Rating: 
Summary: DVD finally arrives! Beautiful clean transfer ...
Review: There is a review which criticises the DVD release, stating that it is not widescreen, and scenes have been removed. While I cannot comment on removed scenes, I can say that the DVD is in widescreen (1:78) and not the full screen cropped version that the reviewer stated. What is also important is that the widescreen is anamorphic. Even better is that the film has been beautifully restored, and the transfer is great for a film of its year (1988). A 5.1 mix is provided on the DVD, but isn't that important because it is more a dialogue driven film. I did notice a constant hum throughout the film on my surround speakers, and wonder if this is fault of the soundtrack. Special features are limited to an audio commentary and trailer. However, better than nothing!Torch Song Trilogy is a funny and sad film about the struggles of a homosexual who works as a female impersonator at night. Matthew Broderick stars as one of his lovers, and is worth seeing just to see him in a very different role. A DVD that is worth owning for sure.
Rating: 
Summary: Widescreen and Wonderful
Review: There seemed to be some confusion about the screen ratio for Torch Song Trilogy. I had sveral emails back and forth with Amazon to try and clarify (without success) I took a chance and re-ordered and I'm delighted to say the DVD arrived with an excellent widescreen anarmorphic transfe. On the back cover it states 'Presented in a format preserving the 1:85.1 aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition. Enhanced for widescreen TVs' The print quality looks excellent and the sound options include a 5.1 remix and DTS option plus the original stereo surround. Also included is a entertaining and informative commentary form Harvey Fierstein himself (well what else did you expect it to be?!) This DVD release is long overdue and thankfully appears to have been given the love and care it deserves. Apparently Harvey had been going on endlessly to New Line about a DVD release - thank goodness they finally listened! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: HeartFelt!
Review: This film gave me insight into the heart of the character's relationship. It was loving and moving. I adore it.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: This film should be the star attraction in any course given on the appreciation of gay film. It works on every level, both humorous and dramatic. And you don't even have to necessarily be gay to appreciate it, though it does help. Harvey Fierstein is in a word, wonderful. His characterization of Arnold is bang-on from start to finish. Funny, self-depreciating and all too human he's truly amazing. And the supporting cast is wonderful. The very straight Matthew Broderick has never been more appealing as his partner Alan. What gay man wouldn't want Matthew Broderick as a partner? I definitely would. Ferris Bueller grows up and the results are very impressive indeed. The marvelous Anne Bancroft lights up the screen. There are just not enough superlatives to describe her performance here. Her scenes with Fierstein are electric in their intensity. You forget you're watching 2 performers at the top of their powers, and all of a sudden you feel like you're eavesdropping on some very personal conversations between two very real people.
Issues that are very real to gay people: family acceptance(or lack thereof), death of a partner, infedility, anonymous sex, (gay)-bashing, partners who can't or won't commit are explored and very poignantly too. It should be pointed out that this story takes place in the pre-AIDS 1970's, so that issue isn't dealt with. The rest of it works so beautifully, and not a false note is struck from start to finish. Well worth the price of a purchase or rental.
Rating:
Summary: Truly heartwarming, FABULOUS!!!!
Review: This film will never grow old or lose it's message. We all, like Arnold, are looking for love. Living life and battling it's hardships. This movie could be my life! I never tire of it, I have three copies and worry that will not be enough.
Rating:
Summary: a day in the life of a professional drag queen
Review: This is a comedic, yet heart wrenching drama that never fails to break up the tears with laughter. The characters are more like caricatures of the standard issue 1980's type cast. They are not all warm fuzzy "I wish I could be like them" characters, but well defined generalizations with a gender bender twist. It is thoroughly entertaining, and has a couple of somewhat steamy scenes of male to male intimacy, of the PG 13 version, that could still excite the 'young and searching for an identity' gay teens of the late 90's, as well as bring a few of those who find the generation X'ers youthfully clueless back to our twenties with familiar music and social attitudes of the era when we weren't considered so fashionable.
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful tragicomedy
Review: This is a wonderful adaption of Harvey Fierstein's Tony Award-winning play about the life and loves of the drag queen Arnold, played by the magnificent Fierstein himself. Dispite of all the tragedy (for instance the violent death of Arnolds gay lover Alan), this movie is full of warm and uplifting humor. At the end, the movie presents a honorable portrayal of a fully functional patchwork family: Arnold and his bisexual friend and former lover Ed, who take care of the adopted son David (Eddie Castrodad).
The actors (Fierstein, Matthew Broderick, Brian Kerwin and the great Anne Bancroft as Arnolds harsh morher) do a very good job. It's a good "9 out of 10" gay film - and I would give him rather 5 than 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding movie!
Review: This is an classic. It will make you laugh, cry, get angry, and, if you have any compassion whatsoever, it will touch your heart. I am straight. I say that only in the hope that other straight men will give this movie a chance. Certainly the homophobes of the world would not consider watching this excellent film and that's their loss. The cast does a wonderful job. Harvey Fierstein is fantastic. His character is rich and deep and that's due in no small part to the fact that Harvey is rich and deep. Anne Bancroft does a great job as the mother trying to understand and cope. Matthew Broderick and Brian Kerwin play their roles with a great subtlety. It would have been easy to camp it up as stereotypical gays but they gave their characters more class and style. Certainly influenced by Harvey. Take an evening. Sit quietly. Eliminate distractions. Focus on the film. And enjoy. It would surprise me if you didn't agree that this is a superb movie.
Rating:
Summary: Hey, pass the kleenex and remember who ya first watched with
Review: This is an excellent movie to own to revisit formulative times in your life. Watching your own copy makes you remember who you first saw it with, who you had your first crush with, who you had your first heartache with, all while being hilarious, quoteable, and nostalgic at the same time. WARNING: DON'T watch while depressed... this one will have you grabbing up Kleenex and cuddling the pets!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent makeover of the play into a movie!
Review: This is an offbeat story of a gay female impersonator in his seach for love and a committed relationship. Primarily psychological drama with excellent insights and incisive dialog. Anne Bancroft is great as the Jewish mother, and Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the original play, brings so much angst and personality to his portrayal of the main character that I just couldn't help wishing I knew someone like that in real life. Highly recommended if you want to know more about a lifestyle most people have never seen.
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