The Bodyguard: Special Edition

Thirteen years after its hugely successful theatrical release, The Bodyguard now looks a little bit sillier and a whole lot sadder. It always was a kitschy slice of Hollywood ham (which probably explains why by-then successful director Lawrence Kasdan opted not to direct his own oft-rejected screenplay, originally written in the mid-'70s as a vehicle for Steve McQueen), but it's also sad when you consider the subsequent downfall of Whitney Houston, who is seen here at the peak of her meteoric rise as a pop diva with seemingly limitless talent. She was perfectly cast as a famous pop star (OK, so it wasn't much of a stretch), and her easy romantic chemistry with Kevin Costner (as the highly trained bodyguard assigned to protect her from a threatening stalker) made this slick confection--and its multi-platinum soundtrack--an instant box office smash. When viewed in hindsight, the still-entertaining movie now seems more like a sad relic, and we're left to ponder the depressing reality of Houston's real-life troubles, including a turbulent marriage, cocaine abuse, tabloid scandal, and the sheer waste of what might have been a great showbiz career. This special edition DVD includes a routine new "making-of" retrospective including Costner, Kasdan, and director Mick Jackson (but Houston is only seen in an archival interview from 1992), as well as a music video for the smash hit "I Will Always Love You." A strong optional purchase. (J. Shannon)