Rating: 
Summary: Simply The Best
Review: Crowe hits all the right chords in this movie. And why not, it's all about him. Yet his life as a young (very young) Rolling Stone reporter is impossible to turn away from for even a moment.From the viewer's perspective, you'll walk away from this movie with that wonderful longing that makes you wish for more, and yet you don't want to spoil the magic that the uncut movie gives you. This movie is all the more enjoyable if you know the music of the era, and get the extensive, but obscure, references that Crowe works into the movie. Finally, Crowe's director commentary is quite interesting, and his mom is quite funny as well. It's interesting to hear that many of the props are actual relics from his days on the road with the bands. Simply put, this DVD belongs in your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This has to be one of my all time favorite movies. I don't own many, but I'm glad I own this. I am inspired. I was transported back to my past. Thank you, thank you, for this work of genius, Cameron Crowe. You are the best.
Rating:
Summary: Another MASTERPIECE From Crowe
Review: Everything about this film is just incredible.
Starting off from the title sequence of Crowe's handwriting to the ending. The score is just magnificent! Crowe always throws in great music in his films. You get great performances from Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Kate Hudson, and especially from Patrick Fugit. The style of directing is A+ directing once again from Mr. Crowe. I must say that Almost Famous got robbed of the Oscars. Steven Sodenburg for Best Director?!? Gladiator for Best Picture?!? You have to be kidding! The film is very mesmorizing, and also very inspirational. I recommend this film to everyone, especially to the music lovers out there.
Rating:
Summary: If you love Almost Famous...
Review: This is a revision of my original review in which I gave this disk 4 stars. There were some items advertised as being on the disk which I couldn't find. At least one of those items has been found, it was obscured by an odd technical problem with my DVD player (Creative for PC). I still can't find the Cameron-with-Mom interview, but I have to assume it is there... There may be nothing wrong with this disk after all and the movie is superb. If the subject matter is of interest to you, this is a must have. But, you probably already know that by now.
Rating: 
Summary: A Dry Creek of a DVD
Review: The movies themselves, "Almost Famous" and the Director's Cut, "Untitled" are both 5-star films. If you haven't seen them, then you need to. It's as simple as that. But this review centers on the DVD collection, and the three discs in the Bootleg "Box" set. The first disc is "Untitled," and Cameron Crowe's Director's Cut of the "Almost Famous" film. "Untitled" it's self, as a movie, is excellent, and one of those rare instances where the director knew better than the editors. The extended 30+ minutes makes this a whole new movie. Unfortunately, the rest of the disc is boring and dry, with very few worth while extras. The behind the scenes "B-side" is a five minute joke, the Rolling Stone articles are difficult and painful to read on a TV screen (note to DVD authors: stop putting long pages of text on your DVD's: no one can read them!), Crowe's 1973 album picks are lame and the Lester Bangs interview isn't much more than interesting. The only truly entertaining extra is the "Love Comes and Goes" demo music video, with a great bit of random behind the scenes footage and sung by Nancy Wilson. The second DVD is the original theatrical release of Almost Famous. It's nice to have the original version on DVD as well as the Director's Cut, but once again, the extras on this disc aren't any better. You get the standard cast bios, trailers, ect. You also get one edited screenplay (to go along with the edited film), and "deleted scenes," which I assume is the "Stairway to Heaven" scene (they were unable to get the rights to use the song, so you're supposed to play your own copy of the song while that scene plays. While an interesting concept, it's not really worth the time or energy to cue up the song to the movie). The highlight of this disc (and the only highlight), is the full Cleveland, Ohio performance (which you may remember was hacked to death in the final cut). The third disc is an audio CD of the six Stillwater songs from the movie. The songs are good, but nothing special. Had Stillwater been a real band in 1973, I would HATE to hear their first two albums. I have not had a chance to listen to the audio commentary, but I hear it's good. Crowe's voice is a little annoying to me, and I don't fancy two hours of listening to him talk over what is otherwise a great film. If you're looking for a full featured DVD of extras and goodies, you might consider waiting for the 20th anniversary edition. But if you're looking to add a great movie to your video collection, then "Almost Famous" is an excellent choice.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST SEE MOVIE....
Review: Once in a great while there comes along a movie that everyone must see and that everyone will appreciate. This is one of those movies. With a relatively unknow cast, this movie searches every viewers soul and shines a light on what you really believe. Let's get down to it...
THE GOOD: 1) PLOT. A very moving story concerning one boys seach for himself, but there is so much more behind it. Everyone who has ever listend to music will understand just what this story is trying to say. 2) ACTING. Outstanding, pure and simple. I can now see why this won so many awards the year that it came out. Every role is taken seriously by each actor and that seriousness shines through in droves. 3) MESSAGE. By this I mean what is the story trying to say. Most movies out today come in smally, neatly rapped packedges that when you are done with then they leave you with no questions about yourself. That is what entertainment is supposed to do right? Well, this movie both entertains and enlightens. Quite simply put, you will be changed by this movie.
THE BAD: Nothing. I can not believe that I am actually writting nothing here. This movie does it all, every character is believeable; the story is not too sappy and moves right along; and most of all the time is just right on the whole thing. Nice job everyone!
THE BOTTOM LINE: See this movie, plan and simple. When I first saw it I had to run out and buy it right away so I could watch it again. It had a profound impact upon my life and did what I said it would, change you.
Rating:
Summary: This DVD rocks!
Review: In "Almost Famous" Cameron Crowe has put together a great film which captures the heart of what great rock music is all about. The autobiographical account of his experience as a teenage music writer touring with rock bands comes to life on the screen. He skillfully harnesses the essence of the tour experience and the love of music that brings this unusual cadre of people together- a struggling rock band, a group of music-loving ladies affectionately known as "band aids," as well as Cameron's character William, and the supporting cast of managers, roadies and others. The Director's Cut Bootleg DVD is INCREDIBLE! Crowe has reassembled the film with all the original scenes that were later edited out and called it simply 'untitled' or if you prefer, you can watch the theatrical release. He has also included a great director's commentary, a monologue describing his favorite albums of the era; plus rare screen tests; a concert of the band Stillwater and plenty of other really cool stuff! Don't miss this one- the Director's Cut 'bootleg edition' is well worth ponying up the extra couple of bucks- it is a real thrill ride! And remember- it's all happening!
Rating:
Summary: Get Out Your Lighter's, For the Encore...
Review: "Almost Famous" is Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical story of how at the tender age of fifteen, he went on the road as a writer for Rolling Stone Magazine. It is also one of the finest movies ever made about the golden age of 1970's rock n'roll. Crowe's alter ego is William Miller (played admirably by Patrick Fugit)who goes on tour with the fictional band, StillWater (a composite of real life rockers the Allmand Brothers, Eagles and Led Zepplin).It is here on the road he must deal with his domineering but loving mother's phone calls, groupies and musicians with outsized egos.Throughout the film William walks a fine tightrope between becoming friends with people who are his heroes and maintaining his journalistic integrity. This film is a brilliant meditation on why we like music and what is the meaning of being a 'true fan'. "Almost Famous Untitled" is Crowe's director's cut of the film.The grapics of the packaging and on screen menus are made to look like that of a 1970's bootleg rock album. It includes over thirty minutes of footage not seen in the original theatrical or initial DVD release. In most films, scenes and dialogue have been originally deleted, because of pacing or the fact that they do not contribute to the story. Many of these director's cuts feel padded and have been put out just to make a quick buck off of fans. This is not the case with "Almost Famous Untitled". Crowe's additional footage greatly adds to the story and gives us a greater understanding to the motivations and emotions of the characters. I would say this is an improvement over the original cut.This edition also includes many more extras then the initial DVD relese. One glaring ommission from the first DVD release was it's lack of commentary track.This edition makes up for this with Crowe giving us a both inciteful and hilarious commentary with his real life mother. These two laugh and reminice with great chemistry and make it very obvious, that their relationship was accurately captured in the movie. Also included are a variety of other deleted scenes, trailers, concert footage etc. If you are a fan of 1970s rock n'roll then this is the movie for you!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Movie
Review: You can definitely see where Kate Hudson comes from. She shares her mothers sparkle. This movie tells the tale of Cameron Crowe and how he got started in the life he's in. It's a great story and wonderful music.
Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest Director's cuts (and DVD sets) yet!
Review: I already have written a review on "Almost Famous," after I saw it in the earlier part of 2001. However, rumor of this "Bootleg Cut" kept me from purchasing the original. When mom used to say "patience is a virtue," this was one of those reasons to take her on her word! Writer/Producer/Director Cameron Crowe presents "Almost Famous" in it's original incarnation titled: "Untitled!" Yes, you heard right. Crowe finally had the chance to insert the sequences that explained more of his characters, gave him a better piece of mind, and probably told things that wouldn't be understood by the audience (the film originally ran 2 hours long, and the 35 minutes that appear in "Untitiled" would probably make some squrim out of boredom in their seats). For those not sure of the film, here's the summary: William Miller is a young man trapped in a family with an overbearing mother and her hope that one day, he will become a great lawyer. But in actuality, William loves Rock and Roll, and he uses his love of music to write reviews and reports for several local and underground papers. One day, Rolling Stone magazine gets ahold of his work, and asks William to do a story for them. William then takes to the road with the up and coming band called "Stillwater," where he meets the lead guitarist Russell Hammond(Billy Crudup), and even the infamous Penny Lane(Kate Hudson), a young girl who's the most enigmatic screen presence you may ever see. The extras that Crowe includes in this DVD set include audio commentary by himself and (possibly a first for an audio guest) his Mom! She's very informative, and also helps keep the conversation lively. There's also a longer cut of a scene featuring the band "Still Water," as well as articles Crowe wrote for Rolling Stone in his youth (this film is actually a biopic of his life, with some fiction). There is also a great interactive scene that requires you to have Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" on audio, CD, Vinyl or any form you can get your hands on it. Trust me, get a copy of "Stairway" if you get this DVD set. What it's for is a great scene that was cut because they couldn't get the copyright for the song. As an added bonus, there is a 6-song CD featuring the music written for the band "Stillwater" in the film. Every single song is Excellent! Not a bad one in the bunch. The set contains the original cut of the film on Disc 2, which is a great way to compare the cut for the big screen, and the true director's vision. The film has been known to off-put some people ( almost all my family didn't like it), but for those that like music, nostalgia, and a film that is really unlike what most people create or experience, this is a great set to get.
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