EdTV (Collector's Edition)

Amazon.com

The third entry of 1998-99's cinematic TV trilogy kind of got lost in the shuffle following The Truman Show, an art film masquerading as a blockbuster, and Pleasantville, a heartfelt feel-good movie masquerading as a special-effects extravaganza. EDtv is nothing more than it appears: a scruffy comedy about fame and its discontents. Matthew McConaughey stars as Ed, a white-trash rube who gets his own dawn-to-midnight TV series in which every aspect of his life, no matter how sordid or dull or embarrassing, becomes mass entertainment (it inverts Truman by having the protagonist invite the pervasive cameras). Predictably, fame makes him miserable and, unsurprisingly, he finds a way out of his predicament. Albert Brooks covered this same territory in the funnier Real Life, and it's probably not the best idea for a load of comfy celebs to preach to us about how difficult fame is. But the film is cannily cast, including a number of performers who themselves have fallen victim to stupid media tricks (McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres as the network executive, Elizabeth Hurley as a vamp hitching her star to Ed's, and Woody Harrelson as Ed's even dumber brother). Structurally, the movie is a mess. It looks as if the filmmakers had the choice between making a fully realized, two-and-a-half-hour-long movie that no one would sit through or one that clocks in under two hours but has a lot of plot holes; they opted for the latter (Hurley's character disappears, practically without comment). Still, there are enough laughs to keep things moving, and as a shaggy dog tale it's decent fun. --David Kronke

Customer Reviews:

A keeper........2007-03-09

While not normally my favorite kind of movie, I seem to reach for this movie to watch again and again since buying it some time ago. It's just so entertaining.

ONE OF A KIND.......2007-01-14

THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE THAT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH LIKE NEVER.

Save your time.......2006-05-08

Reality TV is now old hat. Perhaps this movie predicted a bit of that.

The gimmick, however, of the main character talking to his loved ones (and the rest of the world) through the TV camera in real time (no delay -- AS IF!), gets old fast.

The story hinges on the preposterous notion that the main character would sign himself into indefinite video slavery, at the will of the TV network.

I could tolerate such a stretch if the characters were interesting, or I could tolerate simple characters if the plot were fascinating and airtight. But this flick don't got neither!

The Truman Show might not have been a perfect movie, but it at least tried to say something important -- to emotional effect. It was obviously put together with care. EdTV just invites disgust.

All Ed All the Time.......2006-03-27

If Andy Warhol were alive today, he might conceivably modify his famous "In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes" quote to something like, "In the future, everyone will have his very own reality show"--which might require that one be in the limelight for a bit longer than 15 minutes actually...but would it be quality time?

Ron Howard's EDtv was not a huge hit at the time of its release, and critically, it was your classic "mixed" reception. And it suffered from coming so close on the heels of two other TV-themed films, THE TRUMAN SHOW AND PLEASANTVILLE. But EDtv is a genial movie, starring a genial Matthew McConaughey, an even more genial Jenna Elfman, and an array of genuinely genial to genially grouchy supporting characters. The casting is ingenious and almost "stunt," in that many of the cast have had their fair share of brushes with the tabloids and could certainly offer a few insights of their own as regards the pro's and cons of celebrity culture.

It's sly casting, but it's also good casting. Ron Howard's famous abiltity with actors serves him well once again in this project--so much so that even the occasional lapses in plot can be overlooked. That so many of the cast, including the director himself, are more known for the television work than for films lends this amiable satire an additional layer of irony. And also a certain validity. Julia Roberts would have been too much of a "big screen" star to take on Liz Hurley's role, for instance. Hurley, a model and hair product spokesperson (not even a series vet!) is really just "small screen" enough for her part as "a model and sometimes actress" on the make.

The notion of a 24 hour a day broadcast of one individual's life is perhaps less outlandish in 2006 as it was in 1998. Back in those days, "reality TV" was limited mainly to an MTV that was trying to redefine itself and a few other, relatively minor cable stations. The new millennium changed all that--although despite being inundated with so-called "reality," no network has offered the unedited version (so far).

And with good reason. It really would be too boring. EDtv (the movie) risks tedium itelf by clocking in at over two hours, which is a bit too long, by industry standards, for a comedy. It probably could have stood some editing itself.

Unlike the surreal TRUMAN SHOW, EDtv is based on the premise that people (regular guys and not just exhibitionists) might willingly permit their entire lives to be broadcast 24/7. Where would anybody get such an idea? The only way to sell the premise really is to have the cable network so desperate that they will try almost anything. Ellen DeGeneres' Network exec character complains that they are losing ratings share to the Gardening Channel, complaining that people "would rather watch soil." Not everyone at the network is convinced, however, and the show does get off to a shaky start. It's only when the camera uncovers family scandal that things start hopping ratings-wise and otherwise, and before you can say "EDtv" a phenom is born.

There's a certain irony in that particular plot twist that gives this media satire a bit of a leavening touch. Ed (with camera crew in tow) drops by brother's place for a visit only to find that brother Ray (Woody Harrelson) is with a woman other than the girlfriend (Jenna Elfman) both the film audience and now the TV audience have come to know. Of course, it's longsince been clear that Ed and Shari (Elfman's character) have had eyes for each other all along, so Ray's two-timing on TV is exactly the plot device that we've been waiting for all along.

Shari has been a camera-shy bit player in this farce up until now. Once she becomes Ray's ex- and Ed's current girlfriend, she finds the strain of 24 hour coverage of her personal life unbearable, and the relationship is almost nipped in the bud. Of course, even if the (movie) believes that their getting together is virtually inevitable, however, it's nonetheless true that it was the TV show that brought this pair together, and, one could argue, did so in such a dramatic way that the love that hits them could only be full force.

So when it all gets to be a bit much, and Shari breaks it off and runs, she can be said to be biting the hand that joined her and Ed together.

That little irony is certainly not enough to compel any sane person to want to remain in this intrusive set-up, and her frustration soon becomes Ed's. His subsequent plotting to get out of his contract is understandable and even laudable in that light. It does all go to prove, however, that life in contemporary, "mediated" America ain't simple. As insane as it can get and as overwhelmng as it can be, it even has its upside. Not the least of the benefits is Ed's the mega-salary (with its "balloon payments") that he still gets to keep, even after he officially reneges on the deal. The audience can't begrudge him that, norhis newfound happiness with Shari (about whom most Americans polled for USA TODAY had their doubts at first). That's all part of the American dream too. If you can hoodwink the powers that be, more power to you.

Speaking of Andy Warhol. I recall that back in the 60s, I used to be intrigued by the notion of a 24 hour movie of the Empire State Building or eight hours of someone sleeping. I didn't want to actually WATCH them necessarily, but I was intrigued by the fact that they existed. I don't imagine I would feel much differently about an actual EDtv (or a BOBtv, a MIKEtv or a SUSIEtv). Well, maybe I would check it out--for about fifteen minutes.

Strikes at Society's Secret Obsession for Fame and Celebrity.......2005-12-07

I've watched this film probably close to a hundred times, it's that good. Ron Howard has struck at the heart of every person in America: deep down we all seek fame and celebrity, but this story serves as a morality tale: Celebrity for Celebrity's Sake ain't all that it's trumped up to be. There's a down side to Fame.

Everyman Ed is selected for a True TV reality show, in which his supposedly mundane and average life is filmed, 24 hours a day. Only it doesn't turn out that way, as family secrets are revealed to the world, and Ed's life takes unexpected twists and turns. Somehow, celebrity isn't all sweet anymore, and Ed loses the people he loves because of his sudden fame, while attracting the sychophants and hangers-on who want to use him to thrust themselves in the spotlight. The Ed Phenomenon gets out of hand, with TV Execs attempting to hold Ed to an iron-clad contract and essentially committing him to EDTV for the rest of his life.

It is a fast-paced, hilarious film with never a dull moment. Jenna Elfman does a good job with Ed's tortured girlfriend. Woody Harrelson is quite a scene stealer as Ed's sleazy older brother. Ron Howard's brother has a hilarious role as a frazzled, hairplugged cameraman, and Rob Reiner is a scream as the greedy President of True TV. Matt McConaughey's performance as the hapless Ed is the calm in the Eye of the EDTV storm. And Ellen DeGeneres gives a surprisingly great performance as the one TV producer who sees the human behind this madness and does her part to help Ed get his life back and off the TV. An thoroughly enjoyable film that makes you think twice about pursuing celebrity.

Average customer rating:

A keeper.
ONE OF A KIND
Save your time
All Ed All the Time
Strikes at Society's Secret Obsession for Fame and Celebrity

EdTV (DTS)
Starring: Viveka Davis , Ellen DeGeneres , Adam Goldberg , Woody Harrelson , and Clint Howard
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Satire | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Domestic Comedies | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DTS | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Horror | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

ASIN: B00000JQB8
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Amazon.com

Description

It's the unforgettable story of a nobody...that everybody's watching! Matthew McConaughey and Jenna Elfman star in this hilarious romantic comedy Joel Siegel of Good Morning America calls "Big-Laugh Funny."

Ed Pekurny (McConaughey) is just a regular guy who feels he has nothing to lose by agreeing to be a star of a new reality-based TV show. Almost overnight, the program becomes a hit, and suddenly this goofy but engaging video clerk is a national celebrity! Everything's fabulous...until Ed falls head-over-heels for Shari (Elfman), the girlfriend of his brother Ray (Woody Harrelson). Suddenly their most private moments become public entertainment - and the ratings go through the roof - as millions of fans tune in to watch a real soap opera filled with comedy and romance.

Superbly directed by Ron Howard and featuring a stellar supporting cast including Elizabeth Hurley, Sally Kirkland, Martin Landau, Ellen DeGeneres, Rob Reiner and Dennis Hopper, EDtv is an outrageous look at instant fame, overnight success, and sharing your life with a few million of your closest fans.

Customer Reviews:

A keeper........2007-03-09

While not normally my favorite kind of movie, I seem to reach for this movie to watch again and again since buying it some time ago. It's just so entertaining.

ONE OF A KIND.......2007-01-14

THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE THAT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH LIKE NEVER.

Save your time.......2006-05-08

All Ed All the Time.......2006-03-27

Strikes at Society's Secret Obsession for Fame and Celebrity.......2005-12-07

Average customer rating:

the good and evil

Liar Liar/EdTV
Starring: Universal 2pak
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005BJWP
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Customer Reviews:

the good and evil.......2001-07-23

Liar Liar was a great comedy, but Ed Tv wasnt. Thats why it wasnt a surprise to me that Ed Tv was costing about 6 dollars. I would recomend getting it just because they are both comedys but liar liar is better

Average customer rating:

A keeper.
ONE OF A KIND
Save your time
All Ed All the Time
Strikes at Society's Secret Obsession for Fame and Celebrity

Edtv [Region 2]
Starring: Matthew McConaughey , Jenna Elfman , Woody Harrelson , Sally Kirkland , and Martin Landau
Director: Ron Howard
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00004SC8P

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A keeper........2007-03-09

While not normally my favorite kind of movie, I seem to reach for this movie to watch again and again since buying it some time ago. It's just so entertaining.

ONE OF A KIND.......2007-01-14

THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE THAT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH LIKE NEVER.

Save your time.......2006-05-08

All Ed All the Time.......2006-03-27

Strikes at Society's Secret Obsession for Fame and Celebrity.......2005-12-07

Average customer rating:

Edtv [Region 2]
Starring: Matthew McConaughey , Jenna Elfman , Woody Harrelson , Sally Kirkland , and Martin Landau
Director: Ron Howard
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004VY1C

Charlie Rose with Brian Grazer; Ron Howard; Jenna Elfman (March 23, 1999)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Brian Grazer; Ron Howard; Jenna Elfman (March 23, 1999)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

Brian Grazer and Ron Howard discuss their extensive careers creating movies, their company, Imagine Entertainment, their latest film, Edtv, and their upcoming slate of projects. Then, Edtv star Jenna Elfman talks about the film, her television show Dharma and Greg, her perspectives on Hollywood, and the culture of celebrity.

Ron Howard Signature Collection (EDtv/Apollo 13/Backdraft)

Average customer rating:

One of the Best Collections Out There!

Ron Howard Signature Collection (EDtv/Apollo 13/Backdraft)
Starring: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000035Z3U
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Collections Out There!.......2000-06-28

What more could you ask for in a dvd collection.....humor and love with Ed TV, action and drama with apollo 13, and nonstop action with Backdraft. Ed TV makes me laugh all the time, and there is a love story inter-twined within it. I don't care what anyone says either....it is totally different than "The Truman Show" and just as good, if not better. Apollo 13 is one of my favorite movies ever, and all the extra features on the dvd make it well worth the money for the movie just for all the history and stuff of the space mission. Backdraft is just a great action movie, i don't want to talk to much about it, cuz i don't wanna give the movie away or anything, but no one can not like a movie that is filled with fire and burning and pyro-technics. All-in-all, this dvd collection is one of the best and Ron Howard has a gift, and it is shown best in this collection of dvd's!

Average customer rating:

Edtv [Region 2]
Starring: Matthew McConaughey , Jenna Elfman , Woody Harrelson , Sally Kirkland , and Martin Landau
Director: Ron Howard
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004RYZU

DVD:

DVD

DVD