Blu-Ray Review: Two Amazing P.T. Anderson Films in ‘Boogie Nights,’ ‘Magnolia’

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CHICAGO – Has any director watched their reputation rise as rapidly as the amazing Paul Thomas Anderson? With only five films under his belt - “Hard Eight,” “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “Punch-Drunk Love,” and “There Will Be Blood” - the man has become one of the most respected and adored filmmakers in the world. Why? He not only hasn’t made a bad film, he hasn’t even come close. His second and third are now available on Blu-ray.

Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

P. T. Anderson’s incredible eye (and the perfect cinematography of Robert Elswit) makes for a perfect fit with the world of Blu-ray. Put simply, “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia” look amazing in 1080p. These are the kind of films (“There Will Be Blood” even more so) meant to be watched with pristine video as large as you can possibly see it. They are worlds to get lost in. Don’t watch them on your computer or your phone.

Magnolia was released on Blu-ray on January 19th, 2010.
Photo credit: Fox Home Video

If you haven’t seen “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia,” two of the best films of the ’90s, there’s no better way to do it. The fact is that most of you probably have seen them and more than once and are wondering if you should add them to your collection. Let me make a case as to why you should - these films have held up unbelievably well. Except for a few fashion issues, they look like they could have come out last year, and I can almost guarantee you that they’re even better dramatically than you remember. They’re both 5-star films and necessary additions to any true film fan’s collection.

Boogie Nights was released on Blu-ray on January 19th, 2010. Photo credit: Fox Home Video

“Boogie Nights”

Synopsis: “From writer/director P.T. Anderson comes the turbulehnt behind-the-scenes story of an extended family of filmmakers who set out to revolutionize the adult entertainment industry in the seventies. Idealistic producer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) has always dreamed of elevating his films into an art form. When he discovers young actor Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), Jack begins to turn his dreams into reality. Under the stage name of Dirk Diggler, Eddie soon gives the adult entertainment world a star the likes of which it has never seen. But the rise to fame has its costs, and soon Dirk finds himself sliding down the slippery slope of sex, drugs and violence. The only question: can he get himself back together before it’s too late?”

Tech Specs: 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1 video with audio tracks Dolby TrueHD English 5.1, Dolby Digital English 5.1, Spanish 5.1, and German 5.1.

Special Features: Commentary by Director Paul Thomas Anderson, Commentary by Don Cheadle, Heather Graham, Luis Guzman, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Mark Wahlberg, and Melora Walters, Additional Scenes, Michael Penn “Try” Music Video, “The John C. Reilly Files,” and Theatrical Trailer.

“Magnolia”

Synopsis: “Magnolia is a mosaic of American life woven through a series of comic poignant vignettes. Through a collusion of coincidence, chance, human action, shared media, past history and divine intervention, nine people will weave and warp through each other’s lives on a day that builds to an unforgettable climax. Some will seek forgiveness, others escape. Some will mend frayed bonds, others will be exposed.”

Tech Specs: 1080p High Definition 16x9 2.4:1 video with audio tracks Dolby TrueHD English 5.1, Dolby Digital English 5.1, and Spanish 2.0.

Special features: “Magnolia Video Diary,” “Frank T.J. Mackey Seminar,” “Seduce and Destroy Infomercial,” Aimee Mann “Save Me” Music Video (directed by Anderson and one of the best videos ever made, although disappointingly not remastered for HD), Theatrical Trailer, and TV Spots.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com