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List Price: $9.99 | | Label: Miramax Home Entertainment
Salesrank: 22536
Released: March 4, 2003 |
| Our Price: $4.38 |
| Used Price: $3.50 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
In the uproarious follow-up to the hit comedy SMOKE, Harvey Keitel (PULP FICTION) returns with a red-hot all-star cast that includes Michael J. Fox -- SPIN CITY, STUART LITTLE), Roseanne (ABC-TV's ROSEANNE), and Academy Award(R)-winner Mira Sorvino (1995 Best Supporting Actress -- MIGHTY APHRODITE). It's nonstop laughs when a wacky group of locals visits the neighborhood cigar shop, looking for good times ... and finding plenty of hilarious fun! But when the greedy owner threatens to close the shop for good -- and turn it into a trendy vegetarian restaurant -- the neighborhood proves they'll do just about anything to save their favorite hangout! Don't miss the highly original and entertaining comedy that had critics and audiences cheering!
Description of Blue in the Face:
This oddball sequel to Smoke is less a sequel than a free-wheeling companion piece. Filmed by Wayne Wang and Paul Auster the week after they finished Smoke, the idea was to create a wholly improvised film, using the same characters from the first and a few new ones. The challenge was to improvise scenes that would keep the characters talking and interacting for 10 minutes at a crack--the length of a magazine of film. Some of it works well, some less well, but some of it is pure gold (though there is no real story, per se). Among the highlights: Jim Jarmusch as a guy who is about to quit smoking, waxing eloquent about why he loves cigarettes; rocker Lou Reed discussing his various philosophies on life in hilarious deadpan; a few disquisitions on the joys of Brooklyn; and, if you can believe it, a love scene between Harvey Keitel and Roseanne. --Marshall Fine
Blue in the Face Reviews:
Laugh out loud funny 
2008-01-03 - This is a great movie. One of my favorites. It's great to see all these actors doing roles that are far away from their norm. It's quirky and you will laugh out loud.
Classic, classic, classic 
2007-02-15 - If you love Brooklyn, NYC, people, cigarettes, movies, funny things, stupid things, and especially Belgian waffles, you'll love this movie.
Good... but not as good as Smoke
2006-02-06 - I bought this DVD because I loved "Smoke". I must admit, this film is not as good as "Smoke". The story line is much looser, the characters are not worked-out as well, and often there is a kind of documentary-style of filming. Though it is nice to see some major stars, such as Roseanne and Madonna - yes, she plays one of her best roles ever! - improvize in this film (because that's what they're doing), I was slightly disappointed. "Smoke" had this special feel to it which this film lacked...
But don't get me wrong - this film is still much better than many Hollywood blockbusters. This is why I still rated the film 5 stars. It deserves it, as much as "Smoke" deserves 10!
Note: There Are Special Features !
2005-03-18 -
- BONUS FEATURES Include:
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- A Conversation With Lou Reed:
* Living In New York.
* The Lower East Side.
* Getting Aound The City.
* Play All.
- OTB Boys Outtakes:
* "The Mclundo Lady".
* "My Brother Chuck".
* John Lurie's Band Plays At The Smoke Shop.
* Mo Greengrass Magic Tricks.
- Feature Commentary With Director Wayne Wang, Screenwriter Paul Auster, Producers Peter Newman And Greg Johnson, And Actor Harvey Keitel.
- Specification:
* Dolby Digital Surround Sound.
* French Language Track.
* English Caption.
Hope This Was Helpful..
Interesting diversion from the Hollywood norm....
2003-06-28 - 'Blue In The Face' chronicles a snapshot of life in Brooklyn NY. At the centre of this life is a cigar store that is frequented by a parade of weird and wonderful people. So that is it - there is no story line, or indeed it appears there is no script - just a series of 'situations' designed to be a wonderful showcase for the actors involved.
And what a cast of actors!!! Memorable performances by Lou Reed, Michael J. Fox, Madonna, Roseanne and a host of others make this movie a must see. They don't appear to have to operate within the confines of a script so their full ad-lib abilities shine. At the centre of the action is Harvey Keitel who gives a wonderful performance as the laid back cigar store worker.
Another fascinating angle to this movie is the inclusion of real Brooklyn residents describing Brooklyn and their lives. Even though the unstructured aspect of the movie makes for no story lines, it does seem as though it is a homage to Brooklyn and its residents.
The picture quality on this DVD is outstanding. Perhaps a little too soft in places, but otherwise it is hard to fault. No special features are included which is a shame. It would have been great to have interviews with the cast to hear their thoughts on the movie.
'Blue In The Face' is a bizarre movie, but with it featuring some very well known faces in roles they have not been seen in before, made Blue in the face riveting viewing for me.
