Great film and a DVD that rocks!! (Almost Famous (DVD))

Member Name: allanjk

Product:	Almost Famous (DVD)
Date:	10/05/02 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Picture, Even Better Sound, Loads of Extras

Disadvantages: Nope can't think of one

Well as any of you who have read my previous reviews know, I won't be reviewing the film. What I am here to tell you is that Almost Famous *The Bootleg Cut* is a great DVD.
Firstly I guess I should mention that this two-disc set has a full film on each disc. On disc one you have the bootleg cut with 35 minutes of extra footage and on disc two the original theatrical cut of the movie. You may also find you get a free CD which contains a selection of songs by the "fictional" band Stillwater.
Well let's start with the picture. Both versions feature an anamorphic widescreen transfer (1:1.85 ratio) that's very well done. Digital compression isn't an issue and edge enhancement and colours are both fine
The audio as you?d expect from a film about a rock'n'roll band is superb. The sound mix is presented in both Dolby Digital and DTS and both mixes really draw you into the "live" performances, using just the right amount of ambience and directionality. The sound functions well during quieter spells too, with a well-placed sound field and dialogue easily understood.
The first disc features a great personal commentary track with director Cameron Crowe and his mother (the film is semi-autobiographical). The commentary is very heartfelt and contains a lot of reminiscing, and you really see how much time and love Crowe put into this film. There is also a "B-sides" section showing the outtakes and just the cast generally having a good time. There is also an interesting commentary by Crowe on his favourite albums of 1973 and also a selection of 7 articles he wrote for Rolling Stone magazine, with introductions about each from Crowe himself.
On the second disc we find a 16-minute concert done by the band in Cleveland, Ohio some of which footage is used in the movie. Also a very cool feature is included. Due to the fact he couldn't get rights for the song Stairway to Heaven there is a 12-minute deleted
scene included on this second disc (albeit without the song). But due to DVD wizardry if you own a copy of "Stairway" you can cue it up and see the scene as it was meant to be. Magic! A copy of the script, cast and crew biographies and trailer finish off this package nicely.


If you enjoyed this film you will no doubt love this DVD. Its worth buying just for the improved directors cut, throw in all the extra feature and this begins to look like an Aladdin's cave of a DVD. Enjoy!

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