HBO's 'John Adams' miniseries leads charge of DVD releases
• "John Adams" (HBO, 2008, three discs, $59.99). The story of how the United States broke from English rule and became independent is told from the point of view of the man who would become our second president, and it is based on David McCullough's book.
This is an epic undertaking of the kind we see infrequently on TV these days, filled in equal part with scenes that are stirring, chilling, uplifting, gut-wrenching and enlightening, while demonstrating the great sacrifices that went into the formation of America.
Character actor Paul Giamatti, whose star has been on the rise with lead roles in such theatrical art films as "American Splendor" and "Sideways," as well as many more terrific supporting turns in such diverse commercial efforts as "Cinderella Man" and "Fred Claus," is bound to get a boost from this; he's sterling in the title role. And as Abigail — Adams' beloved wife, sounding board and adviser for more than 50 years — Laura Linney matches him all the way.
The first episode is a bit slow (as is the last), but stick with it. The film improves and picks up speed as it goes along. The only negative is some distracting and unnecessary artsy camera work, with a few angles so off-kilter that you may wonder if there was any level ground in 18th-century America.
Extras: widescreen, seven episodes, optional text commentary, documentary on McCullough (who is a great oral storyteller), featurettes
• "Sinatra" (Warner, 2002, two discs, $19.98). This 1992 CBS miniseries covers the life of Frank Sinatra (well played by Phillip Casnoff) from his youth through his later years, stopping along the way for highlights (and lowlights) in anecdotal fashion.
Thankfully, unlike many Hollywood biographies ("Beyond the Sea" anyone?), the singing voice here is the real deal — vintage Sinatra — and it makes a difference, with complete performances of many of the expected hit songs.
A lot of characters come and go (and come back again), including Sinatra's parents (Olympia Dukakis, Joe Santos), Tommy Dorsey (Bob Gunton), young Mia Farrow (Nina Siemaszko) and, of course, the Rat Pack. But the emphasis is primarily on the two great loves of Sinatra's life, his first wife, Nancy (Gina Gershon), and his stormy relationship with Ava Gardner (Marcia Gay Harden). There are also some gritty, unflattering moments, despite the film being executive-produced by daughter Tina Sinatra.
The biggest hurdle with films like this is that we know so many of the principles from old movies, it's difficult to accept impersonations — especially in portrayals here of Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Humphrey Bogart, who look nothing like their real-life counterparts. But if fans can get past that they should be pleased.
Recent comments
I began watching the John Adams miniseries on DVD last evening....
tam | Aug. 28, 2008 at 11:59 a.m.
Began watching this with my wife and was a bit surprised at the grittiness...
RR | June 15, 2008 at 9:31 p.m.
That's all I have to say
Great actor, I have hope | June 13, 2008 at 11:02 p.m.
