After 12 years on Broadway, the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical “Rent” came to a close in 2008. If you were like most of the Broadway loving world this was indeed sad news. Fans of “Rent” would now have to catch the National Theatre Tour beginning in 2009 since the lackluster movie adaptation was simply not an option.
Thankfully, the folks at Sony Pictures decided that the best way to end the “Rent” phenomena was to capture the final performance on film. Most balked at the concept. How could you capture the spirit of theatre on film, when a recording could only catch the smallest percentage of the show’s spirit? The living sets and the feeling of being in a theatre, watching brilliant actors perform live, remained a surreal-memorable experience that could only be witnessed in person.
However, Sony Pictures understood what they were doing as well. They were taking on a vast undertaking, an undertaking that they had only one chance to do right. And, that’s what they did. With in-depth research and observation on the set and actor’s performances, Sony Pictures: The Hot Ticket captured the living essence of the theatre for the world to forever enjoy.
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway is the cinematic legacy of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.” The cinematography, utilizing multiple camera angles and lenses, creates a vivid experience that puts you right there in the theatre. This experience is heightened in the Blu-Ray release giving you the full HD experience coupled with TrueHD sound. You’ll get the full feeling of “Seasons of Love” after the intermission. Yes, Sony Pictures’ alternative-programming division The Hot Ticket even kept the intermission in the Blu-Ray release. You’ll need it, because you won’t want to miss a minute of this intensely fun, yet sad, drama.
The lighting captures the mood of the theatre and somehow the sound is simply stellar, even in stereo. And with Blu-Ray, I can now watch Gwen Sewart’s “Seasons of Love” solo over and over. It doesn’t end there. The producers united the original cast for the closing bow of “Rent’s” Broadway close. The original cast and closing cast united for one last time to preach the power of 525,600 minutes. If you don’t know the significance of that number you better get the Blu-Ray.
“Rent” is comedic genius with the soul of love. You will journey again-and-again through the storybook life of New York’s East Village. From a would-be filmmaker named to a transvestite named Angel, you will become entranced by drastically different characters, who all share the spirit of the city. “Rent” is a rockin’ story that explores sexuality, capitalism, morality, and the AIDS virus. After seeing “Rent,” you will no doubt understand what it means to truly seize the day.
About “Rent”:
Jonathan Larson’s revolutionary rock musical “Rent” provides a modern interpretation of the iconic opera La Boheme and tells the story of a group of friends struggling to live and pay rent against the gritty background of New York’s East Village while holding fast to their bohemian ideals and pursuits. Confronting poverty, addiction, illness and the AIDS epidemic, these young artists strive to get ahead, find acceptance, and above all, establish a connection to their world and each other.
Special Features:
- Rent: The Final Days on Broadway: See this retrospective documentary as past and present actors and production staff members share their memories of Jonathan Larson and his creation.
- The Final Curtain Call: Past & Present Cast Members sing “Season of Love” on Stage one last time
- The Wall: A Rare look at the famous Backstage Wall, a shrine to people who loved rent.
- Home (Blu-Ray Exclusive): One last look at the theatre that became the Home of RENT
- Casting (Blu-Ray Exclusive): The producers speak on the history behind casting Rent. After 12 years on Broadway, you will learn how they chose to cast the final cast.
- The Final Lottery: Join hundreds of fans who hope to be chosen to sit in the front 2 rows for the low-low price of twenty dollars.
Title: Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway Starring:Adam Kantor, Will Chase, Justin Johnston, Tracie Thoms, Michael McElroy
Studio: Sony Pictures
Release Date:February 3, 2009
Rating: 9.1 / 10
I loved Rent. I wish I got to go back to New york for the closing. i’m going to get thsi for my mom. we went to see it when we were there a few years ago visiting relatives. she;ll get a kick out of it