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By
NICK ZEGARAC
"A Chorus Line" is the film version of the Broadway smash hit about a troupe of dancers (notice I didn't say young) auditioning for their chance to hit the big time on Broadway. Boy, talk about cyclical logic: from Broadway to Hollywood to Broadway to box office bomb! Unfortunately for director, Richard Attenborough nothing is quite as thrilling as being in the live audience on opening night. However, the film does have its moments. Michael Douglas heads the cast as a wary, though compassionate, Broadway choreographer who's looking for his eight hungry hopefuls. He finds them and the truth beyond the footlights in a bittersweet story that, At the time of its release, was generally reamed by the critics for its hokum, heavy-handed direction and lack of stardust magic.
There's lots to celebrate here: A near flawless transfer from MGM that sparkles with a well balanced color palette that, while dated, captures the luster of 80s Technicolor. Black and contrast levels are right on. Occasionally the picture looks a tad on the soft side but fine detail is fully realized throughout. There are no digital anomalies for a smooth picture. The audio is 5.1 and provides a very nice spread over all channels.
Extra features are a Marvin Hamlisch retrospective that's short but refreshing and an audio commentary.
This is a vintage '80s lemon that squeezes more like an orange. It's not nearly as sour as the critics of its day claimed and, since the transfer is fairly rich and stunning I have to recommend this one for your DVD library, especially if you're a musical buff. |
