Audio Video News

Moulin Rouge has earned its status as cinematic envelope-pusher, not only because it reinvented the modern musical as we know it and racked up several Golden Globe nominations (including Best Musical/Comedy and Best Actress in a Comedy for Kidman) in the process, but because this is the first DVD to be created entirely by the director. And Baz Luhrman takes that duty seriously, giving us a truly "Spectacular! Spectacular!" show with this DVD.

Luhrman, a recently converted fan of the format, has been quoted as saying that experiencing a film on DVD is like "deepening a relationship with a person," and you can tell he was love-struck with this film from the beginning. The disc sports dual commentary tracks, both of which feature Luhrman joined by different members of the crew, and each with its own tone. The first commentary focuses on the secrets of making Moulin Rouge; the second concentrates on the actual story and what inspired its creation. There is also a feature called "The Green Fairy," which is similar in function to a feature in New Line's InfiniFilm series. A magical green fairy pops up on the left side of the screen and allows you to access behind-the-scenes footage and conceptual art for that scene. Disc 2 is loaded with behind-the-scenes featurettes: a dance gallery that includes uncut choreography from the film; a documentary about the film; cast and crew interviews; deleted scenes; more than 10 Easter Eggs; the "Lady Marmalade" music video (another excuse for Christina Aguilera to dress slutty); and more.

We get the royal treatment with a sharply sparkling 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer. The colors are effervescent and vivid, and I was impressed by the clear picture quality. The soundtrack is equally stunning, especially in DTS (Dolby Digital 5.1 is also included). They both do the toe-tapping soundtrack, especially Ewan McGregor's dulcet voice, justice.

Only one word of warning here: If you are a fan of Baz Luhrman, you may want to hold onto your $30 and put it toward the "Red Curtain Trilogy" he plans to issue on DVD, which will include his three best-known films: William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, Strictly Ballroom (in an attempt to atone for the previous, egregious pan & scan version), and of course, Moulin Rouge. The trilogy will also include a mystery disc, in which Luhrman tells the story of what has been for him a 10-year journey, inset with video snippets of his life—a sort of videography. On the other hand, who knows if Moulin Rouge will ever get a presentation this great again?