Search - Torch Song Trilogy on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children, Profanity Movie Release: 1988 DVD Release: 05/04/2004 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 1 mins Studio: New Line Home Video Members Wishing: 9 Genres: Comedy Drama, Gay & Lesbian Films, Urban Comedy

Harvey Fierstein's Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway hit was adapted for the screen by Fierstein himself. The playwright also repeats his stage role of female impersonator Arnold Beckoff, aka nightclub entertainer "Virginia Hamm." The three-part plotline, whittled down to accommodate the film's 117-minute running time, concerns Arnold's seriocomic efforts to find a lasting relationship. We first meet Arnold in 1971, when his heart is broken by his bisexual lover (Brian Kerwin). Next we find Arnold in 1973, enjoying short-lived happiness with his true love (Matthew Broderick). The final act takes place in 1980: Arnold, still grieving over Broderick's sudden death and struggling to raise the young boy that the couple had adopted, has a long-anticipated showdown with his uncompromising mother, superbly played by Anne Bancroft. A witty film that is by turns touching and outrageous, Torch Song Trilogy works well despite its somewhat soft-pedaled approach to the material. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Anne Bancroft - Ma
Matthew Broderick - Alan
Harvey Fierstein - Arnold Beckoff
Brian Kerwin - Ed
Karen Young - Laurel

Harvey Fierstein's poignant and affecting Broadway play is adapted for the screen with a stellar cast in this release from New Line Home Entertainment. Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the transfer preserves the feature's original widescreen aspect ratio while offering choice of either closed-captioned English Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS audio. An alternate Dolby Digital Surround audio track is also included, as are optional English and Spanish subtitles. Extra features include a commentary track by Feirstein himself as well as a trailer for the feature. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide