7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea these singers are or what lives they lead, until now.
Starring: Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill, Lou AdlerMusic | 100% |
Documentary | 82% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Don't let your dream disappear.
Raw musical talent isn't always the key determiner of success in the industry. Then again, what one may cite as "success" may differ from the
majority. Making the most of God-given talents in church choirs, performing at local events, singing background, or fronting a popular band are in
their own ways immensely gratifying for both the singer and the listener and a means of allowing the world to hear the beauty of a gifted voice. Yet
it's human nature to want more, for the church choir member to lead the congregation, for the struggling artist to aim for that big contract, for the
background singer to take center stage, for the lead singer to perfect his or her craft
and sell more records. Sometimes, destiny has a set place for someone, and even if that place isn't front-and-center behind the lead
microphone, an individual can make a mark in his or her own little corner of the spotlight. Director Morgan Neville's (Johnny Cash's America)
20 Feet from Stardom introduces audiences to the world of background singing and several of the more prominent voices that back most of
the world's most popular artists and bands. It's a fascinating glimpse into an under-appreciated and under-documented role that finds the faces and
the souls behind the people who exist just a note away from some of the biggest names in music.
The backups.
20 Feet from Stardom's high definition transfer shines. The HD video source material, which comprises the majority of the content, offers an honest, clean, accurate picture. Details are crisp and clear, presenting faces, microphones, clothes, and background accents with natural precision. Graphics, too -- notably those that identify the stars with whom various singers have performed -- are well defined and sharp. The image shows some vintage photographs which are also presented with a natural appearance, as well as plenty of older film and video footage that lacks stability and precision but fares well enough for its age and source. Colors are balanced throughout the newer HD segments, revealing accurate skin tones and clothing hues with ease. Black levels are sufficiently deep and true. Very light banding, noise, and shimmering irregularly appear in a few shots. Overall, this is a strong presentation from Anchor Bay.
20 Feet from Stardom arrives on Blu-ray with a robust, hugely satisfying DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. As expected, this one's all about the music. The track pumps out dynamic, crystal clear notes one after another, filling the listing area with the sort of sonic goodness reserved for the finest tracks. The music features real, full body, crisply defined highs, and a solid midrange. The low end is particularly impressive, playing with a deep, sometimes thunderous presence but never falling too rattly or becoming little more than a collection of unkempt reverberations. The entire stage is flooded with the notes, including a robust, smooth, and even surround companion. Vocals are equally balanced and enjoy pinpoint stage placement. It's a beautiful presentation of a variety of music that will be nothing short of a treat for casual and hardcore music listeners alike. The track features little else beyond the spoken interview word, which plays accurately and evenly from the center. In short, this is a wonderful sound presentation from Anchor Bay.
20 Feet from Stardom contains several supplements.
In the One Direction Documentary This is Us, fans are briefly introduced to the band's backup singers and musicians, a nice touch and a nod towards their importance to the greater whole. Yet that's just a taste of the truth behind the spotlight. 20 Feet from Stardom explores the people behind the stars and their contributions to the musical scene, but more importantly it examines their lives, the complexities of those lives, the dreams fulfilled, and the dreams never attained. It's as moving and honest as it is thematically enthralling and structurally captivating. The Oscar-nominated Documentary is a must-see for music fans and anyone interested in the lives of people who live in the proverbial shadows and yearn to break free into center stage. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of 20 Feet from Stardom features solid video and remarkable audio. A few extras are included. Recommended.
2019
2008
2010
2012
with Bonus Disc
2012
2-Disc Special Edition
2021
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1977-2009
2018
2012
1984
2013
2009
2013
Led Zeppelin
1976
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1988
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1981
Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition
2005