Paramount Presents: Better Man [Amazon Exclusive 4K UHD +Blu-Ray + Digital]

As a Ph.D. biologist, I appreciate the stark “in your face” reminder of our deep motivations: changing the lead character into a Chimp-Human hybrid. Driven by our instincts, we unconsciously fight for dominance, give-in to inducers of temporarily intense pleasure, and slavishly seek the approval of our peers. Yet this marvelous masterpiece says even in the depths of depravity the human’s higher mental/spiritual capabilities can still transcend the rabid animal. As a connoisseur of musicals (having a DVD/Blu-ray/3D/4K collection of them numbering over 800) I agree with the jacket’s claim that Better Man is “The most original musical ever made.” Raw, shocking, and daring to be offensive, it is still awe-inspiring. Magnificently filmed, sweeping in its scope, full of vibrant music, with spectacular numbers, and taking one to places one hasn’t been before… it fully delivers. As a student of musical history and career-arcs of top talents, this is not just an example of redemption but hard won, thoughtful triumph. Yes, the storyline is, sadly, all too familiar: the top writer-performer trapping him(her)-self in a drug-induced hell. But evolution occurs when biology finds a way to persist against deadly dangers. Musical evolution (for both music in general and the individual hearer) is similar: battling one’s (chimp-like) demons to be defeated or find some way to tame them. Though the main character is still smoking the cancer-inducing tobacco at the end (yes, “we’re human,” never achieving complete victory) the greatest threat is overcome: the animal state of our own hearts. What are we really trying to achieve? Here are vivid examples of profound answers, both negative and positive… And finally, as a male American I came to this musical autobiography-adaptation with a totally open mind. I had never heard of Robbie Williams. Not being a teenybopper girl enthralled with young or aging boy band members, nor a British pop music follower, I had no idea this giant talent who has stirred millions existed. But I do know about the classic entertainers of yesteryear (like Sinatra), not just from having heard their iconic tunes but having lived and directly experienced their soul-stirring music in my own childhood. The Chimp-Man survives the trappings of fame by reaching into his own past to elevate what’s most important: the joy of pure creation, the appreciation of those one most loves, and giving a break to those who strive (in their own Chimp-like way) to break us. Taken for just its music, plot, execution, and acting, this musical is not just acceptable but great. What elevates it, though, to “unique” is the amazingly realist special-effects animal dragged out of the musical genius, placed garishly in front of everything. Yes, our dark hearts fuel the greatest creativity. We need to admit this. But then we must tame it. For if we do not, then that inner, wild animal will tear us apart. Here is a vivid, spectacular example of how to do it. As an individual viewer, I found that projected in 4K onto a large wall screen with a full surround sound system turned up high, this movie is an immersive experience. For its rich depth and scope, it is worth watching many times over into the far future. It will repeatedly remind us (as all the greatest musicals do, tweaking our heartstrings) of our own dangerous inner character plus its latent possibilities for leading us to triumphs. As individuals or a species, we can devolve or evolve. Rather than an automatic process of nature, this stunning musical shows that to a large degree we can each control our own fate. To all those who were part of making this mind-bending film I have only one word: BRAVO!

Great movie for kids and adults a great Sunday movie

Didn’t know who Robbie Williams was before seeing this and the trailers made me intrigued, however because of bad, cliche musical biopics like bohemian rhapsody I wasn’t sure how I’d like the movie. Wow this movie is the definition on how to do a music biopic well and making it feel fresh with some familiar tropes. Every biopic they make in the future should take notes from this movie! The release of the movie is fantastic also, picture and sounds is perfection, slipcover art work is exactly what you’d want from paramount presents but in the best way. The only issue is I wish the price would’ve been more of a reasonable price for a 4k instead of full base price but the movie is so phenomenal and the 4k release is top notch it can be forgiven. But this 4k and support an amazing movie!

This movie is brilliant. I’m a very long time US fan of Robbie, but you don’t need to be a fan to like/love this movie. The story is a biopic and you forget that you’re watching a monkey and become sympathetic for the him. It’s a great film that deserves more accolades than it’s received.

I have been a fab of Robbie Williams' music for years. Of Robbie Williams the man? Eh, not so much - bit too in your face and rude for me. BUT he does not shy away from that aspect in this and, though I thought rendering him as a monkey would be a mistake - it actually worked. Was a bit saddened it did not take us up to present day when it shows him as a happy, family man but.... he would've had to lose the ape suit I guess. For those who are not familiar with Robbie's music - they will be pleasantly surprised. And the musical choreography to go with it? KILLER!

Not sure why this movie did so poorly, any true fan of RW will recognize the symbolism and appreciate the story through his music.

4k video and audio is amazing. Glad to own one of the most underrated films of last year.

I went into this movie with only knowing about one scene and it blew me away. I did not know who Robbie was prior to, and now I’m a huge fan. The use of a monkey to represent him was a great artistic choice.

Perfeito

Nice

Great bio movie with a unique take. Loved that he didn’t shy away from any of his demons/drug abuse and put everything on screen to entertain us. The Atmos track is stunning and so was the 4K picture, but the disc cost is a bit expensive. I’m pretty much all 4K now, but found it odd this never got a blu-ray release on disc BUT comes with a blu-ray copy, with the 4K disc. Anyways a great purchase and one of last years best films.

El idioma español es Latino. Muy buen doblaje. Es maravillosa la película, refleja la personalidad y autenticidad de Robbie Williams en poco mas de 2 hrs de emociones.

Excelente película, llegó a tiempo y llegó bien el producto.