Blu-ray Review Say Anything ... 20th Anniversary Edition
Directed by: Cameron Crowe Cast: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Joan Cusack, Lili Taylor Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins Rating: PG-13 Due Out: November 3, 2009
PLOT: Two kids fresh out of high school fall in love over the span of one crazy summer.
WHO'S IT FOR? If you’ve ever shared a heartbeat with someone that feels no less than perfect, it's necessary that you re-experience those emotions through one of the best films about love ever made. This Blu-Ray is especially catered to those who consider themselves already to be reincarnations of Lloyd Dobler or even Diane Court.
MOVIE:
Even if I had the pen handed by Diane to Lloyd in that heart-wrenching moment, I don't think I'd be able to accurately record my feelings about Say Anything .... Those who have seen this movie, especially more than once, will understand what I'm talking about.
As accurately stated by Ione Skye in one of the featurettes, "Say Anything ... looks at teenage love from an adult perspective." The film totally understands the indescribable feelings human beings experience in both love and loss of that love, and has a rare grasp on the awkward realities of courtship and dating. While cell phones may have obliterated the art of trying to pull the phone into the bathroom to make a secret call, there will always be intimidating parents, doubtful friends, strange first dates, and especially imperfect perfect moments.
As timeless as the art of falling in love with someone, Say Anything ... has the makings of an American romance classic. While Peter Gabriel may not be the modern day choice for an effective slow jam, one can only hope that there will always be Lloyd Doblers chivalrously fighting to earn the love of people as seemingly perfect as Diane Court.
MOVIE SCORE: 10/10
EXTRAS
I Love Say Anything ... ! Featurette - A handful of funny talking heads from Vh1 shows like “I Love the 80’s” speak about their favorite moments from their favorite movie. This type of extra is especially relevant considering the film’s undeniable status in pop culture, (it was probably even discussed on such a show previously). Faces like Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon (who are hilariously billed as “sell out screenwriters) and talent like Weird Al Yankovic and The Greg Wilson discuss their connection with the film, and also nerd out over the many small moments that make the movie so special.
A Conversation with Cameron Crowe Featurette - The writer/director shares the many ideas he brought into the movie, and the following thoughts about the characters and themes that he has had about the project since then. While detailing the freshman experience in making Say Anything …, the director provides his own interesting tales of amateur filmmaking. Sometimes a director has beginner's luck, but with Say Anything ... one must consider the idea of natural talent.
An Iconic Film Revisted: Say Anything ... 20 Years Later Featurette - Cameron and the cast reflect on the many unforgettable experiences they shared in making the film, and how the film has changed who they are even 20 years after its initial release. Many scenes are discussed openly and fondly, especially the legendary boombox episode.
OTHER EXTRAS:
Intro and Commentary by Cameron Crowe, John Cusack and Ione Skye Alternate Scenes Alternate Scenes with Commentary by Cameron Crowe Deleted Scenes Extended Scenes Vintage Featurette Theatrical Trailers TV Spots Photo Gallery
EXTRAS SCORE: 8/10
OVERALL
If you love Say Anything …, you probably own the DVD from 2005 already. But maybe your copy is starting to skip, or the special features, which include alternate and deleted scenes, don't feel that special anymore. This re-release has a lot of the features from that version, but it sharpens the 1989 film's picture quality to its highest potential. This new Blu-Ray also has three completely new featurettes and even a trivia game, with the documentaries totaling about 40 minutes of interview and behind the scenes footage.
A re-release of Say Anything ... on another entertainment format certainly does go against the Dobler-ism of not buying anything sold or processed. However, even Cusack's rebellious character would certainly recognize that the love for him (and this classic and important film) is serious business.
FINAL SCORE: 9/10