plot
Cassius Clay... wins his first big fight against world
champion Liston and struggles against a backdrop of
oppression to become the people's champion, ultimately
ending up with the outstanding victory against George
Foreman at the "Rumble in the Jungle" fight.
On the way are a catalogue of love affairs, his
conversion to Islam, friendships with Malcolm X, and a
mixed relationship with Smokin' Joe Frazier, his inner
circle, Don King, and against the US Government over his
refusal of the draft.
In otherwords, the story of the most important years in
the life of ALI...
dvd review
story
Not what I was expecting really, though before I saw it,
I was warned that is covered more of Ali's personal life,
and only ten years from 1964-1974.
But after a hefty near three hour session in front of the
tv, I came away very satisfied. Whilst most Ali fans
might only be interested in his fights (and there are
three major fights re-enacted for us, with stunning
visual techniques taking up around 40 minutes of screen
time), his story about battles with his Muslim faith, and
the political tension in America in the 60s make for some
incredible viewing. Malcolm X's death is graphically
reproduced and contextualised within Ali's own story.
We are left with the impression that Ali didn't always
make the right choices, and his personal life is shown to
be strewn with upset and hurt people.
I love the opening with Sam Cooke. Firmly placing the
story in aontextt of black political uprising. That the
film stops when it does is wise, this was Ali's greatest
period, one of almost total success in his career at
least, and before illness struck him. You might just be
convinced that he is indeed The Greatest.
That Will Smith did not get the best actor
Oscar for which he was nominated in the 2002 ceremony (one
of the most politically and culturally significant for
decades) is a travesty. This is one of Smith's best
performances ever. Totally convincing, and enthralling,
he commands the attention of all watching. There is
something physically different about this performance,
and coupled with a very close vocal match for the boxing
hero, Smith is 100% Ali.
Our sympathy is commanded, and we give it.
 The film is well
constructed, into a clear progression, punctuated by the
fights with Liston & Foreman at either end, with the
battle over drafting covering the middle ground.
The camera style is a little shaky-cam, something which
will irritate many, but adds splendidly to the almost
documentary style of the film. The compositions are
sumptuous as are the colours used. Director, Mann, also
seems to use digital video for a number of more intimate
sequences, such as the love scenes and those on the train
by himself at night. A film critic/theorist could expound
on the use, but it does provide a much more real
appearance to those shots, and we feel as if we are
seeing into his inner workings.
Watch out for some clever editing and svery fresh camera
shots during the fights, which take us right into the
action.
Beautifully constructed, written, shot and
performed. Best American drama I have seen in ages. And
deserving of an Oscar or two...
transfer
The transfer is faultless. Very rich, sharp and vibrant
with bold blacks, and an unimpeachable palate. Presented
in a wider than usual 2.40:1 scope ratio, every inch
counts. Columbia have done wonders with their transfer,
enhanced by a superlative 5.1 surround sound score.
Subtle when it needs to be, and yet still able to knock a
punch.
Design
As this is the standard edition, design flair is
not a requirement. but the dvd is well presented. Simple
photographic backgrounds accompanied by a little music
from the score and flashing lights a la boxing ring on
the main menu. Reds and blacks abound. Actually, there is
a very slight animated menu, but very brief.
extras
A bare-bones package which provides little in the way of
extras, but a couple of worthwhile supplemental pieces.
There is a short two page liner note (well, more like one
page), which tantilises... Something much more is nedeed
for the special edition.
Subtitles are in English, French and Spanish. Probably
just my dvd player, but the subtitles came up on screen a
couple of times even though, I had them set in the off
position. Odd that.
Theatrical Trailers The trailers are
worthwhile as teasers for future cinema releases. And
ones I was pleased to see :)
Ali:
2mins
56secs. A fine trailer in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen.
Rather punchy (excuse the pun), and as rounded as the
film itself.
Men
In Black II Teaser: 1min 59secs. 1.85:1 anamorphic
widescreen. A very short trailer advertising the summer
2002 cinema release. Some nifty spfx, and a nice ntro
into the premise of the sequel. Tommy Lee Jones is silly,
and Will Smith looks and sounds much more like Will Smith
than he does ion Ali. Funny without actually
spoiling the film, as so many trailers actually do.
Spiderman
2mins
33secs. Transfer as above. Raimi's trailer looks and
sounds stunning. I'm eager to see this one on the big
screen. Looks to have a brush of Raimi humour too. I don't
mind one bit that its on the Ali disc.
SUMMARY
A superlative film, with everything going for it, given a
fine transfer on a standard edition disc. The special
edition when it eventually comes should lift this one
into another realm.
RJES
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PURCHASE
R1 DVD AT AMAZON.com
PURCHASE NTSC VIDEO AT AMAZON.com
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