The three disc set.

If you are a fan of this film at all, you owe it to yourself to buy this new version. The biggest reason is because of the "Untitled" version of the film. Cameron Crowe has gone back and added over 35 minutes of never before seen footage. I love this new cut of the film. Sure it may now run even longer, but the additions just add so much to the film. Most of these additions are small extensions of existing scenes, as opposed to totally new deleted scenes. What a treat though, you get to see even more of Philip Seymour Hoffman as the crazed and hilarious Lester Bangs. A must see for anyone who appreciates this great actors talents. The film now just seems a bit better if that is even possible.

You can also watch this new cut with commentary by Cameron Crowe, a bunch of studio guys, and his mom. As far as commentary tracks go it's pretty good. It's not a Kevin Smith commentary track but it's really nice to listen to Cameron reflect and point out all the charming events that inspired the film. The studio guys on this track don't say anything, it's mostly Cameron and his mom talking about old times. His mother can get pretty annoying, I have no idea how he could have grown up with this woman but luckily we are only subjected to a couple hours of her out-there values and babying of Cameron.

Another fantastic extra on this disc is the "Stairway to Heaven Scene." Because of issues with rights, they couldn't include this in the cut of the film, or put the song "Stairway to Heaven," on this disc. So you put the scene on, you then cue up a CD to the track "Stairway to Heaven." There is a countdown and you hit play at the same time on both devices. This scene is awesome, it takes place when William is trying to convince his mom to let him tour with Stillwater, so he puts on Stairway to Heaven to prove that rock is not evil. Honestly fantastic scene, very well acted, Francis McDormand really nails the character here.

This disc also features a rare television interview with the real Lester Bangs, great stuff and interesting to see the real person. As well, all of these extra features have an introduction by Crowe himself, and you can tell how personal this film is to him.

The second disc is the original cut of the film, and also includes deleted scenes with commentary. There is also a Stillwater concert from Cleveland where Crowe says the actors really came alive on stage as a band.

The third disc is an audio CD with more tracks from Stillwater, which I have been listening to while I write this review.

Overall a fantastic presentation, really perfecting an already great DVD. This is one of the few films in recent years that had really impacted me. Crowe solidifies his Cinematic genius with this film. He has now joined the ranks of such great directors as Steven Soderbergh, Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Downs

Do you Agree with what he's saying? Or Tell Us Your own reviews HERE
or mail to:opinions@boldopinion.com