New on DVD — The Aviator

New on DVD — The Aviator
by Jennifer Keenan

The Aviator
The highly acclaimed film The Aviator was recently released on DVD. Under the superb direction of Martin Scorsese this film takes us back to the golden days of Hollywood and the early life of the legendary Howard Hughes.

To say this is a great film full of great performances would be an understatement. In arguably the best performance of his career to date, Oscar-nominated Leonardo DiCaprio plays the lead. Completely exposing himself, DiCaprio reveals to us a passionate, inventive, fearless, yet chronically phobic Hughes.

Cate Blanchett shines as the late great Katherine Hepburn. Her uncanny performance alone would be reason enough to watch this movie. Anyone who has had any exposure to Hepburn will simply be blown away by her accurate portrayal.

Actress Kate Beckingsale plays Ava Gardner, another love of Hughes. Aviator is full of notable supporting performances and celebrity cameos. Alan Alda is in top form, as are John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law and Willem Dafoe, just to name a few. Rocker Gwen Stefani makes her film debut as the sexy platinum-haired Jean Harlow.

But perhaps the greatest performance Aviator offers is that of the director, Martin Scorsese. Proving yet again to be one of the master filmmakers of all time, Scorsese manages to bring out the best in not only his cast, but in cinematography, sound, editing, costume and set design. He blends their collective talents into an epic motion picture destined to become a classic for generations to come.

What would a great film be without great special features? This two-disc DVD offers the usual commentary, deleted scenes and “making of” featurettes that most movies have. However, when it comes to special features, Aviator soars high above the usual fare. Basically anything you ever wanted to know about is covered in a featurette. Production design, costuming, hair, make-up, score, soundtrack, a Howard Hughes bio – you name it, you’ll find it. There is even an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panel Discussion with DiCaprio, Scorsese and Howard Hughes’ widow, Terry Moore.

So whether it’s the old Hollywood glamour you’re attracted to, Hughes’ tragic tale, or the technical mastery of filmmaking, The Aviator is well worth the short trip to the video store. In fact this DVD is definitely one worth buying.

Drama 2004, Rated PG, Approx. 170 min

Coming Soon to DVD:

Coach Carter starring Samuel L. Jackson, Rob Brown, Robert Ri’chard, Rick Gonzalez, Nana Gbewonyo, Antwon Tanner and Channing Tatum.

Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous featuring Enrique Murciano, Diedrich Bader, Ernie Hudson, Heather Burns, William Shatner, Regina King and Sandra Bullock.

The Jacket with Adrien Brody, Keira Knightley, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kris Kristofferson, Daniel Craig, Kelly Lynch and Brad Renfro.

The Pacifier starring Vin Diesel, Brittany Snow, Max Thieriot, Morgan York, Carol Kane, Faith Ford, Lauren Graham, David Sparrow, Scott Thompson and Tate Donovan.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman with Kimberly Elise, Steve Harris, Tyler Perry, Shemar Moore, Lisa Marcos, Tamara Taylor, Cicely Tyson, Cedric Pendleton and Steve Warren.

Hide and Seek featuring Robert De Niro, Dakota Fanning, Elisabeth Shue, Famke Janssen, Amy Irving, Dylan Baker, Robert John Burke, Melissa Leo, James McCaffrey, Jake Dylan Baumer, Stewart Summers, David Chandler and Molly Grant Kallins.

Million Dollar Baby starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel, Mike Colter, Lucia Rijker, Brian F. O’Byrne, Anthony Mackie, Margo Martindale, Joe D’Angerio, David Powledge, Bruce MacVittie, Benito Martinez and Michael Pena.

Rent or buy any of these movies on DVD or VHS from your local Rogers Video Store. For more information or to locate a store near you, visit their website.

Jennifer Keenan loves the movies. From big Hollywood productions to smaller independent films, she memorises every line of her favourite characters, remembers every detail from her favourite scenes. But the role Jennifer enjoys playing best is being a stay-at-home mom for her three children. If you would like to request a particular DVD for Jennifer to review, email your suggestion to editor@breadnmolasses.com