A Star Is Born

In this multi-Oscar-nominated (including Best Picture) contemporary version of the enduring Hollywood classic, Bradley Cooper stars as Jackson Maine, a country rock star plagued by alcohol/drug addiction. Needing a drink after leaving a gig, Jackson stumbles into a bar, where he watches Ally (Lady Gaga), a wannabe-but-insecure singer/songwriter, warbling Edith Piaf’s 'La Vie en Rose.' Their chemistry instantly ignites. When Jackson brings Ally to one of his concerts, he summons her onstage, where the audience instantly responds to her natural artistry. But their romantic relationship becomes rocky when her career trajectory soars to superstardom, just as his declines. As part of her record deal, Ally’s manager (Rafi Gavron) insists that she discard her makeup-free, down-to-earth persona and assume a glitzy pop star image. Making his directorial debut, Cooper filmed at actual music festivals (Stagecoach, Glastonbury, Coachella), where the leads sang live instead of lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks. The film adds two additional characters who provide pivotal support: Sam Elliott as Jackson’s older brother/manager and Andrew Dice Clay as Ally’s limo-driving father. This story was first told in 1932 as What Price Hollywood?, with a veteran director (Lowell Sherman) transforming a waitress (Constance Bennett) into a star. It was followed in 1937 as A Star Is Born with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, and remade in 1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason, and in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include 'The Road to Stardom' making-of featurette (30 min.), 'Jam Sessions and Rarities' (7 min.), the music videos 'Shallow' by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, 'Always Remember Us This Way,' 'Look What I Found,' and 'I'll Never Love Again' by Lady Gaga, and a musical scene selection. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this Oscar-nominated remake.] (S. Granger) [Blu-ray/DVD Combo Review—June 4, 2019—Warner, 147 min., R, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $29.99—Making its latest appearance on DVD and Blu-ray, 2018’s A Star is Born features a great transfer and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. This edition includes an 'Encore' cut of the film that is nearly 12 minutes longer, the original theatrical version, a 'Musical Moments' jukebox feature (36 min.), and bonus DVD and digital copies. Bottom line: while the extended cut has some nice moments, nothing of critical importance has been added—still, fans will appreciate.]