The Boys in the Band | 
 enlarge | Director: William Friedkin
Actors: Frederick Combs, Leonard Frey, Cliff Gorman, Laurence Luckinbill, Murray Melvin
Studio: Paramount
Category: DVD
List Price: $26.98
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Avg. Customer Rating:  88 reviews
Sales Rank: 2443
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 119
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.7
MPN: PARD887854D
UPC: 097368878549
EAN: 0097368878549
ASIN: B001CQONPE
Theatrical Release Date: 1970
Release Date: November 11, 2008
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008 Run time: 119 minutes Rating: R
Amazon.com essential video
A sensitive yet humorous adaptation of the stage play, this 1970 film directed by William Friedkin (IThe French Connection/I, IThe Exorcist/I) is one of the first films to openly address gay issues in a matter-of-fact style that largely avoids stereotyping. Shot on one set and featuring a birthday party as the festive setting, a group of friends assemble to celebrate, reminisce, and discuss their lives and the travails of being gay, even as one friend insists he's straight. The night turns from a light celebration to a sometimes-vindictive ordeal of revelation and betrayal, as each man in turn must confess his true feelings. Performed by the original cast of the stage production, the film may feel dated to some, but it still manages to be truthful and entertaining as it explores a subject that to this day is not often addressed. I--Robert Lane/I
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| Customer Reviews: Read 83 more reviews...
 Dated but still a filmmaking landmark December 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
What a shame mainstream Hollywood was still squeamish about gay themed films in 1970 cuz "Mart Crowley's The Boys in the Band" deserved several Oscar nominations. And, not only should the film have been nominated, but should've won the SAG Award for Best Ensemble Cast. There is not a weak perfomance in the bunch. The actors play off each other to perfection. Things were pretty tough for gays in the 60's (not saying life's a breeze now, but there have been many improvements, with a long way to go). And it's the religious and societal brainwashing that teaches homosexuality is evil that lead to the self-loathing that is depictied in the film, which is the main criticism of the film by many. But if the film is viewed as a retrospect of how things were, it is a most entertaining film that could open the eyes of some people, and thus lead to a better understanding and acceptance of others. As for the DVD itself, the transfer is superb, the extras are entertaining and enlightening, especially the contibuted insights provided by Friedkin, Crowley, and the two surviving cast members, Lawrence Luckinbill (Mr. Lucie Arnaz), and Peter White. ***** rating.
 A Classic December 22, 2008
Boys in the Band was/is a very funny play and movie. The humor is quite biting. Like a 2 edge sword! Though the characters are stereotypical and the story very dated the humor makes thge play (movie).br /The quality of the DVD picture is good to very good.
Timeless December 21, 2008
Even though this is an older film, it is timeless and a revealing look at friendships and relationships. It was set in a time when gays were so closeted that their friendships were sorely tested.Let's hoipe we are more enlightened now.
Dated, but a part of gay history December 21, 2008
While this film uses every stereotype in the book regarding gay people, I think that it should be seen by young gay people to understand how Hollywood treated gays in this era. While it does depict us as bitchy, self-loathing creatures, it does make one realize how far we have come in the areas of television, film and theatre.
Two words: Leonard Frey December 18, 2008
There are any number of reasons to see "The Boys in the Band," but I can think of none better than Leonard Frey's performance. One of the few screen performances that are truly mesmerizing, please give it a shot -- film acting of the highest caliber.
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