Written by: Dominick at 3:55 pm
Movie Info:
Writers: Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, D.M. Marshman Jr.
Director: Billy Wilder
Cast: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Lloyd Gough, Jack Webb
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Paramount
Release Info:
Theatrical Release: August 4, 1950
DVD Release Date: November 11, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $16.99
The first time I ever heard about Sunset Boulevard was about the musical version. Having seen both that and this 1950s, Billy Wilder film, I have to say that you simply cannot beat the classics. While the musical is spectacular, the film puts it to shame. The splendid casting of William Holden and Gloria Swanson just emphasizes the magnificence of this film. When you think classic cinema, this should be on the list, because they just don’t make these kind of movies anymore.
Sunset Boulevard was nominated for a total of 11 Academy Awards, and it won three for art direction, music and writing. The film noir genre has long since faded into oblivion, sadly, considering how well this film turned out. This is one of the last great film noirs. Billy Wilder hasn’t directed or written another film quite as powerful as Sunset Boulevard. In truth, it is his pièce de résistance.
The cast of Sunset Boulevard is what makes this film so spectacular. Besides Holden and Swanson, two of the best actors of all time, the cast includes Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Lloyd Gough, Cecil B. DeMille, Hedda Hopper and Jack Webb. There are also cameos by popular, silent film stars Buster Keaton, H. B. Warner and Anna Q. Nilsson. With a standout story, memorably spectacular performances, and an undeniably emotional score, all of the elements of perfection come together in Sunset Boulevard.
When you think of Billy Wilder and all that he has contributed to film, Sunset Boulevard is always at the top of the list. The film is considered one of the greatest of all times. It’s made numerous “top film” lists from the AFI to its inclusion in the National Film Registry. Any way you spin it, Sunset Boulevard deserves to be a part of Paramount’s Centennial Collection and you will want to add it to your film collection, as well.
The Sunset Boulevard Plot
The movie starts off in a way that is gripping and will pull you in immediately. A man is found dead, floating in a swimming pool. The narrator, Joe Gillis (William Holden) explains this man is an unsuccessful screenwriter, and the scene quickly changes to flashbacks from before the dead man was killed.
Joe is trying to raise money quickly. He needs to save his car, because if he doesn’t, it is going to be repossessed. Gillis, a screenwriter, tries to call in favors with his friends and contacts in Hollywood. He is able to secure an appointment with Paramount Studios, and there, he pitches his latest screenplay, ‘Bases Loaded’. When the producer, Sheldrake (Fred Clark) shows interest, a woman from the Reader Department, Betty Schaefer (Nancy Olson), dismisses the script, as she feels it is not too good.
Joe is upset about this and he storms out of the studio. After leaving the studio, the repo men find him, and chase him down Sunset Boulevard. When he pops a tire, he turns into a private driveway to escape. At first, it seems as if he is at an abandoned home, but he quickly learns it is the home of a silent film legend, Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson).
Norma mistakes Joe for someone else, but quickly learns he is a writer. She wants him to help her with the script for her film comeback, so he agrees, thinking it’ll make him the fast cash he needs. Joe moves in to the mansion and Norma spoils him with gifts, presents, and other expensive things.
Joe is content in his role as Norma’s dutiful writer/guest, at least until he realizes there is a lot more to Norma Desmond than meets the eye. Add in a potential love affair with Betty Schaefer, a murder, and Norma finally getting her “close up” and you have one heck of a movie!
Storyline/Plot: 
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:
Audio/Visual:
Sunset Boulevard is not a brand new film so when watching it I did not expect to see absolute perfection in the video or audio departments. The good news is that this restoration certainly beat my expectations. While some flaws do exist when you consider the fact that the original negatives were almost completely gone, the quality will come close to blowing you away. For the most part, the picture is clear and vibrant. I was impressed by the crispness of the film and the strength of the black tones. Overall, this is a good, full-screen transfer that looks great despite its age.
The audio for Sunset Boulevard is handled by a Dolby Digital 2.0 track. This soundtrack was also quite impressive. I never had a problem hearing anything and the score sounded beautiful. The levels worked well between music, effects, and dialogue. This isn’t the most dynamic of soundtracks, but toggling wasn’t necessary and the crisp nature of the soundtrack is friendly on the ears. Spanish and French mono tracks are also available. The audio options are wrapped up with English, French, and Spanish subtitle options.
Visual: 
Audio:
Bonus Features:
The only special feature on the first disc is the audio commentary by the author of On Sunset Boulevard: The Life and Times of Billy Wilder, Ed Sikov. This commentary is excellent for fans because it is filled with special facts and tidbits that newer fans of the film won’t be aware of. It’s a great start to a large selection of special features.
The second disc includes many other special features, featurettes, trailers, galleries, and other things that fans will truly enjoy. Sunset Boulevard: The Beginning looks at the path that led Wilder towards directing the film. Things like casting are discussed and numerous stories are told.
“The Noir Side of Sunset Boulevard by Joseph Wambaugh” talks about why Wambaugh loves Boulevard more than any other film. Film Noir elements of the film are also looked at. “Sunset Boulevard Becomes a Classic” includes a brief history of the reception of the film from the beginning until the days when it finally became a classic. “Two Sides of Ms. Swanson” offers a profile of Gloria Swanson. Fans of hers should enjoy this as it includes people that Swanson worked with, along with her family, who all offer their thoughts and impressions on the actress.
“Stories of Sunset Boulevard” includes numerous facts and memories about the film, which provides some rather disastrous test screenings. “Mad About the Boy: A Portrait of William Holden” takes a look at Holden’s career. This is another nice feature for fans of the actor, as it is filled with co-workers and acquaintances discussing him. “Recording Sunset Boulevard” is all about the score of Sunset Boulevard and how Franz Waxman created something magnificent enough to win an Oscar.
“The City of Sunset Boulevard” takes a look at the locations mentioned in the film and the overall importance of them. The “Morgue Prologue Script Pages” offers two versions of the scene in the morgue. Each scene includes excerpts with both drafts of the screenplay. There is even footage sans sounds from the sequence.
“Franz Waxman and the Music of Sunset Boulevard” is another featurette about the score, though this second featurette focuses more on the career of Waxman. “Behind the Gates: The Lot” takes a short and simple look at how Paramount Studios was built. There is a “Hollywood Location Map” that offers five interactive locations available in the film. As you click them you can learn more about the locations with various facts. “Edith Head: The Paramount Years” profiles the costume designer that worked on many of the top Paramount films back in the day. Finally, “Paramount in the 50’s” offers some of the most popular film clips of that decade from Paramount.
Bonus Features: 
Bottom Line:
A cinematic masterpiece, with some of the best acting from Hollywood’s heyday, you’d be a fool not to add Sunset Boulevard to your DVD repertoire. While the audio and video are only slightly better than that of previous DVD releases, the wealth of bonuses added to this collection makes it well worth the upgrade. If you don’t own the film already, this is the set to purchase.
If you’re looking for something spectacular to purchase, perhaps as a Christmas present for the film lover in your life, this is Billy Wilder’s best, most poignant film. This two-disc set comes highly recommended and is a part of our Hot Holiday Recommendations.
Overall Rating:
Technorati Tags: DVD Review, Sunset Boulevard, The Centennial Collection, Paramount, William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Billy Wilder
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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
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Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.
