True Stories
review by James S.
Rated PG
Running Time: 89 minutes
Starring David Byrne, John Goodman, Swoosie Kurtz
Studio: Warner Brothers
Directed by David Byrne
Retail Price: $14.98
Features: None
Specs: Standard 4:3 format, English Dolby Surround
Stereo, English Closed Captions
I had to see this movie. You see, I grew up in Dallas,
and True Stories was filmed in and around the city. During
the filming, David Byrne stayed a few blocks away from an
aunt an uncle of mine. My uncle even had a bit part in the
movie. Once I saw the movie, I was hooked. This quirky film
shows a few days in the life of Virgil, Texas, a fictitious
town. David Byrne is an out-of-towner who simply narrates
and interacts with rather interesting members of the
community. There is Louis, played by John Goodman, who is
looking for a wife. Or the world's laziest woman (Swoosie
Kurtz) who is wealthy enough to never have to leave the
comfort of her bead. You follow the characters as they
prepare for Virgil's Celebration of Specialness, which
includes a fashion show with unique designs, a parade with
lawn mowers and accordian players (look for my uncle), and a
variety show.
The first thing you will notice about True Stories is the
lack of a widescreen option. The full screen presentation
gives it a TV feel rather than a theatrical release. In
addition, the picture is grainy in spots and not much better
than VHS.
The sound in True Stories is clear. Music is an integral
part of the movie, as the Talking Heads released two albums
(original sound track and versions of the songs sung by the
band) in support of the picture. The music is balanced well
with the dialogue. The audio, like the video, is basic. The
sound is fixed to Dolby Surround.
Unless you consider chapter searches a feature, there are
none.
The retail price of True Stories reflects the limited
features of the DVD. True Stories will never be considered a
standard by which to judge DVD players. It's cheap. It's
funny. It's worthy of a watch.
 (4/5, NOT included in
final score)
 (2/5)
(2/5)
 (0/5)
(2/5,
NOT an average)
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