商品の詳細

• 発売日: 2004-10-18
• 評価レベル: R (Restricted)
• ディスク枚数: 2
• 形式: Import
• オリジナル言語: 英語
• 実行時間: 111 分

Amazon.com
The late Albert Magnoli directed this ragged but effective 1984 drama (with lots of musical interludes) starring (the artist formerly known as) Prince as a Minneapolis musician whose ego is his biggest obstacle to fame and love. In the backdrop is a strong story about the character's violent family life and a father made monstrous by broken dreams. Prince's film debut as an actor is not bad at all, and he is surrounded by a few people (Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, and members of his own band) for whom he has served as a mentor in real life. The music is loud and good: "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," "Let's Go Crazy"--you remember the soundtrack. --Tom Keogh

DVD features
Whether you're hot for extras or simply after a Purple Rain release that does justice to the film, this special edition is the one to spring for. The movie appears in its original widescreen dimension (optimized for widescreen viewing), and its picture is dynamic and grain-free, letting the film's luscious, meticulously patterned colors shine through. Running commentary from director/co-writer/editor Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo, and cinematographer Donald Thorin highlights both the challenges overcome to make the film and the wonders of working with a musician as prolific and as brilliant as the artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.

Disc 2 offers three short documentaries drawing from contemporary interviews with the filmmakers, the management of First Avenue (the Minneapolis club where Prince began his rise to fame), and members of Prince's former band, The Revolution (including Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman). Footage from MTV's premiere party is notable for the absence of a single worthwhile utterance from any of the party's celebrity attendees, but MTV's flip side saves the day: eight music videos from Prince, the Time, and Apollonia 6. Sizzling, post-film performances of "Take Me with U" and "I Would Die 4 U/Baby I'm a Star" both feature extended instrumental jams and exciting looks at the real-life Revolution's Purple Rain tour.

The only thing missing is movie outtakes, many of which are referenced in Magnoli's commentary. Still, this otherwise definitive Purple Rain is a sumptuous feast for eyes and ears. --Michael Mikesell

Video Description
Rock star Prince plays a headstrong, vulnerable young musician known as "the kid." He struggles with his own psyche and family pressures ofan alcoholic father who beats his mother. He sees his father's madness infecting both his music and his own personal life.