Rent

One of the best Blu-ray discs I've ever seen. Picture and sound surpass expectation and are near-flawless. Special features are wonderful and allow the viewer to delve deep into the amazing world of Rent, thus allowing a better understanding and greater appreciation of this amazing piece.

As everyone already knows my unrequited love for everything Rent, the remainder of this review will focus on the differences between the movie and stage versions.

While the film reunites most of the Original Broadway Cast, Rosario Dawson and Tracie Thoms fold into the family perfectly as Mimi and Joanne. "Halloween" and "Goodbye Love" are noticeably absent, but don't disrupt the flow of the film.

This is the best big-screen adaptation of a musical to date. You won't be disappointed.

Rent: 1996 Original Broadway Cast

I never thought a musical would come along and unseat Evita as my all-time favorite. Rent has. Not much can be said about it that I haven't already. The cast is perfect, and music and lyrics are among the best ever written. I could ramble for hours on end about the greatness of this piece of work, but won't for fear of being repetitive. Jonathan Larson created a masterpiece that will stand alone at the top forevermore. Let the power of Rent change your life!

The Death Of WCW

I was so excited to see this book finally available in Kindle format. To say it's a fascinating read would be a gross understatement. Anyone who respects the history of the wrestling business should read this like a textbook. Never have I read such amazing attention to detail in a retrospective. The assessments and suggestions given by the authors are thought provoking and very well presented. Promoters should read this book through several times and take the lessons it teaches very seriously. If you ever wondered why WCW no longer exists, all answers can be found in this amazing retrospective. Do you love wrestling? Run out and buy this book. It's worth every penny!

Streisand Double-Dip!

By now, everyone knows about the three DVD Streisand set being released on April 28th. Live In Concert 2006 will be the first Barbra Streisand venture to see a Blu-ray release. The snag however is that the Blu-ray version of the concert doesn't come as part of the boxed set. So, in order to experience Barbra in all her high-definition glory and still own the other highly anticipated releases, the fans are forced to buy the boxed set including a standard definition 2006 and the individual Blu-ray of 2006. This isn't right. I don't understand how those who came to this decision can get away with it. All right, as much as I'm venting frustration, everyone knows I'll probably end up buying both versions. I guess I answered my own question. They think they can get away with it because people like me do whatever they can to support a brilliant talent. Oh, well.

Just When I Thought I Was Out...

Eden Riegel and Tamara Braun pulled me back in. They're performances yesterday were among the best I've seen in years. AMC would be absolutely foolish to not do whatever necessary to persuade these two extraordinary talents into signing long-term deals. Let's hope they realize this before it's too late.

Note: Yes, I know Eden is already technically out. Here's hoping those in charge realize their mistake and get her back with the quickness.

Quote Of The Moment...

"Ever since this world began, there is nothing sadder than a one man woman looking for the man that got away."

-The Man That Got Away-Barbra Streisand

I Just Don't Know...

Greenlee is officially gone, and I just don't know how to feel. Part of me is enraged at the stupidity of the people in charge at AMC. In the event of the return of an actress to her insanely popular signature role, logic says to do whatever necessary to retain said performer and keep her and the fans happy. As we all know, All My Children has failed miserably on all counts. Greenlee went from a strong, ferociously independent inspiration, to a quivering mass of uselessness in a little less then a year. There are no words to properly express how difficult and upsetting it was to watch that transformation.

Adding to the ridiculousness of everything that's transpired to this point, Rebecca Budig herself has stated that the probability of Greenlee actually dying is slim. With the actress admitting a willingness to eventually return, what exactly is the point of all this? I have to stop writing before my head explodes and someone is left with a terrible mess to clean.

Yentl (Two-Disc Directors Cut)

The recently released two-disc director's cut of Yentl has gotten quite a bit of positive press. While the movie itself stands up very well 25 years on, I don't think the DVD is worthy of the effusive praise lavished on it. Picture quality is so inconsistent that you'll find yourself needing an Advil to stave off a headache. Sound quality doesn't fair much better. The special features are, on though whole, tedious and uninteresting. All that said, the movie itself is so amazing that it justifies the money spent. If you're a collector of anything and everything Streisand, be sure to pick this one up. If not, I advise renting.

Finally!

Streisand fans rejoice! Yesterday, it was officially announced that the long-awaited concert boxed set will finally see release in April. The three-disc set includes the following:

Live In Concert 2006
1994-The Concert From Anaheim
Putting It Together: The Making Of The Broadway Album

Whether or not bonus material will be included in the set is unclear. Also, a Blu-ray release for Live In Concert 2006 seems unlikely at this time. 2009 is more then going to make up for a disappointing 2008 in Barbra World.

Update: It looks as though Live In Concert 2006 will be available on Blu-ray after all. That sound you hear is me squealing with excitement!

Stupid Wheelchair Mixup!

My wheelchair is in desperate need of repair. The parts finally come in and the tech calls yesterday morning and says he's on his way. He also says he'll have to take the chair because the repairs are too extensive to be done here while I wait. I wait four hours yesterday for a noshow and a ridiculous explanation. Things were supposedly set back on track for today. A couple problems. The loner provided was absolutely useless. Someone should have provided the necessary information before bringing out this piece of garbage. Lastly, my backup power chair also proved useless, as it wouldn't even move. It's all going to work out though. In a couple of weeks, I'll just have to use my manual chair for the day while repairs are being done. Why is nothing ever easy?

Riegel Out, Braun Staying... For Now...

Eden Riegel has decided against renewing her contract when it expires shortly. She is said to be extremely displeased with the direction Bianca has taken this last go round. However, rumors have Bianca returning later this year to wrap up loose ends. We shall see...

In related news, Tamara Braun and Reese will be sticking around PV for a while longer. No official word on how long.

Facebook!

So, I discovered Facebook yesterday and am loving it. I'm already making connections with people I haven't talked to in years. This could all prove to be the start of something wonderful!

Rent: Filmed Live On Broadway

The final performance of Rent on Broadway has been made available in this stunning Blu-ray. Picture and sound quality will leave you slack-jawed. Camera work is in a class all its own. It's been said that trying to replicate the live feel of theatre brings disastrous results. While true in most cases, this offering is the exception. Perfection on both the visual and audio fronts.

The cast themselves? For the most part, it's all good. A couple of quibbles though. I found that Renee Elise Goldsberry was unable to provide Mimi with the strong vocal presence needed for the role. I also found that Justin Johnston didn't bring enough feminine sensibility to Angel. However, once you're all wrapped up in this joyous ride, these things are hardly noticeable. For Rentheads and theatere lovers alike, YOU MUST get swept away by the beauty of this experience!

Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, And The Musical Rent

Inspirational! That's the first word that comes to mind when reading this amazing work. As everyone knows by now, I'm an unapologetic Renthead and originally started reading this book with hopes of getting an in-depth look at the behind the scenes process of it all. Boy, did I ever get more than that. I've never read an autobio where it seems as though you're just having a great conversation with a best friend over coffee at your favorite cafe. Everything flows so beautifully that you may forget you're reading a book and find yourself wanting to ask questions as though Anthony Rapp is sitting beside you.

What I would imagine to be nearly every detail along the road of his life is shared without reservation. There is an intimacy in this experience that I've never felt before as a reader. So much so that I became aware of tears rolling down my cheeks on several occasions. I've resisted giving specific detail because I believe that the impact of this book must be experienced for one to truly understand its power. I can honestly say I will never forget the emotions I felt while reading. Go out and get this book! No day but today!

Rockin' The Do!

Told you it would be back. I'm so happy.

Syrup Sippin' Cripple!

This is for all the bitches who scratch my itches! Who says a poor white boy can't enjoy a rich rappers cocktail?

Bravo, Lozano!

Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado is brilliant. I've been watching One Life To Live on a fairly regular basis for a while now and find myself enthralled with every move this character makes. I don't think I've ever seen a lawyer portrayed more believably on daytime television. To that same point, it's extremely rare to see an actress fit so easily into the skin of the character she plays. I'm sure it helps to be given such wonderful material to play. When one has the ability to peel back the many layers of a character and choose which aspects to play flawlessly, you can't help but be impressed as a viewer. I only wish there were more actresses committed to their craft as much as Ms. Lozano is. I'll most certainly be watching as long as Tea is in Llanview.