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By
WAYNE KLEIN
Harry Stoner (Jack Lemmon)
isn't having a good day. He's burned out on his
seemingly successful life. He's in hock up to his
eyeballs and is an example of Paul Simon's
observation about the "quiet desperation" of
American lives. Lemmon picked up a deserved
Academy Award for his portrayal of Harry with its
echoes of other Lemmon characters throughout the
latter part of his life.
"Save the Tiger" looks particularly good.
Paramount has done a nice, crisp and clean
transfer here. While the film occasionally looks
soft with noticeably grain in some sequences
that's the result of age, the film stock and
lighting conditions for the film. The 2.0 audio
has nice clarity and presence.
I didn't see this mentioned anywhere when this was
released (or on the box that I received with my
preview copy) but there is a great commentary
track from producer/writer Steve Shagan and
director John G. Avildsen ("Rocky"). Both recall
the difficulties they had in making the film and
Lemmon's consummate professionalism in shooting
this film. It's a pity that Lemmon wasn't tapped
to provide a commentary while he was alive (and
it's a pity that this wasn't issued earlier to
take advantage of that) but having Shagan and
Avildsen (much less any commentary track) relate
their stories about the making of the movie is a
delight.
An essential drama with a great performance by
Jack Lemmon, "Save the Tiger" looks exceptionally
good in this transfer from Paramount. Featuring a
nice commentary track by Shagan and Lemmon, "Save
the Tiger" is an enjoyable movie and fans will
savor having this classic on DVD. |
