The Royal Tenenbaums

Ripe with director Wes Anderson's unique brand of laughing-on-the-inside irony, this bittersweet comedy of bourgeoisie dysfunction features sublime performances from Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson and Ben Stiller as failed child prodigies whose mirthless adult lives drive them all to move home to mother (a caustically austere Anjelica Huston). Sensing an opportunity to seek forgiveness without really making amends, their petulant, pejorative, neglectful father (Gene Hackman at his grumpy greatest) fakes a terminal illness so his estranged wife will take him in as well. Brilliantly oddball and awkwardly melancholy, The Royal Tenenbaums is so densely packed that it feels like a nimble adaptation of a 500-page novel (you could probably watch this 10 times over and still discover different levels of multifaceted wit with each viewing). Scene-stealers extraordinaire Bill Murray and Owen Wilson (Anderson's writing partner on this film as well as on Bottle Rocket and Rushmore) shine in supporting roles. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a bevy of supplements, including a strange segment of (fictional) The Peter Bradley Show, eight interviews of various lengths focusing on leading cast members, a 25-minute Independent Film Channel presentation featuring director Wes Anderson called "With the Filmmaker: Portraits by Albert Maysles," two deleted scenes, and an extensive scrapbook including a stills slideshow, storyboard excerpts, a segment on artist Miguel Calderon, and murals. A couple easy-to-find easter eggs serve up brief gaffes and jests (such as spirited remarks from Bill Murray, plate spinning, and an incident where Anjelica Huston's hair catches flame). Bottom line: A wonderfully extensive extras package for one of 2001's best films.] (R. Blackwelder)[Blu-ray Review—Aug. 14, 2012—Criterion, 110 min., R, $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2001's The Royal Tenenbaums boasts an excellent transfer with DTS-HD 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras include an audio commentary track by director Wes Anderson, the IFC presentation “With the Filmmaker: Portraits by Albert Maysles” (27 min.), cast interviews with Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, and others (27 min.), an episode of The Peter Bradley Show featuring additional cast members (27 min.), deleted scenes (2 min.), a scrapbook with still photos and artwork, a radio segment on painter Miguel Calderón, trailers, an insert with the filmmaker's brother Eric Anderson's drawings, and a booklet featuring an essay by film critic Kent Jones. Bottom line: a handsome Blu-ray debut for this beloved contemporary classic.]