By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Feb. 19, unless otherwise noted: A Star Is Born (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Warner Home Video Rated: R, language, sexual situations, nudity, substance abuse The lowdown: One star is born, and another is elevated, in the latest iteration of the venerable chestnut, “A Star Is Born.” The story basically remains the same from the 1937 version through this newest remake: An established performer discovers a fresh talent, he nourishes her, they fall in love and marry and then tragedy strikes. The names and faces may have changed, but the story still elicits tears. This “Star Is Born” belongs to Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) who plays Ally, a singer-songwriter who is caught up in the whirlwind life of singer Jackson Maine, played by Bradley Cooper, who also directed the movie, was one of three screenwriters and also contributed a few songs. When Gaga is on screen — and especially when singing — she grabs your spirit. Even if you are familiar with the plot details — and realize an aura of sadness looms like a weight over the feature — your heart is electrified by Gaga. Most of the credit for that belongs to Cooper as the director. He continually — and wisely — puts her in the spotlight, allowing the camera to caress Gaga. On many shots, Cooper tracks his camera in on Gaga’s face, emphasizing her eyes, which — in this case — are windows to her soul. She is hypnotic, presenting a nuanced character who is confident in her talent, but insecure about her self-worth; a young woman who is fighting a world that judges her by her appearance, not her gifts. Cooper is content playing second fiddle to Gaga, which does not diminish his performance. As someone who has seen the three previous versions of “A Star Is Born,” I can attest with the utmost confidence that the chemistry between Gaga and Cooper, plus the latter’s sure handling behind the camera, puts this reimagining of the timeless fable at the top of the list. Critics basically agreed with that consensus, giving the movie a 90 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com Abetting the release is a dynamic and clear audio presentation that enriches the musical numbers.
New to View: Feb. 19
New to View: Feb. 19
New to View: Feb. 19
By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Feb. 19, unless otherwise noted: A Star Is Born (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Warner Home Video Rated: R, language, sexual situations, nudity, substance abuse The lowdown: One star is born, and another is elevated, in the latest iteration of the venerable chestnut, “A Star Is Born.” The story basically remains the same from the 1937 version through this newest remake: An established performer discovers a fresh talent, he nourishes her, they fall in love and marry and then tragedy strikes. The names and faces may have changed, but the story still elicits tears. This “Star Is Born” belongs to Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) who plays Ally, a singer-songwriter who is caught up in the whirlwind life of singer Jackson Maine, played by Bradley Cooper, who also directed the movie, was one of three screenwriters and also contributed a few songs. When Gaga is on screen — and especially when singing — she grabs your spirit. Even if you are familiar with the plot details — and realize an aura of sadness looms like a weight over the feature — your heart is electrified by Gaga. Most of the credit for that belongs to Cooper as the director. He continually — and wisely — puts her in the spotlight, allowing the camera to caress Gaga. On many shots, Cooper tracks his camera in on Gaga’s face, emphasizing her eyes, which — in this case — are windows to her soul. She is hypnotic, presenting a nuanced character who is confident in her talent, but insecure about her self-worth; a young woman who is fighting a world that judges her by her appearance, not her gifts. Cooper is content playing second fiddle to Gaga, which does not diminish his performance. As someone who has seen the three previous versions of “A Star Is Born,” I can attest with the utmost confidence that the chemistry between Gaga and Cooper, plus the latter’s sure handling behind the camera, puts this reimagining of the timeless fable at the top of the list. Critics basically agreed with that consensus, giving the movie a 90 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com Abetting the release is a dynamic and clear audio presentation that enriches the musical numbers.