weberm_429

Major Rutles fan and have been for many years, way back to the short film shown on SNL (which should have been a bonus feature on either Rutles DVD!). I waited for some time for this film to be released. I was disappointed (very). Basically it was the first film re-told, with out the SNL cast ('cept for Bill "the K" Murray). Yes there were some scenes from the original movie that are shown here for the first time (deleted or un-used takes)- which was k00l to see BUT come on, its the same story. I couldn't believe that the old footage was used with songs from the most recent album- I really thought that we would see the Shangri-La video or the band talking about the new songs, they should have been playing the new songs, if nothing more than at the end of the re-telling of the old film. The first Rutles DVD was a killer original flick, this is just a re-hash (sadly). I thought for sure there would be more NEW Rutles history/lore/comedy and comments on the newest album, heck the little blurb in the paper (when that album came out) had more original humor than Rutles 2..Still a major fan, but discourage any other fan wasting $ on a purchase...recommend Netflix or as a rental (sorry Eric- just telling the truth).

Ah Chicago film-making!! A true Chicagoan not only talked to the "hollywood" types but also prominent directors who DARED to stay in Chicago. Seeing the city/shoreline as a moving backdrop- while on the river - is a very unique feeling that gave the film even more a sense of exploring. Hilarious tidbits about well known movies you wouldn't see on any other documentary. The DVD is jam-packet with extras, though you have to travel up & down the river(the cool DVD menus)to find these morsels. Even the ability to watch the film in 3D with glasses included!! If only more documentaries were like this gem. Look for the great siskel/ebert thumb-war, that almost happened.