Release Date: 3/10/2009 Original Release: 2008 Format: DVD Length: 108 minutes Rating:R (MPAA) Rating Reason: for pervasive language and some sexuality UPC: 043396294660 Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Dramas, Musicals, True Story, Blues, Rhythm And Blues, Music (General), Theatrical Release, Folk Music, Blues Music, Music, Singers, 1950s, Blues Singers, 1960s, Musicians
Description
CADILLAC RECORDS is a writer/director Darnell Martin's riveting ensemble film depicting the rise, in the early-'50s to late-'60s, of key musical figures at the crossroads between blues, rhythm & blues, and rock & roll. Based on the true story of the original Chicago-based purveyors of electric blues, Chess Records, it centers on two men: Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody), a Polish-Jewish nightclub owner; and Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), a transplanted Mississippi sharecropper with sights set on musical stardom. After hearing Waters's electrified Delta blues during a tussle at his nightclub, Chess decides to pool his resources into releasing what were then called "race records." Soon a coterie of label talent, from Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf, to Chuck Berry and Etta James, help to propel the fledgling label to the top of the charts--with each hit-maker rewarded by Chess with a shiny new Cadillac automobile. While sometimes playing loose with some minor historical points, the film truly hits the mark with its attention to visual detail, from costumes and cars, down to vintage recording equipment, all of it is a feast for period buffs. But what truly makes CADILLAC RECORDS captivating are the exceptional musical performances of Beyonce Knowles (Etta James) and Mos Def (Chuck Berry), two of the finest musicians-turned-actors of their time. Ultimately, CADILLAC RECORDS' most potent message may be the boundless ability that much of this music had in transcending the unsettling realities facing blacks of the time. From Payola (the practice of bribing disc jockeys to play "race records") and segregation, to white performers pilfering songs written by blacks, all of it is handled with admirable aplomb in this enjoyable, often edifying, film.
DVD Features
Region [unknown] Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Dubbed, Subtitles - French Subtitles - English Additional Release Material: Deleted Scenes Audio Commentary: 1. Darnell Martin, Director/Writer Behind the Scenes: 1. Once Upon a Blues: Cadillac Records by Design Making Of: 1. Playing Chess: The Making of Cadillac Records
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I have no idea how accurate this story is, and I really don't care. It's about the music, about the stars, about some really fine acting. Jeffrey Wright is a standout in an all-star cast as Muddy... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on December 7, 2008
Reviewed by: Jarrod
'Cadillac Records' of course features an extraordinary soundtrack, filled with some of the greatest blues and jazz songs ever, songs that birthed and helped to popularize the genre we now know as... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on December 6, 2008
Reviewed by: RONNIE
"Cadillac records" this movie was a great story of Rock "n "Roll and Rhythm and Blues (RB) in the 50's and 60's. Excellent acting, story and music. The movie and music will bring you back in time of... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on April 11, 2009
Posted on December 6, 2008
