Let me start by pointing out that I am not a “Gleek”. I’ve seen parts of a few episodes of “Glee” but that’s it. And I never thought the show would become the huge hit that it is.
When I spoke with actress Jane Lynch (who’s won an Emmy for playing tough phys. ed. coach Sue Sylvester on the show) early last year, she said she was just happy that the show had been renewed for a second season so that she’d be guaranteed to be working for another year. Since that time “Glee” has become a cultural phenomenon.
And fans had a chance to see all their favorite characters (well, at least all of the students) on the big screen this summer in “Glee: The 3D Concert Movie”. Now it hits Blu-ray/DVD. This is a concert documentary of sorts of the “Glee Live!” summer 2011 tour that made it’s way around the country earlier this year. The 90+ minute film stars cast members Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith and many others singing some of the catchy songs that have been performed on the show over the last two seasons.
Along with the songs, we get features on four fans of the show. They talk about how “Glee” has changed their lives, motivated them and helped them realize that it’s o.k. to be a little different. The filmmakers actually go to their homes and schools in an effort to show who these kids really are. We haven’t seen that in any of the other concert/documentaries that have come out in recent years.
Two things I can say about the singing in the film: it’s pretty good and it’s very loud. You do feel as if you’re at the real concert (and that you should have worn ear plugs). The actors/singers can really sing (so maybe I should refer to them as singers/actors).
As for the 3D – it’s a gimmick. I think you know by now how much I hate 3D in most live-action films. And there are too many close-ups, especially on Michele. And be ready to duck during the closing credits.
Unlike “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” and the Jonas Brothers 3D concert movie “Glee: 3D” is not an “experience.” We don’t see the pop stars traveling from city to city and there’s very little of the backstage stuff that goes on during a tour. That would have been more interesting, especially for fans of these performers. Instead there’s a tremendous amount of footage of regular people saying who their favorite character is and why they love the show so much. And surprisingly, there are absolutely no scenes of the stars meeting any of their devoted fans, which is a mistake.
There is one surprise cameo in the movie but it’s not Lynch. She was cut-out of this version of the film but will apparently be part of the DVD which will be released in a few weeks. Obviously creator/producer Ryan Murphy wants to give fans who paid to see “Glee:3D” in theaters a reason to go out and pay again to own it. This is called a money grab. However “Gleeks” will enjoy the special appearance that did make it into this version.
“Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” is rated PG for brief language and some mature elements (including stories told by some of the fans). Plus a few of the dance moves may be seen as a little suggestive for younger kids. The show has a young fan base even though it’s about high school kids and deals with some very adult issues. Those kids (who probably shouldn’t be watching the show) will love this movie, as will all the show’s fans. But if anyone is hoping to learn more about their on-screen idols, they better buy a magazine because they’re not getting any of that here.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Glee: The 3D C