ROCKETMAN [2019] [Blu-ray] [UK Release] Tripping The Bitch Fantastic! The New Elton John Biopic is both Dazzling and Derivative!
‘ROCKETMAN’ is an epic musical story about Elton John’s breakthrough years and is a one-of-a-kind musical celebration set to Elton John’s most beloved songs. Discover how a shy, small-town boy becomes one of the most iconic figures in rock & roll. Featuring an all-star cast, this truly spectacular and utterly electrifying ride is filled with show-stopping musical performances and is “unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”
The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2019 Cannes Film Festival: Nominated: Queer Palm for Dexter Fletcher. 2019 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Best Costume Design for Julian Day. 2019 Detroit Film Critics Society Awards: Nominated: Best Use of Music. 2019 Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards: Nominated: Best Actor for Taron Egerton [6th place]. 2019 Golden Schmoes Awards: Nominated: Best Music in a Movie. 2019 Hollywood Film Awards: Win: Hollywood Breakthrough Award for Actor of the Year for Taron Egerton. Win: Hollywood Film Award for Make-Up and Hairstyling of the Year for Barrie Gower, Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and Tapio Salmi. 2019 Hollywood Music In Media Awards: Nominated: Best Original Song for a Feature Film for Bernie Taupin (written), Elton John (written/performed) and Taron Egerton (performed) for the song: "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." 2019 IGN Summer Movie Awards: Nominated: IGN Award for Best Movie. Nominated: IGN Award for Best Lead Performer in a Movie for Taron Egerton. Nominated: IGN People's Choice Award for Best Movie. 2019 New York Film Critics, Online: Win: NYFCO Award for Best Use of Music for Bernie Taupin, Elton John, Giles Martin, Matthew Margeson and Taron Egerton. 2019 Online Association of Female Film Critics: Nominated: OAFFC Award for Best Male Lead for Taron Egerton. 2019 People's Choice Awards, USA: Nominated: Favorite Drama Movie. Nominated: Favorite Drama Movie Star for Taron Egerton. 2019 Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards: Win: Best Costume Design for Julian Day. 2019 San Diego Film Critics Society Awards: Nominated: Best Costume Design for Julian Day. Nominated: Best Use of Music in a Film. 2019 Satellite Awards: Win: Best Actor in a Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical forTaron Egerton. Win: Best Original Song "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." Nominated: Best Motion Picture for a Comedy or Musical. Nominated: Best Cinematography for George Richmond. Nominated: Best Film Editing for Chris Dickens. Nominated: Best Sound (Editing & Mixing) for John Hayes and Matthew Collinge. Nominated: Best Costume Design for Julian Day. 2019 Seattle Film Critics Awards: Nominated: Best Costume Design for Julian Day. 2019 St. Louis Film Critics Association, USA: Nominated: SLFCA Award for Best Soundtrack. 2019 Teen Choice Awards: Nominated: Choice Drama Movie Actor for Taron Egerton. 2020 Academy Awards®: Win: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "I'm Gonna Love Me Again." 2020 Golden Globes: Win: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture in a Musical or Comedy for Taron Egerton. Win: Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for Bernie Taupin (lyrics) and Elton John (music) for song "I'm Gonna Love Me Again." Nominated: Best Motion Picture in a Musical or Comedy. 2020 BAFTA Awards: Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Best Leading Actor for Taron Egerton. Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year for Adam Bohling, David Furnish, David Reid, Dexter Fletcher, Lee Hall and Matthew Vaughn. Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Best Make Up/Hair for Barrie Gower, Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and Tapio Salmi. Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Best Sound for Danny Sheehan, John Hayes, Matthew Collinge and Mike Prestwood Smith. 2020 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for Taron Egerton. 2020 Awards Circuit Community Awards: Nominated: Best Costume Design for Julian Day. Nominated: Best Makeup & Hairstyling for Barrie Gower, Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and Tapio Salmi. 2020 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Win: Critics Choice Award for Best Song for song "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." Nominated: Critics Choice Award for Best Costume Design for Julian Day. Nominated: Critics Choice Award for Best Hair & Makeup. 2020 Casting Society of America: Nominated: Artios Award for Outstanding Achievement in Casting in a Big Budget Feature in a Comedy for Reg Poerscout-Edgerton. 2020 Cinema Audio Society, USA: Nominated: C.A.S. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for Motion Pictures in a Live Action for Glen Gathard (foley mixer), John Hayes (production mixer), Mark Appleby (adr mixer), Matthew Collinge (re-recording mixer) and Mike Prestwood Smith (re-recording mixer). 2020 Costume Designers Guild Awards: Nominated: Excellence in Period Film for Julian Day. 2020 Denver Film Critics Society: Nominated: DFCS Award for Best Original Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song: “(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." 2020 GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics: Nominated: Dorian Award for Film Performance of the Year for Actor for Taron Egerton. Nominated: Dorian Award for LGBTQ Film of the Year. 2020 Georgia Film Critics Association: Nominated: GAFCA Award for Best Original Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." 2020 GLAAD Media Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Film and Wide Release. 2020 GLAAD Media Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Film for a Wide Release. 2020 Gold Derby Awards: Win: Original Song Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "I'm Gonna Love Me Again." Nominated: GLAAD Media Award: Costume Design for Julian Day. Nominated: Makeup/Hair for Barrie Gower, Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and Tapio Salmi. 2020 Grammy Awards: Nominated: Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media for Giles Martin (compilation producer) and Taron Egerton (artist). 2020 Hawaii Film Critics Society: Win: HFCS Award for Best Costume Design for Julian Day. Win: HFCS Award for Best Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John. Nominated: HFCS Award for Best Makeup. 2020 Hollywood Critics Association: Win: HCA Award for Best Costume Design for Julian Day. Win: HCA Award for Best Comedy/Musical Film. Nominated: HCA Award for Best Hair and Makeup for Barrie Gower, Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and Tapio Salm. Nominated: HCA Award for Best Original Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." Nominated: HCA Award for Best Actor for Taron Egerton. 2020 Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards: Nominated: Artisan Award: Best Period and/or Character Makeup for a Feature-Length Motion Picture for Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou, Laura Solari and Tapio Salmi. Nominated: Artisan Award: Best Special Makeup Effects for a Feature-Length Motion Picture for Barrie Gower, Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and Victoria Money. Nominated: Artisan Award: Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling for a Feature-Length Motion Picture for Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou, Laura Solari and Tapio Salmi. 2020 Houston Film Critics Society Awards: Nominated: Best Original Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." 2020 Iowa Film Critics Awards: Nominated: Best Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John. 2020 Latino Entertainment Journalists Association Film Awards: Win: Best Song Written for a Motion Picture for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "I'm Gonna Love Me Again." Nominated: Best Costume Design for Julian Day. 2020 London Critics Circle Film Awards: Nominated: British/Irish Film of the Year. Nominated: British/Irish Actor of the Year for Taron Egerton. 2020 Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA: Win: Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing for a Musical for Feature Film for Andy Patterson (music editor) and Cecile Tournesac (music editor). Nominated: Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing for Dialogue and ADR for Feature Film for Danny Sheehan (supervising sound editor), Kasper Pedersen (dialogue editor) and Matthew Collinge (supervising sound editor). 2020 Music City Film Critics' Association Awards: Win: Best Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "I'm Gonna (Love Me Again)." Win: Best Music Film for Giles Martin and Ian Neil. Nominated: Best Actor for Taron Egerton. 2020 Online Film & Television Association: Win: OFTA Film Award for Best Music and Original Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again." Nominated: OFTA Film Award for Best Actor forTaron Egerton. Nominated: OFTA Film Award for Best Music and Adapted Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "I'm Still Standing." Nominated: OFTA Film Award for Best Music for an Adapted Song for Bernie Taupin and Elton John for the song "Rocket Man." Nominated: OFTA Film Award for Best Costume Design for Julian Day. Nominated: OFTA Film Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for Barrie Gower, Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and Tapio Salmi. 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Win: Virtuoso Award for Taron Egerton.
FILM FACT No.2: ‘ROCKETMAN’ premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on the 16th May, 2019, and was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2019 and in the United States on 31 May 2019. It grossed $195 million worldwide against its $40 million budge. In March 2019, it was reported that Paramount Pictures was pressuring director Dexter Fletcher and producer Matthew Vaughn to cut a sex scene between Taron Egerton and Richard Madden, so that the film could receive a PG-13 rating in the United States, as influenced by the financial success of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ the year prior. Dexter Fletcher denied the reports, saying that the film "has and always will be the no holds barred, musical fantasy that Paramount Pictures and producers passionately support and believe in" and said the allegations were "nothing but rumours.” In Russia, where the film was released on 6 June 2019, about five minutes of footage were removed from the final cut. Central Partnership, the film's Russian distributor, removed all scenes involving homosexuality and drugs, a move that was criticized by both John and Paramount Pictures. The film was censored in Malaysia, sparking condemnation from art critics that the country was becoming a "nanny state." Safaruddin Mohammad Ali, the head of the country's Film Censorship Board, said "We do not allow any scenes that promote LGBTQ in films that are for public viewing," adding that "Although it is about the real life of Elton John, it is not for him to allow the public to see whatever he does or whatever activities he indulges in that is not our culture." The film was banned in Samoa, a conservative Christian nation. Principal Censor Leiataua Niuapu, of the country's Censorship Board, explained: "It's a good story, in that it's about an individual trying to move on in life. He [Elton John] went through a difficult family life and managed to move on and become very successful. But there are acts that are not good for public viewing and against the law." The film was also banned in Egypt, where Elton John himself was banned from visiting back in 2010. The reason given was his "anti-religious sentiments," though Film Stories journalist Simon Brew argued that the ban "seemed pretty clear it was more to do with [Elton John's] sexuality." In October 2019, Entertainment Weekly digital director Shana Krochmal accused Delta Air Lines of removing "almost every reference" to Elton John's sexuality in the version of the film shown on Delta Air Lines, including scenes of kissing and gay sex. In response, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson said that "Delta Air Lines content parameters do not in any way ask for the removal of homosexual content from the film" and that "We value diversity and inclusion as core to our culture and our mission and will review our processes to ensure edited video content doesn't conflict with these values."
Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett, Matthew Illesley (Young Reggie Dwight), Kit Connor (Older Reggie Dwight), Charlie Rowe, Peter O'Hanlon, Ross Farrelly, Evan Walsh, Tate Donovan, Sharmina Harrower, Ophelia Lovibond, Celinde Schoenmaker, Harriet Walter, Stephen Graham, Sharon D. Clarke, Aston McAuley, Jason Pennycooke, Alexia Khadime, Carl Spencer, Jimmy Vee, Leon Delroy Williams, David Doyle, Leigh Francis, Dickon Tolson, Diana Alexandra Pocol, Eddie Mann, Josh McClorey, Rachel Muldoon, Benjamin Mason, Guillermo Bedward, Max Mackintosh, Micah Holmes, Charles Armstrong, Barbara Drennan, Jason Sellars, Graham Fletcher-Cook, Sian Crisp, Dale Monie, Alex James-Phelps, Fabian Sgoluppi, Alison Ball, Danielle Scott, Leon Cooke, Juozas Statkevicius, Benjamin Lok, Dempsey Bovell, Max Croes, Natalie Adams, Pete McCabe, Rebecca Davis, Titilayo Abiola, Ross Dawes, Alexa Povah, Mark Atkin, Stevee Davies, Nia Towle, Lee Bridgman, Rob Callender, Demetrios John Goritsas, James Bennett, Stephen Lee Benson, Ava Brennan, Myles Brown, Sophie Carmen-Jones, Nikkita Chadha, Navala 'Niko' Chaudhari, Tom Clark, Zoe Reeve, Miles Coote, Jack Dargen, Michael Downing, Jo Dyce, Mark Ellison, Michael J. Fellows, Rebecca Fennelly, Ross Finnie, Ashley Franklin, Fraser Fraser, Lucia Marin Gonzalez, Martina Gumbs, Jared Martyn-Hageman, Bethany Harrison, Pip Hersee, Connor Hill, Thomas Inge, Sarah H. Iwaskow, Luke Jackson, Christopher Jeffers, Hayley Jones, Jamie Karitzis, Emily Kuhl, Wade Lewin, Neeve Martin, Thomas Charles Torrance Mather, Fiona McDonald, Liam Marcinello, Alicia Mencia, Oliver Metzler, Ramzan Miah, Jake Moyle, Ed Munro, Sam Murphy, Myles Newland, Callum Powell, Aishwarya Raut, Lauren-Kate Seymour, Phil Snowden, Nadia Sohawon, Sam Stanley, Amira Stevens, Tristan Temple, Alex Thomas, Grant Thresh, Matt Turner, Megan Westpfel, Josh Weston, Layton Williams, Luke Woolaston, Tom Woolaston, Alexandra Worrall, Luke Wright, Yixin Zeng, Emily Yuen, Keith Lemon (uncredited), Ziad Abaza (uncredited), Henrihs Ahmadejevs (uncredited), Christina Andrew (uncredited), Lasco Atkins (uncredited), Jamie Bacon (uncredited), Anna Benamati (uncredited), Charlie Bentley (uncredited), Pierre Bergman (uncredited), Carlos Borrás (uncredited), Eric Coco (uncredited), Bern Collaço (uncredited), David Cradduck (uncredited), Nick Davison (uncredited), Marco De Marlo (uncredited), Michele Donockley (uncredited), Zina Esepciuc (uncredited), Amor Evans (uncredited), Viktorija Faith (uncredited), Karl Farrer (uncredited), Jack French (uncredited), Inna Georgia (uncredited), Michel Alexandre Gonzalez (uncredited), Mark Gooden (uncredited), Nicholle Hembra (uncredited), Adnan Kundi (uncredited), Kamil Lemieszewski (uncredited), Marek Lichtenberg (uncredited), Francesco Lucidi (uncredited), Ketan Majmudar (uncredited), Giles Martin (uncredited), Will Masheter (uncredited), Ida May (uncredited), Elizabeth McCafferty (uncredited), Solomon Mousley (uncredited), Adrian Mozzi (uncredited), Laura Obiols (uncredited), Tom Ogg (uncredited), Rory Okey (uncredited), Richard Price (uncredited), Jess Radomska (uncredited), Eddie Register (uncredited), Kemal Shah (uncredited), Charlotte Sharland (uncredited), Sarah Sharman (uncredited), Mariela Silva (uncredited), Amanda Smith (uncredited), Tanisha Spring Alisha Tarran (uncredited), Emily Tebbutt (uncredited), Stephen Stallone Thomas (uncredited), Oskar Ulvestad (uncredited), Lochlan White (uncredited), Luke White (uncredited), Riley White (uncredited), Sara Wilkins (uncredited) and Samuel Williams (uncredited)
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Producers: Adam Bohling p.g.a., Brian Oliver, Claudia Schiffer, David Furnish p.g.a., David Reid p.g.a., Elton John, Matthew Vaughn p.g.a., Michael Gracey and Steve Hamilton Shaw
Screenplay: Lee Hall
Composer: Matthew Margeson (original score)
Cinematography: George Richmond (Director of Photography)
Costume Design: Julian Day
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Audio: English: 7.1 Dolby TrueHD [Dolby ATMOS]
English: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish [Latin America]: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
French [Canadian]: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Português [Brazilian]: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Thai: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Malaysia [Bahasa], Cantonese [Chinese], Spanish [Latin America], French [Canadian], Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Português [Brazilian] and Thai
Running Time: 121 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Paramount Pictures / New Republic Pictures / MARV / ROCKET Pictures
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: With the film ‘ROCKETMAN’ [2019] Taron Egerton is Elton John and delivers astonishing performances of Elton John’s hit songs, and Taron Egerton has received critical acclaim across the board for his portrayal of the rock & roll icon, leading him to record new versions of some of Elton John’s most famous songs. Jamie Bell is Bernie Taupin and the real lyricist Bernie Taupin has been Elton John’s best friend and collaborator for well over 50 years. Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, alongside Taron Egerton as Elton John, portray one of the most enduring, successful and beloved creative partnerships in music history. Richard Madden is John Reid and who was Elton John’s manager for 28, often very turbulent, for many years. Bryce Dallas Howard is Sheila Farebrother stars as Elton John’s mother and is one of the most pivotal characters in the ‘ROCKETMAN’ film.
‘ROCKETMAN’ produced by Sir Elton John, manages to preserve both the greatest showman’s personalized version of events, and the spectacular appeal of the 21st century rock biopic. Director Dexter Fletcher and screenwriter Lee Hall (‘Billy Elliot’) dodge the trappings of the genre not with finesse but tact.
Sir Elton John is a figure in music history that is truly undeniable and is a true professional artist who has been up and down so many times. There have been controversies, addictions and many life revelations that have played out in the public eye. If you’re a fan of his music you’re likely to know some of those stories. ‘ROCKETMAN’ takes those stories and tells them truthfully, but also throws a truly new spin on the music legends story. This is a biopic yes, but deeper than that, this film is presented as a highly stylized musical with flash and flare almost indicative of classic musicals in the past. But is this film different? Well, it’s 2019, and is based on a true story told with full participation of the story, and you wouldn’t see some of the material presented here back in the day. All that aside, you are sucked into this amazing ride right away.
As a young boy, Reginald Dwight is a shy, talented child who longs to be hugged. His father Stanley Dwight [Steven Mackintosh] is absent a lot of the time, his mother Sheila Dwight [Bryce Dallas Howard] is greedy and rude and Elton's grandmother Ivy [Gemma Jones] is literally the only person in his life that respects Reggie Dwight and sees what he has going for him. Right away, the Grandma starts taking Reggie Dwight to piano lessons and letting his gift become even more pronounced by the day. Reggie Dwight can play by ear and learned very quickly what his teacher is trying to teach him. This begins a critical stage of discovery for Reggie Dwight.
Flash to some years later, and Reggie Dwight (now played by Taron Egerton) is still blossoming as a first rate musician. He can write beautiful melodies and has made a friend named Bernie Taupin [Jamie Bell] who is a very gifted lyricist. The two form a partnership that lasts for countless years. Oh, there is also that discovery of something pertinent to his career… the discovery of his name. Reggie Dwight hates his name and decides to take the name of a band mate of his, Elton (of course) and chooses the name of another musician he admires, John (Lennon… of course) and the rest is history… Or so we think?
The ‘ROCKETMAN’ style is in line with this strategic cajoling of the spectators and critics. Elton John’s realises his own integrity as he experiences success on stage or suicidal thoughts in his Los Angeles villa is represented via bouts of fantasy that also finally affects his own outlook on life. But a life-changing performance at the Troubadour club makes the superstar and his audience float off the ground for a few seconds; submerged at the bottom of his swimming pool, Elton John meets his younger self to sing of his isolation. Special effects are really good and further underline the points being made and yes, he actually becomes a Rocketman and simultaneously protects Rocketman from being understood as a fully truthful representation of Sir Elton John’s journey.
At the end of ‘ROCKETMAN’ I felt like I didn’t want the musical and especially the film to end. You are completely engaged the entire time in an incredible fantasy world, much of which is all fact. There are true sadness’s and upsets within the fantasy, but it is all for the betterment of a man torn between superstardom and the destruction of a very important life. Taron Egerton deserves special consideration for taking the role and not playing it, but almost literally living it. There’s nothing fake about his performance and you are glued to him. Taron Egerton screen presence is totally immense!
POST SCRIPT: Make no mistake, this is no mere biopic, this is a sprawling, lively, blunt musical told with a truth not marvelled by many other films of this genre pertaining to biographical information. Not everyone is picture perfect, which we do not want with a film of this calibre about Sir Elton John’s meteoric rise to fame and all of the negative aspect of his musical career that went with his very turbulent fame and the payoff at the end of the film is that Sir Elton John, even now, is still standing. This film is absolutely incredible and deserved 100% all the awards that was bestowed on this totally amazing and spectacular film!
ROCKETMAN MUSIC TRACK LIST
THE BITCH IS BACK (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Matthew Illesley]
LES PANTINEURS (Written by Emil Waldteufel) (Arranged by Ben Foster) (Produced by Giles Martin)
LEE (Written by Jimmy Raney) [Performed by Stan Getz with Jimmy Raney and Terry Gibbs]
I GOT A FEELING (Words and Music by Baker Knight) [Recorded by Ricky Nelson]
Rondo Alla Turca (Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
I WANT LOVE (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) [Performed by Kit Connor, Gemma Jones, Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Mackintosh]
MOVE IT (Written by Ian Samwell) [Performed by Cliff Richard]
BLUE SUEDE SHOES (Written by Carl Perkins) [Performed by Elvis Presley on the television program "Stage Show (1954)"]
Piano Quintet in A Major D.667 (The Trout) (Written by Franz Schubert) (Arranged by Ben Foster and Andy Patterson) (Produced by Giles Martin)
STREETS OF LOREDO (Instrumental) (Traditional) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Dave Hartley]
SATURDAY NIGHT’S ALRIGHT (For Fighting) (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Kit Connor]
BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS OF HEARTACHE (Written by Denny Randell and Sandy Linzer) [Performed by Jason Pennycooke and Alexia Khadime]
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVING (Written by Elton John and Caleb Quaye) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
CANDLE IN THE WIND (Instrumental) (Written by Elton John and Caleb Quaye) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Dave Hartley]
STREETS OF LOREDO (Traditional) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Jamie Bell]
BORDER SONG (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
DANIEL (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
I GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES (Written by Bernie Taupin, Elton John and Davey Johnstone) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
SAD SONGS (Say So Much) (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
ROCK AND ROLL MADONNA (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
YOUR SONG (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
AMOREENA (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
SCREEMIN’ (Written by Mike Bloomfield) [Performed The Paul Butterfield Blues Band]
CROCODILE ROCK (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
WILD WOMEN DON’T HAVE THE BLUES (Written by Ida Cox) [Performed by The Big 3]
TINY DANCER (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
TAKE ME TO THE PILOT (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
HERCULES (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Rachel Muldoon]
HONKY CAT (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Richard Madden]
ERMINE AND PEARLS (Written by Ben Foster)
PINBALL WIZARD (Written by Pete Townshend) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
DAZZ (Written by Reginald J Hargis, Edward Irons Jr. and Raymond Lincoln Ransom) [Performed by Brick]
ROCKET MAN (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Matthew Illesley]
BENNIE AND THE JETS (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
VICTIM OF LOVE (Written by Pete Bellotte, Sylvester Levay and Jerry Rix) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
DON’T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Celinde Schoenmaker]
SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton and Jamie Bell]
I’M STILL STANDING (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin) [Performed by Taron Egerton]
I’M GONNA LOVE ME AGAIN (Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John) (Produced by Giles Martin and Greg Kurstin) (Mixed by Spike Stent) [Performed by Elton John and Taron Egerton]
BREAKIN’ DOWN THE WALLS OF HEARTACHE (Written by Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon) [Performed by Jason Pennycooke and Alexia Khadimie]
* * * * *
Blu-ray Image Quality – Paramount Pictures and New Republic Pictures presents us the film ‘ROCKETMAN’ with a totally brilliant upscale 1080p image that is crisp is crisp and totally pristine and of course is helped with the awesome 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The various materials and the shininess on the spandex are heir apparent to the rest of the transfer. You are treated to many visual delights in crisp interiors; rich concert venues and great fantasy musical numbers. Depth is presented in such a way that certain moments seem to lift off the screen, especially the musical numbers. Blacks are of the deep and inky variety that again really enhances this brilliant Blu-ray disc. Colours are lovingly recreated from their filmed source. Reds, greens, blues, and every other colour of the rainbow are gorgeous rendered throughout. But most important is the flesh tones are natural and exacting. So all in all, this image quality gets a really high standard five star rating.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Paramount Pictures and New Republic Pictures brings us the film ‘ROCKETMAN’ with an equally brilliant and outstanding 7.1 Dolby TrueHD [Dolby ATMOS]. As to be expected with a musical or music-based film, there are immediate dynamic moments any time music is a part of the scene. You feel like you’re in the house with young Reggie Dwight as he sings about his need for love. You also feel like you’re a part of the crowd in the many performance scenes and floating underwater with Elton John during one rock bottom moment in the film. The directionality of each channel is spot on throughout the film. The surrounds are used in all the complimentary ways. The main use for surrounds is in the environments throughout the film. The home scenes, the loud concert scenes and outdoor scenes are all treated lovingly throughout the surround environment. Music and other sounds pan through the sound stage and bring you right in the middle of whatever moment you’re seeing. With all the channels they bring the use of the surrounds even further that really envelopes you. Music, ambient sounds, and even some moments of dialogue can come through those top speakers and help with the audio immersion. But most important is the clean audible speak by the actors, no matter which channel the dialogue is perfect. But again, the audio is absolutely fantastic and definitely gets a top rated five star rating from me.
* * * * *
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Extended Musical Numbers [2019] [1080p] [2.39:1] [14:48] Here you get to see four extended musical numbers from the film ‘ROCKETMAN.’ The songs you get to view are “The Bitch Is Back;” “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting);” “Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache” and “Honky Cat.” By the way, if you want to experience something truly uplifting, then check out these fantastic awesome extended musical numbers. On top of all that, I wish they had these extended musical numbers in the actual film as they are really spectacular. As usual, you can watch each song separately or Play All. As an added bonus you get an introduction by director Dexter Fletcher, where he explains why these extended musical numbers were not suitable for the actual film ‘ROCKETMAN’ and he feels these particular extended musical numbers should be seen in full because they were so special, which he calls them the “Theatrical Versions” that you should view and enjoy the ‘ROCKETMAN’ experience. [0:30]
Special Feature: Deleted and Extended Scenes [2019] [1080p] [2.39:1] [19:39] Here you get to view ten different items and they are as follows: “I Love Rock And Roll;” “You’ve Got to Kill the Person You Were Born To Be;” “Arabella;” “Elton in the Gas Oven;” “Stylish Boots;” “You’re Not the First Closet Queer with a Mummy Complex;” “The Blood Test;” “The Heart Attack;” “The Launderette” and “Do You Want Anything?” As usual, you can either watch each item separately or Play All. Once again we have the added bonus of an introduction by director Dexter Fletcher, where he welcomes us to this special feature, where there is a bunch of deleted and extended scenes, which no man, or beast, or woman has seen until now, except Dexter Fletcher and the editor, and decided that he wanted to share with you these particular scenes, and he knows that people love to see these things that do not make it to the final cut, so Dexter Fletcher says, “So here is a lovely selection of deleted and extended scenes that did not make it to the final cut of ‘ROCKETMAN.’ [0:26]
Special Feature: It’s Going to Be a Wild Ride: Creative Vision [2019] [1080p] [2.39:1 / 1.78:1] [7:08] Here we get to view what Elton John wanted the film to project in showing his excessive side of his show business life and to also show the truth, but also addresses some of the stylistic flourishes employed and what is called "Elton's visual history." We also see Elton John on hand in a studio setting with Taron Egerton passing comments on his performance in the film and how fantastic he sung and interpreted Elton John’s songs so brilliantly. Contributors include: David Furnish, p.g.a. [Producer], Taron Egerton [Elton John], Elton John [Executive Producer] and Dexter Fletcher [Director].
Special Feature: Becoming Elton John: Taron’s Transformation [2019] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.39:1] [8:55] We get to hear Elton John’s personal views of when he first saw the rough cut scenes with Taron Egerton playing Elton John, he was blown away by his performance. We also get to see behind-the-scene filming in London. Dexter Fletcher felt Taron Egerton’s performance was flawless and so natural, as well as being very versatile, and feels Taron Egerton can sing like a fucking angel, which we actually see Taron Egerton singing in the recording studio. People also were very impressed by Taron Egerton’s piano playing that looked very convincing only after a few lessons. Contributors include: Elton John [Executive Producer], Taron Egerton [Elton John], Dexter Fletcher [Director], Michael L. Roberts [Pianist & Vocal Coach], Lizzie Yianni Georgiou [Makeup & Hair Design] and Julian Day [Costume Designer].
Special Feature: Larger Than Life: Production Design and Costuming [2019] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.39:1] [6:52] With this special feature it focuses on the film's distinctive look, and not necessarily just the flashier outfits Elton John wears on stage. Contributors include: Dexter Fletcher [Director], Marcus Rowland [Production Designer], Matthew Vaughn p.g.a. [Producer], Andrew Buckley [Location Manager], Julian Day [Costume Designer] and Lizzie Yianni Georgiou [Makeup & Hair Design].
Special Feature: Full Tilt: Staging the Musical Numbers [2019] [1080p] [2.39:1 / 1.78:1] [10:09] With this special feature it shows us a great deal of work that is put into the production value for the songs in the film and the brilliant visual effects, as well as the brilliant choreography. Here also we get an in-depth behind-the-scene of staging certain musical numbers for the film ‘ROCKETMAN.’ But even with the musical numbers, you have to have a good story to go with it, and also, it has to be the best of the best, and also great action performance. Dexter Fletcher informs us that his favourite film musical like everyone else, is ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and wanted ‘ROCKETMAN’ to be in that genre, that has a wonderful fantasy ballet elements to it, and in our film we have great songs that make you smile, because of the nature of what the song is all about, and in doing so, we can add all these imagieries you see in the film, that has a story to tell, and people come out of the cinema after watching ‘ROCKETMAN’ and say, “That was fucking great.” We get to see some brilliant behind-the-scene filming of the song “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” which Dexter Fletcher wanted a massive amount of spectacular dancing to reflect the words in the song, especially when we get to scenes in the fairground that reflected the period it was set in. We then next go to Bray Studio Back Lot which Bray Studios is a film and television facility at Bray, near Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, which is best known for its association with Hammer Film Productions and contains four stages, plus offices and workshops and here we see all the dancers rehearsing the massive dance sequence for the fairground scene in the film and at the same time we see David Furnish and Sir Elton John clap and cheer what they had witness and tells them all how truly amazing they were. Dexter Fletcher wanted to start the first musical number in the film with “The Bitch Is Back” because of the lyrics and he felt it suited what you see in the film, especially set in a British suburb in the 1950’s. Then we move to the next major musical number “Honky Cat” where Elton John [Taron Egerton] has become totally successful and then the start of his over the top excessive lifestyle begins, and we also see behind-the-scene filming for this song sequence in the film. Next we get to see more behind-the-scene filming at the recording studio and all the musicians and the conductor and Giles Martin the music producer informing us that he wanted the music to show elements of making you feel you are floating away in a dream like fantasy and he certainly did that. So all in all, this was a really fascinating in-depth look at staging some of the brilliant musical numbers. Contributors include: Matthew Vaughn p.g.a. [Producer], Dexter Fletcher [Director], Bernie Taupin [Songwriter], David Furnish, p.g.a. [Producer], Adam Murray [Choreographer], Elton John [Executive Producer], Giles Martin [Music Producer], Taron Egerton [Elton John], Richard Madden [John Reid] and Marcus Rowland [Production Designer].
Special Feature: Music Reimagined: The Studio Sessions [2019] [1080p] [2.39:1 / 1.78:1] [11:23] Here we get to see Elton John explaining what he wanted Taron Egerton to not copy his style of singing, but to sing the Elton John songs in Taron Egerton’s own unique style, and Elton John thought he was fucking amazing. But of course we actually see Taron Egerton in the recording studio showing that he can actually sing the Elton John songs so effortless, but is helped along with Giles Martin the Music Producer. Contributors include: Elton John [Executive Producer], Giles Martin [Music Producer], Taron Egerton [Elton John], Matthew Vaughn p.g.a. [Producer] and Dexter Fletcher [Director].
Special Feature: ‘ROCKETMAN’ Lyric Companion: Sing-Along with Select Songs [English only]: Here you have two choices, the first one is “Play Movie With Sing-Along,” meaning you get to watch the full ‘ROCKETMAN’ film, but with the added bonus of singing Karaoke along with the film and is helped with bold lettering at the bottom of the screen. The second choice is “Play All Sing-Along Songs,” and here you go straight to the actual scenes in the film with the actual songs, but again you have the added bonus of singing Karaoke along with the film and again it is helped with bold lettering at the bottom of the screen, so everyone can join in singing along with the songs as well, so enjoy! The actual songs you sing are as follows: “The Bitch Is Back;” “I Want Love;” “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting);” “Your Song;” “Crocodile Rock;” “Tiny Dancer;” “Honky Cat;” “Rocket Man;” “Bennie and the Jets;” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me;” “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word;” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “I’m Still Standing.”
Special Feature: ‘ROCKETMAN’ Jukebox: Jump Straight to the Music [2019] [1080p] [2.39:1] [52:48] Here you can actually watch each scene in the film ‘ROCKETMAN’ with the actual songs in it, and it is like your very own personal Jukebox, but you can only watch them as seen in the film and they are as follows: “The Bitch Is Back;” “Rocket Man” (Conducting Dream); “I Want Love;” “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting);” “Breaking Down The Walls Of Heartache;” “Border Song;” “Your Song;” “Amoreena;” “Crocodile Rock;” “Tiny Dancer;” “Take me To The Pilot;” “Hercules;” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart;” “Honky Cat;” “Pinball Wizard;” “Rocket Man;” “Bennie and the Jets;” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me;” “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word;” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road;” “I’m Still Standing;” “I’m Gonna Love me Again” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (End Credits). As usual, you can watch each song separately or Play All.
Finally, ‘ROCKETMAN’ truly dazzled me. I’ve always loved Elton John and especially songs like “Tiny Dancer,” “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word,” “The Bitch Is Back” and “Your Song” and many of Elton John’s other classic catalogue of songs you see in the film that are brilliantly sung by the truly brilliant actor Taron Egerton. Seeing Elton John’s life story presented in such a spectacular musical film makes the story all the more interesting. Taron Egerton loses himself in the performance and director Dexter Fletcher proves he is a dynamic filmmaker who tries very hard to tell stories in an unapologetic ways. This brilliant stunning film has a ton of heart and you won’t forget it after your first viewing. The overall package here is really excellent and is a must see for fans of classic rock and pop music. Reggie Dwight is an international treasure. He has been giving music to the world since the early 70’s, has amassed a gigantic fan base, and is one of popular music’s most eclectic musicians. The film ‘ROCKETMAN’ screams “see it!” from it’s first frames! Music, drama, and huge highs and lows are just a few of the things awaiting you in ‘ROCKETMAN.’ Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
