Filmmaker Patrick Read Johnson (Spaced Invaders), saw Star Wars on it's initial release and it changed his life forever. So as a filmmaker instead of writing an autobiography of his life, he thought why not make a movie about his life and thus was born 5-25-77. Now the good folks at MVD Visual are releasing this film on Blu-ray and DVD.
During the spring of 1977, sci-fi obsessed teenager Pat Johnson (John Francis Daley, Game Night, "Freaks and Geeks") finds himself torn between making 8mm sequels to his favorite movies and pursuing the girl of his dreams, Linda (Emmi Chen, Normal). Desperate to help her son escape his likely future in Wadsworth, Illinois, (population 750), his mother Janet (Colleen Camp, Wayne's World) cold-calls the editor of 'American Cinematographer' magazine and Pat soon finds himself on "the ultimate trip" to Hollywood, becoming the very first outsider to see the film that would change him (and movies) forever... Star Wars. But when Pat returns to his hometown existence, he struggles to choose between chasing a seemingly impossible dream and accepting the comforting familiarity of home.
5-25-77 is a truly inspiring and fun little film all about the beginnings of the filmmaker Patrick Read Johnson. The film was written and directed by Patrick Read Johnson, after all who better to write his story than him. I love the way the film looks. It take you right back to the late 70s. It is so retro!
The film was produced by heavyweight talent, Gary Kurtz (Star Wars: A New Hope, American Graffiti), Fred Roos (The Godfather Part II, St. Vincent) and Leigh Jones (Here Alone). In addition to the great cast listed above their is a stellar supporting cast that includes Austin Pendleton (My Cousin Vinny) and Neil Flynn (Mean Girls). There is also a tremendous original score by David E. Russo ("Gotham", Sin City) with additional themes and songs by legendary rock musician Alan Parsons ("The Alan Parsons Project").
The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.78:1 and 2.35:1 presentations. The soundtrack is a 5.1 Surround sound and their is English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The transfer looks and sounds simply amazing. In addition to the film there is some very cool bonus features included in this release.
* Audio Commentary with Patrick Read Johnson, moderated by Seth Gaven founder of the A.V. Squad and editor of the film Spaced Invaders.
* Q & A from the 2013 Fantasia Film Festival with director Patrick Read Johnson
* Theatrical Trailer Gallery
* Photo Galleries
* Slipcover
This film brings the Star Wars film from a galaxy far far away to see it thought the eyes of a fan and aspiring filmmaker. I think that is so cool! I can not thank MVD Visual enough for the love they showed this film. It truly is well deserved.
If you are a fan of Star Wars, The 70s, biographical films or coming of age stories, 5-25-77 is one film you need to see. Head over to Amazon and order your copy of the Blu-ray or DVD (your choice) today. I think you will defiantly like this film.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) MVD Visual Blu-ray of 5-25-77 receives...
){kind=link}
0 Comments