SISTER ACT and SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT [1992 / 1993 / 2012] [20th Anniversary Edition] [Blu-ray + DVD] [USA Release] A Hilarious Divine Comedy! We Are Back In The Habit!
To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of a comedy classic that packed pews everywhere, that TOUCHSTONE Home Entertainment and Buena Vista Pictures proudly presents a special 2 Movie Collection, featuring ‘SISTER ACT’ and ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ for the first time ever on Blu-ray!
Academy Award® winner Whoopi Goldberg (Best Actress In A Supporting Role, ‘GHOST’ in 1990) stars as a sassy lounge singer forced to hide from the mob in the last place anyone would ever look for her in a convent and where her fun-loving attitude turns the nuns' tone-deaf choir into a soulful chorus of swingin' singin' sisters. In the side-splitting sequel, Whoopi Goldberg is back for another hilarious adventure as Sister Mary Clarence spreads the gift of music and the power of laughter at an inner-city school.
Harvey Keitel and Kathy Najimy join a heavenly cast in these habit-forming comedies bursting with 1960s Motown hits. Relive all the fun and irresistible music of both movies with a stunning state-of-the-art digital restoration!
SISTER ACT Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Dame Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Mary Wickes, Harvey Keitel, Bill Nunn, Robert Miranda, Richard Portnow, Ellen Albertini Dow, Carmen Zapata, Pat Crawford Brown, Prudence Wright Holmes, Georgia Creighton, Susan Johnson, Ruth Kobart, Susan Browning, Darlene Koldenhoven, Sheri Izzard, Edith Diaz, Beth Fowler, Rose Parenti, Joseph Maher, Jim Beaver, Jenifer Lewis, Charlotte Crossley, A.J. Johnson, Desreta Jackson, Zatella Beatty, Skye Bassett, Lois de Banzie, Isis Carmen Jones, Max Grodénchik, Joseph G. Medalis, Michael Durrell, Robert Jimenez, Toni Kalem, Kevin Bourland, David Boyce, Timothy J. Pedegana, Terry Wills, David M. Parker, Nicky Katt, Mike Jolly, Jeremy Roberts, Eugene Greytak, Al Finney (Dog), Guy Boyd (uncredited), Aric Cushing (uncredited), Jacquelyn Twodat Jackson (uncredited), Alexander Kanellakos (uncredited), Mário Lara (uncredited), Terriel Lara (uncredited), Zara McDowell (uncredited) and Gary Rodriguez (uncredited)
Director: Emile Ardolino
Producers: Cindy Gilmore, Mario Iscovich, Scott Rudin and Teri Schwartz
Screenplay: Paul Rudnick
Composer: Marc Shaiman
Cinematography: Adam Greenberg, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
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SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Barnard Hughes, Mary Wickes, James Coburn, Michael Jeter, Wendy Makkena, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Robert Pastorelli, Thomas Gottschalk, Dame Maggie Smith, Lauryn Hill, Brad Sullivan, Alanna Ubach, Ryan Toby, Ron Johnson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Devin Kamin, Christian Fitzharris, Tanya Blount, Mehran Marcos Sedghi, Valeria Andrews, Dionna Brooks-Jackson, Monica Calhoun, Martha Gonzalez, Deondray Gossett, Frank Howard, David Kater, Riley Weston, Deedee Magno, Patrick Malone, Alex Martin, Jermaine Montell, Sacha Thomas, Ashley Thompson, Pat Crawford Brown, Susan Browning, Georgia Creighton, Edith Diaz, Ellen Albertini Dow, Beth Fowler, Prudence Wright Holmes, Sheri Izzard, Susan Johnson-Kehn, Ruth Kobart, Darlene Koldenhoven, Rose Parenti, Carmen Zapata, Andrea Robinson (singing voice), Jenifer Lewis, Pamala Tyson, Sharon Brown, Regan Patno, Kevin Alexander Stea, John Jacquet Jr., Sebastian La Cause, Luca Tommassini, Michael Gregory Gong, Gabriel Trupin, Raymond Del Barrio, Frank Williams, Lacy Darryl Phillips, Paul Michael Thorpe, Paul Genick, Aaron Baker, Warren Frost, Robin Gammell, Revalyn T. Golde, Yolanda 'Yo-Yo' Whittaker, Bill Duke, Sydney Lassick, Michael 'Bear' Taliferro, Kai Bowe, William S. Turchyn II, John Fontana, Michael A. Tice, Robert Simokovic, Iris Graves, Pamela Taylor, Robert J. Benson, Juliette Hagerman, Christina Royster, Kwaku A. James, Roy M. Crayton, Kwame James, Latesha Crayton, Erica Campbell, Jennifer Reeves, William D. Hall, Faith Burton (uncredited), Robby George (uncredited), Ryal Haakenson (uncredited), Bill Irwin (uncredited), Jason Menz (uncredited), Tanya Newbould (uncredited), Christina Nuki (uncredited), Sally Stevens (uncredited), David Ulmer (uncredited) and Terri J. Vaughn (uncredited)
Director: Bill Duke
Producers: Christopher Meledandri, Dawn Steel, Laurence Mark, Marc Shaiman, Mario Iscovich, Ron Stacker Thompson and Scott Rudin
Screenplay: Paul Rudnick (characters), James Orr (written), Jim Cruickshank (written) and Judi Ann Mason (written)
Composer: Miles Goodman
Cinematography: Oliver Wood (Director of Photography)
* * * * *
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH and Spanish
Running Time: 100 minutes and 107 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: All Regions and DVD: NTSC
Number of discs: 3
Studio: TOUCHSTONE Home Entertainment / Buena Vista Pictures
Andrew's Blu-ray Review: Hallelujah! ‘SISTER ACT’ and ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ has finally arrived on one glorious Blu-ray disc! Why am I so excited? Well, because ‘SISTER ACT’ and ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ has all of the elements one looks for in an awesome 1990s cinematic treat: singing, dancing, nuns, nuns singing and dancing, guns, Whoopi Goldberg! Seriously though, I really do have a soft spot in my heart for this film and to this day I still think it's pretty damn entertaining. Sure, some aspects of the production are a bit dated, but there is one big difference here, ‘SISTER ACT’ and ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ actually remains a genuinely hilarious funny films. Whoopi Goldberg is great in her iconic role, and the silly but creative premise leads to some solid laughs. I mean, just look at that cover. Whoopi Goldberg dressed in a nun's outfit wearing sunglasses and who are you to resist that!
After Whoopi Goldberg has witnessed a murder in ‘SISTER ACT’ [1992] is ordered by her mob boss boyfriend [Harvey Keitel], a Reno lounge singer, Deloris Van Cartier [Whoopi Goldberg], goes on the run. Fearing for her life, she seeks help from the cops, who in their infinite wisdom decide to hide her somewhere the mob will never think to look, especially in a convent. Forced to pose as a nun herself, Deloris becomes Sister Mary Clarence. As she struggles to adjust to the nun lifestyle, she is asked to take over the church's struggling choir, but just as Mary Clarence starts to enjoy her newfound calling, old threats re-emerge.
Like many beloved high concept comedies from the 1990s, the film features a wonderfully absurd but still not altogether unbelievable premise. The humour mostly derives from Goldberg's fish-out-of-water predicament, and watching her character struggle to deal with life as a nun is quite amusing. The culture clash leads to some great reactions and uncomfortable situations, and unlike some other similar efforts, the script actually makes the most out of the silly concept with a few inspired but never mean-spirited jokes that chronicle the choir's journey from total ineptitude to rock-god status. The writers also resist the urge to become too outlandish, and for the most part, the whole affair is treated with a suitable sense of realism.
Famous for its coupling of traditional choir music with pop sensibilities, the film is home to some fun “churched-up” renditions of classic tunes and remixed versions of standard hymns. Who could forget such toe-tappers like “Hail Holly Queen,” “I Will Follow Him” or my personal favourite, “My Guy (God)?” Beyond their humorous novelty, the musical numbers really are well arranged and choreographed, and it's legitimately entertaining to see the nuns take to the stage to do their thing.
Much like the seven dwarfs, there's a nun for all tastes here, ranging from bashful to happy to grumpy to... Dame Maggie Smith. The entire ensemble, even the glorified extras actually, come to think of it, especially the glorified extras are all memorable and offer distinct personalities and quirks. While not all of the sisters get much on-screen development, or even dialogue, the core trio played by Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, and Mary Wickes are given some decent material to work with. Covered up in their habits and robes, all we see of the actresses are their faces, but man, what faces! The expressions they make are hilarious, especially Dame Maggie Smith's repeated looks of horror in response to basically anything Goldberg says or does. Speaking of Whoopi Goldberg, she carries the picture with wit and class, and the film reveals some real heart as she starts to bond with her fellow sisters.
Of course, the true highlight here is an awesome montage sequence that showcases the nuns doing what nuns do best, namely feeding the homeless, running a day-care centre, painting over graffiti with more graffiti, jumping rope, and... fixing cars. You know, like nuns do. Are you starting to see why I love this film so much? Then there's the crazy climax that involves the whole convent invading a Reno casino while mobsters try to chase them down. The sister's scurry about the slot machines while perplexed gamblers and the movie-going public and look on in amusement. Sure, elements of the script are a little dated, tacky, and clichéd, but beneath the 90s kitsch, lies a surprisingly solid story with likeable characters and fun comedy.
SISTER ACT MUSIC TRACK LIST
(Love Is Like A) HEAT WAVE (Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis and Charlotte Crossley]
MY GUY (Written by Smokey Robinson) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis and Charlotte Crossley]
I WILL FOLLOW HIM (Music by Franck Pourcel and Paul Mauriat) (Lyrics by Arthur Altman and Norman Gimbel) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Andrea Robinson, Mary Wickes, Ellen Albertini Dow, Carmen Zapata, Pat Crawford Brown, Prudence Wright Holmes, Georgia Creighton, Susan Johnson, Ruth Kobart, Susan Browning, Darlene Koldenhoven, Sheri Izzard, Edith Diaz and Beth Fowler]
RESCUE ME (Written by Carl Smith and Raynard Miner) [Performed by Fontella Bass]
GRAVY (Written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell) [Performed by Dee Dee Sharp]
ROLL WITH ME HENRY (Written by Etta James, Hank Ballard and Johnny Otis) [Performed by Etta James]
SHOUT (Written by Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley and O'Kelly Isley) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Andrea Robinson, Mary Wickes, Ellen Albertini Dow, Carmen Zapata, Pat Crawford Brown, Prudence Wright Holmes, Georgia Creighton, Susan Johnson, Ruth Kobart, Susan Browning, Darlene Koldenhoven, Sheri Izzard, Edith Diaz and Beth Fowler]
HOMALONE (Written by Tom Malone)
JUST A TOUCH OF LOVE (Everyday) (Written by Robert Clivillés) [Performed by C+C Music Factory]
IF MY SISTER’S IN TROUBLE (Written by David Barratt and William Clift) [Performed by Lady Soul]
BAR NUN (Written by Jimmy Vivino)
HAIL HOLY QUEEN (uncredited) [Performed by Musical Mania] [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Andrea Robinson, Mary Wickes, Ellen Albertini Dow, Carmen Zapata, Pat Crawford Brown, Prudence Wright Holmes, Georgia Creighton, Susan Johnson, Ruth Kobart, Susan Browning, Darlene Koldenhoven, Sheri Izzard, Edith Diaz and Beth Fowler]
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With the film ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ [1993] it also contains all of the elements one looks for in an awesome cinematic treat (sans guns), and I love it just as much as the original film! In many ways, these two films perfectly demonstrate the all too fine line between slightly dated but still endearingly fun. To further this point, one need only look at both film's montage sequences. The first film's montage made me smile, both despite and because of its inherent cheesiness. The montage sequence in the second film, which focuses on Whoopi Goldberg teaching the kids how to sing while forcing them to repeatedly chant “la la la” over and over again in different variations and I personally feel it was a joyous experience and I hate people who complain that ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ is a poor substitute, but people are so cruel and whereas l love this second film, while everyone makes out it is a rubbish follow up.
‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ isn't a complete disaster. Formulaic maybe, but it just takes Sister Mary Clarence and again throws her into a comedy version of “Stand and Deliver.” But despite so many negative views on this follow up film, I still love it and to have the 2 films in one package is a real bonus.
So, has ‘SISTER ACT’ and ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ aged well in the twenty years that have passed since its release? Well, despite a few rough edges, the answer is a resounding yes! Yes, I say! It's not exactly a classic, though in my heart it always will be, but the films isn't just some forgettable catalogue title that stars Whoopi Goldberg dressed up as a nun. It's a memorable catalogue title that stars Whoopi Goldberg dressed up as a nun. There's really some decent filmmaking at work here, and the endearing cast sells the fun material. With a premise like this, the films could have gone either way, but thankfully Whoopi Goldberg helps steer the ship in the right direction, coming away with a sweet, and funny little film, that still makes me chuckle. It might not be a must own title, but it's a damn good way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the film.
SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT MUSIC TRACK LIST
A DEEPER LOVE (Written by David Cole and Robert Clivillés) [Performed by Aretha Franklin]
THE MOTHER OF ALL MELODIES (Arranged and Produced by Marc Shaiman) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg]
LOVE CHILD (Written by R. Dean Taylor, Pamela Sawyer, Frank E. Wilson and Deke Richards)
PLEASE MR. POSTMAN (Written by William Garrett, Georgia Dobbins, Brian Holland, Freddie Gorman and Robert Bateman)
I CAN’T HELP MYSELF (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) (Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland)
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE (Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland)
BAD GIRLS (Written by Donna Summer, Bruce Sudano, Edward Hokenson, and Joe "Beans" Esposito)
NOWHERE TO RUN (Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland)
I WILL FOLLOW HIM (Music by Franck Pourcel and Paul Mauriat) (Lyrics by Arthur Altman and Norman Gimbel)
I CAN’T TURN YOU LOSE (Written by Otis Redding)
LE FREAK (Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers)
SHOP AROUND (Written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy)
DEVIL WITH THE BLUE DRESS (Written by William Stevenson and Frederick Long)
PROUD MARY (Written by John Fogerty)
ITSY BITSY TEENIE WEENIE YELLOW POLKA DOT BIKINI (Written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss)
BIG STUFF (Written by Joseph Broussard, Ralph Williams and Carrol Washington)
THE HUSTLE (Written by Van McCoy)
WE ARE FAMILY (Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers)
MY GUY (Written by Smokey Robinson)
SHOTGUN (Written by Junior Walker)
FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY (Written by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Anthony Jackson)
WHO’S GOT THE FLOW (Written by Ron Johnson, Lauryn Hill and Devin Kamin) [Performed by Ron Johnson, Lauryn Hill and The Classroom Kids]
WAKE UP AND PAY ATTENTION (Written by Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Cloud, Roni Skies and Valeria Andrews) [Performed by Valeria Andrews and Ryan Toby]
LOVE BOAT (Main Title) (Written by Paul Williams and Charles Fox)
NEVER SHOULD HAVE LET HIM GO (Written by Eric Foster White) [Performed by Hi-Five]
HIS EYES IS ON THE SPARROW (Written by Civilla D. Martin and Charles Gabriel) [Performed by Tanya Blount and Lauryn Hill]
GET OFFA THAT THING (Written by Deanna Brown, Deidra Jenkins and Yamma Brown) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg and The Nuns]
IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT (Written by Fred Parris) [Performed by The Rock Theatre Group]
LORD, SEND A REVIVAL (Written by Roy M. Crayton, Jr.)
JOYFUL, JOUFUL (Arranged and Produced by Mervyn Warren) [Performed by Ryan Toby, Lauryn Hill, Devin Kamin, and Ron Johnson with The St. Francis Choir] [Additional rap lyrics by Ryan Toby]
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY (Written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis)
IT’S ME AGAIN GOD (Written and Produced by Devin Kamin) [Performed by Devin Kamin
WANDERING EYES (Written by Darrol "Shamello" Durant, B-Wyze, and Kerwin "Sleek" Young) [Performed by Nuttin' Nyce]
OH HAPPY DAYS (Written by Philip Doddridge (uncredited) and Edward F. Rimbault (uncredited), arranged by Edwin R. Hawkins) [Performed by Ryan Toby with The St. Francis Choir]
BALL OF CONFUSION (That's What the World Is Today) (Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg and The Nuns]
DANCING IN THE STREETS (Written by Ivy Jo Hunter, William Stevenson and Marvin Gaye) [Performed by Whoopi Goldberg and The Nuns]
BARBARA ALLEN (Traditional) [Performed by The Rock Theatre Group]
Ode To Joy from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Op. 125 (Written by Ludwig van Beethoven) (uncredited) [Performed by The Chapman College Choir under the direction of William Hall]
O.P.P. (Written by Alphonso Mizell, Freddie Perren, Deke Richards, Berry Gordy, Anthony 'Treach' Criss), DJ Kay Gee (as Keir Gist) and Vincent Brown)
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH (Written by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson) [Performed by The Cast]
* * * * *
Blu-ray Image Quality – Both films are provided with a very agreeable 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the single disc presentation might alarm some fans, I didn't detect any notable compression artefacts and both flicks appear to share the space just fine. With that said, there are some minor issues with the image that seem to stem from the source elements and original photography. The prints on both films are in a nice shape with only a few very minor specks here and there. Grain is present and natural looking throughout, but does fluctuate in degree from scene to scene, sometimes looking light and unobtrusive, and other times looking a bit heavy. On that same note, detail varies as well. The opening sequences in both films is actually quite impressive, with great clarity and depth and Whoopi Goldberg's sparkly sequined dress in the first film pops from the screen. Unfortunately, this level of detail and dimension is not consistent, and several other scenes offer a comparatively soft and flat look. Colours are usually nicely saturated, but can also look a bit faded. Whites are solid, but black levels waver with slightly murky shadow detail. 'SISTER ACT' and ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT,’ always look pretty solid on Blu-ray. There are some impressive scenes in both films and I especially liked the glittering lights of Reno in the first film. But the presentation isn't always consistent. Still, the transfers in both films is seemingly authentic, and should please most fans, myself included of course.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Each film is brought to you with an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Serviceable, but a little disappointing, both films feature very similar mixes that suffer from the same front-loaded sound design and lack of immersion. Vocals and dialogue are clear and clean throughout. Unfortunately, the audio is very front centric and surround activity is never noteworthy. Some music and ambiance does bleed to the rears, but they add virtually nothing to the experience. Directionality across the three front speakers is decent, but the overall soundstage feels small and ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT’ sounds a little more spacious. Thankfully, the musical numbers and score both come through well, with nice range, fidelity, and separation. Bass activity is marginal, but there is some slight low frequency response in some of the music. Balance between the various audio elements is handled well. While free of any major technical hiccups, and also in ‘SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT,’ but nothing too upsetting. With little surround activity in both films, these 5.1 mixes aren't very enveloping. Still, the musical numbers in both films do sound pretty good, and while a livelier soundstage could have enhanced the experience, these mixes are still satisfying all the same.
* * * * *
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Inside ‘SISTER ACT’ [1992] [1080i] [1.37:1] [12:30] This is a pretty standard promotional look at the film 'SISTER ACT' production with some cast and crew interviews and on-set footage. The film has inoffensive intentions are discussed along with details on the cast's singing abilities and lack of enthusiasm for their nun outfits. You get lots of clips from the film ‘SISTER ACT’ and also behind-the-scene filming. Contributors include: Emile Ardolino [Director], Mary Wickes [Mary Lazarus], Kathy Najimy [Mary Patrick], Wendy Makkena [Mary Roberts], Whoopi Goldber [Deloris], Eugene Greytak [The Pope], Bill Numm [Eddie Souther] and Dame Maggie Smith [Mother Superior].
Special Feature: Music Video: Lady Soul: If My Sister’s In Trouble [1992] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:59]
SNEAK PREVIEWS: The Odd Life of Timothy Green [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1]; CASTLE [DVD] [2007] [1080p] [1.78:1] and Anti-Smoking Advert [2007] [1080p] [1.78:1] Running Time: 3:53
* * * * *
DVD Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Inside 'SISTER ACT' [1992] [480i] [1.37:1] [12:30] This is the same special feature information that you can view on the Blu-ray Special Features.
Special Feature: Music Videos: Here you get to view two music videos from the film 'SISTER ACT' and they are as follows: Lady Soul: If My Sister’s In Trouble [1992] [480i] [1.37:1] and Delores And The Sisters: I Will Follow Him [1992] [480i] [1.37:1] Running Time: 12:30
Finally, I'll have to admit it, a lot of my love for 'SISTER ACT' and 'SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT' is fuelled by nostalgia, but beneath its slightly dated exterior lays a genuinely funny and entertaining in both films. The 1080p transfers are both solid, and though serviceable, the audio mixes are a bit lacking, which might be too disappointing for many fans. Touchstone has decided not to bless this release with any substantial extras. While the films don't get the special edition treatment it deserves, both films still holds up well, but potential buyers are advised to ignore the unnecessary sequel that's regrettably slapped on the Blu-ray disc. As it stands, this is probably a release that will only appeal to fans, which I am a massive fan of these 2 films and get total enjoyment in repeat viewing and an honour to have these two fantastic funny films in my Blu-ray Collection, especially having the fantastic talented Whoopi Goldberg in both brilliant comedy classic films. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
