video
Audio: English (2-Channel - Dolby Surround) and 4.0 (Discrete Surround)
Rating: ***
One of the most memorable scores of the past twenty years or so, Randy Newman's music plays a major part of this popular fantasy baseball film starring Robert Redford. This DVD has a good 45 minute documentary with Cal Ripken Jr. and the director, Barry Levinson. But it's the film and the music that matter most.
THE NATURAL DVD is a vast improvement over the VHS version. The picture is very crisp and clear. Too bad that Newman's excellent score is not available on an isolated track. Also the Dolby Surround is a bit too gimmicky.
The Special Features menu is printed like an old newspaper and is just as hard to read. The printing is rather poor. The cast lists are especially difficult to read. Why can't they just print the facts in a simpler format?
Even with these reservations, this DVD is a must for Newman fans and for fans of this well made film.
--10 May 2001
| DVD of Special Merit - February 2001 |
SOMEWHERE IN TIME (1980) - Music by John Barry
Universal Collector's Edition
1 disc (104 minutes)
Special features: "Back to Somewhere in Time" (documentary - includes comments by John Barry); audio commentary by the director, Jeannot Szwarc; The Somewhere in Time Fan Club; production photographs; theatrical trailer; production notes; cast and filmmakers.
Dolby Digital
Languages: English (2.0 Mono & Captioned)/ Spanish (Subtitles)/ French (2.0 Mono)
Rating: ***1/2
Whether or not you're a fan of this very romantic fantasy film, there is no mistaking the high quality of this DVD release. The sound and picture quality is very good. The special features are exceptionally well presented, including very good commentary from the film's director, Jeannot Szwarc. He compliments John Barry and calls his score "one of the best I've ever heard." He also mentions how both he and Barry were very fond of Bernard Herrmann's score for THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR. Obviously Szwarc believes that the score was a very important part of the film.
The documentary is also a standout and includes some comments from the composer, John Barry. He tells how the famous Rachmaninoff Rhapsody was the right piece to use for this story. There is also a fascinating short about the film's fan club and how it grew.
Even though it doesn't have an isolated soundtrack, this is still an outstanding DVD release and is especially worthwhile for John Barry's brief remarks.
--23 January 2001
| DVD of Special Merit - May 2001 |
SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE (1978) - Score by John Williams
Warner Bros. Home Video
1 disc (154 minutes)
Special Features: Feature Length Director Commentary; 3 Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries; Music Only Audio Tracks; Deleted Scenes; Screen Tests; Audio Outtakes; 2 Theatrical Trailers; Vintage TV Spot; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese.
Enhanced Features for DVD-ROM: Storyboards; Web Events; Chat Room Access and Web Site Links; Sampler Trailers.
Soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1
Rating: ****
This is a SUPERMAN fan's dream come true. The Expanded DVD gives fans lots of extras as well as a beautiful print of the film itself, plus the classic John Williams score on an isolated audio track.
The behind-the-scenes documentaries are quite good. The feature length commentary between director, Richard Donner, and creative consultant, Tom Mankiewicz, is very informal and fun to listen in on.
Along with last year's JAWS DVD, this is the best release of a John Williams scored film now available.
--10 May 2001
WONDER BOYS (2000) - Score by Christopher Young
Paramount Home Video
1 disc (112 minutes)
Special features: Cast Interviews; Pittsburgh Interactive Locations Map (commentary by Curtis Hanson); Songs from WONDER BOYS (commentary by Curtis Hanson); "Things Have Changed" (music video with Bob Dylan); Theatrical Trailer.
Dolby Digital
English (5.0 Surround); French (Dolby Surround).
Rating: **
This has a decent score and bunch of songs, including this year's Oscar winner, "Things Have Changed." Of special interest is the commentary by director, Curtis Hanson, about the Pittsburgh locations, and also his commentary on several of the songs used in the film. There are also some cast interviews which are the usual puffery. Christopher Young's score is given little attention.
Sound and picture quality are fine, but nothing exceptional.
--30 March 2001
Video Review (2001)
THE LANZA SESSIONS (2000)(49:15)
Directors: David Mortin and Patricia Fogliato
Voice of Mario Lanza: Richard Margison
Soprano: Cassandra Riddle
Actor who portrays Frank Sinatra: Tom Burlinson
Music performed by members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, David Agler, Music Director
Produced by Rhombus Media (Daniel Iron and Sheena Macdonald)
Executive Producers: Robert Girwood, Michael Harrison, Jonathon Harrison, Damieo Parer
Editor: Christopher Donaldson
Music Producer: Carol Isaac
Produced in Association with Lanza Music and Chairman Robert Girwood
Rating: ***1/2
An unusual behind-the-scenes look at recording sessions BEFORE the film itself is even made. The film will be about the life of legendary '50s singing star, Mario Lanza. The singer chosen to sing Lanza's music is Canadian tenor, Richard Margison. He bears a remarkably strong resemblance to Lanza's voice. Among his outstanding music selections are those from opera - Verdi's "La donna e mobile" - and from Hollywood movies - Aaronson-Webster's song, "The Loveliest Night of the Year" from THE GREAT CARUSO (1951). One of Lanza's old friends, Herb Fox, says in the video that he raised $400 in order to allow Lanza to get to Hollywood for a screen test. Then he never spoke to Lanza again because the fame went to his head. But when Fox and his wife went to see Lanza in THE GREAT CARUSO at Radio City Music Hall, they had tears in their eyes. Fox also adds that Lanza could have been a great opera star but "he lacked the discipline."
Besides Margison, the other two singers are featured only briefly. Cassandra Riddle sings Verdi's "Brindisi" from La Traviata, and joins Margison in the duet, "They Didn't Believe Me." Australian actor, Tom Burlinson, provides the voice of Frank Sinatra in "Booted." But the real star is Margison, who offers a series of powerful solos, including Lanza's biggest hit song, "Be My Love" from THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS (1950).
The man who has the most to say in this well made video is producer, Michael Harrison. He is an Australian who made a six hour documentary about Lanza in 1991. Harrison has sacrificed everything to make a movie about Lanza's life, including his death at the hands of the Mafia in Italy. The film is due to be made in early 2001.
Watching this video makes you look forward to this movie to be directed by Simon Langton. If Michael Harrison seems a bit too sure of himself, it's only because the subject is such a natural for a movie subject. Lanza was very handsome, a good actor, and a terrific singer. And he died when he was in hisonly 38.
This is a fascinating and well made documentary with a honest portrayal showing difficult it can be to make a movie.
A must for Lanza's many fans and for anyone else who enjoys great singing.
--Roger Hall, 23 January 2001
This video available from -
Bullfrog Films, Box 149, Oley, PA 19547 (800) 543-3764
Web site: www.bullfrogfilms.com
DVD Reviews (2000)
These are the DVDs reviewed with those in red receiving a "Special Merit" ranking:
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES - Isolated score by Hugo Friedhofer - ****
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS - Music and commentary by Danny Elfman - ***1/2
FANTASISA/ FANTASIA 2000/ FANTASIA LEGACY - ****
JURASSIC PARK and THE LOST WORLD - Music by John Williams - ***1/2
NORTH BY NORTHWEST - Isolated score by Bernard Herrmann - ****
PLEASANTVILLE - Isolated score and commentary by Randy Newman - ***1/2
| DVD of Special Merit - November 2000 |
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) - Music Score by Hugo Friedhofer
HBO Home Video 90657 (170 minutes)
Languages: English - Mono and Chace Surround Stereo; French & Spanish - Mono
Rating: ****
One of the best World War II era movies, it stars Frederic March (Oscar winner), Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright, Dana Andrews, Virginia Mayo, Cathy O'Donnell, with Harold Russell (the only actor to receive two Oscars for the same role in the same film), and great songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. The score is by Hugo Friedhofer and it also won a well deserved Oscar for Best Score. Friedhofer's score is one of the most poignant ones of the 1940s or beyond, full of sincere sentiment and emotional strength. The score is featured on an isolated track. Other features include: Special introductuion by Virginia Mayo, an interview with Teresa Wright, and original theatrical trailer. The print has been remastered from original elements and looks terrific. The sound is in the original mono and Chace Surround Stereo. If you're a fan of Friedhofer's score for this superb film, don't pass up this wonderful DVD.
For more information about his film music, see Linda Danley's book on the life of Hugo Friedhofer at FILM MUSIC REVIEW under Recommended Film Books
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990) - Music Score by Danny Elfman
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment 2000537 (Approx. 105 minutes)
Languages: English 4.0 Surround, English Doby Surround, French Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English and Spanish
Rating: ***1/2
This is a favorite of many fantasy fans. It's a charming film starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Alan Arkin, and Vincent Price as the Inventor. The bonus tracks include commentary by the director, Tim Burton, and an isolated score tracks with Danny Elfman, who talks only when he feels it's necessary to explain his themes or musical ideas. Thankfully he doesn't talk over the music, when it begins. There is also a short featurette which doesn't give much information, and two movie trailers and TV spots. Plus a bit of conceptual art and clever 3-D Interactive Menus. The extra stuff is okay but it's the commentaries by Burton and Elfman which make this a worthwhile DVD to own.
For more information, go to: www.edwardscissorhandsdvd.com
| DVD of Special Merit - December 2000 |
FANTASIA (1940)(Approx. 125 minutes)/ FANTASIA 2000 (74 minutes)/ FANTASIA LEGACY (Approx. 161 minutes)
Walt Disney Pictures (3 DVDs)
Languages: English and French (FANTASIA 2000 only - Dolby Surround)
Rating: ****
These three DVDs make up a terrific collection of Disney animation at its best. The first DVD is FANTASIA (1940); the second one FANTASIA 2000; and the third DVD is FANTASIA LEGACY (with almost three hours of extra material about both FANTASIA films).
Each film has its own special features.
The 60th Anniversary Special Edition of FANTASIA has a restored and remastered original theatrical version. The classical music is performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski. Unfortunately the original Deems Taylor introductions have been replaced with another narrator's voice. The audio commentary is by Roy E. Disney, Conductor James Levine, and animation specialists. Also there are archival interviews with Walt Disney and "The Making Of Fantasia" Featurette. The restored film quality is excellent. Originally recorded in stereo, the sound is a bit shrill and wavery but still impressive.
FANTASIA 2000 is naturally in much higher Digital quality in sound and image. But the individual animated pieces are not as well handled as the original FANTASIA. The music is well performed by The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Levine. Audio commentary is by Roy E. Disney, James Levine and Don Ernst, plus segment directors and art directors. Also included are several classic animated Disney shorts from the past: "Melody" and the Oscar-winning short, "Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom."
For anyone who grew up with the original FANTASIA or got to see the IMAX version of FANTASIA 2000, this collection is a must have. But it can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to watch some of the best animation ever created by the Disney Studio.
In fact, the original FANTASIA from 1940 is probably one of the best animated films ever made. Just watch the bonus features included on the single DVD or the Legacy disc and you'll understand why it is so highly regarded.
This a collection to enjoy for many years to come for children and adults of all ages. A real treasure chest of great animation.
JURASSIC PARK (1993)(127 minutes) & THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK (1997)(129 minutes)
Universal Studios (Collector's Edition - 2 DVDs/ Widescreen/ Dolby Surround)
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Rating: ***1/2
Unfortunately both John Williams scores are not isolated. But both have lots of extras - over 60 minutes for each DVD movie. These include documentaries about the making of each film, trailers, storyboards, and more. JURASSIC PARK DVD has a gold cover and THE LOST WORLD has a silver one, so they can be easily identified in the slipcase. Sound and picture quality are excellent.
If you're a fan of the Williams scores and these spectacular Spielberg movies, you'll surely want to get this two DVD Collector's Edition version.
| DVD of Special Merit - October 2000 |
NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959) - Music Score by Bernard Herrmann
Turner Entertainment/ Warner Home Video 65016 (136 minutes)
Languages: English - Dolby Surround 5.1, and French - Mono
Rating: ****
If you weren't thrilled with the Rhino CD of Herrmann's score, then you should consider getting this superior DVD. It has an isolated score track, which is much better than the CD. Herrmann's soundtrack has been remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1. This classic film starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason, has a new documentary: "Destination Hitchcock: The Making of North By Northwest," hosted by Eva Marie Saint and featuring interviews with Martin Landau, screenwriter Ernest Lehman, Pat Hitchcock and others involved in the film. The documentary is very well done and provides lots of background information. The film itself has informative chatty commentary by Ernest Lehman. Also included are two movie trailers and TV spots, and interactive menus. Excellent print of this classic Hitchcock film, with one of Herrmann's best scores presented in great Dolby Surround Sound. A must have for Herrmann fans.
| DVD of Special Merit - September 2000 |
PLEASANTVILLE (1998) - Music Score by Randy Newman
New Line Home Video N4728 (124 minutes)
Language: English 5.1 Surround Sound, English Stereo Surround
Subtitles: English
Rating: ***1/2
Like EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, this is a wonderful fantasy film. It stars Toby McGuire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy, J.T. Walsh, Don Knotts, and Reese Witherspoon. There is audio comentary by the director, Gary Ross, and an isolated score track with commentary by Randy Newman, which is worth having the DVD just for his candid remarks. Other features are: an interesting behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Art of Pleasantville"; Fiona Apple's goofy music video, "Across the Universe"; storyboard gallery; original theatrical trailer and color television setup. An early draft and the entire screenplay is available for viewing on a PC, but only works with a DVD-ROM drive. The audio commentaries and featurette were produced by Mark Rance. The film print and sound are good. Worth getting for Randy Newman's frank comments and his delightful score.
For more information, go to: www.newline.com
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