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Specifications: - Region 1 - Run time: approx. 87 min. - Subtitles: French, Spanish -
Menus: Static - Package: Keep case
Video Features: -
Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio Features: - English: Dolby Digital 5.1 -
French: Dolby Surround
Bonus Materials: -
Audio commentary by director -
Deleted songs (3) and full-length - Deleted scenes (11) - Alternate ending - Original theatrical trailer
Theatrical Release: 1995 DVD Release: 02/27/01 Review Date: 02/27/01
List price: $ 24.98 On-line price: $ 19.99 Pre-order price was: $ 19.99
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| The
Fantasticks Special Edition |
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Starring:
Jean Louisa Kelly, Joe McIntyre,
Director: Michael Ritchie
MPAA Rating: PG Genre: Musical - Romance - Comedy Studio: United Artists (MGM Home Entertainment) |
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Movie: B+ Video: B+ Audio: B+ Extras: B+
Summary:
"The Fantasticks" is the motion picture
adaptation of the world's
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The Story
"The Fantasticks" is the screen adaptation of the world's longest-running musical in the history of theater (dating back to 1960). It features a talented cast who actually dance, act, and sing for this production. (I was wondering how they could lip-synch so well!) The basic plot of this movie was inspired by "Romeo and Juliet", though it has its own unique twists. Luisa (Jean Louisa Kelly) and Matt (Joe McIntyre of "New Kids of the Block" fame) are in love, though their fathers couldn't stand each other. The funny thing is, they're neighbors and they're almost complete opposites of one another as exemplified in their clothes, house, and even landscaping. Unbeknownst to either Luisa or Matt, their fathers, Bellomy (Joel Grey) and Hucklebee (Brad Sullivan) respectively, are really the best of friends and have staged a plan to get their children to marry each other. Their reverse psychological approach to parenting is nicely captured in the song, "Never Say No".
To set up a plot to end their feud so that their children can be together with their blessing, the fathers visit a carnival that is in town and contract the ring master, El Gallo (Jonathon Morris), to help them stage an abduction of Luisa in order to have Matt rescue her from the would-be villain ring master. The plan is to have Matt become the hero in rescuing Luisa, while their fathers witness the act of heroism and make peace with each other for a happy ending. Their plan seems to have gone well until Luisa and Matt realize that their forbidden romance is no longer exciting. To make matters worse, the children learn of their fathers' plot and desire for them to marry. Now, the reverse psychology approach backfires and it is up to the Luisa and Matt to discover for themselves what it is that they seek. This seemingly simple plot begins to take on new twists and turns as Matt and Luisa pursue their worldly dreams. I'll leave it at that so you can enjoy the rest of the movie.
The performances were great, particularly from Jean Louisa Kelly and Joe McIntyre. It's amazing how talented these performers are, with their gift for acting, singing, and dancing. I really enjoyed this movie, though I wish the carnival scenes (Chapters 11 and 12) weren't so bawdy in nature. Otherwise, it would have made for a great family film. Though it's rated "PG", I would not recommend this film for younger audiences.
The Extras
There are three deleted songs ("Try To Remember", "Plant a Radish", "It Depends on What You Pay") and four full-length songs ("Never Say No", "Metaphor", "The Abduction Song", "Soon It's Gonna Rain"). The "jump-to-a-song" feature allows you to directly jump to one of 12 songs. It is no more than just jumping to the right chapter, which begins with the song (and dance) number immediately due to the well defined chapter stops.
There are some 11 deleted scenes that develop the characters more, expand the plot, and add a side show with the state trooper. With the exception of this side show, these deleted scenes could have been left in. The picture quality of the deleted scenes are of finished quality and presented in anamorphic widescreen. Without trying to spoil it for you, the alternate ending doesn't really change anything with regards to what happens to the main characters. Instead, it completes one of the deleted scenes featuring an encounter with the state trooper.
Video & Audio
The image quality of this anamorphic widescreen DVD is very good. The colors are accurate and saturated, with good shadow detail. The Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound is well balanced and effective. It carries the dialogue clearly and the musical performances came across very nicely.
Recommendation
Produced by the original creative team of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, "The Fantasticks" is a great theatrical production of the long-running musical show. The tunes are lively, fun, and very catchy, especially that "Try To Remember" song. As a special edition DVD, this title delivers in terms on bonus content, as it includes deleted and full-length songs, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, and more. With the exception of the bawdy carnival humor (in Chapters 11 and 12), I really enjoyed and like this film a lot!
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it at NetFlix.com
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NetFlix.com "Unlimited" DVD Rental Service Visit MGM web site.
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