Search - Big Night [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1996 DVD Release: 04/07/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, Italian Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 49 mins Studio: Columbia TriStar Members Wishing: 22 Genres: Comedy Drama, Family Drama, Ensemble Film

In this witty drama, a pair of brothers debate integrity versus compromise as they try to succeed in the restaurant business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) have journeyed from Italy to New Jersey in the mid-1950s, determined to make a killing with an authentic Italian restaurant, The Paradise. But their food is a bit too authentic; Primo may prepare a superb risotto, but most of his customers are wondering why they can't get a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Secondo tries to convince his brother not to berate the customers for requesting more "American" dishes, but Primo stands firm. Meanwhile, Pascal (Ian Holm), another local restaurateur, is doing great business with "Italian style" food the brothers wouldn't bother to spit on. Despite Primo's refusal to change his recipes to cater to lowbrow tastes, Secondo goes to Pascal begging for advice. With The Paradise on its last legs, Pascal offers to help -- Louis Prima, the famous Italian-American bandleader, is coming to town, and Pascal is to arrange a banquet in his honor. He'll stage the banquet at The Paradise in the hopes that Prima and his entourage (and hopefully the accompanying press) will fall in love with the authentic food and sing the praises of the foundering restaurant as he tours the country. The preparations for the big night and the behind-the-scenes family drama that ensues is highlighted by a strong supporting cast of Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, and Allison Janney. Stanley Tucci, who plays Secondo, co-directed with Campbell Scott, who has a small but memorable role as a car salesman. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Stanley Tucci - Secondo
Tony Shalhoub - Primo
Minnie Driver - Phyllis
Ian Holm - Pascal
Isabella Rossellini - Gabriella

There have been a number of movies about food, but one of the best is the smaller, independent film The Big Night. The disc for this title, which was released early in "DVD history," doesn't get the star treatment though, which is unfortunate. The quality of the image, which is framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic, is quite good for this low-budget film, though the transfer does show some signs of wear. The faults are rather minimal though and don't significantly detract from the viewing experience. The sound also shows the signs of a smaller budget. The Dolby Digital surround track doesn't utilize the surround speakers, but is perfectly clear upfront and without any distracting elements, which, for this type of film, is completely adequate. As for any supplemental materials, with the majority of early Columbia/TriStar titles, there is nothing more than the trailer. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide