Search - Millennium Actress on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Adult Language Movie Release: 2001 DVD Release: 10/28/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: Japanese Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 27 mins Studio: DreamWorks Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Drama, Anime

Following up on his highly acclaimed animated psychological thriller Perfect Blue, Satoshi Kon spins this mystery about a documentary filmmaker and a legendary actress. In honor of Gin Ei studios 70th anniversary, a small production house run by Genya Tachibana is selected to make a commemorative documentary. Genya decides to focus his film on actress Chiyoko Fujiwara, a massive star who at the height of her popularity retreated from public life. Accompanied an eager young cameraman, Genya doggedly tracks her down to discover her living a hermit-like life of charmed isolation. He also learns that in spite of her advanced age, she has lost little of her famed charm or elegance. As he interviews her, Genya learns of Chiyoko's troubled past and eventually the reasons for her sudden retirement. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide

A touching tale of an elderly actress who recalls her lost love and her journey to stardom, director Satoshi Kon's dramatic anime arrives on DVD courtesy of Dreamworks Home Entertainment. Presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, the image is near flawless. This is a remarkably colorful and textured film, and this DVD release serves it well in terms of visual presentation. Colors are sharp and vivid, and the transfer is free of any notable distortion or debris. Likewise, the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack truly draws the viewer into the film with its involved use of directional effects and smooth dynamics. Though potential viewers may at first be put off by the apparent lack of extra features on this disc, "The Making of Millennium Actress," clocking in at 40 minutes, offers a detailed glimpse at the production and some revealing interviews with the cast and crew. In addition to speaking with director Kon, interviews with the producers and writers reveal the complex preparation that went into developing the multi-layered story. Millennium Actress is somewhat unique in the realm of anime for its dramatic aspirations, and the discussion of story structure in particular offers a fascinating look into the methods used to seamlessly blend fantasy and reality in the film. From using wood grain to express emotion to soliciting emotional performances from the voice-over actors, this detailed documentary is a real treat for fans of the film. A U.S. theatrical trailer is also included. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide