September 25, 2012
Katy Perry - Part Of Me
Kevin Taft READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The effervescent confection that is "Katy Perry: Part of Me" is in wondrous cotton-candy mode on crystal clear Blu-ray. The colorful singer and her eye-popping Willy Wonka Wonderland tour are on full display in this documentary/concert hybrid film similar to "Madonna's Truth or Dare." And while some might think that Madge's film is more intimate, it's surprising how intimate Katy Perry gets. As the documentary was filming, Katy saw her marriage fall apart and the result is heart-wrenching (and eye-opening) to witness. While the rest of the film might seem more "on the surface," it effortlessly relays an inspiring story about a girl with a dream who not only made it, but who also remains fairly down-to-earth and relatable.
Completely entertaining and fun to watch, the only drawback is that the filmmakers never show complete concert performances, but instead only portions of the songs or cut between the songs and documentary scenes. It does Ms. Perry a disservice by not being able to watch the entire performance as it kind of dilutes the drama of it all, although it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the film.
Thankfully a few of the songs are shown in their entirety in the Extras, which also include six "Behind the Scenes of the California Dreams Tour" segments that are really deleted scenes from the film, and two full length concert performances. All in all, over an hour of additional material.
The film also comes in a 3D Blu-ray/Combo Pack version for those that want to "feel" the whipped cream Katy sprays at you. Otherwise 2D is a perfectly fine way to enjoy the musical adventures of an international superstar who clearly respects her fans and family, and is a pleasure to spend a few hours with. It's also a hopelessly repeatable movie. Just ask my roommate who has practically confiscated my disc to watch it over and over.
"Katy Perry: Part of Me"
Blu-ray/DVD Combo $39.99
www.paramount.com
Kevin Taft is a screenwriter/critic living in Los Angeles with an unnatural attachment to 'Star Wars' and the desire to be adopted by Steven Spielberg.