Almost Famous (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: June 13, 2021
Rating: R
Film: 4/5
 
Plot
William (Patrick Fugit) is a 15-year-old music fan who gets a dream assignment to travel with an up-can-coming band and write a cover story for "Rolling Stone" magazine. His mother (Frances McDormand) isn't thrilled with the gig, but the young man hits the road with the band and learns there's more to write about than just music.  
 
My Thoughts
Writer/director Cameron Crowe burst on the scene in 1982 by penning Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which went on to become a hit with the teen audience. He wasn't a one hit wonder by writing/directing Say Anything, Jerry Maguire, and then the film based on his own youth, Almost Famous. While I can't particularly relate to the era (I'm more of an 80s guy), there were certain aspects of the film that gave me a chuckle. For example, it would be a cold day in hell that either my 15-year-old daughter or son would receive my permission to go on the road with a band, so I certainly empathized with his mother's reaction.
 
I previously reviewed the Blu-ray of this about 10 years ago and found the encode to be serviceable, but not the best the studio could have provided. Thankfully, Paramount has decided to mint a brand new 4K scan with Dolby Vision and the results are marvelous. This was originally shot on film and the encode is very faithful to the source. Detail is excellent, grain remains intact—which is a good thing—and the colors are vibrant and accurate.
 
The soundtrack is the same as the previous release, which is a bit disappointing. Overall, the soundtrack is a bit laid back and very much dialog driven. There are a few scenes where it comes more alive, but pales in comparison to modern movies with a musical twist to them.
 
Video 9/10
 
Audio 8/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
Special Features:

• Filmmaker Focus—Cameron Crowe on Almost Famous—NEW!
• Casting & Costumes—NEW!
• Rock School—NEW!
• Extended Scenes—NEW!
• Odds & Sods—NEW!
• Audio Commentary with Cameron Crowe and Friends (Bootleg cut)
• Intro by Cameron Crowe
• The Making of Almost Famous
• Interview with Lester Bangs (optional audio intro by Cameron Crowe)
• Cameron Crowe’s Top Albums of 1973
• “Fever Dog” music video
• “Loves Comes and Goes” (optional audio intro by Cameron Crowe)
• Rolling Stone Articles (optional audio intro by Cameron Crowe)
• B-Sides (optional audio intro by Cameron Crowe)
• Cleveland Concert (optional audio intro by Cameron Crowe)
• “Small Time Blues”
• Stairway (optional audio intro by Cameron Crowe)
• Script
• Theatrical Trailer
• Hidden Talent (Unhidden Easter Eggs)

 
 

 
 
Conclusion
There are many who consider this one of the best and most accurate depictions of how the Rock ‘n’ Roll scene was in the 1970s. That being said, I’ve never been a fan of the era with its long hair and pot-infused lifestyle, but that may not turn you off as much. Regardless, I do enjoy the film and appreciate the excellent screenplay and direction from Crowe as well as solid performances from the young (at the time) cast. If you’re a fan of the film, this is by far the best it has ever looked so you may want to pick it up. The steelbook packaging is an added bonus.
 
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion F110 Subwoofer x 2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[AVSCraig]

I've never seen this, but having grown up in the late '60's and 70's, with my high school years literally being a " long hair and pot-infused lifestyle ", I've got this pre-ordered. Thanks for the review. 

Hippie climbing look - back in the day. 

[Paul Heroy]

Haha, Craig some of today's "hipsters" are not all that far off your look! I have a nephew who's one of them. 

And pot use is probably way higher today with it becoming more and more legal.

[AVSCraig]

Haha, Craig some of today's "hipsters" are not all that far off your look! I have a nephew who's one of them.

And pot use is probably way higher today with it becoming more and more legal.

High school hipster - I could have been an extra in this film, eh? 

[David Vaughn]

Oh yeah...you'd fit right in. Heck, you wouldn't have needed to visit wardrobe or makeup!

[TRainH2O]

Oddly enough, I haven't ever seen this movie. However, the music soundtrack is one of the best there is. 

Thanks for the review, David. I will have to finally check this one out.

[TRainH2O]

This is just the songs that went on the actual soundtrack. There were a lot more that didn't make the record.

Track Listing:
1.  “America” – Simon & Garfunkel
2. “Sparks” – The Who
3. “It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference” – Todd Rundgren
4. “I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move” – Yes
5. “Feel Flows” – The Beach Boys
6. “Fever Dog” – Stillwater
7. “Every Picture Tells A Story” – Rod Stewart
8. “Mr. Farmer” – The Seeds
9. “One Way Out” – The Allman Brothers Band
10. “Simple Man” Lynyrd Skynyrd
11. “That’s The Way” – Led Zeppelin
12. “Tiny Dancer” – Elton John
13. “Lucky Trumble” – Nancy Wilson
14. “I’m Waiting For The Man” – David Bowie
15. “The Wind” – Cat Stevens
16. “Slip Away” – Clarence Carter
17. “Something In The Air” – Thunderclap Newman

[bmoney]

Absolutely love this movie. 

[bmoney]

This is just the songs that went on the actual soundtrack. There were a lot more that didn't make the record.

Track Listing:
1.  “America” – Simon & Garfunkel
2. “Sparks” – The Who
3. “It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference” – Todd Rundgren
4. “I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move” – Yes
5. “Feel Flows” – The Beach Boys
6. “Fever Dog” – Stillwater
7. “Every Picture Tells A Story” – Rod Stewart
8. “Mr. Farmer” – The Seeds
9. “One Way Out” – The Allman Brothers Band
10. “Simple Man” Lynyrd Skynyrd
11. “That’s The Way” – Led Zeppelin
12. “Tiny Dancer” – Elton John
13. “Lucky Trumble” – Nancy Wilson
14. “I’m Waiting For The Man” – David Bowie
15. “The Wind” – Cat Stevens
16. “Slip Away” – Clarence Carter
17. “Something In The Air” – Thunderclap Newman

Such a great soundtrack. Event the original songs by Stillwater are great

[AVSCraig]

Such a great soundtrack. Event the original songs by Stillwater are great

Now I really can't wait to screen this in my theater! 

[bmoney]

Now I really can't wait to screen this in my theater!

Same! It will be the first time viewing it in my theater

[AVSCraig]

Same! It will be the first time viewing it in my theater

It will be my first time viewing it on this planet ! 

[bmoney]

It will be my first time viewing it on this planet !

You’re gonna love it. Such a. Good movie.