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Clear pictures, concise sound and a
colorful backdrop of imagery. Ray in DVD
stands up and then some to the original
release itself. A collector’s edition
surely wasted if purchased on bootleg.
What is so incredible about this DVD is
the choice of versions. There is the
Theatrical Version that was viewed by
the public when the film was released
late 2004. Now Taylor Hackford,
filmmaker (An Officer and a Gentleman)
has added an Extended Version that
includes the complete uncut musical
performances and deleted scenes.
This 2 sided DVD also includes a
personal walk with Taylor Hackford as
his commentary accompanies many scenes
in the film, explaining the choices made
in including and not including in the
original version, as well as time and
place. Including the bus scene in the
very beginning of the film where the
viewer may notice the back of the bus is
for Colored only but when moving further
from the South and closer up North, the
colored sign is removed and Ray (Jaime
Foxx) finds himself riding with young
white boys coming home from the
service. So enchanted with Country
Music, a young Ray shows his love by
assisting the boys with a song they were
singing. The back of the bus is no
longer a back of the bus. Seated
neighbors vibe to the music by smiling
and nodding their heads in harmony to
the boys and Ray’s singing.
Taylor takes you through the emotions of
the certain scenes that portrayed more
than just what you may THINK you know.
In the scene where the band members
leave to enjoy a night on the town with
the girls, the Extended Version gives
insight to Ray’s loneliness in his early
years through his piano playing. Ray
entertains a room full of partially
placed chairs and haphazard tables.
The entire cast performance is so on
point that you forget they are actors
playing real people. From the Chitlin
Circuit to Jaime’s perfect “Ray” walk as
well as other memorable moments
including the “Damn I felt that” slap
from Margie (Regina King), the time and
work put into this film is dully noted
in the end result.
The DVD continues with “Walking in His
Shoes” a segment of the DVD that shows
Jaime and Ray playing piano
together. Both laughing and enjoying
each others company. Feeling as though
Ray gives his approval, Jaime shows that
he is proud and privileged to be in his
presence and given the opportunity to
play this part.
Nominated for 6 Academy Awards including
Best Director, Best Picture and Best
Actor, Ray is certainly 2004s Oscar
anticipant.
The release on DVD includes 3 versions
including the Ray Limited Edition Gift
Set which includes a 28 page photo
journal, over 20 additional minutes of
uncut musical performances from the
film; a segment narrated by the producer
and director about the films 15 year
journey to completion; and a look at the
women who played a significant role in
Ray’s life.
Also a DVS (Descriptive Video Source), a
film intended for blind and low-vision
audiences. Further information is
available at the American Council of the
Blind website www.acb.org and at 800
424-8666.
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