A review of Chicago (2003 DVD)

Chicago was released in 2002 to massive critical acclaim. In 2003, the Chicago DVD was released. It included songs that had been removed from the film and took audiences behind the scenes of the film's design as well as the song and dance routines. This is a review of the film as well as the DVD.

Overview

Chicago is a 2002 musical film adapted from the satirical stage musical of the same name, exploring the themes of celebrity, scandal, and corruption in Jazz age Chicago. Directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall, and adapted by screenwriter Bill Condon, Chicago won six Academy Awards in 2003, including Best Picture. Chicago centres on Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, two criminals-of-passion who find themselves awaiting their trials for murder in 1920s Chicago. The film stars Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, and Catherine Zeta-Jones also featuring Queen Latifah, and John C. Reilly.

Positive points

The cinematography, sound, art directions, and especially the costume design were all expertly done. The cast prove themselves adept with the song and dance routines, revealing talents that have been hither to undiscovered, or at least not revealed, by the all-star cast. The DVD is very in-depth along with the usual commentary and the deleted scenes. It goes further revealing some of the work that the cast put into their performances and the lengths that director Rob Marshall went to in recreating some of the feel of 1920’s Chicago under belly.

Negative points

Although it fits with his character, you can't help feeling that John C. Reilly is a bit wasted in the thankless role of Amos. He is only required to stand there and display the hang dog expression that he is famous for. On the DVD side of things, some more input about the original show would have been interesting. The DVD focuses a lot on the film, as expected, but fails in the sense of any history past a couple of small featurettes. The interviews also consist of the usual everyone loves everyone love in that you come to expect from a large Hollywood production, it feels a bit false but these are quite small problems in the scheme of the DVD.