Customer Reviews

Almost Famous (Widescreen)

5 star:		(272)
4 star:		(58)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I stumbled across 'The Bootleg Cut' on DVD years back and quickly bought it. It was/is an excellent package, containing both theatrical and directors cuts, along with a Stillwater CD of all the songs from the movie. Those DVD special editions were always excellently packaged in gate-fold sleeves and nicely finished. Unfortunately Blu-rays are rarely of the same caliber except a few standouts such as Avatar's 3 disc version. I would love to review that part of this item in particular, but please see my 'gripe' further down. Onto the movie itself.

This movie is full of excellent characters, extremely well written and believable. This movie always had a huge impact on me, likely from viewing it as a young teenager. It does make you feel like you ARE that 15-year-old, seeing rock history playing out before your eyes. It always made me wish I had a way inside the industry in my younger days, and I still wish I could experience it! But for most mortals this is as close as you will get. Since it is based on actual happenings but with many 'tweaks' and combined characters (so as to not expose a particular band's hijinx and for the sake of condensing the story), it gives quite a feeling of realism. Plus, you can always read Cameron Crowe's actual Rolling Stone articles, as well as the real life Penny Lane's book to find out some of the actual happenings for a greater look into this time.

Now, I have viewed both cuts at different times, and to me, watching the theatrical cut gives me the same feeling as watching the LOTR theatrical versions - perhaps sharper and more to the point, but missing something. You can tell when you're missing certain scenes even if you can't quite put your finger on which exact one. I'm a completionist in some ways, and to me, spending more time in the world of your favorite movie is always worthwhile. That is why I highly recommend the director's cut.

Now, onto my only gripe - this Blu-ray is extremely hard to find! Maybe it is representative of the movie itself - not hugely popular, but loved dearly by fans. I just wish it was more available. Even the regular Blu-ray is and always was very hard to find. Amazon sold out of the bootleg cut BR and has not re-stocked in a long time, meaning I have not even had a chance to watch this in Blu-ray yet!! Once I do I will append my review of this.

Amazon, please restock so I can see this film the way it was meant to be seen!

Good music, lots of laughs and entertainment! Good olde rock and roll movie! Really felt like you were travelling around with the band.

Superb film that takes me back to my youth. Strong cast with great direction. The soundtrack is simply the best.

I got this director's cut edition because I so was so intrigued by the original theatrical release. I wanted more.

What I didn't expect was how very the new material (typically extended scenes though there are a few new scenes as well) changed the tone and feel of this film. Penny Lane comes across as a tragic, lost soul. Stillwater comes across as a bunch of debauched, spoiled, poorly educated, brain challenged musicians. The "suits" - including the Rolling Stone "hippy suits" - come across as sharks. William Miller comes across as a well intentioned but naive quick learner. He seems vulnerable. Alot of the ackward mysteries of the theatrical release (How did Lester Bangs and William end up at a pizza joint after they had just said good-bye? Why did Russell deny everything after encouraging William to write what he wanted to? What held Stillwater together after those shocking confessions on the plane? There are many other examples.)

It almost like a different film! In fact, a BETTER film I would have to say.

Further, based on my experience in the music industry I found this director's cut to be more reality than fantasy -- the inverse was true of the theatrical release from my perspective. It's STILL not at a "documentary" level but, hey, this isn't suppose to be a horror flick is it?

Also, I know it's kind of whacky (maybe I'm a brain challenged musician too) but I really dig Stillwater's music. I have been listening to the Stillwater CD that comes in the package since I got it. I agree with Cameron Crowe, if these guys toured I would go see them! The movie is great but this CD (filled with songs by Nancy Wilson of Heart and Peter Frampton) really cooks.

Overall I just couldn't be happier with my Almost Famous Director's Edition set.

I loved this movie. Really, that's all that needs to be said. It is one of those films where you know there are flaws here and there, but it is so utterly engrossing and the tone is so perfect you forget that there are moments when there should have been more drama, but it was toned down for inexplicable reasons.

This is one of my shorter reviews, but really, there isn't much you can say except:

-Kate Hudson was mysteriously intoxicating. You believed every guy wanted her.
-Frances McDromand made you feel sorry for her despite some unnecessary strictness. And she was hilarious.
-If you find rock awesome (like I do), you'll appreciate this portrait of the genre, the bands and the fans, and what drives it all.
-The writing was often clever and involving, if a little on the lighter side (sometimes, not for the best).

So I recommend this film to fans of entertaining, breath-takingly sweet (but not over-the-top), unbelievably "cool" movies, and to fans of classic rock. There's nothing left to say except: have fun.

...beautiful film with an awesome soundtrack. It draws you in and makes you forget who and where you are. Fans will enjoy the extras scenes, commentaries and behind the scenes info on this long version. The "bootleg" look and style of this edition are great fun too.

wow! this movie is amazing! everything about it is excellent. if you have seen the movie youd know exactly what i am talking about.
there is one part in the movie.. william tells his mother he is going to a dance and he gets in the car with penny..and she is talking about never taking it really seriously.. and as there driving if you look into the window you will see the cover of pink floyds dark side of the moon.. and i am not sure if it was intentional. i just thought i would let you know incase you didnt notice..
but any ways what an amazing movie i highly encourage people to see it!
i look at music in a completely different way now

Oh my God.

This movie is so good. Everything about Almost Famous is perfect. The direction, acting, writing. Everything. Watch this and you'll never know how you got along without it.

This movie is, in my own opinion, one of the best movies ever made. After reading some of the reviews here, a few of which are very harsh, I assume you have to be a big music fan to really appreciate the magnificence of this film. The theatrical version really doesn't do this film justice - they're really two completely different films, character development and tone-wise. This longer version really fleshes out everyone's character, and gives you a much deeper understanding of everything in the end. If you have the time, and the love of music, to watch this long film, do it. You won't regret it. It's truly lovely, Cameron Crowe's masterpiece.

although a based on a true story, Almost Famous plays like every 16 year olds rock and roll fantasy. i love this movie.
i cant vouch for its authenticity but you want to believe its all true...who wouldnt want to run away with a rock band..live among the stars and fall in love with Penny Lane..even for a short time..the movie shows the ups and downs of a touring band trying to make it big..in the still some-what innocent times of the 1970's. humor, tears, and hey even a happy ending..just a great movie for anyone who loves music..the dvd has great extras too the deleted scene with "air-drumming" to stairway to heaven is absolutely hysterical.