'The Shooter Series, Volume One: Brett Ratner'
(Mariah Carey, et al / DVD / NR / 2009 / Genius Products)
Overview: The entire career of celebrated film director Brett Ratner is brought into focus when SHOOTER SERIES Volume One: Brett Ratner leads the charge onto DVD September 15 from Genius Products. With feature films that have grossed over $1 billion worldwide including such blockbusters as the Rush Hour series, Red Dragon and X-Men: The Last Stand, SHOOTER SERIES Volume One: Brett Ratner shines a spotlight on the career of Brett Ratner – from Hip-Hop to Hollywood.
DVD Verdict: With the release of 'THE SHOOTER SERIES: VOLUME 1 - BRETT RATNER,' we can get to know his career a little better. Basically, the DVD is a collection of Ratner’s short films and music videos.
Indeed, Ratner got his start directing music videos for Russell Simmons’ Def Jam Records. This was at the same time that MTV began adding the director's name to the video. Musicians liked the videos he was making and began requesting him to direct their videos.
There are 21 videos made for different artists, running around 90 minutes. The artists include Mariah Carey (including “Hearbreaker”), Madonna (“Beautiful Stranger”), Jessica Simpson (“These Boots Are Made For Walkin’”), D’Angelo, Dru Hill, Foxy Brown, Heavy D & The Boyz, Jodeci, Lionel Richie, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, Redman, and Wu-Tang Clan. Each video has a director commentary.
There is also a sweet collection of commericals Ratner has filmed over the years. This includes his famous Guitar Hero commercials, along with ads for Coca-Cola, the Wynn Resorts, and several PSAs.
Four of Ratner’s NYU films are also included. There is a 30 minute documentary, FROM HIP HOP TO HOLLYWOOD, featuring an overview of his career along with interviews with friends (including Robert Evans, Russell Simmons, Quincy Jones, Quentin Tarantino, and more). And, 'In The Vault' is everything from early home movie footage of Ratner to a short film he made for the Mayles Brothers “Meet Mickey Rourke” filmed during his boxing days. There is another short “Beard” about modeling and a segment of THE CHARLIE ROSE SHOW. This is a Widecreen Presentation (1.66:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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