New on DVD, Pirate Radio, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt, Capote), Rhys Ifans (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Hannibal: Rising) and Tom Sturridge (Being Julia, Vanity Fair), propels viewers into the world of 1960?s music, fashion and culture.
In the late 1960?s, the British Broadcasting Corporation stops airing rock music on their channels, leading a group of music lovers, played by Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Ifans and Rhys Darby, to set up a broadcasting tower on a boat just outside English boundary waters.
Becoming known as a ?pirate radio station?, these misfits gain a following and become national idols in youth culture. However, super-conservative government minister Dormandy, played by Kenneth Branagh (Valkyrie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), will do almost anything to shut the station down. Strong performances from the entire cast, especially Hoffman, added dimension and depth to the eccentric characters.
Pirate Radio is funny, quirky and captivating until the very end. Vibrant colors, eccentric characters and classic rock fully exemplify 1960?s Britain. Not only is the script hilarious and endearing, but the overall look of the film is beautiful. The costumes themselves are almost as enjoyable as the characters; floral prints, wild sunglasses, sideburns and feathers added even more lovable eccentricity to the film.
The film features a great selection of music including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Smokey Robinson, David Bowie and Cat Stevens, just to name a few. Pirate Radio fully embraces the idea of ?sex, drugs and rock and roll,? so this isn?t a movie for children. The DVD?s special features are limited but entertaining. It features commentary from director Richard Curtis and members of the cast and crew, in addition to a fun set of deleted scenes that didn?t make it into the U.S. theater version. This movie is funny, unique and has an amazing soundtrack. Next time you?re at the video store, be sure to pick up Pirate Radio and immerse yourself in the fight for rock ?n roll.