Blue in the Face

Starring:Lou Reed, Michael J. Fox, Roseanne, Mel Gorham, Jim Jarmusch, Lily Tomlin, Jared Harris, Giancarlo Esposito, Malik Yoba, JosÃ© ZÃºÃ±iga, Victor Argo, Stephen Gevedon, John Lurie, Madonna, Sharif Rashed, Mira Sorvino, Keith David, Peggy Gormley, Harvey Keitel, Chief Bey
Director: Paul Auster, Wayne Wang
Studio: Miramax Home Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Description

In the uproarious follow-up to the hit comedy SMOKE, Harvey Keitel (PULP FICTION) returns with a red-hot all-star cast that includes Michael J. Fox -- SPIN CITY, STUART LITTLE), Roseanne (ABC-TV's ROSEANNE), and Academy Award(R)-winner Mira Sorvino (1995 Best Supporting Actress -- MIGHTY APHRODITE). It's nonstop laughs when a wacky group of locals visits the neighborhood cigar shop, looking for good times ... and finding plenty of hilarious fun! But when the greedy owner threatens to close the shop for good -- and turn it into a trendy vegetarian restaurant -- the neighborhood proves they'll do just about anything to save their favorite hangout! Don't miss the highly original and entertaining comedy that had critics and audiences cheering!

Customer Reviews:

Classic, classic, classic.......2007-02-16

If you love Brooklyn, NYC, people, cigarettes, movies, funny things, stupid things, and especially Belgian waffles, you'll love this movie.

Good... but not as good as Smoke.......2006-02-06

I bought this DVD because I loved "Smoke". I must admit, this film is not as good as "Smoke". The story line is much looser, the characters are not worked-out as well, and often there is a kind of documentary-style of filming. Though it is nice to see some major stars, such as Roseanne and Madonna - yes, she plays one of her best roles ever! - improvize in this film (because that's what they're doing), I was slightly disappointed. "Smoke" had this special feel to it which this film lacked...

But don't get me wrong - this film is still much better than many Hollywood blockbusters. This is why I still rated the film 5 stars. It deserves it, as much as "Smoke" deserves 10!

Note: There Are Special Features !.......2005-03-18

- BONUS FEATURES Include:
=================

- A Conversation With Lou Reed:

* Living In New York.
* The Lower East Side.
* Getting Aound The City.
* Play All.

- OTB Boys Outtakes:

* "The Mclundo Lady".
* "My Brother Chuck".
* John Lurie's Band Plays At The Smoke Shop.
* Mo Greengrass Magic Tricks.

- Feature Commentary With Director Wayne Wang, Screenwriter Paul Auster, Producers Peter Newman And Greg Johnson, And Actor Harvey Keitel.

- Specification:

* Dolby Digital Surround Sound.
* French Language Track.
* English Caption.

Hope This Was Helpful..

Interesting diversion from the Hollywood norm...........2003-06-28

'Blue In The Face' chronicles a snapshot of life in Brooklyn NY. At the centre of this life is a cigar store that is frequented by a parade of weird and wonderful people. So that is it - there is no story line, or indeed it appears there is no script - just a series of 'situations' designed to be a wonderful showcase for the actors involved.

And what a cast of actors!!! Memorable performances by Lou Reed, Michael J. Fox, Madonna, Roseanne and a host of others make this movie a must see. They don't appear to have to operate within the confines of a script so their full ad-lib abilities shine. At the centre of the action is Harvey Keitel who gives a wonderful performance as the laid back cigar store worker.

Another fascinating angle to this movie is the inclusion of real Brooklyn residents describing Brooklyn and their lives. Even though the unstructured aspect of the movie makes for no story lines, it does seem as though it is a homage to Brooklyn and its residents.

The picture quality on this DVD is outstanding. Perhaps a little too soft in places, but otherwise it is hard to fault. No special features are included which is a shame. It would have been great to have interviews with the cast to hear their thoughts on the movie.

Amazon.com

This oddball sequel to Smoke is less a sequel than a free-wheeling companion piece. Filmed by Wayne Wang and Paul Auster the week after they finished Smoke, the idea was to create a wholly improvised film, using the same characters from the first and a few new ones. The challenge was to improvise scenes that would keep the characters talking and interacting for 10 minutes at a crack--the length of a magazine of film. Some of it works well, some less well, but some of it is pure gold (though there is no real story, per se). Among the highlights: Jim Jarmusch as a guy who is about to quit smoking, waxing eloquent about why he loves cigarettes; rocker Lou Reed discussing his various philosophies on life in hilarious deadpan; a few disquisitions on the joys of Brooklyn; and, if you can believe it, a love scene between Harvey Keitel and Roseanne. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

What a shame!!!.......2002-08-05

What a waste. It's terribly filmed and aimless. It also suffers from shoddy editing. Harvey Keitel is great, I don't think I've ever seen him in a bad film. But many charachters, such as the one played by Michael J. Fox, are only seen for a few brief minutes. There is no narrative, this movie is shameful compared to it's predecessor. I understand the directors wanted too do an ode to Brooklyn, but why, oh why, did they have to do it around a sequel to smoke?

Blue in the face.......2001-12-19

All events go on in one of the most famous districts of New York- Brooklyn.
Ozzy's shop with tobacco is the centre of the action. People come there not only to buy cigarettes but also to talk, to meet some friends. A lot of funny, absurd situations take place in Ozzy's shop. We can see some famous faces such as Jim Jarmush who is giving up smoking, Harvey Keitel (Ozzy), Madonna and her provocative dance...
"Brooklyn Boogie" is also a specific description of american city, inhabitants and their attitude towards living there. Lou Reed talks about New York, why he still lives there despite all that danger he meets everywhere.
It's really interesting film. It has nice, relaxing atmosphere, good for sad winter evenings.

Jarmusch Rules........2001-09-01

I had no idea who this guy was...but his bit on Nazis and movies and cigarettes has caused me to recommend this movie to friends. I saw Smoke first and enjoyed it, but Blue in the Face will leave you rolling on the floor laughing..promise!

No Script, No Plot, No Problem!.......2001-08-10

I got this movie to hear Lou Reed talk about New York. It gets 5 stars for that, but it's much more than a few moments of Lou's brillance. I can't say this movie is better than "Smoke". It has less to it (no plot), but it mangaes to say a little more. Where "Smoke" is like a beautiful song with lyrics, "Blue in the Face" is an instraumental. It's harder to capture, because the viewer isn't forced into pitying or loving any character or the city of Brooklyn. The story doesn't have a plot to guide the viewer toward some monumental epiphany. Instead, the viewer listens harder, and produces fulfillment for themselves. Don't get me wrong, this is a very funny movie. Low budget or filmed in five days, this movie matters.

Is there no cult following for this film?.......2000-05-09

And why are there only three customer reviews of this brilliant, on-the-edge film? And what's up with Leonard Maltin (see above)? I think he was expecting a Hollywood Production Movie. I think he would also ask for a Belgian waffle in Belgium (can't get them, I learned from watching this.) There is a McGuffin, I guess, for those who must have a plot. Will the cigar store be sold or not? Who cares? I'd much rather hear Lou Reed explaining the source of his life-long cynicism or why cigarettes are really "health tools." I had seen and enjoyed Smoke, but never knew this film existed. I am so glad I found it by chance. I enjoyed it more than Smoke. I think it would be a great film to run at a party. Regardless of the length and clarity of their attention spans, guests would have to ask "What is this?" And gradually this film would get the cult following it deserves (or maybe it already does and I don't know it out here in the Midwest). Of course, as always, I loved my main man, Harvey Keitel which should go without saying. (I wonder what Mr. Maltin had to say about the uncut version of another Keitel film, The Bad Lieutenant," another movie you won't be seeing on t.v. If "innovative" doesn't scare you, buy this. I am still thinking about the bag-in-the-tree man and Michael J. Fox's survey. I think I need to watch it again.

Average customer rating:

Blue in the Face [Region 2]
Starring: Lou Reed , Michael J. Fox , Roseanne , Mel Gorham , and Jim Jarmusch
Director: Wayne Wang , and Paul Auster
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0001KZNL0

Average customer rating:

Blue in the Face [Region 2]
Starring: Lou Reed , Michael J. Fox , Roseanne , Mel Gorham , and Jim Jarmusch
Director: Wayne Wang , and Paul Auster
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004VYCE

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