Two Films By Allan Miller – The Bolero + In Search
Of Cézanne (First Run)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: C- Film: C/C+
First Run
has issued two half-hour short films by Oscar winner Allan Miller. The
Bolero (1972, 16mm film) and In
Search Of Cezanne (2002, PAL analog videotape) with the former not quite capturing
either Zubin Mehta or the work in full as much as it thinks it is. It is likable and watchable, but too short
for its own good. Cézanne fares a bit better in its exploration of the artist ands
where he lived.
That is a
good approach and Miller was ambitious about traveling all over to get the
footage he wanted. Here, his work pays
off better. At their length, both are
worth a good look, especially when so many short films of late have been so
bad. Serious filmmakers could learn a
thing or two about their craft from these pieces.
The 1.33
X 1 image looks aged in both cases, analog transfers with some age, but
passable in this DVD edition. Bolero could use a digital High
Definition upgrade. The Dolby Digital 2.0
sound is monophonic in both cases, with vague stereo in the later Search piece. Extras include text notes from Miller, text
bio on Miller and trailers for other First Run releases.
- Nicholas Sheffo
