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The Movie:
Paramount has released two of Albert Brooks' features on DVD this week; "Real Life" and "Mother". The older picture, 1979's "Real Life", is not quite as funny as the more recent film, but it's concept is nicely used to drive a well-written and occasionally very funny screenplay, done with frequent collaborator Monica Johnson.
Brooks stars in "Life" as...well, Albert Brooks. He's a producer looking for the experiment of a lifetime - capturing the life of a Phoenix family (the Wisconsin family loses because, well, "who would want to spend a Winter in Wisconsin?"). Although the look of the film may seem dated, the subject matter certainly works in the age of reality television and the once-popular "reality" feature film such as "EDTV" and "Truman Show".
Charles Grodin stars as Warren Yeager, the head of the family who becomes increasingly irritated with Brooks and his crew finding ways to capture every minute of his daily experience, including some of the less than pleasant moments. His wife begins to drive away and wants to be alone - Brooks' producer asks, "ok, but can we come with you?". Brooks is as funny as usual here with excellent timing, but he doesn't quite have as solid material as some of his later pictures here. Still, the plot (inspired by the TV documentary that followed a family around a few years previous) does have some great moments and in an era where "reality" TV has certainly made an impact, "Real Life" is worth a visit.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Real Life" is presented by Paramount in a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer that doesn't look particularly great, although the problem remains more in the age of the film and budget. Sharpness and detail are decent but not great, and the picture has a somewhat soft look at times.
Problems are noticable on occasion, although they don't always prove to be distracting. Grain is the most noticable irritant as the picture looks variably grainy at times. Print flaws are also apparent throughout the movie as little speckles, marks and scratches are sometimes visible. Some minor pixelation comes in, but only in a couple of scenes. At times, the picture looks more respectable than others.
Colors look fairly natural and well-rendered, with no complaints. The picture generally has a "flat" feel, and although not unwatchable, it shows its age in this DVD from Paramount.
SOUND: Although Paramount usually remixes older films in Dolby Digital 5.1, this probably would not have proved to be too interesting for "Real Life", as the original mono presentation is the one offered on this DVD. The mono soundtrack is mainly dialogue and score driven, and actually presents decent audio quality. There aren't any problems with distortion or harshness, and dialogue generally sounds clear if not completely crisp and natural.
MENUS:: Menus are non-animated, with very basic images serving as backgrounds.
EXTRAS: The theatrical trailer is included and suprisingly, there's actually also a newly done 11 minute interview with Brooks included as he shares his thoughts on what inspired him to make the movie.
Final Thoughts:
Positive: Brooks' feature is occasionally very funny, and worth looking at as at least a rental.
Negative: It would be nice if Paramount lowered their catalog retail price to $24.99 instead of $29.99 if they don't plan on making the title a special edition.
Film Grade
The Film ***
DVD Grades
Video 83/B = (332/400 possible points)
Audio: 80/B- = (320/400 possible points)
Extras: 75/C = (225/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 80/B- = (240/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1257/1600
DVD GRADE:C+/79%
FILM GRADE: ***
DVD GRADE: C+
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