VANILLA SKY

 Both “VANILLA SKY” and “OPEN YOUR EYES” aka “ABIERTE SUS OJOS” are available on dvd, and are deserving of being seen and compared to one another. 

Producer Tom Cruise optioned the rights to “OPEN YOUR EYES” after seeing it, and while Director/writer Cameron Crowe’s film is in some ways an American remake of the film, it’s less of a remake than a “re-interpretation” of the original film.  Both films have their own advantages in certain areas, and while the film does follow the same plot-line, even many of the same visual sequences, there is a great deal of differences in each film, not just in style, but also in substance.

The plot of both films follows a young, handsome, and wealthy playboy, rushing from one relationship to another, and having no conscience over the girls left behind for the next flavor of the month, or week.  His latest conquest, Cameron Diaz in “VANILLA SKY”, just can’t let go.  Things get complicated when he meets his best friend’s date, Penelope Cruz, in both versions, and falls in love.  We won’t reveal what events follow, but suffice it to say, that both films end up via various means, in becoming alternately sentimental, suspenseful, mind-boggling, and ultimately a science-fiction film. 

Whereas “OPEN YOUR EYES” has more of a linear style to it, and its conclusion more satisfying in some ways, Crowe’s version has much more depth and warmth to it.  His script also delves more into the main character’s background, exploring how he’s gotten so rich, and much more depth to the lavish lifeystyle he leads, making his transformation from that of being materialistic to being in real love, all the more poignant. 

Crowe pushes the sci-fi elements of the film even further than in the original film,  and “VANILLA SKY” , at times plays like a Ken Russel film, creating a drug-like experience for the viewer.  This will certainly alienate some viewers, but for those willing to take the chance, it’s a worthwhile journey.  The cast is excellent.  No one, and we mean “No one” has ever been better than they are here.  Even Kurt Russell, is actually quite good here! 

PARAMOUNT has preserved the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is outstanding. The colors are solid and vibrant throughout the film.  This is a slick looking picture, and as evidenced from the first dream sequence, with Cruise running in Times Square, the production design pushes the envelope in color and contrast, all perfectly handled here! 

The soundmix offers a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and while the music engulfs the audience effectively, surround effects are generally restrained. Crowe is ingenious with his selection of music, and this is made apparent in the sequence wherein “Good Vibrations” is heard near the end.

This special edition offers a running commentary with Crowe and his wife, Nancy Wilson, the film’s musical composer.  She offers some minor musical background during his insightful reflections, and some conversation. But, most of the commentary is just Crowe, filled with enthusiasm, describing the film’s production and philosophical aspects of filmmaking in general.  He’s a likeable guy, and the commentary is very care-free.

Additionally, there are two featurettes offered. 

“PRELUDE TO A DREAM” offers some great behind-the-scenes moments, and more thoughts from Crowe. 

“HITTING IT HARD” is a just-plain fun mini-documentary, following the film’s press junket, and revealing the celebrity-minded fans, the world over!

A gag reel, photo galleries, and a teaser and theatrical trailer are also