Paramount Pictures didn't give the 2007 film Stardust – directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) and based on the bestselling novel by Neil Gaiman – the release it deserved, dumping it near the end of the summer season and giving it almost no publicity. Despite that, the film earned $135 million worldwide and did very well on home video, becoming a cult classic in the same vein as The Princess Bride.
Now Paramount Home Video has released Stardust on Blu-Ray where its touching tale of romance and adventure will hopefully reach a whole new audience.
Paramount's Stardust Stars Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer
When Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) vows to cross the mysterious stone Wall and retrieve a fallen star, he hopes to win the heart of the beautiful but spoiled Victoria (Sienna Miller). But when that star takes the form of Yvaine (Claire Danes), he becomes embroiled in two quests: the ruthless Prince Septimus (Mark Strong) wants the ruby Yvaine carries around her neck so he can become king of Stormhold, and the deadly witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) wants Yvaine's heart to ensure her eternal youthfulness.
Tristan must protect Yvaine from those who would harm her while discovering his true heritage.
Due to its vivid fantasy world, memorable characters and light-hearted tale of romantic adventure, Stardust has often drawn comparisons to Rob Reiner's The Princess Bride. However, Vaughn's film pulled a PG-13 rating and its tone gets much darker, especially the scenes involving Lamia. Most films rest on the menace exuded by their villain, and Michelle Pfeiffer is more than equal to the task, whether she's being sensual or terrifying.
Robert De Niro is clearly having fun playing Capt. Shakespeare, the friendly pirate with a secret, while Claire Danes is in her element playing yet another old soul in a beautiful body. But the real standout is Cox as Tristan: at first, he's borderline annoying as the boy trying to be a man, but you slowly realize that it's the point. Cox shows Tristan's arc from zero to hero, making him more appealing and heroic as the film progresses. It's a difficult trick to pull off and Cox does it beautifully; it's a shame this film didn't give him the access to better roles his talent deserves.
While Stardust looks a lot better than its $88 million budget would suggest, some of the effects shots do have the plastic texture of cheap CGI. That said, the story is so memorable that you forgive its flaws.
Stardust Blu-Ray Extras
Vaughn and co-writer Jane Goldman's audio commentary is informative, but gets dry at times. Perhaps they're not used to being recorded speaking in public but more emotional investment would have paid off.
However, the more recent documentary featurettes benefit from the presence of original author Neil Gaiman, who is very candid about the differences between his book and the film, and why Vaughn and Goldman made the choices they made. Gaiman's an engaging presence and he clearly gives his blessing to this adaptation. While the rest of the making-of docs feature the usual butt-kissing between cast and crew, it doesn't come off as forced. You can tell this bunch had a lot of fun making the film, and remember it as a great experience.
The deleted scenes are nice, but there are very compelling reasons why they ended up on the cutting room floor. The blooper reel is hilarious, especially the scenes between De Niro and Ricky Gervais as an unscrupulous fence. Apparently Vaughn had a tough time getting them to stay on script in their scenes together.
Matthew Vaughn's Stardust a Fantasy Classic
It goes without saying that if you loved The Princess Bride, that you'll enjoy Stardust. They're both wonderful films taking place in a fully-realized fantasy world. While having a few darker scenes than Rob Reiner's classic, Stardust is still an under-appreciated classic of fantasy cinema and that's why the Blu-Ray gets a 4.5/5.
Dominic von Riedemann - Dominic is the Animated Film Feature Writer, and winner of 11 Suite 101 Editors' Choice Awards.
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