I must admit that going into my screening of this DVD, I was anticipating a horrible film. With Jerry McGuire as the exception, I have hated Cuba Gooding Jr. as an actor; and let’s face it, Beyonce is a much better singer then she is an actress. That all being said, I was surprised that I actually enjoyed The Fighting Temptations. It was not the story or acting that led to my enjoyment… it was the music. This film is a fun film that is full of some great gospel music. Not only does Beyonce lend her voice …o this film, but you will also be able to enjoy the voices of Montell Jordan, The O’Jays, Faith Evans, and more. Win awards this film will not, but if you want a decent film with great music, this film is worth a watch.
”Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars as Darrin Hill, a slick-talking but down-on-his-luck NYC advertising exec who returns to his hometown in Georgia to claim the inheritance his aunt left him. But before Darrin can collect the money, he must fulfill his aunt’s final wish – to create a local choir and lead them on to win the annual ‘Gospel Explosion’ competition.
Darrin soon finds out that his hometown is full of colorful characters but short on talented singers. Then he meets Lilly (Beyonce Knowles), a beautiful jazz singer with a heavenly voice. Darrin sees Lilly as the answer to his prayers’ if he can convince her his intentions are good and persuade her to sing.
Watch as Darrin tries to take this spiritual motley crew to victory and along the way realize that this aunt left him something much more than an inheritance.” – Paramount Home Entertainment
Audio
This film is all about the music… so I am glad to report that the music on this DVD sounds great. The front channels present the score beautifully… with good accuracy, clarity, and good sound movement. There is some decent surround activity, creating a nice soundstage. The dialog is crisp and focused, and the bass is substantial… at least during the musical sequences. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track does not shine as much during the non-musical scenes, but what is important for this film shines.
Video
This discs 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer looks quite good. The colors are sharp and accurate, and darks are deep and clean. The print is very clean in regards to print damage and defects, but there are a few noticeable digital artifacts that are noticeable, such as edge enhancements and compression artifacts. All-in-all, this disc looks good.
Special Features
If you like the music features in this film, you will enjoy the extras; since all of the pertinent special features focus around the music. Each of the film’s eight main musical sequences are presented in there extended versions… each of which are pretty good, but properly cut down for flow issues in the films final cut. Also included are seven extended sequences, each of which don’t add too much value, but are still fun to watch. Lastly, five theatrical trailers are included.
Final Thoughts
This DVD will not be for everyone, but if you enjoy gospel music, you should give this disc a spin. The DVD looks and sounds quite good, and even though the extras a somewhat thin, they are worth checking out.
Special Features List
- 8 Extended Musical Numbers
- Seven Extended Scenes
- Trailers
