Plot: What’s it about?
While Arthur Sullivan and William Gilbert have enjoyed some serious success with their musicals, it seems as though they have slammed into a brick wall. Their latest production Princess Ida has some fond remarks, but most found it to be boring and routine. Sullivan feels as though he has run out of ways to create powerful music for Gilbert’s stories, which he thinks are getting to be bland and tiresome. Instead of the usual comedic musicals the team works on, Sullivan longs to compose an entire opera, which doesn’t sit well with Gilbert or the company that has created a stage company around the pair. Despite the pleads and talks from their friends it seems like these long time partners are destined to take different paths. While it looks as though certain doom lies ahead, the future holds something much better for this talented pair. After Gilbert took his wife to a display of Asian culture, inspiration struck the two began work on what they hope will stand as their finest work ever…The Mikado!
This film took home two golden statues at the Academy Awards and I feel it should have taken a few more along with those. The awards Topsy-Turvy win were in the categories for costumes and make up, and no other films were even close in either category in my opinion. If for no other reason you should view this movie for the amazing costumes, which are some of the best I’ve ever seen in a film. Between the lavish costumes, effective make up work, and the other excellent visuals your eyes will not be able to believe how gorgeous this movie is. Even if this weren’t the terrific movie that it is, I would add it to my collection on the basis of how visually powerful the film is. The dialogue is quite good if a little lacking times and the storyline flows smoothly for the entire running time. This movie clocks in one hundred-sixty minutes but you won’t be checking your watch, the screen will always be loaded with something to keep your attention. While this disc is lacking in the extras department and has the usual terrible case USA uses, I still recommend the disc because of the fantastic movie that resides on it. I think a rental will be in order for most, but if you love this movie then you should go right out and add this to your home video library.
This film was written and directed by Mike Leigh, who I feel has created a visual masterpiece with this effort. This is literally a feast for the eyes, with all manner of colors and sights grazing across the screen at all times. This is a very long movie that tends to move on the slow side of the clock, but I never found myself bored or stalled. The pace is deliberate to be sure, but Leigh’s choice is perfect and highly effective. While this is a terrific film for those interested in an almost voyeuristic glimpse into the creative process, not all will find Leigh’s pacing and shot choices worth their time. Even so, I recommend this movie and believe to be Leigh’s best work to date. If you want to see more of Leigh’s films I recommend Naked, Secrets & Lies, Career Girls, and Life Is Sweet. This film features a large ensemble cast, but Allan Corduner and Jim Broadbent take on the true leads. Corduner (Indian Summer, The Impostors) portrays his character very well and also plays well off of Jim Broadbent (The Borrowers, The Avengers), who is also quite solid in his role. The show is stolen however by Leslie Manville (Milk), who is picture perfect in her performance. The supporting cast also includes Timothy Spall (Chicken Run), Wendy Nottingham (Dead On Time), and Martin Savage (Britannic).
Video: How does it look?
Topsy-Turvy is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is a very visual film so it was crucial for the transfer to be excellent, and this disc never disappoints. The colors stream across the screen in total vibrance without even a hint of bleeding or smearing, and flesh tones always remain natural and consistent. Not to be outdone, the contrast is also strong as can be. Shadows are complex and well defined and the image is never lost in darkness or overly bright. The source print used is near pristine and the transfer shows no traces of compression errors. USA nailed this one!
Audio: How does it sound?
This release contains both Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 tracks and for this review I chose the 5.1 surround option. This isn’t an audio driven picture but the soundtrack presents the package in an effective manner. The surrounds are used infrequently aside from the musical soundtrack, but this isn’t a bad thing as when they are used, it is to a terrific result. The audio is mostly subtle so you might not always realize it is present, but you’ll notice if you pay attention. The dialogue is the main focus here and all the vocals come through loud and clear, no problems at all.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This is the weakest portion of the disc, with extras being pretty much a missed opportunity. While the included featurette is a nice touch it is very brief, and with a movie like this it seems as though a full blown documentary was in order. But alas, no such luck. In addition to the featurette you’ll find the theatrical trailer, television spots, talent files, info on Gilbert & Sullivan, and a photo gallery.
