Actors: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K., Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Dice Clay, Sally Hawkins, Peter Sarsgaard
Directors: Woody Allen
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Run Time: 98 minutes
Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Woody Allen is one hell of an unstoppable force. Since he made “Midnight in Paris” (my favorite film of 2011), I have been on a real kick for his films. “Blue Jasmine” can be described as simply, mesmerizing. Cate Blanchett is so bat-shit crazy that you both love at hate her. The film is hysterical yet has some great drama mixed in as well. I just kept asking myself how does this guy (Allen) come up with these amazing films. No question, this is one of the greats of 2013 and I have a feeling I will be having a repeat viewing in the very near future. Highly recommended!
Besides Cate Blanchett, who better win some awards for this role, there is a wonderful ensemble cast including Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K., Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Dice Clay, Sally Hawkins and Peter Sarsgaard. If I had to be runner up for best performance it would have to easily go to Bobby Cannavale who was an emotional wreck in this film and was wonderful. But very close behind him had to be Andrew Dice Clay, this guy was amazing. I kept asking myself why isn’t he in more films. Great talent here all around but that is expect from a Woody Allen picture.
Official Premise: Poignant, romantic and mesmerizing, writer/director Woody Allen’s latest masterpiece centers around Jasmine (Cate Blanchett), a former New York socialite teetering on an emotional tightrope, balancing between her troubled east coast past and a fresh start in San Francisco. Having moved into her sister’s humble apartment, Jasmine ricochets between the tumultuous acceptance of her new limitations, and the dreams of reclaiming her past life’s glamour. Join a powerful cast for an intimate portrayal of the battle between fantasy and reality which rages within us all.
Sony delivered this film as a combo pack with the Blu-ray and Digital HD Ultraviolet copy. The 1080p transfer was beautiful and really captured the essence of San Francisco. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track was solid as well but I wasn’t really blown away with the score like I was with “Midnight in Paris”. In terms of special features, it is not a surprise it is lacking since Woody’s films have never really impressed ere. “Notes From the Red Carpet” features the cast talking about the making the film and their characters. “Blue Jasmine Cast Press Conference” features interviews with Cate Blanchett, Peter Saarsgard and Andrew Dice Clay.
