Starring: Roger Daltrey, Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Elton John, Eric Clapton Directed By: Ken Russell Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Full Screen, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Sony Pictures Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: September 28, 1999 Running Time: 111 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 1975
Amazon.com: If you've ever wanted to hear Jack Nicholson sing (or try to) or marvel at the sight of Ann-Margret drunkenly cavorting in a cascade of baked beans, Tommy is the movie you've been waiting for. As it turns out, the Who's brilliant rock opera is sublimely matched to director Ken Russell's penchant for cinematic excess, and this 1975 production finds Russell at the peak of his filmmaking audacity. It's a fever-dream of musical bombast, custom-fit to the thematic ambition of Pete Townshend's epic rock drama, revolving around the titular "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" (played by Who vocalist Roger Daltrey) who survives the childhood trauma that stole his senses to become a Pinball Wizard messiah in Townshend's grandiose attack on the hypocrisy of organized religion.
The story is remarkably coherent considering the hypnotic dream-state induced by Russell's visuals. Tommy's odyssey is rendered through wall-to-wall music, each song representing a pivotal chapter in Tommy's chronology, from the bloodstream shock of "The Acid Queen" (performed to the hilt by Tina Turner) to Nicholson's turn as a well-intentioned physician, Elton John's towering rendition of "Pinball Wizard," and Daltrey's epiphanous rendition of "I'm Free." Other performers include Eric Clapton and (most outrageously) the Who's drummer Keith Moon, and through it all Russell is almost religiously faithful to Townshend's artistic vision. Although it divided critics when first released, Tommy now looks likes a minor classic of gonzo cinema, worthy of the musical genius that fueled its creation. --Jeff Shannon
Our Search for "Tommy" We chose a dealer from Amazon to purchase this DVD - and as we expected - all went well. The product itself, price, shipping - all excellent.
Not Just For WHO Fans! I'm not the biggest WHO fan. But there is no denying that "Tommy" is a phenomenal masterpiece. Much of what makes this rock opera so great is the different guest appearances, the phenomenal music, the artistic images, the touching story, and characters who are not just good or bad. Tommy himself is kind of a Hamlet type. At the risk of oversimplifying, Tommy's father Robert Powell (probably best known for doing Jesus in "Jesus of Nazareth"), disappears in the war; Tommy's mother Ann Margret falls in love with Oliver Reed, and they kill Tommy's father, unknowingly in front of Tommy. (Reverses the story on the record where the father kills the lover) As a result of this trauma, Tommy loses his ability to speak, hear, and see. Oliver Reed is an interesting 'Claudius' to Tommy's 'Hamlet.' (We can also suspect that while Margret loved her 1st husband Robert Powell, that she loves Oliver Reed more.) Yes; Reed killed Tommy's father and stole a willing Margret; but throughout, we see that despite Reed's crimes, he DOES have a conscience. Even though he is lecherous and drinks heavily, he DOES try to help Tommy regain his senses. From here, we have an interesting set of musical numbers by notable guests. (Eric Clapton and Tina Turner to name 2.) Margret and Reed's attempts to help Tommy (Roger Daltrey) fail. Tommy goes through some tragic abuse in the absence of his mother and stepfather, but Reed shows a redeeming moment when he saves Tommy from 'Wicked Uncle Ernie.' Tommy runs off, Reed discovers that Tommy (despite his disabilities) can play pinball very well, and this is when Tommy suddenly gains fame. (The movie's most famous moment is undoubtedly Tommy's pinball showdown with the great Elton John.) Despite their rise to riches and fame, Margret and Reed still want to cure Tommy. (And in all fairness, this shows that they know that there is more to life than fame and riches.) We then have a cameo with Jack Nicholson ( a doctor) who explains that the deafness and blindness is psychological and not physical. Through a very artful sequence, that hints at Baptism, Tommy suddenly regains his senses, and we finally have some real vocals by the lead singer Daltrey. He comes through magnanimously in that he has apparently forgiven Margret and Reed for their crimes. (Even 'Wicked Uncle Ernie' is forgiven.) Tommy's popularity seems to grow at an alarming rate, but will they be able to manage his rise to fame where some start to see him as a new Messiah? I can not help but feel another reason this musical has done so well (besides the great music, the numerous appearances, and the touching story) is that it takes realistic aspects of the human condition and puts it to energetic music and uses strange but interesting images. Obviously, you will like this more if you are a WHO fan. But this is not only for WHO fans. It is a real masterpiece. (Not just for 70s nights!)
Fast delivery, excellent condition The DVD arrived well ahead of the scheduled delivery date, and in perfect condition. I have no concerns about ordering New & Used when I get service and products like this.
Made Me Wish I Was At Least Deaf And Blind With so much talent invested in this movie, how could things have gone so horribly wrong? Roger Daltrey prances around with a blank look on his face, vaguely giving the impression he is either in a shampoo or tampon commercial. Ann-Margaret writhes on the floor with a giant sausage-shaped pillow, while covered in beans that spray out from a television set. Eric Clapton, appearing to be in a heroin-induced coma, portrays a singing preacher with all the charisma of a dead turtle. Elton John, Tina Turner, Oliver Reed, and even Jack Nicholson all attempt career suicide with their zany and misguided contributions to this catastrophe. To top it all off, the ludicrous premise of the album (vegetable-like pinball champion becomes messiah) is kept intact, while the great music has been replaced with the sort of noise the CIA would play to torture prisoners. Consider yourself warned.
Strange! (and watchable!) Hard to sum up or interpret the meaning of this film or the motivations of the story composer/writer Pete Townsend, but it's recommended for a look even if not a fan/familiar with the famed rock opera. Another star would have been awarded had the movie not featured the unwatchable and less than listenable Oliver Reed in the role of Tommy's(Roger Daltrey)stepfather. Mother Ann-Margaret is a little easier on the ears and eyes and shines in a don't-miss scene with beans and soap suds that must have been conceived on strong hallucinogenics.Be warned however that with the exception of "Eyesight to the Blind" "Acid Queen" and maybe another, the majority of songs here are far inferior to the 1969 album versions. Frankly the music is not as good as the album, even for the all-star cast of Tina Turner, eric Clapton and Elton somebody. First 15 minutes or so are weak and show-tuney, but starts to rock when Clapton appears. There's a message here but who knows what it really is. It's a tale that may be about false prophets, religion or self-awareness, but remains ambiguous enough to be a good topic of discussion. Visually imaginative sets and backgrounds make a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Save your drug money and see this instead, kids. It is weird!!
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