|
|
The Movie:
"Moscow on the Hudson" seems like the "lost" Robin Williams movie. Whenever discussion of a "dramatic" Williams performance comes up, many mention "Good Will Hunting". While that performance is certainly an outstanding one, I don't see why this one isn't thought about more often; it's a nice mixture of pleasant comedy and sincere drama. Williams stars as Vladimir Ivanoff, a musician in the Russian circus who defects to the United States during a trip to New York City.
The film opens with Ivanoff giving directions to a newly arrived immigrant, then pondering his own journey to his current situation. In flashback, we join him in Russia, where people are forced to wait in lines for the food and supplies that they need. While the situation is somewhat grim, at least the families have each other.
But, once Ivan gets to New York City, he feels that he must escape and eventually, does so, freeing himself from the KGB officers keeping track of him when he defects in a Bloomingdales. Exploring what America has to offer, he nearly becomes overwhelmed, but soon enough, he finds friends, many of whom came from some place different themselves. Yet, things aren't perfect, as Vladimir finds out that America can have some of the same problems as anywhere else, including, in his case, homesickness.
"Moscow on the Hudson" does occasionally drag as it feels stretched at nearly two hours, but I will say that at least Mazursky resisted the temptation to highlight the comedic elements more, which would have taken away from the picture. As is, the film presents what seems like a realistic experience of someone coming here who had never experienced the kind of things that our country has to offer. It also shows how America is a melting pot made up of wonderfully different cultures and backgrounds that come together to make this country great.
Williams is what holds together the picture quite well, dialing down his usual comedic mannerisms and simply giving a natural, sympathetic and engaging performance. There's also superb support from Maria Chonchita Alonso (as Vladimir's girlfriend) and Clevant Derricks (as a kind security guard who gives Vladimir a home). The film's look is a little bit dated at this point, but the story still is just as enjoyable and the jazzy score is fun, as well.
The DVD
VIDEO: The film is now seventeen years old; while the 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer does present the film with a somewhat dated appearance, at least Columbia/Tristar has done their best with the elements. Sharpness and detail are actually quite good and the majority of the film takes on a suprising and pleasantly smooth appearance.
While the majority of the film looks clean and clear, it can't help but reveal a few age-related bits of wear. A few slight marks and specks do appear on the print used and some scenes appeared lightly grainy, as well. Yet, while there were some minor print flaws, at least the picture remained free of edge enhancement and pixelation.
Colors still looked fine, appearing natural, but a bit subdued at times. Flesh tones looked accurate, as well. This isn't without a few minor concerns, but it's an otherwise nice effort from Tristar. Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean and Thai.
SOUND: The film's audio is presented in a newly remixed Dolby Digital 4.0 presentation. This doesn't do wonders for the film's sound experience, but it does bring the score into the surrounds on occasion, which is rather pleasing. Otherwise, this is a dialogue-driven picture and there's little else to be found on the soundtrack. Audio quality remained fine, but not special in any way; dialogue comes through clearly and crisply throughout.
MENUS:: Very basic menus, with simple, film-themed images as backgrounds.
EXTRAS::
Commentary: This is a commentary from director Paul Mazursky. Although the film is nearly twenty years old at this point, Mazursky is able to do a commendable job coming up with details about what happened during the production in New York City. He points out details about the various performers and location and is also able to share several stories and details (a sequel has been written, but never filmed) about the filming. There's some noticable pauses and the occasional slow moments during the track, but the director does as good as can be expected.
Also: The only other extras are two bonus trailers for
"Sleepless in Seattle" and "It Could Happen to You".
Final Thoughts: "Moscow On The Hudson" has some slow moments, but I really think Robin Williams gives one of his better performances - and that keeps this enjoyable dramatic comedy working as well as it does. Columbia/Tristar's DVD offers fine audio/video quality and a decent extra in the commentary track.
Film Grade
The Film ***
DVD Grades
Video 83/B = (332/400 possible points)
Audio: 83/B = (332/400 possible points)
Extras: 79/C+ = (237/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 82/B = (246/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1287/1600
DVD GRADE:B-/80%
FILM GRADE: ***
DVD GRADE: B-
|