Chicago: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Blu-ray Review

THE MOVIE — 4½/5

Quick Hit Review: I originally saw Chicago in the theaters in early 2003 when it finally hit my local Cineplex and was absolutely floored after the first viewing, amazed again when it was released on DVD. Now 10+ years later, it still holds so much charm and overall entertainment, with catchy songs and extraordinary performances from Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones (who took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress) and Richard Gere that it combines the musicals of old Hollywood with the style of the new.

I know some today criticize it as being overrated and not deserving of Best Picture, but for me, I loved every minute of this and highly recommend this for those who have yet to see just an all around amazing musical comedy-drama that some have tried to recreate with Les Miserable and Nine (also helmed by Rob Marshall) but without the same success.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 4/5

This release comes in a Steelbook case and inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy.

Feature Commentary – Director Rob Marshall and Screenwriter Bill Condon sit down for a track chatting about the film, challenges and casting.

Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with and Cast and Crew (2:22:19) – There are 14 featurettes contained under this heading and features new interviews with members of the cast and crew including Director Rob Marshall, various producers and Actors Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly and Christine Baranski. This is a well made documentary examining just about every aspect of making the film.

Extended Musical Performances are included for “And All That Jazz” (6:07), “When You’re Good to Mama” (3:33), “Cell Block Tango” (8:02), “We Both Reached for the Gun” (6:37), “Mister Cellophane” (4:00), “All I Care About” (4:43), “All I Care About” with Richard Gere (3:30), “Nowadays” with Renee Zellweger (2:08), “And All That Jazz” with Catherine Zeta-Jones (3:03), “I Can’t Do It Alone” Rehearsal (3:46), “Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag” Rehearsal (3:31), “We Both Reached for the Gun” Rehearsal (3:58) and “Cell Block Tango” Rehearsal (3:12).

Unfortunately a good number of features are missing from the DVD releases.

VIDEO – 5/5, AUDIO – 5/5

This is an amazing looking transfer, presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio, featuring excellent detail levels and bursts of colors to the darker scenes which show no signs of artifacts, pixilation or banding. The original Blu-ray was released by Buena Vista but since I don’t own that version, I can’t make a direct comparison, but for my money, this is a fantastic looking transfer with bright colors and some natural film grain that adds to the theatrical-like quality.

Also getting an upgrade over the 2007 release – which only had a 5.1 Uncompressed (48khz/24-bit) track – this new release comes with a 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD lossless track which sounds absolutely incredible with clear dialogue levels but most importantly, the musical numbers that evenly engulfs the room and replicates the theater experience as closely as possible. I don’t hesitate to say this is reference quality material, along with the video, to show off to friends…

OVERALL – 4½/5

I don’t mind admitting Chicago is an amazing musical that holds up just as well today as it did 10 years ago and still deserving of its 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture. The performances, both in acting and singing, from Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere are astounding not to mention Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly also turn in wonderful performances.