Blu-ray Movie Reviews

William (Patrick Fugit) is a 15-year-old music fan who gets a dream assignment to travel with an up-and-coming band and write a cover story for Rolling Stone magazine. His mother (Frances McDormand) isn't thrilled with the gig, but the young man hits the road with the band and learns there's more to write about than just music.

Writer/director Cameron Crowe burst on the scene in 1982 by penning Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which went on to become a hit with the teen audience. He wasn't a one hit wonder by writing/directing Say Anything, Jerry Maguire, and then the film based on his own youth, Almost Famous. While I can't particularly relate to the era (I'm more of an 80s guy), there were certain aspects of the film that gave me a chuckle. For example, my daughter is almost 15 and I couldn't imagine her going on the road with a band, so I certainly empathized with his mother's reaction.

Video Highlights

• AVC/1080p encode on a BD-50 disc
• Occasional blocking in backgrounds
• Edge enhancement
• Solid detail
• Bold color palette

Audio Highlights

• DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack
• Dialog-driven presentation
• Concert sequences envelop the room
• Occasional intense LFE

Fans may be disappointed with the video presentation, but it's by far the best it has ever looked on home video. The audio track is serviceable and includes several memorable moments.

Bonus Materials br>

• Audio commentary
• Intro by Cameron Crowe
• Making of featurette
• Interview with Lester Bangs
• Cameron Crowe's Top Albums of 1973
• Music video and music demo
• Seven Rolling Stone Articles
• Cleveland concert
• Deleted scenes and digital script
• Theatrical Trailer

Some consider this the best movie about Rock 'n' Roll, and who am I to argue. Granted, I don't "get" the 1970s lifestyle choices with the long hair and drug use, but that's just me. What I can appreciate is the excellent screenplay and direction by Crowe and the great performances from the young cast. Recommended for fans.

Release Date: January 30, 2011
Studio: Paramount

Movie: 8/10
Picture: 7/10
Sound: 8/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player

Display
JVC DLA-RS40 projector
Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics
Integra DTC-80.2 pre/pro
Anthem PVA-7 power amplifier
Belkin PVA-PF60 power conditioner

Speakers
M&K S-150s (L, C, R)
M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)
SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables
Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)
Best Deal analog-audio cables
PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics