A Prairie Home Companion Blu-ray Review
“A Prairie Home Companion” is slight, but charming.
Based on Garrison Keillor’s long-running radio variety show of the same name, 2006’s “A Prairie Home Companion” is a companion piece to the show. The film (which is also written by Keillor) is a fictional backstage comedy-drama about the closing night of the program at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota (the radio show didn’t actually end until 2016). The live show itself is filled with comedy, songs, stories, and fictional commercials/jingles for products that don’t exist. It’s very much a throwback to radio programs of yesteryear. As the program is broadcast, we (the audience) learn about the performers backstage including the host GK (Garrison Keillor himself), a family act (the Johnson Girls), a private eye turned VP/security (Guy Noir), a cowboy comedy song act (Dusty and Lefty), a pregnant PA (Molly), and an elderly singer Chuck. The presence of a mysterious woman and the Axeman (the man representing the new radio station owners) also stirs things up.
While “A Prairie Home Companion” may be a meandering, light, and slight story better served for its niche audience (fans of the radio show), the film takes on a new light 18 years later knowing that it was director Robert Altman’s final film. In many ways, it is a fitting finale for the legendary filmmaker as the story deals with life and death and all good things coming to an end. It also encapsulates Altman’s filmmaking style as a whole with this being a big ensemble piece filled with rambling conversations and characters talking over one another. Granted, ‘Prairie’ is best by no means on par with his greats like “The Player” or “3 Women,” but it’s a pleasant little film with an even better soundtrack. It simply could have used more conflict, plot, and deeper characterization.
Aside from the soundtrack, arguably the best aspect of ‘Prairie’ is the star-studded cast featuring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, Garrison Keillor, Kevin Kline, Virginia Madsen, John C. Reilly, Maya Rudolph, Lily Tomlin, and Lindsay Lohan. Streep, Keillor (as a version of himself), Harrelson and Lohan stand out the most here, but everyone is game for this film. Only Kevin Kline feels a bit off but that’s mostly due to the fact that his character feels like it’s from another film entirely.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Altman fans, rejoice! This film gets a proper hi-def upgrade so you can get rid of the DVD copy now.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track offers up a crisp audio experience.
Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* Commentary by Robert Altman and Kevin Kline
* “Soundtrack Preview”- 36 minutes of music from the film.
* “Onstage At The Fitzgerald: A Musical Companion”- 35 minutes of music rehearsals and performances.
* “Come Play With Us: A Feature Companion” covers the origins of “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show and the film version. The 49 minute extra also includes set footage and a wealth of interviews.
* Song selection option
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