The Fantasticks 1995-2000
Blu-ray Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Joey Mcintyre Joel Grey, Brad Sullivan, Barnard
Hughes, Jonathon Morris, Jean Louisa Kelly, Teller,
Plot: Product Description: A charm-drenched period-piece
musical, it tells the story of a pair of potential young lovers whose romance
is assisted/derailed by the machinations of their fathers.
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 3.5
This is a movie I am seeing for the first time, cut and
uncut. To be honest I had not even heard of this film until now. This is
directed by Michael Ritchie probably best known for, The Bad News Bears and
also his many wonderful comical adventures into 80’s cinema, such as The Golden
Child, Fletch and Wild Cats and in the 90’s Diggstown, Cops and
Robbersons, among others. Sadly he passed away at the very young age of 62, but
left many examples of fun cinema. Richie had a love affair with sports and that
can be seen throughout his movie making career, from Bad News Bears, to
Semi-Tough and 1994’s The Scout, among others. His sport films mainly had a
comical reality to them. I suppose that is what makes Mr. Fantasticks, so
different from Richie’s other works. Mr. Fantasticks is a musical comedy that
tends to linger with you, and also grow on you, as you watch. I didn’t know
what to think at first, seeing that a New Kids on the Block, starred in this
feature, none other than, Joey McIntyre. Joey actually does a fantastic job at
creating the part of Matt Hucklebee.
Also starring one of my favorite performers, Joel Grey as
the character of Amos Babcock Bellamy. Grey is a magical performer. A pioneer
of brilliance in the art-form of acting. He is probably best known for his part
of Master of Ceremonies in 1972’s classic, Cabaret. Also starring Bernard
Hughes. Another character actor that always knew how to breathe life into his
parts, both small and big. No-matter the size of the part, he gave his all and
made you remember his performances. Started in movies and TV in 1952
and worked all the way up to the year 2000. He plays the part of Henry
Albertson in The Fantasticks and as always, he gave his all to the part. One
reason why I always remember him is because of playing the part of Buzz Richman
in the 90’s TV series I grew up with, Blossom. It would be all his constant
characters throughout TV and feature film that made you remember him. Sadly
like all the greats, both small and big, he has passed away, but left an
amazing career of performances that shine and stand out, no matter the size or
the part.
Also starring the amazing and beautiful, Jean Louisa Kelly
in the part of Luisa Bellamy. She first started her acting in 1989’s Uncle Buck
alongside the great comical legend John Candy, but, I would not really take
notice of her, until her part in the long running sitcom comedy, Yes, Dear,
playing the main part of Kim Warner. I feel she is a fantastic actress that deserves
accolades. She aced the part in The Fantasticks.
Director Michael Ritchie was in all regards a fantastic
director. He knew what he wanted and accomplished what he wanted in his films.
He left many wonderful examples of his talent, both hits and misses in the quality
department, but always a visionary with the camera. I don’t think The
Fantasticks is a fantastic film, but still is a film worthy to watch. On a side
note and a little trivia for movie buffs, some of Ritchie’s kids, like there
father, has taken the movie business as their own. Son, Steven Ritchie is a
producer of films and video games and TV. Lillian Ritchie works in the Visual
effects and production and animation departments on film. It seems the movie
world has rubbed off on them. Their father Michael Ritchie had a gift and a talent
toward cinema. I want to add, he was part of creating the
story, for one of my favorite live action Disney films, 1993’s Cool Running’s.
Weather it was directing such cinema gems like, 1972’s The Candidate starring
Robert Redford or co-directing the 1980’s comical horror, Student Bodies.
Ritchie had a passion and an eye for film.
Something that needs to be spoken about is the sets,
costumes and cinematography. All are excellent. Amazing in creating relevance
to the story. Loved the magical reality of the film. Amazing imagery. The film
is perfect in the art-form of creating those stage sets that are very memorable.
The whole movie has an art-form of creation and character through costumes,
sets, and cinematography.
Also the film is very funny at times. The comedy is great
and you find yourself laughing throughout the film.
Now this film hasn’t gotten much love over the years. I
suppose it’s the many problems of its production and ultimate release. The film
is based on the musical play by the same name. What made this musical so
important and record breaking is, it was off Broadway and has ran for over 17
thousand performances, making it one of the longest, record breaking musicals.
What makes this filmed version of the musical so amazing is that the actors,
really sang, as the film was being made. Most musicals, the songs are dubbed in
later, as editing happens. Now, another aspect of this film that has caused it
to fall into obscurity, is that the film was shelved by MGM/United Artists.
The movie failed during many test audiences and so, they decided to just abandon
the project. It was not until the year 2000 that Francis Ford Coppola, took the
movie, chopped it, and edited it, to 86 minutes.
Original run time was 109
minutes. Plus the critics have never really been nice to this movie. I for one
enjoyed the movie. It’s not a great film, but it’s a film that can grow on you,
and also I was thoroughly entertained by it, and that is all I really ask for
in any film, both big and small. The Fantasticks is a film after viewing
multiple times, one appreciates it more and more, with multiple viewings.
Audio/Video: 5/5
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 2.35:1
AUDIO: English 5.1 DTS-HD MA / English 2.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
Another prime example of how to treat film. High quality sound
and video perfection. I really find no flaws in these technical aspects in
Twilight Time blu-rays and so it seems, I am often repeating myself every
review, put it’s the truth when talking about these transfers and sound quality
on these Blu-rays by Twilight Time.
Extras: 4/5
You get the Isolated Score Track, which I always state, is a perfect
plus to these releases. A part of this music reality, is a duo of
listening gold. Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones. Both are music perfection. Harvey
Schmidt’s music has been used on many wonderful films, such as Six Degrees of
Separation, The Man Who Feel to Earth, Bad Company and many more, including
television. Surprisingly I feel Harvey has never got the acclaim he deserved.
The Fantasticks is a prime example of his expertise in the art-form of music
and creating that music for cinema. Next is Tom Jones –no not that Tom Jones-
he is a wonderful American Lyricist, that has worked his charm in many
musicals, but it would be his work in the musical play, The Fantasticks, which
he and Schmidt co-wrote, that he is most vibrant for. He along with Schmidt
created a true musical gem that not only transcends off the stage, but also in
this unique one of a kind film.
You get a multitude of Audio Commentaries with this Blu-ray.
You get one with Director Michael Ritchie. One with Actress Jean Louisa Kelly
and Broadway Authority Bruce Kimmel. One with Journalist Chris Willman and Film
Historian Nick Redman. All are wonderful listens. Each one gives a new
prospective on the film as a completion.
Also one of my favorite realities to this blu-ray is the
extra, the Original Cut of the Film. I enjoyed seeing both versions of this
film. I think the un-cut version is better in the story form, but in the quality
it would be the High definition Twilight Time Blu-ray version that I choose.
This extra feature which is uncut, is only in the standard definition.
You also get the Original Theatrical Trailer.
And as always, the perfect insert booklet on the film, by
film historian Julie Kirgo.
Overall:
I suppose, I have to say that this movie is in the eyes of
the beholder. Some will like and some will not. I found the film to be a fun
musical. Great direction. I also loved the reality of being able to see it for
the first time uncut, on this special edition blu-ray.
I think Twilight Time did a fantastic job releasing this
forgotten piece of cinema and giving it a whole new wonderful outlet on a top
notch Blu-ray. Plus you get to see the un-cut version of Ritchie’s ultimate
vision for the film.
INFO:
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