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"RUDY" is one of those rare "Sleeper"-type films, in
which the underdog is less concerned with "winning" a game, as much as
he's interested in just having the chance to even "play"! Based
on a true story, Dan Rutteger(Rudy), is a small kid with dreams of playing for
the football team of Notre Dame. The guy is up against "so" much
to begin with, he's really small for football, hasn't been accepted to the
university, and more, that it's hard not to be cheering for him just because of
his determination!
The cast is terrific! Sean Astin is wonderful in the title role, never "over-the-top" even in scenes where this would be easy. The rest of the cast, including an unknown John Favreau, is also impressive! The film offers various characters extending a hand to help each other, and Favreau's relationship as Rudy's tutor is another example of the goodwill possible between decent people.
While the "football" subject may at first turn away some potential viewers, it's more about people, in the same manner "Hoosiers" wasn't just about basketball!
COLUMBIA TRISTAR is presenting the film in its correct 1.85;1 ratio with 16:9
enhancement. There's great depth and contrast, evidenced in numerous
scenes throughout the film. Fleshtones are natural looking.l
The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix offers a well blended soundstage of effects. While the film is focused on dialogue, directing most sound to the center and front speakers, the wonderful musical score makes the film "come to life" and rear speakers are well utilized in creating atmosphere during game sequences.
Fans of "RUDY" will enjoy the featurette offered in the bonus section. It has an interview with the actual "Rudy" and his comments on the story that inspired the film. There are two other featurettes, but mostly promotional in tone. There is an isolated track for fans of the music to enjoy this aspect alone, and in dolby digital 5.1
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Paying homage to the swashbuckler adventures of the '30s, "DAMN THE
DEFIANT" makes for a great viewing anytime! Set during the Napoleonic
wars, The H.M.S. Defiant is a British warship under the command of Alec
Guinness. Based in part, on an actual event occurring in 1797, in which
"officers" rather than the seamen, as depicted here, committed mutiny,
the film raises many issues about ethics, but never loses sight of its
"Adventure" atmosphere. In contrast to the "Mutiny on the
Bounty" films, this one offers a very humane Captain hindered by a sadistic
first-mate, played impeccably by Dirk Bogarde!
As the two battle for the hearts and minds of the ship's crew, it's the bad guy who uses his cunning to win them to his side. There's great tension, even without special effects sequences here! It's a real delight watching such splendid actors just "act"!
The transfer from COLUMBIA TRISTAR is a mixed bag. While this is the best image we've seen of the film, ever, it still suffers from extensive grain and contrast problems. The film has decent color values, but they're never bright enough. This appears to be related to the original source material and not the transfer process. While it's a shame the film wasn't restored, we're still pleased overall with the film presentation. |
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Whether or not one likes the film, "BLACK & WHITE", Director James Toback's participation with the special edition dvd helps make this one of the best dvd presentations in some time! Toback has always been provocative. As the opening scene attests, wherein two girls and a young man are participating in sexual acts, before any credits even start, Toback isn't pulling any punches! The film did horribly at the box-office, mostly due to its subject matter. It's basically the story of white preppies trying to become part of the hip-hop world. Not a universally exciting story??? Still, Toback can make "anything" interesting. He also manages to get tremendous performances from everyone involved. Brooke Shields has "never" and we mean "never" looked this competent before. Robert Downey Jr, a long time favorite of Toback's, is at his best here, as a homosexual filmmaker dying to release his inhibitions "everywhere", much to his own danger. The film's narrative is loosely constructed, focusing more on character than plot. While there's no real "conclusion" the film does leave the viewer satisfied, and still wanting more!
The transfer from COLUMBIA TRISTAR, is excellent! While it's intentionally grainy at times, the images have a nice polish to them. The film's opening sequence exhibits how much attention Toback gives to imagery, blending a beautiful image to gritty dialogue. The resolution is generally impressive, with natural looking fleshtones and great clarity. However, as various sequences are intentionally altered via various looks with digital cameras and the like, the quality also changes. The film is only offered in 2.35:1 aspect with 16:9 enhancement. The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is terrific! None of Toback's previous films have relied so extensively on music to create atmosphere and contrast. The blend of rap with "other" theme music is well balanced and effective! The mix is dialogue-driven, but there are plenty of directional effects used in key sequences throughout the film.
The supplements are extensive! Toback's commentary is brilliant! He's one of the most enthusiastic and intelligent directors working today, and his commentary is a must for any aspiring filmmaker, or even "movie fan"! He can talk with great intellect about theme, and structure at one instance, and then "cut to the chase" about a key point the next! Explaining the film's opening sequence, he (paraphrasing) states that he didn't just want "two girls and a guy" but two white girls and a black guy-going at it, without explanation.
There is also a featurette: "James Toback's Video Diary" which is one of the best "behind-the-scenes" looks, ever put on dvd! It's like a workshop, blending behind-the-scenes footage, documentary-like interviews, and more for an extensive exploration of the film and its production. The deleted scenes and alternate takes segment offers some fun moments, but it's obvious that what's left in the film is what's best. Add to this music video, trailers and a great SRP of $24.98. A great addition to any dvd library!