The Fabelmans (Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital)

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Much has been written about the autobiographical nature of The Fabelmans, director Steven Spielberg's thinly - and I mean thinly- veiled account of his childhood, middle-class family, and early passion for moviemaking. The names have been changed, but almost every episode in this elegantly crafted, deeply personal film comes straight out of Spielberg's formative years. Some of the vignettes feel a little self-indulgent, but Spielberg makes sure The Fabelmans is not just about his family, but about all our families and the dynamics, tensions, and agendas that shape each and every one. It's not a perfect film. It's not even one of Spielberg's best films. But the truth and reverence that course through it make it relatable and ensure its inclusion on the short list of this iconic director's most famous and enduring works. The Fabelmans is a coming-of-age film, a time capsule of the 1950s and 1960s, a character study of strong-willed individuals, and a valentine to the magic of moviemaking. Impeccably cast, well written, and beautifully shot, it takes its inspiration from Spielberg’s early years while dealing with the highs and lows of an American family. He’s loaded enough and has a big enough name that he can make a passion project and get away with it, most directors can’t do that. They either have to go indie with a low budget or get squeezed by the studios. I doubt he cares that it bombed. Lots of movies ranging from good to great to masterpieces bombed too. lens sees, but how it reflects his life beyond the mere capture of a moment. One of the film's key plot points, it would seem, is as much in how Spielberg has talked openly about his young life which came with good and bad times, much like everyone else's. In 1999, Spielberg wanted to write a film with his sister but didn't want to make his parents or other family upset. Then several years later, things started to take form for this film and since then, the ideas have inspired The Fabelmanswhich follow a young boy named Sam Fabelman (the impressive Gabriel LaBelle) who is essentially playing Spielberg in grade school. His parents Mitzi and Burt Fabelman (Michelle Williams and Paul Dano) have a close-knit family with three other daughters and their faux-uncle Benny (Seth Rogen).

Judd Hirsch has only one scene in The Fabelmans but makes the most of it. With a heavy Eastern European accent, broad hand gestures, and an impassioned delivery, he embodies a true individualist. Boris is the family outlier—the one who dared to traverse an unusual path and join the circus. Boris understands that Sammy’s creativity must be nurtured. Hirsch’s performance is both humorous and touching.THE FABELMANS: A Personal Journey - Steven Spielberg reflects on how THE FABELMANS is inspired by his own personal story and family. hmv First Edition - a limited run with exclusive key art and added extras along with the movie on 4K Ultra HD.

Languages/Sound: English (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital 5.1), Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1)Crafting the World of The Fabelmans – Key crew personnel, including the production designer, costume designer, director of photography, and editor discuss their contributions to the film and their working relationship with Spielberg. Special attention is paid to musical scorer John Williams, then 90 years old, who has been collaborating with Spielberg for 50 years. Spielberg declares that The Fabelmans is the “most personal movie of my career.” There comes a point in everyone’s life, no matter what the profession, when you’ve succeeded. You’ve made it. There’s not a lot left to prove. Steven Spielberg crossed that bridge about 30 years ago, but he continues to make films that are both commercially satisfying as well as deeply personal. With The Fabelmans, it’s more of the latter (for obvious reasons), but it didn’t strike me as some of the typical over-sentimentalized junk that Spielberg has thrown our way over the years. That said it does feel a bit manufactured. It feels like the type of film that was made to win awards. It’s a got a great cast led by Michelle Williams and Paul Dano (yes, the awkward teen from Little Miss Sunshine is now playing roles as a father). Likely audiences know what to expect from a film like this and I’m guessing if it’s up your alley, it’ll deliver. Video: How’s it look?