Fame (1980)

Fame © United Artists. All Rights Reserved.

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Director:	Alan Parker
Writers:	Christopher Gore
Cast:	Meg Tilly, Ray Ramirez, Nancy Lee, James Manis, Louis Venosta, Anthony Evans, Isaac Mizrahi, Alba Oms, Maureen Teefy, F.X. Vitolo, Billy Hufsey, Steve Hollander, Richard Belzer, Michael de Lorenzo, Frank Bongiorno, Laura Delano, Aaron Dugger, Nancy Gianzero, Irene Cara, Paul McCrane, Barry Miller, Gene Anthony Ray, Lee Curreri, Anne Meara, Debbie Allen, Eddie Barth, Albert Hague, Boyd Gaines, Joanna Merlin, Laura Dean, Jim Moody, Antonia Franceschi, Steve Inwood, Teresa Hughes
Released:	Friday, May 16, 1980
Length:	134 minutes
Studio:	United Artists
Genre:	Drama/Suspense
Rating:	Some material may not be suitable for children.

Synopsis

Seven classes a day and a hot lunch. That?s what New York City?s High School for the Performing Arts guarantees. Stardom? That?s something the school?s teenage musicians, actors, dancers and dreamers strive for. Fame sings the body electric, celebrating the growing-up process of honing talent, confronting realities, finding love, living life. Director Alan Parker brings an energetic style to the crisscrossing stories of students (including future Academy Award winner** Irene Cara, Paul McCrane (ER), Barry Miller (Saturday Night Fever) and two who returned in the later TV series, Gene Anthony Ray and Lee Curreri). Nominated for six Academy Awards,* Fame won Oscars for its dynamic score and title tune ? and inspired a shoot-for-the-stars 2009 remake.

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Fame Blu-ray Review

Considering that Frame was just re-made, this is a timely point for a Blu-Ray release of the 1980 hit musical because it is now an oldie classic.  Viewers who think they vaguely remember it will probably recall the spin-off TV show and the remake was certainly lighter-weight than the original.

The story centers on seven potentially great performers at a high school who are dedicated to the performing arts.  It takes place over a four-year period, as they are growing up, getting romantically involved, getting romantically hurt, getting potential auditions, and (in some cases) crashing and burning.  It is a musical that had several hit songs, and became #1 in England.

The film looks okay in Blu-Ray.  There is nothing here that really calls out for high definition.  The audio, all important for a musical, is far more impressive and the Blu-Ray clarity gives it good energy.  Overall though, if you wouldn't own it on DVD, there is little to force you to buy it on Blu-Ray.

There are some decent extras including the director's good commentary, interviews with the cast and crew that are okay, and a fair amount of behind the scenes footage.  If you are a fan of Fame, then you will probably find these extras are the best reason to own it.

I am not the target market for the movie, and I am not easily able to judge it as a musical; so I will let Billboard do that for me.  With the title track hitting #4 on the 1980's Billboard charts, it is hard to give this anything other than a good score.

-- Marco Chacon

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