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Broadway Danny Rose
review by Zach B.
Rated PG
Running Time: 84 minutes
Starring Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Nick Apollo
Forte
Written and Directed by Woody Allen
Studio: MGM
Retail Price: $19.98
Features: Theatrical Trailer, Collectible Booklet
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Mono,
French Mono, English Subtitles, French Subtitles, Spanish
Subtitles, English Closed Captions, Scene Selections (16
Scenes)
Released: November 6th, 2001
Also part of The Woody Allen Collection 3
Woody Allen is Danny Rose, a very unsuccesful talent
agent who, despite his terrible clients, helps them out no
matter what. Yet Danny's life is about to change when a
nostalgia rebirth has Danny's best act Lou Canova back on
the top. Yet Lou has a problem and Danny needs to help him
out if he is to go to his big gig that Danny needs. His
problem? Tina (Mia Farrow). Lou wants Tina to be there, but
Lou is a married man... so Danny takes her as his date.
However, Danny is caught in the middle when two gangsters
come to look for the man who stole Tina away from someone
else. This naturally leads to brilliant Allen zaniness.
"Broadway Danny Rose" is really one of my favorite Woody
Allen films. Allen captures so much in this film in such a
short running time. He has great shots and great pacing, and
the way he tells it through friends of Rose is really well
done. I like when movies do that, actually. His directing
style here is great, in fact, he was nominated twice for
this movie - as a director and as a screenwriter. And how is
he as a screenwriter? Great, as usual. Allen creates
brilliant characters who seem really true to life. The plot
and the constant rambling dialogue is wonderful. Everything
here is unique. I could go on and on, but I won't. This is a
movie I have a hard time putting into words since Allen
captures so much.
It's an interesting choice that Allen shot this one in
black and white. It gives it an old time feel, which I
liked. Still, the rather small cast is what this movie
depends on, and it works. Allen is pefect as Danny Rose,
capturing his heart and nervous qualities (isn't that
Allen's usual character?) Mia Farrow is funny and rather
strong as Tina. And then there's Nick Apollo Forte in a fine
supporting performance.
With great wit, editing and strong style, "Broadway Danny
Rose" is an Allen classic that fans of his or good stories
must check out. You don't be disappointed.
Like all Allen films it seems, "Broadway Danny Rose" is
in 1.85:1 in a fine anamorphic transfer. Blemishes and
pieces of dirt pop up a good deal of time, but they're small
and not that distracting. There is some grain, but the
transfer is rather sharp and strong. Not many complaints
here. There's a nice, rich fullness to this transfer.
English and French two channel mono tracks are included.
Yes, it's Allen so it's mono. This movie is dialogue driven,
and it captures that rather perfectly. Dialogue is clear and
crisp so you won't have any problems hearing what characters
are saying. No distortion and good fidelity is featured too.
Other sounds are fine too. A mono track that does what it
should do. English, French and Spanish subtitles plus
English closed captions.
The anamorphic widescreen Theatrical Trailer that
runs a minute and a few seconds, and detailed production
notes in the keep case insert which I enjoyed.
"Broadway Danny Rose" in my opinion is one of Allen's
finest triumphs. Filled with great writing, directing and
acting, this MGM release is very good. Check it out for sure
if you've never seen it, and if you love it, own it.
 (4.5/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (4/5)
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 (.5/5)
(3/5,
NOT an average)
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