New DVD Review: Across The Universe 2-Disc Deluxe Edition

Finally, here it is. The highly-anticipated, long-awaited first ever Bronze DVD review. We would like to claim the format is of our own invention but I pretty much ripped off IGN. Basically both Parker and I will offer up our thoughts to give you two opinions (but trust mine). We will give a briefer analysis than that of my other reviews. But as it is a DVD we shall also tackle special features and even the packaging (it is what matters most) as well as anything we see fit mentioning. Parker's rating and my rating will be averaged out to give an overall "Bronze" rating. Fun. I doubt I need say anything but Parker and I would appreciate if you value the Bronze rating higher than any other, if for no other reason than it would be kinda funny. Oh my, I'm rambling.


The Movie.

Adam's Take.

Across The Universe is an endlessly creative musical from film (Frida) and Broadway (The Lion King) director, Julie Taymor. It boldly uses Beatles songs to tell it's story, such a concept could sound brilliant or terrible depending on which ears the idea invades. I, for whatever reason, was never excited about Universe, despite being a Beatles fan. I was very surprised once the movie began and I was swept away with the music as well as the stunning visuals. I believe this film could work for anyone, not just Beatles fans. However, those who know the songs will be allowed a unique experience. A wonderful way to rediscover that initial love for the music or at least an enjoyable fresh take. Some of the songs are meddled with but only to positive ends. Knowing the lyrics was fun as it was neat to see how they would divide them amongst the movie's characters. Who would have thought of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" as a vessel for lesbian longing? Back to the non-Beatles lovers, I wouldn't be surprised if someone who had never heard the band saw Universe, enjoyed it, and never knew it wasn't original music. Quite the testament to the Beatles' music that it could be used in such a way. In fact, it glorifies that which is best of their songs, the simplicity and versatility, which ironically conveys depth.

I could go on praising but I have to bring up the bad stuff. The dialougue and story are each relatively thin (although that might not be an accident). The main story and characters are fine (although nothing special) but Universe seems to hint at subplots which never really come into play. Therefore, the side characters are never really fully realized. I don't mind all that much, but it's worth mentioning. Anyways, the music is fantastic and the visuals (especially the choreography) are astounding. The initial concept IS brilliant, perhaps even revolutionary (maybe I'll make "Sail To The Moon" and cop the idea but swap The Beatles for Radiohead). Anyways, Across The Universe is wondrously inventive and i loved it.
Parker's Take.

First let me preface this review by saying this: I am not a Beatles fan. I have never liked The Beatles, nor do I ever think I will. However, let me also say that I have a soft spot for musicals. So, bearing these two things in mind, I can confidently say I loved this movie. The movie did have some problems with coherency, as it tended to jump around in terms of time and location, but those flaws were overshadowed by how much fun it is. As a long time Beatles hater, believe me when I say it is not neccesary to like them to enjoy this movie.

The modern arrangements of these songs were perfectly suited to the film, and each of the actors delivered on their vocal performances. The visual imagery chosen by Julie Taymor fits each song so perfectly that it feels like the songs were written for these specific scenes. I can only think of one scene, involving strawberries, that I felt like the metaphors were stretched too far and made too obvious that I found it annoying. Overall, the movie was highly enjoyable and succeeded in bringing in a fresh and creative idea to the movie making table. Who knows? It may inspire me to revisit the music of The Beatles one day.

The Extras.

• Eight extended musical performances
• Deleted Scene: “And I Love Her” – with Dana Fuchs and Martin Luther McCoy
• Commentary from director Taymor and composer Elliot Goldenthal
• 5 featurettes:
• “Stars of Tomorrow” – an inside look at the cast of rising stars
• “All About the Music” – an inside look at the film’s unforgettable music
• “FX on the Universe” – exploring the film’s visual effects with VFX supervisor Kyle Cooper
• "Creating the Universe” – cast and crew discuss the making of the film
• “Moving Across the Universe” – a featurette on the choreography including an interview with choreographer Daniel Ezralow

Adam's Take.

The Across The Universe DVD has 2 discs of features, although I'm pretty sure it could fit on one. That's not to say there isn't much content here, but that it's not really enough to justify the whole "2-Disc Deluxe Edition" tag. That said, the features are pretty good. Each featurette tackles an aspect of behind the scenes. "Creating The Universe" is the best one here, supplying a captivating, general behind the scenes look, widening my apprecation for the movie. "Stars of Tomorrow" follows the young cast and is fairly interesting. "All About The Music" is a bit disappointing considering it's title. I was hoping for more in depth stuff, luckily this is made up for with the commentary. The commentary track is done by Julie Taymor and composer Elliot Goldenthal. Although it may be a bit slow and/or dull for some, I appreciated the insight into the process of adapting The Beatles to film. Overall, it's an above average set with quality stuff. But the DVD case is the normal plastic crap. Parker's Take.

It's very rare that a film is only released in a two-disc edition, so it leads one to believe that it must be an amazing DVD set. In this regard, I was a little disappointed. It's not to say the special features weren't good, it's just they weren't what they could have been. One feature, however, stood above the rest. "Creating The Universe" is an amazing feature that really showcases the scope of Taymor's artistic vision for the film. The other features, especially the one about the music, seemed glossed over. Especially for a movie in which the music plays such an integral part. Some of these shortcomings are picked up in the commentary, but by listening to the commentary, it makes the other features redundant. They had the right idea by trying to give the buyer more bang for their buck, and they are interesting, but a hardcore fan may demand more.

Audio/Video.

Adam's Take.

For a movie that depends on it's visuals and music it's a good thing it looks and sounds great. Although I have seen standard DVDs with an even clearer picture.Parker's Take.

Being a musical obviously the audio quality needs to be excellent. "Across The Universe" merely achieved the same quality of video and audio that most new releases have.

Overall DVD score.

Adam's Take.

The Movie is excellent, it looks and sounds great and the features are pretty good. Definitely a great DVD.Parker's Take.

Combining some interesting special features with a creative, fun movie makes "Across The Universe" definitely worth purchasing or at the very least worth renting.

The Bronze Verdict.Great.