AbeitSn aIv www.michigandaily.com MONDAY AUGUST 11, 2003 Wim Wenders' 'Wings' reborn on new DVD By Todd Weiser Daily ArtsEditor The now common Hollywood practice of hurriedly remaking brilliant but little seen foreign films is egotistical and vul- gar. However, this commercialization of international film is not without merit. Few film lovers would have seen the superb Spanish-made "Open Your Eyes" without Cameron Crowe's "Van'lla Sky," and Gore Verbinski's "The Ring," only affected because it so successfully dupli- cated Hideo Nakata's "Ringu." Now, thanks to the success of its semi-remake "City of Angels" and the demand from art house fanatics, Wim Wenders' 1988 "Wings of Desire" will reach a wider audience on DVD. Following a pair of angels high above a still-divided Berlin, Wenders intends an ode to the city of his childhood, the beau- ty of its architecture and its people. Yet, the result is so much more. As Wing of Damiel (Bruno o f Ganz) and Cassiel Desire (Otto Sander) MGM roam the city lis- tening to everyone's thoughts and dis- pensing comforting touches, Damiel not only falls in love with a trapeze artist (Solveig Dommartin), but viewers are reminded of their love for life. While the angels' perspective is shot in glorious black and white by legendary cinematog- rapher Henri Alekan, human beings get to experience the warmth of color, expe- Oklahoma Rejects embraced by fame riencing little joys the film points out like rubbing your hands together for warmth. The special features are sure to satisfy fans and newcomers alike. A 45-minute "Angels Among Us" documentary includes about everything you ever want- ed to know about the production, from its inspiration (the poetry of Rilke and the heavenly statues of Berlin) to the script-free shooting process, with inter- views of cast, crew and "City of Angels" director Brad Silberling. Commentary from Wenders and Peter Falk (who cameos in the film as Peter Falk, Ameri- can actor) provides even more info in a sometimes-dry manner. While it may not boast the star power of Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan, "Wings of Desire" lays claim to something even better, an original vision behind the cam- era with a lot of heart on the screen. And now, a great DVD to boot. Movie: **** Picture/Sound: **** Features: **** By Joel Hoard Daily AEdits With a hit debut record, an MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best New Artist and a stint on the Vans Warped Tour already under their belts, the All-American Rejects have quickly risen through the pop-punk ranks. "We didn't plan on this happening. We were just in my bedroom writing songs and recording demos and just doing it for ourselves," said guitarist Nick Wheeler. Despite their newfound success, the Rejects remain true to their humble roots. "We're just four kids from Okla- homa, so we're doing our thing," Wheel- er said. But not even a major-label deal with DreamWorks Records could spoil their innate politeness and humility. "We don't consider it selling out. We're just doing exactly what we want to do. You've got to look out for what's best for your band," said drummer Chris Gaylor. Lead singer Tyson Ritter agrees: "We just wanted to get as much music as pos- sible out to as many ears as possible." With a relentless touring schedule including a spot on the Warped Tour and upcoming tours of Europe and Japan already planned, the Rejects are doing just that. The band's hard work has paid off, earning them an MTV Video Music Awards nomination for their first single, "Swing, Swing." While the Rejects will Dear Tyson, Sravya loves you. Please call her at 76-DAILY. be touring Europe at the time of the writing the second record and hopefully VMAs, they're not dismayed by missing get it out by next Spring," Ritter said. the ceremony. "I know we're not going When it comes to recording, the to win, because we're going up against group take advantage of recent advances 5 Cent. It's cool to be nominated, but if in studio technology, including the I know I'm not going to win, can't I stay music software ProTools, while making in Amsterdam?" Gaylor said. sure to maintaina level of punk rawness. Unfortunately, they haven't found "You can get really great guitar tones on much time to work on a follow-up ProTools, but we did all the bass to tape, record, but it's not for lack of effort. vocals to tape. But we're not going to "When you're on the road all day, every abuse it. You can't tweak your vocals. day, everything you do revolves around That's fucked up," Ritter explained. the half hour on stage playing, and I In spite of their hectic schedule, the don't think there should be anything to Rejects remain focused. "It's tough to distract you from that," said Wheeler. put everything into your show and then, By the end of the year, the Rejects everything into an album and keep your hope to find time to work on a new momentum at the same time. You've got record by year's end. "We're truckin' to make a dent and then keep it going, until December and then we'll finish keep the momentum," Wheeler said. FELICIrY: SEASON Two, BUENA VISTA HOME VIDEO Despite the relative unpopularity of "Felicity" in 1999, Buena Vista recently released the drama's second season on a 6-disc DVD set. While surpassing its predecessor in special features, the newest edition of this college melodrama lacks the heroine's signature mass of curly hair, a plot twist that damaged ratings and dismayed fans. The show is presented in crisp fullscreen format with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and even has a Spanish language track. However, fans of the first season's DVD menu will be disappointed by the unattractive muted colors and awkward silhouetted photos of cast members on this version. Luckily, this set is packed with extra features to distract from what many might say was a bad hair year. Five episodes include commentaries. The first, "Sophomoric," showcases the ramblings and giggles of Amy Jo Johnson, Greg Grunberg, Tangi Miller and Amanda Foreman. However, shows narrated by Keri Russell, Scott Speedman and Scott Foley are funny and personal, as memorable stories are shared and Russell finally puts to rest hair cutting rumors. On the sixth disc, Keri Russell's screen test is included along with the original pilot presentation created for the WB network. Both features are interesting but would have better supplemented the season one set. Finally, a short parody made for the Emmy awards is a humorous bonus. These special features make the set far more interesting than the first, but unfortunately are unmarked on the DVDs, leaving the viewerto hunt them out. Show: *** Picture/Sound: **I Features: *** -Katie Marie Gates A'ie lou 5Oi5 < Please call t Metro Connection Airport Service for UofM students. Ann Arbor Residents and Corporate Accounts We provide luxury Lincoln Town Cars at taxi prices. The same rate applies for one to four people and we do not charge a waiting fee at the airport. We welcome all accounts. Please call for reservations. . (734) 347-4007 or 1-888-706-8080 All Major Credit Cards Accepted: Visa" MasterCard - AmericanExpress T BEYMAGU RE NVW S3MUWI R ,.ti SEAISCUIT(P6.13)..............................1:00, 3:45,1:00,9:45 "AN AM USING C . 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