Norman Jewison's big-screen adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar gets a new deluxe DVD release that hit stores the same day as Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. The film itself is presented in a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The film has never looked better on home video. English, Spanish, and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Stereo. Spanish and French subtitles are accessible. The supplemental materials provide a great deal of background information. An interview with Tim Rice lays out the story of how the initial record and the stage show came to be, and that leads nicely into the commentary track recorded by Jewison and star Ted Neeley. They are full of affection for the film, and although the track occasionally suffers from too much patting each other on the back, it is nice to see how well Neeley remembers many details about the cast. A still photo gallery rounds out this solid release from Universal.
The original 1973 movie version has the best performances of this rock opera. I saw it in the movie theater as a nine-year old little Lutheran in 1973 (thanks, Mom and Dad), and I've probably watched it three more times, and listened to the album at least 10 more times. I'm not the only one; my brothers and most of my friends are obsessed, and apparently Stephen Colbert, like me and my brothers, can sing the whole thing start to finish. It's just magnificent, and this is the version you want to see. Join the cool kids!
A classic film from the Coen brothers, Raising Arizona features an excellent DVD transfer but not much more. Top cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, who later directed Get Shorty and Wild Wild West, photographed this film and its transfer would make him proud. The widescreen 1:85 sparkles with color saturation and even the smallest background detail stands out to enhance the humor. Joel and Ethan Coen are known for making great quirky films and for never including commentary or interviews on their discs. They stay true to form here. Extras-wise, the disc doesn't offer much, except for a theatrical trailer, three TV spots, and trailers for their other films, Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink. Dolby Surround is available in English and French languages. Since the film has such a fanatical following, even without extras the awesome transfer will be enough for many fans to add this to their collection.
Raising Arizona is the only movie I ever wanted to see again immediately after I saw it in the theater. Nicolas Cage is a terrific hangdog semi-loser, and he delivers the Coens' sly dialog perfectly. I think Raising Arizona is better than The Big Lebowski and Fargo in its language and visuals.Think of Napoleon Dynamite crossed with Bonnie and Clyde. You will thank me for my recommendation!