Actors: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell
Directors: Wayne Blair
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 99 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
After first glance I was really wasn’t interested in the film “The Sapphires” but it has since attracted some very impressive buzz and great reviews, so I gave in…and was that a good decision! You man recognize the lead star Chris O’Dowd from his role in “Bridesmaids”. He really steps up in this role and shows off what he can really do…including singing. The film itself is very entertaining. It packs a solid mix of emotions, music and all while manages to touch on an important message. Also be sure to have a few tissues handy. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some great tunes and a movie that actually comes with a great message of equality.
Besides Dowd, “The Sapphires” aka Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens & Miranda Tapsell are all just as equally amazing. They really all work together and deliver a fantastic collaborative cast. They also get to sing their hearts out…and sound amazing! There are 16 songs included in the film from the time period, including “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “What A Man,” “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch,” “Soul Man,” “Today I Started Loving You Again,” and “In the Sweet Bye and Bye.” They are great songs that we all know and love and due to that it adds a lot of energy to this film. You will it very hard not to be singing along.
Official Premise: Four smart, gutsy young Australian Aboriginal women become unlikely stars in the most unlikely of places, with the most unlikely of allies, in The Sapphires. Set in 1968, the film follows Gail (Deborah Mailman), Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) as they seize a risky, but irresistible, chance to launch a professional career singing for U.S. troops in Vietnam. Under the guidance of an R&B-loving Irish musician, Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd), the girls transform themselves into a sizzling soul act and set out to make a name for themselves hundreds of miles from home. Inspired by a true story, The Sapphires is a celebration of music, family and self-discovery.
The Blu-ray is being released as a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. The 1080p transfer really shines with the film’s period and the musical numbers. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is the star of this release and really shines due to the collection of great music throughout. The track really gets a work out for sure and delivers these great vocal tracks perfectly balanced. The special features are good but not as spectacular as the film itself. There is a decent behind-the-scenes look in “The Making of The Sapphires”. There is an “Interview With The Original Sapphires”, which is a cool to see. Lastly there is a focus on the film’s music in “The Music of The Sapphires with Jessica Mauboy”.