Not only is this film not available on DVD in Region 1 in its O.A.R., but there is no trailer. There is / was a widescreen Australian disc, but it was also trailer-less. Whenever I see Eric Roberts on Celebrity Rehab I hope for a recovery and a late-career return to form that matches the intensity and talent the young Roberts displayed in King of the Gypsies, The Pope of Greenwich Village, Runaway Train, and, especially, Star 80. This is a tough film and performance to view and the vile nature of Roberts' character probably hurt his career as much as it helped it, but there's no denying it's great acting. Does the music at the beginning of this tv spot remind anyone else of Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells"? :
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9 comments:
I've seen the original theatrical trailer, which is rather striking in that it uses straight dialogue scenes interrupted by snippets of "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," in opposition to this TV spot above which feels the need to put in the "dramatic" underscore you noted would remind of THE EXORCIST, and, oh I don't know, suggest Hugh Hefner is Satan. But yes, it is shameful that Fosse's swansong has no widescreen release in the states.
Marc,
Ah, too bad that theatrical trailer doesn't seem to be online anywhere. I actually don't dislike the music used on this tv spot; haven't seen the film for awhile so I can't recall for certain if this music is part of the original score in the film.
Great film but it is so disturbing that one viewing was enough. Eric Roberts was a little TOO good in the role. Really a shame about him. I get the feeling that he burned more than a few bridges in HOLLYWOOD but it was so cool to see Christopher Nolan cast him in THE DARK KNIGHT and give him some much-deserved high profile exposure.
J.D.,
Yes, I have no scientific evidence to prove this, but I do think that Roberts' superb portrayal of scumbag Paul Snider in STAR 80 probably caused an unfortunate association in a lot of people's minds. Of course, Roberts has also had well-documented personal issues associated with his long-term substance abuse.
Wow, I didn't realize how lucky I am to actually have a Region 1 copy of this movie! I bought it a few years back for like 10 bucks. Ironically, I hesitated because it was fullscreen (which Warner Brothers has a tendency to do with its less recognized titles). =/
Black Halo,
I believe the Region 1 DVD of STAR 80 is still readily available. Unfortunately, not only is it full-frame, but it also does not include any extras such as trailers or tv spots.
One of Eric Robert's best roles! That is unfortunate that the interesting trailer isn't on the dvd.
i guess its a testament to fosse's charitable side that he didn't portray every male in this film as a bottom feeding creep when he easily could have.ESPECIALLY peter bogdanovich.eric roberts' performance is top notch and i do think it hurt his career a lot.
Yes, that track that sounds like a Tubular Bells rip off is in (at least) one scene in the movie: the one where Roberts/Snider tries and buys a shotgun.
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