Beautifully presented in a silky and embossed slip case, the inside package folds out into a gatefold spread which holds the two discs and booklet - very similar to the Fight Club DVD SE.
It is presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic and Dolby Digital (5.1); DTS. The menu screen perfectly reflects the style of the film, as the Green Fairy flies on screen and the sound of The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Music introduces us to what we are about to experience.
On the first disc, there are two production commentaries. The first is by director Baz Luhrmann, production designer Catherine Martin, and cinematographer Don McAlpine, which really does introduce you in full to Luhmann's passion behind film making and the intricate details of Moulin Rouge. The second is a writing commentary by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, which again tells us in detail how they went about developing the story and ideas for the characters. There are also eight behind-the-scenes branches and an audio track for the visually impaired.
On the second disc, there is a Making Of HBO special, which, although not the most awe-inspiring of programmes, captures the essence of what it must have been like during the production. There are also five featurettes on the stars - Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent and Richard Roxburgh - which are a little repetitive, but still interesting.
The Story Is About interviews the writers, Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce; Craig Pearce reads early treatment; old storyline and script comparisons.
The Cutting Room is an interview with Baz Luhrmann and editor Jill Bilcock and also very interesting glimpses at unseen footage of abandoned edits (Come What May, Twice Across the Sky, Eidler's Rap, Outside It May Be Raining, Green Fairy Previsualisation). The director's mock previsualisations are also worth a look.
The Dance is a word with Luhrmann, Tango (extended & multicam), Hindi (extended), Can Can (extended & multicam), Coup d'Etat (extended & multicam).
The Music has an interview with Fat Boy Slim, shows The Lady Marmalade Phenomenon and the music video of Come What May, which are the weaker parts of the DVD, as we are shown the sickening attempts at milking the soundtrack.
The Design has interviews with production designer and co-costume designer Catherine Martin and co-costume designer Angus Strathe.
Finally, there is the Marketing section, which allows you access to an international sizzle reel, photo gallery, the little red book, poster gallery, trailers, music promo spot, extended scenes & four re-cut dance sequences.
There are also more than 10 easter eggs.
Printer-friendly version
