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The Movie: "Project Runway" is the latest reality series focusing on the modeling business (see also: "America's Top Model".) Once again in season 2, model Heidi Klum hosts as the cameras watch the work of 16 designers who were picked from a massive group of applicants from around the country. The group gets their own luxury NYC apartment, and then one or more of them is eliminated each week as their work is judged. The eventual winner will get a lucrative mentoring deal, a car and a $100,000 prize to start their own line. The set of models that the designers can use to show off their fashions are also eliminated one per week, with the last model left getting an exclusive spread in Elle Magazine. What sets "Project Runway" apart are innovative contests. The challenges during the series are just that - challenges; they don't take it easy on the contestants and require definite skill to succeed. The results of the tasks are definitely interesting to see, as there are some that are remarkably creative, and others that just don't work. Some of the challenges throughout the season include creating an outfit out of plants, creating an outfit for Nicky Hilton, creating an outfit from the clothes they're wearing, creating an outfit for Barbie, creating an outfit that was inspired by a photograph and for the 2-hour finale, creating a collection for the all-important Fashion Week in NYC. The other elements about "Runway" that are very refreshing are the fact that, while there are definitely big personalities in the pool of contestants and the show does show some catfights and arguments, the series focuses more on the actual work that the contestants are trying to do. Additionally, some of the people are actually pleasant to one another, which is a real shocker for a reality series. Aside from a few people (such as egotistical designer Santino, who has the attitude - see the way he introduces himself and his work to Nicky Hilton - and the skill to succeed, but is the one person who upsets fellow contestants and some of the judges the most), the second season continues the show's ability to actually focus mostly on the work and add in some instances of cattiness/drama/conflict. Additionally, this season is actually very funny at times, as the season gives a bigger role to Tim Gunn, head of fashion at the elite Parsons School of Design in NYC. Gunn acts as something of a co-host in the series, checking in on and generally encouraging the designers as they go about their work. Gunn's way of seeming uppity yet friendly (and occasionally oddly fascinated by some of the work on the series) is quite funny and some of Gunn's dry comments about what the designers are up to are priceless. While Gunn's comments can be tough, designers are more afraid of Gunn's silence as he studies their outfits. Taking things to another level of humor is Santino, who starts doing pitch-perfect imitations of Gunn. While that's funny in itself, what's priceless are the stories and dialogue he creates as Gunn while goofing on Gunn, such as Gunn's visit to Red Lobster. Santino and others also join in on the occasional late night sing-along. Additionally, Heidi Klum actually makes a very good host, managing to not keep the focus on her in her scenes, and yet not be so subdued that she becomes a non-factor. It's a tough balance, but she achieves it quite well. The pacing and documentary-style cinematography are also faster and sharper than most similar shows on TV today. Despite not really having any idea about fashion or the fashion industry, I found this to be a very engaging series. The DVD VIDEO: "Project Runway" is presented in the show's original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio by The Weinstein Company. The show appears to have been shot on digital video, and while the picture quality varies at times, the presentation looks mostly good. Sharpness and detail are very good at best, and average at worst, but the presentation appears mostly well-defined. In terms of flaws, some minor shimmering on occasion is the only other issue. Overall, I thought the picture quality appeared crisper and cleaner here than the image quality did on the first set. Colors remain natural and accurate, with no smearing or other problems. SOUND: The show's stereo soundtrack is crisp and easily understood, with no concerns. EXTRAS: The extras section on the fourth disc starts off with a series of 6 extended or deleted scenes, which are followed by a set of bloopers. The group of scenes includes extended versions of the tense scene between Santino and judge Nina and Andre's breakdown. Next are "Wear Are They Now?" featurettes for each of the three finalists. Rounding out the extras are audition tapes, a featurette on the casting call for season 3 and text screens of Tim Gunn's blog entries about the show. Final Thoughts: Certainly one of the better reality shows out there, "Project Runway" manages to make a few little refinements here-and-there and the result is a show that's sharper, faster and more entertaining than the terrific first season. Even as someone who has little knowledge or interest in fashion, I liked the series. Miramax's DVD edition offers fine audio/video quality and a few minor supplements. Those with an interest in the fashion industry or those who already fans should pick it up. Others may want to give it a try as a rental first. |