HARRY CONNICK, JR., MATTHEW PERRY, JEREMY IRONS AND KATHY BATES ARE AMONG THE FEATURED GUESTS ON “THE VIEW”, FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 4
February 24, 2011 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Jazz Bassist/Singer Esperanza Spalding, Recently Crowned “Best New Artist”
at the 2011 Grammy(tm) Awards, Performs Live, March 2
Donnie Dunagan (the Original Voice of Bambi in Walt Disney’s “Bambi”)
And Peter Behn (the Original Voice of Thumper in “Bambi”) Will Meet
Face to Face for the Very First Time on “The View,” March 4
Actress Nia Long to Guest Co-host Live, March 1
Crooner Harry Connick, Jr., Matthew Perry (“Mr. Sunshine”), actress Jacqueline Bisset, Jeremy Irons (“The Borgias”), Kathy Bates (“Harry’s Law”), ABC News legal analyst Dan Abrams, as well as Donnie Dunagan (original voice of Bambi in Walt Disney’s “Bambi”) and Peter Behn (original voice of Thumper in “Bambi”) — who will meet for the first time — are among the guests on ABC’s “The View” (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET) on the ABC Television Network. Actress Nia Long will guest co-host Tuesday, March 1.
Jazz bassist/singer Esperanza Spalding, who was recently crowned “Best New Artist” at the 2011 Grammy Awards, performs live, Wednesday, March 2.
Donnie Dunagan (the original voice of Bambi in Walt Disney’s “Bambi”) and Peter Behn (the original voice of Thumper in “Bambi”) will meet face to face for the very first time on “The View,” Friday, March 4.
Scheduled guests the week of FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 4 are as follows (subject to change):
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28 – Co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s workout routine; “V-Mail: Ask ‘The View’” . . . Lawyers.
TUESDAY, MARCH 1 – Guest co-host Nia Long; Contemporary crooner Harry Connick, Jr.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 – Matthew Perry (“Mr. Sunshine”); Jazz bassist/singer Esperanza Spalding (“Chamber Music Society”), crowned Best New Artist at the 2011 Grammy Awards, performs; Jacqueline Bisset.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3 – Jeremy Irons (“The Borgias”); “American’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh, his wife, RevŽ Walsh, and Joe Matthews, founder of DNA Life Print identification kit.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4 – Kathy Bates (“Harry’s Law”); ABC News legal analyst Dan Abrams; Donnie Dunagan (original voice of Bambi in Walt Disney’s “Bambi”) and Peter Behn (original voice of Thumper in “Bambi”) meet face to face for the very first time; Dani Johnson (“Secret Millionaire”).
“The View” features Daytime Emmy Award-winning hosts Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. It’s the original forum in which real women discuss everyday issues, share their opinions and engage in colorful conversations. “The View,” broadcast in HDTV and produced in 2-channel stereo sound, is now available to watch online daily at 4:00 p.m., ET/1:00 p.m., PT on the ABC Digital Full Episode Player at ABC.com. “The View” is produced by ABC Daytime and Ms. Walters’ Barwall Productions, with Ms. Walters serving as executive producer along with Bill Geddie, who also serves as executive producer for “The Barbara Walters Specials.” “The View” is directed by Mark Gentile.
For breaking news and updated videos follow “The View” (@theviewtv) and hosts Barbara Walters (@BarbaraJWalters), Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar), Elisabeth Hasselbeck (@ehasselbeck) and Sherri Shepherd (@SherriEShepherd) on Twitter.(tm)
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)
October 18, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
Buster Keaton at his most daring! Featuring death-defying scenes that literally will surprise you. “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is another wonderful Keaton silent film on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino and is highly recommended!
TITLE: Steamboat Bill, Jr.
FILM RELEASE: 1928
DURATION: 70 Minutes
BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: B&W, 1080p High Definition,
COMPANY: Kino International
RATED: N/A
Release Date: July 6, 2010
Directed by Charles Reisner
Written by Carl Harbaugh
Produced by Joseph M. Schenck
Cinematography by Bert Haines, Devereaux Jennings
Edited by Sherman Kell
Starring:
Buster Keaton as William Canfield, Jr.
Ernest Torrence as William “Steamboat Bill” Canfield Sr.
Tom Mcguire as John James King
Tom Lewis – Tom Carter, first mate
Marion Byron as Kitty King
The last of the independent features made in the prime of Buster Keaton’s career, STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. is a large-scale follow-up to The General, substituting a Mississippi paddlewheel for the locomotive, and replacing the spectacle of the Civil War with a catastrophic hurricane. Keaton stars as William Canfield, Jr., a Boston collegian who returns to his deep-southern roots to reunite with his father, a crusty riverboat captain (Ernest Torrence) who is engaged in a bitter rivalry with a riverboat king, coincidentally, the father of Willie’s sweetheart (Marion Byron).
Keaton’s athleticism and gift for inventive visual humor are in top form, and the cyclone that devastates a town (and sends houses literally crashing down around him) is perhaps the most ambitious, awe-inspiring and hilarious slapstick sequence ever created.
In the silent era, it was common practice for filmmakers to create two separate negatives of their films, each comprised of differing takes and camera angles. This definitive DVD edition contains both versions of STEAMBOAT BILL, JR., each mastered from archival 35mm materials, as well as a thirteen-minute documentary comparing the two.
When we think about Buster Keaton, we think of one of the kings of slapstick comedy during the silent era. The master of physical comedy, a talent known for his deadpan expression and his films, well-revered today as one of the best actors and directors of all time and beloved by many.
But in 1928, Buster Keaton was going through one of the most problematic times of his life. A marriage to Natalie Talmadge (of the popular Talmadge family and sister to actresses Norma and Constance) which was going south and to make things worse but two years prior, Keaton had learned that Joseph M. Schenk (the man in which Keaton was contracted to) would be taking the job as President of the new United Artists (created by D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks).
And with Keaton now losing independence as a director/actor and becoming part of the new studio mentality, in the three year period, he would create three films which would be his final films he would have complete control over and that was “The General” (1926), “College” (1927) and his final film with United Artists, “Steamboat Bill, Jr” (1928).
Like “The General”, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is considered one of the best films that Keaton had created but in 1928, people didn’t feel the same way. People were now getting read for the talkies (which was in its infancy) and slapstick comedy was phasing out and people were wanting something new and different.
Eventually like many silent era stars, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is considered as Keaton’s last great silent film and is now considered today as not just one of the top Keaton comedy films ever created but one of the top comedy silents of all time.
And we have had the opportunity to be have watched “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” on DVD courtesy of Kino International but now, it’s time for “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” on HD via Blu-ray and is the definitive version of the film as both the Buster Keaton Estate version and the Killiam Shows Archive version are both included in this release.
“Steamboat Bill, Jr.” revolves around a young man named William Canfield, Jr. (played by Buster Keaton) who just graduated from college and as promised, he will leaving Boston to visit his father William “Steamboat Bill” Canfield, Sr. (played by Ernest Torrence), a grumpy, and very traditional blue collar man who has been captain of the old ship Steamboat Bill. But Sr. is not to thrilled that his rival John James King (played by Tom McGuire) has unveiled his new ship and will surely drive away business from Canfield Sr. and away from the Steamboat Bill.
Meanwhile, William Sr. receives a letter from Jr. that he has graduated and will be coming back to town. Not sure what his own son looks like, William Sr. looks a bit surprised and embarrassed that his son is very refined, wearing a suit jacket, carrying a small guitar, wearing an artist’s hat and definitely much different than his old man. And this is not what his father likes, so immediately he goes to change him.
But while he’s back in town, William Sr. wants to make sure that his son works and gets to learn how things run on the Steamboat Bill. But first, Williams father will first make sure he gets out of his college getup and looks like he will be working on a boat.
While shopping with his father, William Jr. runs into Kitty (played by Marion Byron), a friend from the city and a young woman who is smitten towards him. All things seem to look good in his way back home, that is until William Sr. finds out that Kitty is the daughter of his rival John James King.
Both Canfield Sr. and King make sure they let their children know that they should not be together but for both William and Kitty, they will do whatever it takes to see each other. Or can they?
VIDEO:
“Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is quite literally the best looking version of the film available and for an 82-year-old film, Kino International has once again done a spectacular job on a silent film release on Blu-ray.
Before I discuss the picture quality of “Steamboat Bill, Jr.”, it’s important to note that because this is a silent film, it’s important to emphasize that each silent film has been handled and stored differently. With that being said, I also want to add that there are only so many very good silent films still around, many destroyed from fires started by the Nitrate film or mishandling (or improper storage). Fortunately, a good number of Keaton films have strong film elements that have led to Kino International wanting to release more Keaton films on Blu-ray and to also make sure the film has not been digitally tampered.
Similar to “The General”, Kino International has done a a great job with bringing this film to Blu-ray. Presented in 1080p High Definition, black and white, yes, the film is not pristine (no silent film in HD will be) looking as it does have scratches, dust, hair and other damage that the film has gone through within the last 80-years. But this is to be expected, if anything, many silent films on nitrate were not well taken care of, so each time I see a film in which the films are much better than I expect, I’m quite pleased and for “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” in HD, it’s definitely a major improvement over its original DVD counterpart.
I have watched many silent films that have had considerable nitrate damage but this film still looks fantastic for its age and you will not see the nitrate damage or acid buildup in the film’s sides. Yes, it’s not pristine but it’s the best looking version of the film that I have seen so far. There is a good amount of detail where you can actually see detail on the ground, on the wood of the Steamboat bill ship, the curvatures and bark on a tree. It’s important to note that some elements of the film do show its change in black levels but by no means was this distracting for me. I know of one review that said that contrast was blinding and I think that comment was a bit excessive. There are changing levels but by no means was it blinding or over-contrast. I found the black levels and contrast more distracting on the DVD but I believe that KINO did a wonderful job in fixing it on the Blu-ray release (and I am assuming it was fixed also on the ultimate collection 2-disc DVD that was released simultaneously on the same day as the Blu-ray).
The differences between the Buster Keaton Estate version and the Killiam Shows Archives version is quite interesting as the films show different takes. Because the film were handled by different properties, the picture quality is slightly softer in the Killiam version but personally, both looks good and I’m very grateful that both films are included in this release.
Many have wondered if the film does have any DNR and Bret Wood posted on Nitrateville.com:
When we transferred THE GENERAL, we had the grain-reducer turned down to zero, assuming that would kill it. But when we QC’ed the Blu-Ray, we saw traces of digital artifacts. As a result, we re-transferred THE GENERAL for Blu-Ray, with the grain-reducer not just turned to zero, but completely by-passed (and we followed the same technique for STEAMBOAT BILL JR.).
By this time, the DVD of THE GENERAL had already been released, so it has a slight amount of digital noise reduction, but it’s virtually undetectable on a SD monitor.
But despite its having its share of dust and particles and other things that do show up in the video, comparing both this Blu-ray version to the DVD version in my Kino “Art of Buster Keaton” set, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” looks fantastic on Blu-ray!
On the DVD, there is constant flickering and there were times that blacks look quite deep and were hard to see faces at times. Also, seeing how much cleaner the print looks on Blu-ray vs. the original KINO DVD is quite amazing.
Iknow some Blu-ray purists that have never seen a silent film can be alarmed that silent films are not clear and pristine but the fact is many of them aren’t but if we can get something as close to perfect, for an 82-year-old film, I’m quite impressed with the results!
AUDIO & SUBTITLES:
With any release of silent films on Blu-ray, one thing that I have always wanted to see is more musical scores that people can select for their own viewing and personal preference.
For “Steamboat Bill, Jr.”, you get the The Biography Players music presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, an organ score by Lee Erwin and a piano score by William Perry. Unfortunately, the music by Gaylord Carter presented on the original DVD is not included.
It’s important to note that the Buster Keaton Estate version comes with The Biography Players DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 score and a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo version and the Lee Erwin mono organ score. The Killiam Shows Archive version only features the William Perry Dolby Digital 2.0 piano score.
The Biography Players lossless score was well-done! I enjoyed Gaylord Carter’s score from the original, so to hear another score, I was quite impressed of how the orchestra carried on various instruments during a scene’s most emotional or hair-raising moments. It is important to note that the score is presented on all five audio channels. But just in case, you don’t like that, you can always select a Dolby Digital 2.0 version of the score.
I also enjoyed the organ score by Lee Irwin (presented in Dolby Digital mono) and you get the Dolby Digital 2.0 piano score by William Perry.
There are no subtitles in this Blu-ray release.
SPECIAL FEATURES
“Steamboat Bill, Jr.” comes with the following special features:
- Steamboat Bill, Jr. (Killiam)- (1:10:29) The second version of the film which is similar to the Buster Keaton Estate version but the Killiam Shows Archive version does feature different cuts of scenes (such as the trying on a hat scene). The Killiam Shows Archive version only features the William Perry Dolby Digital 2.0 piano score.
- Visual Essay - (12:20) – A short documentary explaining Keaton’s mindset during the filming of “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” and the challenges that Keaton faced at this time in his life.
- Steamboat Bill: The Song - Early recordings of a folk song that created the persona from which the film was derived. Performed by Edward Meeker (1911, 2:10) and Irving Kaufman (1919, 2:48).
- “Why The Call Him Buster” – (1:11) A musical montage of pratfalls and stunts created to promote the upcoming release of KINO’s “Lost Keaton”.
- Stills – Using your remote, you can cycle through various stills from the film.
EXTRAS:
“Steamboat Bill, Jr.” comes with a slipcase.
As a big fan of Buster Keaton films, from his silents to his talkies, I do feel that Kino International has done a fantastic job with this Blu-ray release of “Steamboat Bill, Jr.”.
While I really enjoyed “The General”, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is a film that I enjoyed even more. I felt the physical comedy by Buster Keaton was fantastic! The scenes when the hurricane hits the town literally makes your jaw drop and makes you wonder how they created those scenes in 1928. Hurricane-like winds, watching Keaton risk his life and putting his life into this crew’s hands as homes and buildings collapse all around him, houses falling on him and literally escaping harms way to seeing him on a tree and being carried away by the hurricane (of course, a crane whisking him away from land to ocean). The fact is for this film, Keaton put his life in jeopardy and just the slightest miscalculation could have either killed him or maimed him. Fortunately, Buster and his crew prepared quite well for those scenes.
Keaton including his third wife have said in past interviews that he didn’t care about doing those scenes because at the time, he was fighting off depression. His marriage had failed (which would actually hurt him severely a few years later), his financial problems were mounting and the lifestyle that his wife had wanted was taking its toll (it’s important to note that in their bitter divorce, Natalie Talmadge literally took all his money and his children away from him and leaving him a broken man driven to alcoholism).
As much as I love the film, I can’t help but feel saddened that this incredible film was a box office failure and literally stripping away Buster Keaton’s control over his films. But the fact is that Keaton was one of the casualties of the crossover from silent films to the talkies. Without Joseph Schenk, without the support of his wife, without control over his films. But he took the advice to close down his own studio from Schenk and to move to Columbia Pictures. This slapstick comedy king had his whole role reduced when he went to MGM (which Buster would say was the worst decision he made all his life) but the truth was, whether he kept his studio or not, the movies would never be the same for these silent film stars. And while Keaton would go on to make commercially successful films, the days of Keaton showcasing his physical comedy (which the studio would not allow and he had to work with a stunt double) was over.
So, in many ways, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” can be seen by many of us today, as his final silent film in which we got to see the actor at his most daring. Exciting, captivating, and doing things that not even Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd would ever dare do. But the attitudes towards cinema during those final silent years were not kind to these silent stars and for many people watching this film, its difficult to imagine how this film did terribly because it’s a fantastic film that you can’t help but respect Keaton for what he accomplished.
As for this Blu-ray release, once again, Kino has done silent film fans a big service. Another wonderful Keaton film in HD and their continuing dedication of bringing silent films to the masses, especially to those who are now discovering silent films for the very first time. The fact that you get both the Buster Keaton Estate version and the Killiam Shows Archive version is a major plus (same film but both have different takes and alternate scenes). Also, I was quite pleased with the features presented in this release.
I will say that if you are planning to buy this release, you’re going to read different reviews about “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” on Blu-ray and you are going to see reviews that are positive and negative due to the way the video is presented. I am on the side that feels the presentation of “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” was well-done and I know there will be those who will debate the black-levels and the contrast and so forth. In my case, the contrast was not blinding but again, we all have different equipment.
But for the film alone, what was included on this Blu-ray release and its’ over all presentation, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” is a winner and is highly recommended!
HARRY CONNICK, JR., JOAN RIVERS, JACKIE CHAN & JADEN SMITH (“THE KARATE KID”) AND BETHENNY FRANKEL ON “THE VIEW,” JUNE 7-11
June 3, 2010 by J!-ENT · 2 Comments
Music from Train, Usher and Jason Derulo
E.D. Hill Co-Hosts, Live, June 7 and Danielle Fishel (Style Network’s “The Dish”) Co-Hosts, Live, June 9
Harry Connick, Jr., Joan Rivers, Jackie Chan & Jaden Smith (“The Karate Kid”), Bethenny Frankel (“Bethenny Getting Married”) and musical guests Usher, Train and Jason Derulo are all scheduled to appear JUNE 7-11 on ABC’s “The View” (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET). American news anchor E.D. Hill returns to co-host, live, MONDAY, JUNE 7, followed by Danielle Fishel, host of Style Network’s “The Dish,” WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9.
Scheduled guests for the week of June 7-11 are as follows (subject to change):
MONDAY, JUNE 7 – Guest co-host E.D. Hill; musical guest Train; behind the scenes of co-host Sherri Shepherd’s Broadway show, “Love, Loss & What I Wore.”
TUESDAY, JUNE 8 – Joan Rivers (“Piece of Work”); co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s QVC spring fashion line, “Dialogue by Elisabeth Hasselbeck.”
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 – Guest co-host Danielle Fishel (host, Style Network’s “The Dish”); Harry Connick, Jr.; musical guest Jason Derulo.
THURSDAY, JUNE 10 – Musical guest Usher; Bethenny Frankel (“Bethenny Getting Married”); TJ Maxx fashion show.
FRIDAY, JUNE 11 – Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan (“The Karate Kid”).
Harry Connick, Jr. and wife Jill Goodacre at the luncheon for “Nine”
December 14, 2009 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Singer/actor Harry Connick Jr. and wife model Jill Goodacre attend a luncheon for The Weinstein Company’s ‘NINE’ at Per Se on December 14, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Weinstein Company)Content © 2009 Getty Images All rights reserved
Whatever Works (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)
October 18, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
Director/writer Woody Allen brings us a new romantic comedy but with a spin. Larry David brings his ‘A’ game to ‘Whatever Works’ with his witty sarcasm and that neurotic style that we have been accustomed to on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and even ‘Seinfeld’. Definitely not predictable and a Woody Allen film that is so unlike any of his previous work. ‘Whatever Works’ is highly entertaining, fun and quite enjoyable!
TITLE: Whatever Works
YEAR OF FILM RELEASE: 2009
DURATION: 92 Minutes
BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition (1:78:1), English 5.1 DTS HD-MA, Subtitles: English, English SDH
COMPANY: Sony Pictures Classics/Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
RATED: PG-13 (Sexual Situations, Including Dialogue, Brief Nude Images and Thematic Material)
Release Date: October 20, 2009
Written and Directed by Woody Allen
Executive Producer: Brahim Chioua, Vincent Maraval
Co-Executive Producer: Charles H. Joffe, Jack Rollins
Co-Executive Producer: Charles H. Joffe, Jack Rollins
Producer: Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum
Cinematography by Harris Savides
Edited by Alisa Lepselter
Casting by Ali Farrell, Laura Rosenthal, Juliet Taylor
Production Design by Santo Loquasto
Set Decoration by Ellen Christiansen
Costume Design by Suzy Benzinger
Starring:
Larry David as Boris Yellnikoff
Evan Rachel Wood as Melodie St. Ann Celestine
Patricia Clarkson as Marietta
Conleth Hill as Leo Brockman
Ed Begley Jr. as John
Adam Brooks as Friend #1
Lyle Kanouse as Friend #2
Michael McKean as Friend #3
Carolyn McCormick as Jessica
Christopher Evan Welch as Howard
Henry Cavill as Randy James
Director/writer Woody Allen brings us a new romantic comedy but with a spin. Larry David brings his ‘A’ game to ‘Whatever Works’ with his witty sarcasm and that neurotic style that we have been accustomed to on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and even ‘Seinfeld’. Definitely not predictable and a Woody Allen film that is so unlike any of his previous work. ‘Whatever Works’ is highly entertaining, fun and quite enjoyable!
A Woody Allen written and directed romantic comedy that came out during the Summer of 2009, “Whatever Works” brings the creative minds of both Allen and actor/writer/producer Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Seinfeld”, “Saturday Night Live”). The film features cinematography by Harris Savides (“Milk”, “American Gangster”, “Zodiac”, “Margot at the Wedding”) and a classic soundtrack of music from yesteryear.
The film revolves around Boris Yellnikoff (played by Larry David), an eccentric and bitter man who is a brilliant misanthrope (and a former Harvard Physicist) who almost won the Nobel Prize and now just a bitter man who complains about everything. He can be seen ranting to his friends about life in the morning and playing (or teaching) chess as well. But what changes Boris’s life is one night, waking up because he was annoyed by his wife and jumps out the window. He doesn’t kill himself but he lands on a canopy and now walks with a major limp. From that point in his life, he divorces his wife (which most guys would think would be a great wife) and secludes himself from the world and gets ticked off at anyone who is not as smart as him.
All he does is complain and bicker about the world and people and at times, he’ll look at the camera and talk to you and tell you how he is feeling (which people in streets are wondering why is he talking to himself).
Years have passed and Boris Yellnikoff is just an unpleasant man…until he discovers a 21-year-old woman named Melodie (played by Evan Rachel Wood, “Across the Universe”, “King of California”, “The Wrestler”) who is seen sleeping on his doorstep. This angers Boris at first but Melodie’s persistence of wanting a meal becomes too much of an annoyance to him that he digresses and feeds her. Next thing you know, the following morning she asks to stay with him temporarily until she gets a job since she just moved to the city.
Of course, Boris hates the thought of it and it doesn’t help when he thinks that she’s not too bright and constantly makes fun of her (which all his jokes go over her head) but no matter how badly he treats her or how sarcastic he is around her, she accepts him. In fact, the longer she stays with him, she falls for him. She falls for his intellect and doesn’t care that he is 40-years older than her. Boris of course doesn’t believe they should be together and hopes she finds someone around her age and she does date another guy but finds him not as interesting to her like Boris. So, the two end up getting married.
Life seems to be going good for the two as they have the same routine in their daily life but when Melodie’s mother Marietta (played by Patricia Clarkson, “Wonderland”, “Elegy”, “Six Feet Under”, “The Green Mile”) comes to visit her, she is shocked that she is dating an older man, let alone a man that she can not stand. Marietta explains to Melodie that she has left her father John (played by Ed Begley Jr., “Gary Unmarried”, “Veronica Mars”, “St. Elsewhere”) who had an affair with her best friend.
Of course, disapproving of the man that Melodie is with, Marietta is quick to find a younger man Randy James (played by Henry Cavill, “The Tudors”) to sweep her off her feet and show that a younger woman needs a younger man.
“Whatever Works” shows us how in this world…things that were, can change in an instant. Anything can happen, so why not try something different… whatever works.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“Whatever Works” is presented in 1080p High Definition (with an aspect ratio of 1:78:1). For the most part, Woody Allen has found one of the most talented cinematographers around with Harris Savides. Capturing the feel of New York City, the film looks very good and during the outdoor scenes, picture quality is quite vibrant. There is fine layer of grain that can be seen in the picture and for the most part, picture quality for the film is very good.
For audio quality, this is another film in which Sony has elected to use English 5.1 DTS-HD MA instead of Dolby TrueHD. The film is mostly a conversational, dialogue driven film, so it’s front and center channel driven. But what I do like about the film is the selection of classic jazz which gives that film a certain romanticized feel and Groucho Marx tunes to really set the mood. But for a romantic comedy, audio quality is satisfactory for this style of film and it works.
Subtitles are provided in English and English SDH.
SPECIAL FEATURES
“Whatever Works” Blu-ray comes with the original theatrical trailer and trailers for upcoming Sony Pictures Classics titles.
As a fan of Woody Allen films (classic and modern) and a big fan of Larry David, I just felt that the combination of these two individuals would definitely bring out a hilarious style of film that we are used to seeing from both men. From Woody Allen’s approach on romance and relationships but also Larry David’s deadpan, ranting style of humor.
For Woody Allen, it’s quite interesting to see him have the character of Boris Yellnikoff addressing the audience and allowing Larry David to be Larry David. But Allen fans, you will still have that classic Woody Allen style as the film does showcase New York City and how Manhattan can change one’s soul (in this case, for Melodie and her parents).
Although not your typical romantic comedy, as Boris is not exactly a redeeming character who is going to change his life or the way he lives his life, it’s definitely something fresh and different.
Larry David plays the part quite effectively and Evan Rachel Wood definitely plays the naivete as the small town girl living in a big city and does a fantastic job. After seeing her in “The Wrestler” and “Across the Universe”, it was quite interesting to see her be the main female lead and of course, seeing her character of Melodie have this relationship with an older man. Sure, we are accustomed to seeing younger women who date older men for their money (when shown on the big screen) but in “Whatever Works”, you truly believe that she has fallen in love with him despite how sarcastic he is with her.
The message is quite clear with the film. We all have a life and we meet people in life who will be with us…may it be for a short time or forever but to make use of that time and do whatever you can…whatever works. But the film is anything but predictable. Because the way the film is structured, there is no way to know how this film would play itself out in the end. Especially for each of the film’s main characters.
As for the Blu-ray, for a film like “Whatever Works”, the picture and audio quality is satisfactory for this style of film. It’s not going to utilize the whole soundscape in your home theater system but what you do get, works for this film. The only thing that I did feel that was missing is the special features. I didn’t expect an audio commentary from Woody Allen but I was hoping for something other than the trailer. But then again, we were left with hardly any features on the Blu-ray release of Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” as well.
Overall, the Blu-ray release doesn’t contain any bells or whistles in terms of extra content but for Woody Allen films, it’s the film that we come to appreciate and see what he has coming up next. Larry David is definitely a choice that I didn’t see coming for a Woody Allen film but with how the film plays itself out, I can’t see anyone else but David playing that role.
If you are an avid fan of Woody Allen or Larry David’s work, this is a film you will definitely want to give a try!
Harry Connick, Jr. – Your Songs (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)
“A cover album featuring a collaboration between Harry Connick, Jr. and legendary music producer Clive Davis. The best cover album by Harry featuring covers of popular songs originally sung by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and even songs sung by The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Roberta Flack and more. Definitely recommended!”
ARTIST: Harry Connick, Jr.
ALBUM: Your Songs (Digital Version)
LABEL: Columbia
DURATION: 49:37
RELEASE DATE: September 22, 2009
- All the Way
- Just the Way You Are
- Can’t Help Falling in Love With You
- And I Love Her
- (They Long to Be) Close to You
- Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Much)
- The Way You Look Tonight
- First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
- Your Song
- Some Enchanted Evening
- And I Love You So
- Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
- Smile
- Mona Lisa
NOTE: In different countries, the album has additional tracks which include “Killing Me Softly”, or “And I Love Her” (with Carla Bruni) and in Japan, “Killing Me Softly”, “Who’s Sorry Now” and “Answer Me My Love”.
I can easily remember my first introduction to Harry Connick, Jr.’s music and that was through the film “When Harry Met Sally” back in 1989. Needless to say, I’ve been a big fan of Harry since that release, buying every jazz or funk album he had release, catching his live shows and even purchasing his videos on VHS and LD’s and needless to say, with each release, I’ve always enjoyed his music.
With the release of “Your Songs”, the album features a collaboration with Harry and well-known record producer Clive Davis. The songs are classics that were chosen by Clive Davis and arranged by Harry.
Favorites of mine on the album include “All the Way” by Frank Sinatra and written by James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn features a collaboration with Harry and Branford Marsalis. A beautifully arranged track with a good touch of brass and strings made even more smoother with Harry’s vocals.
A cover of the popular song “Smile” which I enjoyed Nat King Cole’s version (written by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner, Geoffrey Parsons) but Harry manages to bring another dimension to the song courtesy of its featuring a beautiful arrangement and another Nat King Cole favorite of mine is “Mona Lisa (written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans) with its piano accompaniment and beautiful strings in the background and a good touch of brass.
Other covers that are also well done include “Just the Way You Are”, a cover of the popular Billy Joel song; Connick’s cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” (written by George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore) and a collaboration with Wynton Marsalis; a cover of the Beatles song “And I Love Her” (written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon); a cover of the popular song “(They Long to Be) Close to You” by the Carpenters (written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David); a cover of Consuelo Velsquez’s “Besame Mucho”; a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight”; a cover of “Some Enchanted Evening” sung by Frank Sinatra and Perry Como (written by Oscar Hammerstein and Richard Rodgers); a beautiful cover of Don McLean’s “And I Love You So” (which was sung also by Perry Como) and a cover of “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” sung by Tony Bennett (written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley).
Some covers, I found to be OK is Harry’s covers of “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” which I can’t see anyone singing the song but Roberta Flack and “Your Song” by Elton John.
But overall, this is a very good cover album. We have had cover albums from Harry Connick, Jr. before. But this has to be the best one release in his long career of releases thus far. It’s one thing to have Harry Connick, Jr.’s beautiful vocals but the arrangement on the album is top notch. Great collaboration once again with Branford and Wynton Marsalis but also with the brass courtesy of Leroy Jones, Roger Ingram, Wayne Bergeron, Warren Lunning and John Fumo. And of course, you have to give it up for Harry’s big band and the string orchestra.
Overall, “Your Songs” is another Harry Connick, Jr. album that is definitely recommended!
The Soloist (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)
July 27, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“Magnificent performance by Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. A moving and powerful film which is based on a true story that is truly an eye opener to the homeless problem in America.”
©Paramount Home Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.
TITLE: The Soloist
DURATION: 116 minutes
BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition (1:85:1), English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French/Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Subtitles: English, English SDH, French and Spanish
COMPANY: Paramount Home Entertainment
RATED: PG-13 (For Thematic Elements, Some Drug Use and Language)
Release Date: August 4, 2009
Directed by Joe Wright
Based on a book by Steve Lopez
Screenplay by Susannah Grant
Executive Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jeff Skoll, Patricia Witcher
Produced by Gary Foster, Russ Krasnoff
Co-Produced by Rikki Lea Bestall, Leeann Stonebreaker
Music by Dario Marianelli
Director of Photography: Seamus McGarvey
Edited by Paul Tothill
Casting by Francine Maisler
Production Design by Sarah Greenwood
Art Direction by Greg Berry, Suzan Wexler
Set Decoration by Julie Smith, Katie Spencer
Costume Design by Jacqueline Durran
Starring:
Jamie Foxx as Nathaniel Ayers
Robert Downey Jr. as Steve Lopez
CAtherine Keener as Mary Weston
Lisa Gay Hamilton as Jennifer
Nelsan Ellis as David
Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Jr. and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx star in an extraordinary and inspiring true story of how a chance meeting can change a life. The Soloist tells the poignant and ultimately soaring tale of a Los Angeles newspaper reporter who discovers a brilliant street musician, with unsinkable passion, and the unique friendship and bon that transforms both their lives. The remarkable performances make for an unforgetting experience in what is hailed as “a courageous and uncompromising film” (Gene Shalit, TODAY).
In 2005, Los Angeles Times writer Steve Lopez captured the hearts of thousands of readers with his columns about a former Juilliard musician named Nathaniel Ayers who is living on the streets. After several columns, Lopez and Ayers would be featured on 60 Minutes and capture the attention of how two people who are absolute different, become good friends.
In 2008, Steve Lopez would write a book based on his experience with Nathanial Ayers but also give attention to the homeless in LA’s Skid row. That book would then become a film.
The film version of “THE SOLOIST” is directed by Joe Wright (“Atonement” and “Pride & Prejudice”) and would feature a screenplay by Susannah Grant (“28 Days”, “Erin Brockovich” and “Charlotte’s Web”), music by Dario Marianelli (“Atonement”, “The Brave One” and “My World”) and cinematography by Seamus McGarvey (“Atonement”, “World Trade Center” and “Sahara”).
The film features a talented cast with Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man”, “Tropic Thunder”, “Charlie Bartlett”, etc.), Jamie Foxx (“The Kingdom”, “Jarhead”, “Ray”), Catherine Keener (“Capote”, “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and “Solstice”) and Nelsan Ellis (“True Blood”, “The Inside” and “The Express).
The film is about a divorced L.A. Times news reporter named Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) who is looking for news to write about and one day, while out and about in L.A.’s Pershing Square, he hears a homeless man named Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) playing a two string violin. Despite the two strings, he’s playing it extremely well. But what catches his attention is that Ayers has told him he was a student at the prestigious performing arts school, Juilliard. As a writer, this peaks Lopez’s interest in how can a homeless man who attended Juilliard be out in the streets. What is his story?
While doing his research to find out if what Ayers has told him is true, Lopez learns that he was a talented student at Juilliard in the 70′s for two years but for some unexpected reason, he had dropped out. In fact, through his research, he realized that Nathaniel was exceptionally talented and those who taught or had the opportunity to work with him, saw his wonderful talent.
Lopez manages to contact his sister Jenny (Lisa Gay Hamilton) who explains a little bit about Nathaniel. Lopez learns through his research that Nathaniel’s main instrument is a cello and during his time in Juilliard, he suddenly became sick (we see images of how Nathaniel starts hearing voices in his head that would not stop. Symptoms of schizophrenia.)
But for Nathaniel, there seemed to be a peace for him living on the streets and playing his music.
After the first column was published in the L.A. Times, many people felt passionate about the story that one woman who played the cello was unable to do so, due to her severe arthritis. She requested for Lopez to give it to Ayers in which he did. By then, Lopez used the cello as a way to get some help for Nathaniel and to play at Lamp Community which treats the mentally ill (but as a way for him to receive some treatment himself).
But its the discovery of what Steve Lopez sees while developing this friendship with Nathaniel (and more columns to follow), which is the homeless on skid row. People living on the streets, where people just sleep anywhere they can, occasional fighting, deaths. These are people like Nathaniel who have a story of their previous life before becoming homeless and these people, Lopez would meet and get to know their story and become part of his columns.
But as the film would cover this growing relationship between Lopez and Ayers (especially Lopez doing what he can to help Ayers), we see Lopez as a man who not showed the same compassion towards his own family and thus it becomes a film about self-discovery. As Lopez will learn a difficult lesson about himself but also a film that shows how bad the problem of homelessness is in Los Angeles (the #1 city with homeless in the country and over 900,00 people are homeless in the city).
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“The Soloist” is presented in 1080p High Definition. For the most part, the picture quality is absolutely vibrant and colorful. During the day scenes, we are exposed to the grit and grime of where Nathaniel is living and also, during the night where we see Skid Row in its most unpleasantness.
There is plenty of detail from the dirt and grime on the faces of people, the detail of trash and whatever the homeless can find that would benefit them. For Nathaniel, from the things that he wears on his body, to the paint on his face revealing the cracks and unevenness of the paint, the detail is there. From well-defined edges and revealing textures. During daylight scenes, picture quality is vibrant. During the night time scenes, black levels are quite good. Overall, a solid transfer.
As for the audio, audio is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD (also, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital). Dialogue remains crisp and clear but the music is what comes alive in this film. Your front channel speakers definitely makes the soundscape much more immersive. There is a fair amount of ambience as well from the surrounds. For a film that doesn’t have special effects but depends on its dialogue and music, “The Soloist” is well done for a film of this nature.
Subtitles are presented in English, English SDH, French and Spanish.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Special features included on this Blu-ray are:
- Audio Commentary by Joe Wright – A very passionate commentary with Joe talking about certain scenes of the film, working with the talent but also his goal of what he wanted to accomplish by experiencing Skid Row for himself and how the film became a mission to show how bad things are.
- An Unlikely Friendship: Making the Soloist - (19:35) Presented in High Definition, this featurette is about how the Producers came to a decision to make Steve Lopez’s book into a film. Filming in Skid Row, filming of the L.A. Philharmonic and actual situations that happened in the film and talking to the real people that the film is based on. Also, interviews with the talent in the film.
- Kindness, Courtesy and Respect – Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lopez – (4:48) Both Nathaniel Ayers and Steve Lopez talk about their respect for each other and what it has meant for each of them to have this special friendship with one another.
- One Size Does Not Fit All: Addressing homelessness in Los Angeles - (9:45) Interview with Director Joe Wright, Producer Russ Krasnoff, Orlando Ward (Director of Recovery Services at Midnight Mission), Casey Horan (Executive Director of LAMP) and screenwriter Susannah Grant and those involved with helping the homeless but also showing us how bad things are in Los Angeles but what they are doing to help the homeless through programs and services.
- Juilliard: The Education of Nathaniel Ayers – (4:06) Producer Gary Foster talks about Juilliard, the significance of a young black man in the 1970′s who received a scholarship to learn at the prestigious school and also a day when Yo Yo Ma met Nathaniel Ayers.
- Beth’s Story – (2:00) A short animated film about a girl named Beth on how she came from a great family, upon an accident which claimed her parents, her life as a child, an adult and how she became homeless. How each person on the street has a story, not all were born homeless.
- Deleted Scenes – (9:47) Six deleted scenes which include: Blood, Hospital Questions, Audition, I’m no Good, Some Life, I want the Concert to Go On
- Theatrical Trailer – (2:32) The original theatrical trailer
“The Soloist” is a powerful film and an eye-opener of how compassion and friendship can go along way in helping people in need.
For the most part, “The Soloist” puts Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx in a film that features another major performance of both their careers. The two do a stellar job but for the film as a whole, it is a powerful and moving film but where a film would start to pick up steam as it nears the end, “The Soloist” stays consistent with a little drop off. And I suppose the fact is that the story of Nathaniel Ayers is still ongoing. Both Lopez and Ayers are friends and it was very important for the film to not have a false happy ending because like in real life, this story is ongoing.
And that is where the problem of the film and what people may have with it. If anything, a film that deals with schizophrenia will easily be compared to the Academy Award winning film “A Beautiful Mind” and “Shine”. The films which both definitely had a memorable final hour and really showed us the state of mind of one with the mental illness. These films were dramatic and surprising. But for “The Soloist”, the film was about friendship between a writer who has his life changed by meeting this talented performer with schizophrenia and is homeless.
If you have read any of the columns by Steve Lopez, we are moved and inspired by his compassion. As we are in the film. But for a film, many people expect a storyline that ends with a happy or bad ending. An ending that will make us laugh, make us cry or make us grinning on our way out to the car. I felt none of that.
As a viewer, first and foremost, I will say that I was entertained and enjoyed the film. With that being said, it was a film that I was just content with the message but as a film, I was feeling more of “is this it?”
But for the Blu-ray release, there is an important message through this film and the Blu-ray and that is the problem of the homeless in Los Angeles. How compassion has helped one man, how much it could help many people for those who donate their time. A doctor, a dentist or someone with provides a service and willing to donate their time in helping the homeless. And that compassionate side of me, enjoys “The Soloist” because of that message and what is featured on the special features is definitely is an eye-opener.
Needless to say, “The Soloist” is a moving and powerful film but it’s a film that falls short of greatness. As a Blu-ray release, its no doubt a release that is going to entertain and open ones eyes to a major problem that exists nationwide but for a film with two stellar performances, the story of “The Soloist” is for the most part, average at best.
Harry Connick, Jr. – What a Night! A Christmas Album (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)
November 4, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“It’s Harry Connick, Jr.’s third Christmas album and for me, a Harry Connick Jr. Christmas album is always welcomed during the Holiday Season! Featuring covers of popular Christmas hits, newly written songs and more!”
BUY THIS ALBUM:
ARTIST: Harry Connick, Jr.
ALBUM: What a Night! A Christmas Album (Digital Version)
LABEL: Columbia
DURATION: 58:55
RELEASE DATE: November 4, 2008
- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
- What a Night!
- Christmas Day
- Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
- Please Come Home For Christmas
- O Come All Ye Faithful
- Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies
- Let There Be Peace On Earth
- Winter Wonderland
- It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
- Santariffic
- Jingle Bells
- Zat You Santa Claus
- We Three Kings
- Song for the Hopeful (feat. Kim Burrell)
As a long time listener of Harry Connick, Jr., one of my favorite Holiday-related album (and laserdisc) that I purchased was from Harry Connick, Jr. back in 1993 with “When My Heart Finds Christmas”.
Fifteen years later, I still listen to the album a lot and although Harry released a sophomore Holiday album in 2003 with “Harry for the Holidays”, it didn’t capture the same magic as the first album but still enjoyable.
So, here we are five years later, with another Christmas album from Harry Connick, Jr. and it features a good combination of Harry Connick, Jr.’s style of singing popular Christmas classics, his own written songs and also featuring instrumental tracks as well. Most of all, Harry and his big band is back. So, you get a bit of music that are jazzy or songs that other beautiful arrangements featuring an orchestra.
In this album, there are a few interesting collaborations. The first is with jazz/gospel artist Kim Burrell who joins Harry Connick, Jr. for “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and “Song for the Hopeful”. With the former featuring a beautiful orchestra-style arrangement and the latter featuring a Harry Connick, Jr. written song featuring a more jazz, contemporary style of track.
The surprise on the Christmas album is the duet with Harry Connick, Jr.’s second daughter Sarah Kate singing with her father. She does a very good job and has her father’s flair. What’s interesting is that Sarah wasn’t even born when the first Holiday album was released and when the second was released, she was only five. So, it’s good to see Harry and his daughter (now at the age of 11) singing on this album, considering that Harry Connick Jr. first recorded an album at ten which was titled “Eleven”.
There is also a third collaboration with Harry’s long time friend and trombone player Lucien Barbarin who joining Harry Connick Jr. in an enjoyable big band style song “Santariffic” which is an original Christmas song by Harry Connick Jr.
Overall, I did enjoy “What a Night! A Christmas Album”, I still enjoy the first album more for its holiday ballads and of course, it’s more of nostalgia for me and my family. But it’s still an enjoyable Christmas album that Harry Connick, Jr. fans will truly enjoy.
NOTE: There are various versions of this album available. The digital version I am reviewing only has 15 tracks. The Amazon digital version has one extra track with track 16 “Auld Lang Syne” and the Barnes and Nobles exclusive version features an additional nine tracks.
MY DOG SKIP (a J!-ENT DVD Review)
October 1, 2002 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
MOVIE COMPANY: ALCON Entertainment / Warner Bros.
CAST: Starring Frankie Muniz, Diane Lane, Luke Wilson and Kevin Bacon. Voice by Harry Connick Jr.
DIRECTED BY: Jay Russell
PRODUCED BY: Mark Johnson, John Lee Hancock, Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove.
RATING: Rated PG
INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE URL: http://us.imdb.com/Title?0156812
TYPE OF MOVIE: Drama
DURATION: 95 minutes
Who says best friends have to be human? Not Willie Morris (Frankie Muniz), who receives a talented terrier named Skip for his birthday. With Skip’s remarkable and unconventional help, Willie and Skip turn bullies into friends, tangle with hapless moonshiners, and even win the affections of the prettiest girl in school. Shining with warmth and humor, My Dog Skip unleashes a story that will have the entire family sitting up and begging for more!
DVD EXTRAS:
• Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
• Color
• Commentary by director Jay Russell
• Commentary by Frankie Muniz
• Theatrical trailer(s)
• Full-screen format
KNOWN DVD SECRET(S): None that I could find.
DVD REVIEW:
I didn’t watch the movie in the theater because I figured that it’s one of those children movies and I probably won’t enjoy it. After reading about three reviews on Amazon.com and the good reviews from the viewers (dog lovers) out there, I had to give it a try.
My wife and myself watched the movie with our two dogs sitting next to us. We love our dogs but I wanted to watch the movie not because of the story of a boy and his dog (I could have watched “Ben”) but because I wanted to see this touching story and the relationship one has with their pets, that’s what I was interested in.
After we were done watching, we were both in tears. I looked at my two dogs and it reminded me of how much these pets are a part of our lives. The storyline of a kid who is bullied and how his dog helps him through his young life and eventually gains friends to the last 15 minutes which will nearly shatter your heart. An emotional roller coaster this movie is.
Ok…as for the DVD, the audio is mostly dialogue but the rear speakers are used pretty well. Especially during the baseball game. The video is clear and the colors are good. As for the special features, you get two feature-length audio commentaries. One with Frankie Muniz and animal trainer Mathilde DeCagney and the other with director Jay Russell. It was cool to see the deleted scenes and part of me wishes they left it in and I wish the director elaborated why he removed them from the movie. And of course, the ever loveable trailer and scene selections which I don’t count as special features (all DVD’s should have those).
All in all, “My Dog Skip” is a wonderful movie. I recommend this movie to all dog lovers. Those who dislike canines or any pets would probably not watch this movie anyway… Highly recommended for the dog lovers and remember to have the tissue box nearby.
THE MOVIE: A
THE DVD EXTRAS: B+
THE DVD OVERALL: A-
