VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Moulin Rouge (2001, PG-13)
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Director: Baz Luhrmann
Within the film's first 30 minutes, this gorgeous, heady excursion will either sweep you up in its opulence and carry you off in a seemingly drunken stupor or leave you behind, angry and bewildered. Such is the power of Baz Luhrmann's enchanting homage to, well, just about every musical you can imagine. Nicole Kidman is an ailing can-can dancer in turn-of-the-century Paris' most notorious nightclub, who, mistaking him for a duke, draws the affection of penniless writer Ewan McGregor. They fall madly in love, singing to each other any number of reupholstered pop standards, all of which are set against a dazzling canopy of colorful characters, dancing crowds, lush scenery and costumed revelry. If you're willing to give in to its dizzying charms and psychotic editing, it's easily one of the year's best films. The DVD includes trailers; filmmaker commentary; behind-the-scenes segments; making-of special; star featurettes; screenplay drafts; extended scenes and re-cut dance sequences; multi-angle scenes; music videos; design and marketing gallery; widescreen format and much more.