This Special Encore Edition gives fans some extended musical sequences in the film but really doesn't add anything worthwhile. If you already have this film, these don't warrant a second purchase in my opinion. However, those that may be discovering it for the first time should jump on the chance, as it's one of the best films of last year.
“In this new take on the tragic love story, Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a seasoned musician who discovers – and falls in love with – struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer…until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jackson fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.”
The film opens as Jackson Maine finishes up a concert in a giant venue. We’re then introduced to Ally, making ends meet working at a restaurant, singing at the drag bar she used to work at from time to time. After Jackson’s concert, he instructs his driver to pull up to a random bar so he can continue drinking, which happens to be the drag bar Ally is about to sing at. When she takes the stage everyone is mesmerized at her rendition of La Vie En Rose, especially Jackson, who invites her out for a drink afterward. As the two get to know each other at a local cop bar, Ally gets mad at the way people treat Jackson: the lack of consideration for privacy, so she hits a cop in the face that is hassling him. The two run out and over to a local store to get something to put on Ally’s injured hand. It’s here that Ally sees the gentleman side of Jackson, and where Jackson sees the pure beauty and talent of Ally’s as she sings a song she just wrote in the spur of the moment. Jackson drops Ally off at her house, but not before asking her to attend his show later that night. Adamantly declining, it isn’t until she catches flak at work that afternoon that she decides to quit on the spot and jump in the car which whisks her away to the airport to leave for Jackson’s show. While watching him perform Jackson tells the audience he wants to sing Ally’s song, asking her to come on stage with him and perform. Scared and nervous, Ally finally works up the courage to step behind the microphone, a moment that changes her life forever.
A Star Is Born, the fourth incarnation of the film with the same title and the directorial debut of Bradley Cooper, really demonstrates the talent of Cooper, in which he also stars and sings in the film. Not only does it demonstrate his new talent, it also shows just how versatile of an artist that Lady Gaga is. Her performance in the film no doubt has given her another type of fan, one who may not be familiar with her style of music but can surely appreciate the raw talent she demonstrates on-screen. Her performance is so organic and realistic, able to display a very wide range of emotion in what is undeniable a very emotional film. My favorite moment comes when she works up the courage to get on stage; that fear seems so real and genuine, and as it melts away as she belts out her portion of the song left me very emotional as well. Lady Gaga is quite deserving of the praise and Oscar nomination I thought. Sam Elliot also deserves the praise he’s receiving for this film, as his scenes are some of the most emotional and heartfelt out of the entire thing. With just a look, Elliot can convey so much emotion that it’s mesmerizing.
Bradley Cooper again gives a great performance here, showing us how capable of a singer he is as well. As a first time director you can tell he works hard at getting every nuance of his scenes perfect, something extremely difficult to do if you’re in front of the camera most of the time. His portrayal of a broken man is tragic to say the least, as he spirals downward as the film progresses. Jackson’s struggles with alcoholism certainly don’t hold any punches when it comes to the severity and stark portrayal of his struggle, as he ruins not only his own career but comes dangerously close to ending the careers of those he loves the most. It’s hard to watch at times, but that’s what makes it all the more poignant a message. The tragedy of it all stays with you long after the credits roll.
This Encore Edition is essentially an extended cut, with nearly 12 minutes of extended music performances added. Although they really don’t add anything to the narrative in any way, they can be a bit entertaining to those who really love all the music of the film. Would this be a re-buy if you own the original already? I’d have to say no, as the longer sequences don’t make any major impact and I found to change the pacing in a negative way.
Video
A Star Is Born is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.4:1. One of the most noticeable things about the film is how colorful it is, with every sequence having a different hue in relation to the tone of the scene. Bradley Cooper uses some very unique shots with a lot of colorful lights, which perfectly demonstrate the great balance of the palate throughout.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, which is obviously one of the main highlights of the film. The track sounds fantastic in every way, with the vocals and score taking full advantage of the surrounds, turning your living room into a stadium full of screaming fans and stunning music all around. Dialogue is clear and concise, never overpowered by the impressive and boastful concert music.
Special Features
The extras on the disc are worth taking a look at if you’re a fan of the film, especially the thirty-something minute featurette about the making of the film.
- Songs & Performances Not See in Theaters
- The Road to Stardom: Making A Star Is Born
- Music Videos
A Star Is Born is an achievement by many involved that demonstrates how good a remake can actually be, and still making it unique. Highly entertaining with beautiful songs you’ll want to hear again and again. Although I’d normally see this Encore Edition as a marketing ploy to try and milk more money from fans of the film, I thoroughly enjoy this film so much that getting people to see it that may not have the first time around is okay in my book.
