Search - Roxanne [Widescreen/Fullscreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Questionable for Children, Adult Language, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 1987 DVD Release: 06/04/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 47 mins Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Members Wishing: 20 Genres: Comedy, Romance, Romantic Comedy See Also: Roxanne [Fullscreen], Roxanne [Widescreen] [Blu-ray]

This modernization of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac casts Steve Martin as C. D. Bates, the fearless, quick-witted fire chief of a Washington State resort town. Bates' most trusted fireman is the handsome but tongue-tied Chris McDonell (Rick Rossovich). Both men are in love with the beautiful Roxanne Kowalski (Darryl Hannah), but Bates, adorned with a huge nose that makes Bob Hope look like Nanette Fabray, is convinced that he's too homely to win Roxanne's heart. Thus, in the self-sacrificing tradition of Cyrano de Bergerac, Bates courts Roxanne vicariously by feeding his rival Chris the proper romantic words and phrases. The inherent pathos in Roxanne is offset by moments of slapstick, notably the scene wherein C. D. Bates vanquishes a pair of hooligans with a tennis racket. Steve Martin himself is credited with the screenplay for Roxanne, though he generously cites Edmond Rostand as his inspiration. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Steve Martin - Charlie C.D. Bales
Daryl Hannah - Roxanne Kowalski
Rick Rossovich - Chris McDonell
Shelley Duvall - Dixie
Michael J. Pollard - Andy
Damon Wayans - Jerry

A smart, modern interpretation of Cyrano de Bergerac, Roxanne doesn't receive the best of DVD treatments, but the quality of the film should please anyone. Presented in both a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen version and a full-frame version, the "scope" widescreen version of the film is a revelation after years of viewing the film on cable and video. The transfer is good, and the restoration of almost half the image after pan-and-scan adds a great deal to the film. The Dolby soundtrack is fine. The trailer captures the charm and comedy of the movie. While a commentary with director Fred Schepisi was probably unlikely from the start, it would have been fun to hear writer/star Steve Martin discussing his ideas on adapting the source material for a modern romantic comedy. A "making of" featurette might have been useful as well. While =Roxanne doesn't have everything required to make a DVD great, it remains a worthwhile rental. ~ Oliver Thornton, All Movie Guide