BEYOND THE SEA (DVD Review) - 9/9/06

Consummate actor Kevin Spacey's labour of love "Beyond The Sea" which was written & directed by him also hosts a gallery of other professionals in the form of John Goodman, Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, Greta Scacchi and Kate Bosworth charting the trials and tribulations of crooner Bobby Darin in the era of big band singers and nightclubs. Jumping around in a clever pastiche of screen to stage, soundstage to club, past to present - We get a view of one of the forgotten singers of that period - But who should also be mentioned in the same breath as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. The music is as timeless as ever and it also strikes a chord as it is all so familiar - I defy anyone to say that they haven't heard at least one of these songs even if it's only in the background to something?
Spacey sings all the works throughout and zaps a freshness to the whole proceedings from start to finish. Filming in Germany, the USA and Britain (some parts filmed in Dorset) we get a fascinating view of the whole period in time and dramatically it is pretty wide in it's scope. Definite kudos to Kevin Spacey for bringing this all to life!
SPECIAL FEATURES: Optional Commentary and a nice Making Of "Beyond The Sea" Featurette.
Region 2 (UK) Rating: 12. Feature Runtime: 121 Mins Approx. Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 16x9 Anamorphic Widescreen. English Subtitles. Audio: 5.1. Dolby Digital. Entertainment In Video. 2004/2005. EDV 9285/ ISBN # 5017239192852>