STARDUST
DVD Review by David Blackwell

DETAILS: 127 minutes, featurette, blooper reel, deleted scenes
VIDEO: 2.35:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen)
AUDIO: English, French, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

STUDIO: Paramount Pictures/ Marv Films/ Ingenious Film Partners/ Di Bonaventura Pictures
RELEASE DATE: 12-18-2007

STARRING Charlie Cox (Tristan Thorn), Claire Danes (Yvaine), Michelle Pfeiffer (Lamia), Robert DeNiro (Captain Shakespeare), Mark Strong, Nathaniel Parker (Dunstan Thorn), Sienna Miller (Victoria), Kate Magowan
WRITTEN by Jane Goodman and Matthew Vaughn (screenplay)
and Neil Gaiman (graphic novel) and Charles Vess (artist- graphic novel)
DIRECTED by Matthew Vaughn

PLOT SYNOPSIS: Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) is the son of a liason between his dad and a princess- slave of a witch. He wants the love of Victoria. He promises to bring back a falling star for her. He must cross the enterance to another world that is fenced off by a wall outside the village of Wall, England. However, he didn't expect the falling star to be Yvaine (Claire Danes). He has to protect her from Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), an old witch who wants Yvaine's heart to stay young, and an heir to the thorne who wants the damaged ruby that Yvaine now wears.

ANALYSIS: STARDUST is an enjoyable adventure romp. A well acted cast with vivid settings and a great story provide a great deal. Robert DeNiro may be a little off in the role of gay crossdressing pirate Captain Shakespeare, but he puts his all into the part. He and his crew operate a sky ship that captures lightning. STARDUST is a high quality fantasy adapted from a graphic novel by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess. Gaiman has written many fine fantasy novels (NEVERWHERE, GOOD OMENS with Terry Prachett, American Gods) and comics (also a couple of screenplays- MIRRORMASK and the upcoming BEOWULF which is trailered in front of STARDUST). STARDUST is in the same league as THE PRINCESS BRIDE. STARDUST is also a romantic comedy. Where else can you see Robert DeNiro dance in women's clothes and a young farm lad transformed into an innkepper's daughter by an old witch (and a goat into a man)?! Also a few veterans are in the film (Nathaniel Parker of Inspector Lynley fame, Peter O'Toole).

To me, STARDUST is the antidote to all of the sequels and crap out this year. If you want something fun and funny, STARDUST is the ticket.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
GOOD OMENS: THE MAKING OF STARDUST is a detailed behind-the-scenes (almost 30 minutes long) featurette that goes into casting, CGI effects, set design, and even has a visit to the set by Neil Gaiman (and his daughter Maddy). Featuring interviews with cast, crew, and Neil gaiman.

The blooper reel features some laughing, stumbling, and swearing. The deleted scenes don't amount to much except for the last one which is like an alternate ending (which goes in more detail than the theatrical ending). Also included is the theatrical trailer for STARDUST. Too bad they couldn't have recorded an audio commentary ro two for this fun film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: STARDUST is magical fun. You'll want to watch it again and agin. The extras aren't too bad. Buy it or rent it. It's that good.

this DVD review is (c)12-11-2007 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com  


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