ALL THAT JAZZ (1979)

All That Jazz (1979)

Director(s):	Bob Fosse
Movie rating:	9/10
DVD rating:	9/10
DVD Release Date:	08/19/2003
Running Time:	123 minutes
Rating:	R

Disc Details

Distributor:
Fox

List Price: $14.98

Running Time: 123 minutes

Special Features:
Widescreen anamorphic format
Chapter selection
Scene specific commentary by Roy Scheider
Interview with Roy Scheider
Bob Fosse on the set
Theatrical trailer
Sneak peeks

Video Format:
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)

Language Tracks:
English (Dolby Digital 2.0) Surround
French (Dolby Digital) mono

Subtitles:
English, Spanish

Closed Captions:
Yes

Casing:
1-disc Keep Case

Film & Disc Review, All That Jazz
reviewed: 2003-08-19

Bob Fosse's semi autobiographical "All That Jazz" is a powerful portrait of obsession and hard living. The movie garnered nine Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Director and Actor. The film won four Oscars. Roy Scheider delivers the best performance of his film career as Fosse's alter ego, Joe Gideon.

Joe Gideon juggles opening a new play, post production on a "Lenny" type film, an ex-wife (Leland Palmer), current girl friend (Ann Reinking), new lover (Deborah Geffner) and preteen daughter (Erzebet Foldi). Beneath the surface, Gideon masks his fear with dexedrine and promiscuous sex. Throughout it all, Gideon's biggest obsession is with death. Gideon and Death/Angelique (Jessica Lange) flirt with each other in a series of fantasy/flashback sequences throughout the film. What could have been a relentlessly depressing movie is in fact a fascinating, entertaining and emotionally powerful look into the world of Bob Fosse's inner demons. Mr. Fosse was extremely brave to bare his soul in such a way. Roy Scheider has never been better.

In addition to powerful performances all around, "All That Jazz" boasts outstanding photography, sound and editing. There are a number of classic set pieces. The film's opening 'cattle call' set to George Benson's version of "On Broadway" is probably the film's most famous sequence. Another standout is the first script read through. The focus is on Gideon. The only sounds heard come from Gideon as he smokes, taps his fingers and drums a pencil. The scene shows a man on the edge of oblivion. Powerful filmmaking. "All That Jazz" is also a very erotic film. Gideon will sleep with anything that movies. His sexual obsession works its way into the Broadway show he is choreographing. The 'AirRotica' dance number is wild. Sandahl Bergman is a standout in the sweaty number.

A number of great actors appear in supporting roles. John Lithgow, Keith Gordon, Cliff Gorman, Ben Vereen and Max Wright all add that extra punch the film needs.

The Disc

Great movie, picture and sound. Good extras. Lots of stuff at vanilla DVD prices!

Picture Quality: 9/10
I noticed one instance of pixilation. There is a slight shimmering problem during the 'cattle call' sequence. The stage background is very cool, made up of a pattern of pipes against the wall. The design lends itself to the shimmering problem. Otherwise, a wonderful transfer.

Sound Quality: 10/10
Even though the soundtrack isn't done in 5.1, all is fine. The musical score won the Oscar. Both the original songs and found music are perfect. Nice balance between the ranges.

Easter Eggs:
No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.

Extra Features: 8/10
I was amazed at the number of extras found on this DVD, considering the fact that it only cost $14.98. In addition to the original theatrical trailer, the DVD includes a short interview with Mr. Scheider. Mr. Scheider also provides a scene specific commentary track. I really like the fact that Fox included a commentary track menu. You can go directly to eight specific scenes that Mr. Scheider comments on. The DVD also includes five clips shot on the set of the 'cattle call' sequence, which show Mf. Fosse at work setting up the scenes and working with the actors.

The Final Word:

"All That Jazz" is one of my favorites. This is a powerful, artistic and challenging film. A Must Have DVD!