Across the Universe [Blu-ray]
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Joe AndersonStudio: Sony Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1
Running Time: 133 minutes
DVD Release: February 5th 2008
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DVD Review
Across the Universe, from director Julie Taymor, is a revolutionary rock musical that re-imagines America in the turbulent late-1960s, a time when battle lines were being drawn at home and abroad. When young dockworker Jude (Jim Sturgess) leaves Liverpool to find his estranged father in America, he is swept up by the waves of change that are re-shaping the nation. Jude falls in love with Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), a rich but sheltered American girl who joins the growing anti-war movement in New York's Greenwich Village. As the body count in Vietnam rises, political tensions at home spiral out of control and the star-crossed lovers find themselves in a psychedelic world gone mad. With a cameo by Bono, Across the Universe is "the kind of movie you watch again, like listening to a favorite album." (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times)
User Reviews
Beatles+Music Industy=Gold. Beatles+ Movie Musical=Well, Not Even Copper - Rating: 1/5
Before I get into this, I would like to say that, although not a huge fan, I do like the Beatles' music. But I cannot say the same thing about this. Everyone knows that the sixties, especially the late sixties, was a rough time in America due to the Vietnam War and the radical protestors, so why do we need a musical to describe those times when no one wants to remember how bad those times were. Second, the songs don't lend themselves to be used in this manner. Some did work (Girl, Revolution, I've Just Seen a Face etc.) But many were forced into the plot because of either names of characters (Hey Jude, Dear Prudence) or just "Because" (also Mr. Kite, I am the Walrus, Blackbird etc.) When the songs are performed, there should be a meaning behind it. For example, in "Mamma Mia!", "Dancing Queen" is sung by Tanya and Rosie to cheer Donna up and to remind her that she can still be the girl she once was. In "The Blues Brothers", "Think" is sung by Mrs. Murphy because she wants her husband to, well, think (of course), before leaving her. Why is "Come Together" sung? Don't know. Additionally, the way the songs are arranged make them pretty unrecognizable, even to a Beatles' fan like my dad. In the movie, I couldn't recognize the song "Something" but hearing it on the radio I could because of the opening guitar notes or chords or whatever they are. And I wish that people would stop saying that this is superior to "Mamma Mia!". "Mamma Mia!" is its own story which can exist on its own without any references to ABBA. This movie cannot exist without making so many references to the Beatles so therefore can't hold its own. I just recently saw "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and that was better than this. Throughout that movie I was saying I wanted to beat Taymor's head in with a silver hammer (couldn't resist) because she really ruined the Beatles songs. I can't believe McCartney and Ringo approved. So I must say, who wants to see a musical set during a very depressing time in history (and makes you feel like you've just taken an acid trip at the same time) when you can see a musical that is uplifting and makes you feel good? "Chicago" was happier than this!
Beatle fans will love this movie! - Rating: 5/5
I was blown away by this film! I've watched it 3 times already and will many more times!
new take on the Beatles - Rating: 5/5
I loved this movie so much that I've watched it 3 times and gotten all my friends to watch it and buy it too. I've downloaded the sound track to my ipod and love the new take on the Beatles songs.
DVD - Rating: 1/5
The DVD I purchased of Across the Universe did not work correctly. Most of the scenes were tiled and would skip. I was very dissappointed. Now I will have to buy it again somewhere.
Masterful - Rating: 4/5
When I first came across Across the Universe, it looked a little esoteric, even with the musical pedigree of the Beatles. But from the first minute when Jim Sturgess sings "Girl" - it all makes sense. You have to really respect how well the Beatles' musical legacy has been woven into this effort. Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr made some of the greatest music of the 20th century and besides being a nice movie, Across the Universe really puts that into focus. The power of the songs comes alive at every turn.
Vividly imagined with beautiful art direction and cinematography, Across the Universe expertly weaves the Beatles into the socio-political context of the times the songs were written in. Hats off to director Julie Taymor and team who clearly thought this out very well, and the excellent cast who all sing better than anyone would expect. This is quite a feat, considering that it could have come off cheesily or poorly done. Actor Sturgess reminds me of a young Paul McCartney but that's where the resemblance to anything Beatles ends.
It's a pity Across the Universe didn't succeed as well in the theatres, but I suspect that the treatment may have been too intelligent for today's audiences. It's a movie that comes from the heart that every Beatles fan should watch and those curious about the music can check out.
