March 2003 DVD Releases : 8 Mile & Empire

(Mar: Main Page * Features * Reviews * Screenings * Teen ) Current Issue * Archive

Compiled by Wilson Morales 8 MILE Distributor: Universal Pictures Coming out this week (March 18) is the DVD and VHS release of “8 Mile”, which starred Eminem, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, and Kim Basinger. Prior to the film release, the thing that marketed and motivated fans to see this film was the song and video that garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Song, “Lose Yourself”. Eminem is such a creative force these days in the music industry that when the film came out, I too was in the audience on opening night. The sight of seeing folks excited to see the film was breathtaking. Fans of all ages were arguing amongst themselves when they couldn’t get tickets to any of the show times that day. When the film started and the music started played, the audiences were in sync with it. The film went on to gross over $50 million that weekend and around $120 million dollars at the box office during its run. The soundtrack would go on the #1 soundtrack of 2002 and get a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Song” for “Lose Yourself”. While the VHS version contains just the film and nothing else, the DVD comes with lots of exciting materials. On the DVD, there are five “Rap Battles” shot during the making of 8 Mile, which feature spontaneous rap between Eminem and audience extras from the film. Director Hanson chose the best rappers from a field of 140 to challenge Eminem and you will get to see some of Detroit’s finest to their best to dethrone Eminem. The DVD also features Eminem’s Personal Insight into the making of the film as well as the music of “8 Mile”. Also featured will be the music video for “Superman” from the best-selling album “The Eminem Show”. Because of some explicit scenes in the video, there will be 2 versions of the DVD, including one uncensored. The video is ONLY available on the DVD. I recently spoke with rapper XZIBIT, who had a small role in the film but still made a huge impact. Xzibit grew up in Detroit but was raised in California since the age of 10. His role in the film was enough to get notice. When asked if he memorized all lines, Xzibit gave me some insights to his role. “The part was written for me, but I added a few lines. It’s not easy to lose a battle, so I had to improvise so I can at least look good while losing.” Xzibit grew up watching some of the films that featured rap such as “Krush Groove” and “Beat Street” and he thinks this film could join that field as well. “I think the film is phenomenal. I think they did a great job with Eminem and with the other characters.” Watching the rap battles scenes were the highlight of the film and could bring out folks to go back to basics to resurrect their careers, but Xzibit thinks differently. “Rap battles never went anywhere. You start off doing underground battles and that’s where your rep begins. It’s a constant battle to stay on top, but that’s what makes you good.” For a review of the film, please click here. Empire [DVD] (2002) Director: Frank Reyes Stars: John Legiuzamo, Denise Richards, Peter Sarsgaard, Delilah Cotto, & Isabella Rosellini Successful South Bronx drug dealer John Leguizamo, weary of the world that already claimed his brother's life, sees a chance to break away when he hooks up on an investment scheme with Wall Street banker Peter Sarsgaard. But will his switch from the Bronx streets to the canyons of Manhattan bring about Leguizamo's downfall? Marking the first release from Arenas Entertainment, a new Latino film label created in partnership with Universal Pictures, EMPIRE will be release in an English and Spanish version. The Spanish Language DVD contains exclusively-created bonus features including specially-filmed Spanish language DVD extras and unique packaging. Bonus Features include: The Making of Empire Feature Commentary with Director Franc Reyes and Director of Photography Kramer Morgenthau Deleted Scenes The Los Angeles Premiere of Empire Empire Soundtrack Sampler Theatrical Trailer Production Notes Cast and Filmmakers DVD-ROM Features Recommendations For a review of the film, please click here.