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Released by: Twilight Time
Released on: September 2014
Director: Luis Valdez
Cast: Rosana De Soto, Elizabeth Pena, Lou Diamond Philips, Esai Morales, Joe Pantoliano
Year: 1987
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The Movie:
When rock and roll pioneer Ritchie Valens died he was only 17 years old. Though often mentioned alongside the likes of Buddy Holly (who was killed in the same tragic plane accident - the infamous "the day the music died" that took Valens' life), they really weren't comparable. Valen's entire recording career encompassed a little over a year and he's really remembered primarily for two songs. The lasting impact of "La Bamba" - the song - was that it was a pioneering crossover of traditional Mexican music and the burgeoning early rock sound. But Holly died at 22 after a much more substantive career.
While Valens may have been a perfect example of the tragic shooting star, 1987's film of his life story manages to craft something both powerful and dramatically meaningful out of it. This is a story about family and about the latent prejudices of late 1950's America. Lou Diamond Phillips (in his onscreen debut) is wonderful as Valens - the "good kid" from a Mexican immigrant family that just wants to play his guitar. His father is dead and Ritchie has a very tight relationship with his mother Connie (Rosana De Soto). But the family is poor and forced to work on a migrant farm. When Ritchie's brother Bobby (Esai Morales) shows up fresh out of prison one fine day riding a motorcycle and with a wad of ill-gotten cash the family is off to live in the sunnier climes of Southern California.
The heart and soul of LA BAMBA is the relationship between Ritchie, his alcoholic brother Bob and their mother. The woman that sort of comes between the two brothers, Rosie (Elizabeth Peí±a) ends up pregnant with Bob's child and this first clash is a harbinger of the kind of tension and sibling rivalry the brothers will endure throughout the film. Bob is a true screwup in every sense but he's not entirely unsympathetic either. It is a testament to Morales' skill as an actor that the audience finds it difficult to turn on him even after he acts like a complete ass. LA BAMBA makes its "message" point when it tackles Ritchie's love for the lily-white high school girl Donna Ludwig (Danielle von Zerneck). Her father heartily disapproves and makes derogatory racial cracks.
Ritchie starts out playing with a ensemble that resent him but after splitting off into his own band he's seen by a canny promoter named Bob Keane (Joe Pantoliano) at a disastrously riotous show. This sequence is masterfully done and the highlight of the film as it really lets Phillips show off his impersonation and acting chops. The fact that the show turns into a brawl right out of a Western barroom instigated by Ritchie's drunk brother adds a blackly hilarious touch. Ritchie is whisked into the studio where he cuts his iconic "Donna" and "La Bamba" tracks in short order. Pantoliano has a lovely understated vibe in these scenes and its a nice change of pace from the actor's usual sleazeballs. After some appearances with national deejays, Ritchie winds up on a short tour with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. Their joint appearance together is another highlight with both Marshall Crenshaw (as Holly) and Brian Setzer (as Eddie Cochran) doing amazing impersonations. And then - that plane ride.
Despite the ending, the best word to describe LA BAMBA is uplifting. With its terrific mix of beautifully rendered classic early rock and roll, heartfelt performances and pro-family message, LA BAMBA is a feel-good movie that never traffics in cheap sentimentality. It is also a picture perfect snapshot of late 50's Southern California and the early rock and roll era. This is one of the very best of the musical biopic genre.
Video/Audio/Extras:
Twilight Time's 1.85:1 framed AVC encoded 1080p transfer for this Blu ray was provided by Sony and as such is about what we've come to expect - excellent. Sony's track record with Twilight Time has always been strong and remains so here. This is an organic transfer with a completely film like appearance and natural grain structure. Black levels are deep and image sharpening is not in evidence. The detail boost is readily apparent throughout the film as well. This is a commendable Blu ray presentation. A quick note however - don't be thrown by the opening "nightmare" sequence. This was intentionally visually degraded to create mood.
Audio is a very good 5.1 DTS HD-MA. Good use of the surround field is in evidence and the musical parts of the film sound terrific with discreet and effective use of LFE. Dialogue and ambient sound don't suffer at any point however. This is a perfectly balanced track. English subtitles are proved as well for those that need them.
Extras consist of two commentary tracks and a theatrical trailer. The first commentary with actors Esai Morales and Lou Diamond Phillips, director Luis Valdez and producer Stuart Benjamin is a bit crowded but is packed with a lot of info about both the production and the real life Valens clan (who were intimately involved in the film). It is a great chat and well worth a listen due to the level of knowledge shared as well as the camaraderie of the participants. The second commentary features producers Daniel Valdez and Taylor Hackford and is a bit more dry but still worth a listen. Julie Kirgo contributes a set of liner notes in the included color insert booklet that offer some background information and insight into the film.
The Final Word:
Both a moving drama and a fun look at the pioneering 50's rock scene, LA BAMBA never puts a foot wrong. Yes there is tragedy in this story but a far more joy. Twilight Time's presentation is first-rate and I heartily recommend this one.
Click on the images below for full sized Blu-ray screen caps!
Watched it as a double bill with The Buddy Holly Story.