Roxanne (1987)

This one is an all-time favorite and a long-time resident of my home video library. Comedy legend Steve Martin, in a way that only Steve Martin can, plays the role of the emotionally and intellectually-wealthy goblin of a man who falls for the equally emotionally and intellectually-wealthy blonde bombshell (Daryl Hannah--hey, why not?) who visits his small town. Unfortunately, this bombshell is lacking in the common sense department, because she immediately falls for the beefcake village idiot, played convincingly by Rick Rossovich. Go figure. But what happens as a result of this scenario is altogether funny, charming, touching and totally entertaining. This movie flows. Martin compounds his genius in the movie by assembling a stellar supporting cast (which includes Shelley Duvall and a young Damon Wayans) that more than holds its own throughout the film. Pay extra special attention to the balcony scene--from its beginning to its end, Martin and Rossovich are allowed to shine their brightest. Martin teams up for this 'Cyrano' retelling with director Fred Schepisi, the visionary behind 'Six Degrees of Separation', the movie that first separated Wil Smith from his legendary "Fresh Prince" persona. 'Roxanne' gets the highest possible recommendation for its perfect balance of humor and romance and the stellar performance of its entire cast. Please, please make it your business to own a copy of this movie.

In 1987, the romantic comedy film "ROXANNE" starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah, a modern retelling of "Cyrano de Bergerac", was a film that received critical acclaim and has been regarded as one of the Steve Martin's best work as an actor and screenwriter.

The film was directed by Fred Schepisi ("Six Degrees of Separation", "Mr. Baseball", "Iceman", "The Devil's Playground", etc.)

"ROXANNE" is an entertaining romantic comedy with Steve Martin in the top of his game.

Featuring clever writing, wonderful acting and Steve Martin carrying this film to incredible heights through a perfect blend of romance and comedy.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

To see "ROXANNE" in high-definition was actually quite nice. The location in the Pacific Northwest shows us the mountain regions surrounding the area, sunshine, blue waters. Now in 1080p High Definition with an aspect ratio of 2:40:1, the film really does bring out the outdoor scenes and for an late 1980's film, the picture quality is actually pretty good.

The film does show its age because of the fashion (Daryl Hanna's leather boots and Fred Willard's Miami Vice fashion is so easily identifiable with the 80's) and musical styles presented and there are times that the film looks soft but for the most part, picture quality is clean.,

For a film that is over 20-years-old, you really can't go wrong with this Blu-ray release because currently, it is the best looking transfer that you will ever find of the film.

As for audio, "ROXANNE" is presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English, French and Portuguese) and a Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital track. The film is dialogue heavy and thus a lot of the film is front channel-based and there are no use for special effects or rear channels for this film, so expect to see mostly your front and center channels being utilized. Audio is clear and well-understood and the scenes that showcase classical music was delightful to hear as well.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Unfortunately, there are no special features included. The Blu-ray disc for "ROXANNE" is BD LIVE enabled.

JUDGMENT CALL:

It has been well over 20 years since I first saw "ROXANNE" on cable and for the most part, watching the film again, I can say that it does hold up quite well nearly 23 years later.

Steve Martin was absolutely fabulous in this film and his role as an executive producer, main actor and screenplay writer must have been quite interesting because he manages to seamlessly make this film seem smooth. How he took the storyline of "Cyrano De Bergerac" and wrote his interpretations for his character was a bit humorous and entertaining.

But when it comes to Steve Martin, it's all about delivery. Martin owned this role.

There is one scene where he is encountered by a man at the bar who wants to fight him but after losing a bet in darts, Martin's character C.D. has to come up with 20 unique nose jokes. Martin flawlessly pulls off over two dozen and you can tell by the talent watching him at the bar as they all watch him showcase his acting style, his quick wit but smooth delivery of his lines, they were impressed.

Of course, watching Daryl Hannah in her 80's clothing and hairstyle definitely made this film feel "80's" but thankfully for the High Definition transfer, watching "ROXANNE" in 1080p High Definition was quite nice. Seeing her blue eyes and beautiful smile definitely made her one of the popular actresses of the 1980's and both she and Martin, both look incredible now as they were 23 years ago.

And of course, the film also features a good number of talent such as the popular Shelley Duvall, "Top Gun" actor Rick Rossovich, Fred Willard, John Kapelos and emerging stars Damon Wayans and Kevin Nealon.

With a lot of positive to say about the film, the negative would be the lack of any bonus features. Granted, this film is an older film but it would have been nice to see Steve Martin, Daryl Hannah or even director Fred Schepisi make some sort of comment.

And for a comedy film, there has to be a gag reel or something that could have been thrown in. Not even the theatrical trailer was included and that is my only problem with this release.. the lack of any special features but the trailers for other films.

Overall, you can't fault the film because it's an entertaining romantic comedy that continues to stand the test of time and now it's available on Blu-ray ala High Def. If you are a Steve Martin fan, "ROXANNE" is a film that deserves to be in your collection. It's one of his best films (next to my favorite feat. Steve Martin, 1991's `L.A. Story') and definitely a film worth checking out!

Buy Roxanne (1987) Now

It's September 2006, and they *still* have not released a widescreen version. I got through the first 20 minutes of this pan-and-scan version before I couldn't stand it anymore. There are so many beautiful shots; I just can't watch them butchered like this.

Roxanne is a great movie, and it deserves more than this poorly rendered DVD version.

Read Best Reviews of Roxanne (1987) Here

Like other reviewers, I am apalled that this wonderful movie is available only in pan & scan format, chopping off close to half the picture. This is just inexplicable--even when this was released a few years ago, it was quite unusual for high profile anamorphic films like this to be released only in a P&S version. I'd love to add this to my collection--here's hoping a propererly framed version is forthcoming (hopefully also in Blu-Ray or HD DVD).

Want Roxanne (1987) Discount?

I think we all agree that this 1987 classic romantic comedy is absolutely wonderful, entertaining, magic, funny and hylarious. The best romantic comedy for some, one of the best comedies of the 80's for others. Great story, incredible performance of steve martin , great production and artistic direction by Fred Schepisi. We can argue with that of course, but one thing beyond discussion, is that this Sony Pictures 2002 DVD edition for this masterpiece is so awful, that it manages to destroy the experience.

I had to put up with a VHS edition for 15 years, for what! This? I can say without any doubt, that this is one of the worst DVD editions i own, behind my Asian bootleg martial arts copies. Absolutely awful, this edition manages to restrain the impact of the movie with all the worst features of the fullscreen edition: Extreme close-ups, alternate or moving angles from the same take, chopped off characters from the scenes, people talking to shoulders and corners, people talking from outside the picture, missing scenarios and landscapes, blurry video quality... my god! Not even the 5.1 english soundtrack could emerge, not even the movie could! Extras? The movie trailer...In widescreen! It was torture.

By far, the worst 7 dollars i have ever spent, and a disapointment i'm never gonna forget.

My recomendation for fans looking for this wonderful movie in DVD: Go outside the store and get the widescreen edition, online or on local stores. I'm desperatly seeking for other better editions, i'm even willing to download it, or even buy a bootleg.

Whatever you do: Please, please, don't buy this awful Sony 2002 fullscreen edition.

And Sony pictures: Widescreen versions fit the screen too!

Save 28% Off