There was a style to the original “Fame.” Made back in 1980, the kids who inhabited the New York City High School of Performing Arts had something that a good number of the ones in the 2009 remake didn’t have… talent. This was because original director Alan Parker, actually being a good director, made sure to cast very talented performers as his ‘students.’ He also new it was essential to the film to delve into what made these students hungry enough to break into the big time. Stepping in to helm the 2009 remake, director Kevin Tancharoen makes a ton of mistakes. He clearly cares nothing for the ‘students’ in this modernized look at the famed school. Everything is glossy, out of place, and very little character development is built within the confines of his ‘dance movie.’

With the exception of Jenny (Kay Panabaker), most of the up and coming characters seemed to be pulled from today’s young audience who as a whole feel that celebrity comes from simply being known and not being known for actually doing something. They are not terrible…. And they do have some talent per se in their chosen areas, but as real people they seem shallow (hmmmmm…. maybe that WAS realistic…).

The overall story of the new “Fame” is similar in that we are introduced to a group of ‘kids’ who see the New York City High School of Performing Arts to be the springboard that will propel them to the spotlight. To their credit, at least they seem to want to work for their celebrity and not just invite cameras into their home in order to turn themselves into fake celebrities. The problem is that Tancharoen spends way too much time on flashy camera work and hand-held shots and less time on turning his characters into living, breathing people. It’s one dance number after another, with cartoon relationships thrown in between. Only the older cast, which includes Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammar and Bebe Neuwirth are able to elicit any true emotion. (I’d mention Debbie Allen’s return… but I still haven’t forgiven her string of embarrassing choreography over the years on the Academy Awards…)

I will say that the Bluray does allow the film to shine in the area that Tancharoen focuses on, and that is the glitzy lighting and aforementioned dance sequences. The colors and contrast are dazzling, as is the grainier look of the city street scenes. The audio is also very strong and well mixed. You never lose any of the dialogue even in some of the busier scenes.

MGM’s Bluray also offers a handful of deleted scenes, though none really stand out, as well as a music video for Naturi Naughton and Collins Pennie’s (whatever happened to simple names like John Smith?) updated version of the original theme song. I’d like to say it is a great new version of the song… but… oh well… You’ll also find some character profiles, which I actually did find quite interesting. There is a look at the film’s National Talent Search finalists and a look at the ‘dance styles’ that are used in the film. Dance styles…. okay… And don’t forget, you can also grab a digital download if you so desire.

The original “Fame”, for what it was, can still be considered a somewhat classic ‘coming of age’ story. This remake... well… it feels more like watching a Britney Spears Concert. Oh wait, Tancharoen directed one of those… that might explain a few things.

Directed by: Kevin Tancharoen
Starring: Kay Panabaker, Naturi Naughton, Paul Iacono, Collins Pennie, Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Bebe Neuwirth
Extras: Original Theatrical Version of the Film; Extended Cut; Deleted Scenes; Fame Music Video; Character Profiles; Fame National Talent Search Finalist; The Dances of Fame; Digital Download
Specification: Widescreen (2.40:1); 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 1/26/2010
MPAA Rating: PG (Theatrical) & Unrated (Extended)
http://www.mgm.com

We'll give Fame 2009 (Bluray) a C+.