New York, New York

Martin Scorsese's homage to Hollywood films of the 1940's, "New York, New York" is loosely based on the 1947 movie "The Man I Love." Whereas director Raoul Walsh delivers his taut yarn in an economical 90 minutes, Scorsese's film sprawls over 2 � hours. Were the hero a more likeable character, that extra hour would be tolerable. De Niro plays Jimmy Doyle, an obnoxious, sociopathic saxophonist who makes a play for big band singer Francine Evans, played by Liza Minnelli. Inexplicably, Francine comes to requite his affections, and assists Jimmy in getting work as her backup musician. Their collaboration yields several cross-country gigs, and one baby, which puts a crimp in their relationship. After separating, Francine attains super-stardom in Hollywood, and Jimmy finds success with his Jazz band.

In addition to being prolix, "New York, New York" suffers from several dull stretches. As Jimmy is such an unpleasant character, chronicling the endless ups and downs of his relationship with long-suffering Francine, proves tedious. Yet there is also much to praise in the film. Scorsese's direction is solid, and the photography is often striking. Responding to the director's expertise, Liza delivers an unusually restrained performance; and, musically, is in peak form. The set design is exquisite and rich in period detail. The costumes, particularly Liza's gowns, are incredible, as are her hairstyles, supervised by Sydney Guilaroff, a good friend of Liza's mom. The fine script has some witty one-liners. But the musical soundtrack is the main asset. The score combines Jazz and Big Band styles, and is spiced with a variety of songs, from classic standards, to some show-stopping, original Kander & Ebb numbers, including the enormously popular title tune. If you can persevere for a few hours, you will witness the film come to life, and experience Liza at her absolute best. When the emphasis shifts to Francine's stardom, she instantly belts out the song "But the World Goes Round," after which she is given a huge production number in the manner of "I Was Born in a Trunk" from Judy's "A Star is Born." Unbilled, the great Larry Kert appears as her leading man in the routine, in which Liza, in a rapid series of dazzling set-pieces, evolves from theater usherette to Broadway star. Due to its length, this segment was omitted in early home video editions of the film. "Happy Endings" leads directly into the finale, in which Liza tears into her powerhouse rendition of "New York, New York."

As Scorsese intended his film to resemble a vintage Hollywood melodrama, he shot the action against fabricated sets and painted backdrops. The film quality is grainy and diffused, which, though it may be evocative of old movies, is not conducive to the Blu-ray format; so don't expect that characteristic, razor-sharp clarity. Despite this, the colors are vibrant, and especially glowing in the musical numbers.

Taken from the 2007 2-DVD "30th -Anniversary Special Edition," the copious extras include spoken commentary, production documentaries, deleted scenes, alternate takes and a Liza interview. Available online for significantly less than the $20. retail, the Blu-ray of "New York, New York" is worth picking up for the last half-hour alone.

New York, New York
Blu-ray
$19.99
www.mgm.com