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A Chorus Line

It's not what "A Chorus Line" does that didn't satisfy me; it's what it doesn't do. When I think of movie musicals, I think of big, expansive sets, dazzling visuals by way of costumes and vibrant colors, and elated, whimsical song-and-dance routines that put a smile on my face. The singing and dancing are present in Richard Attenborough's acceptably fluffy stage-to-film production, but for some reason, the film feels too confined by its stuffy setting to expand in a way that the genre has almost always delivered on. ***

The film also lacks sufficient character development, attempting to showcase the emotions of more than a dozen characters in under two hours, something it comes close to achieving, but loses out on in the end. At an audition session for the chorus line of a new stage production, choreographer Zach (Michael Douglas) spends his time narrowing down the large group of hopefuls to a bare minimum, then proceeds to ask them questions about their personal lives, their past, and their reasons for being there. This all gives way to a barrage of musical numbers in which emotions are revealed, painful pasts are exposed, and new horizons are expanded. But not everyone is going to walk home a winner here. ***

As far as the music goes, it's fairly enjoyable, although some of the earlier moments tend to hit too many of the same drab notes. Once things get personal, the proceedings become equal parts brilliant and brilliantly campy, especially when Audrey Landers' character begins singing her song about T&A. But when it comes to revealing a larger emotional core, the movie shies away, and we're left with an uncertainty as to what we're supposed to be feeling for any of these characters. They can sing, most of them can dance, but when it comes to showing them as human beings instead of puppets, "A Chorus Line" doesn't really go out of its way to realize that it could be something more than cotton candy.

Despite the passage of nearly twenty years, "A Chorus Line" makes its DVD debut with a better-than-expected transfer that is probably the best we're gonna get. Hampered by only a few slight instances of dirt or scratches, the source material looks very good. Colors are nicely saturated and aren't as washed out as other movies from this period that have come to the format. Contrast is good, but could be improved upon, and shadow detail is wanting in depth. Edges are sharp enough to be generally pleasing, but they give birth to halos. There is some film grain present throughout, but nothing too stress-worthy. All-in-all, an acceptable effort. ***

The sound is presented in Dolby 2.0 Surround, and needs an audition. Too often the dialogue takes a backseat to the rest of the track, and the music sounds somewhat uneven across the soundfield. The track is bright and bubbly, with a nice high end, but little engagement of the lower frequencies. Could have used a 5.1 remaster here.