Amazon.com

First-time director Tommy O'Haver garnered a lot of critical acclaim for this contribution to the "new queer cinema." But he seems more clued in as to its weight than the reviewers. O'Haver rightly calls Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss a Tommy O'Haver "trifle" in the credits and he's on the money in estimating what his film is worth. For sure, the movie has much going for it; it's wholeheartedly enjoyable and packed with the usual dynamic that saturates most gay-themed films: what does one do when that object of desire is heterosexual? In this case O'Haver at least gives his protagonist, Billy, played by Sean P. Hayes, another obsession besides the Brad Pitt-lookalike, prophetically named Gabriel, who is enigmatically acted by Brad Rowe. This is because Billy is a photographer, as addicted to finding the perfect picture as theperfect man. His world is formed by old movies: From Here to Eternity and Imitation of Life are his criteria and the flirty foreplay by which to gauge whether or not a love will have stamina and staying power. Of course, Billy is bound to be disappointed by gay-friendly Gabriel, who is struggling in his own way as much as Billy. Full of the usual mix of second-string players who inhabit the gay milieu (e.g., the best female friend who has man trouble of her own, and the older, secure pal who has secretly held Billy in his sights for some time), O'Haver's film breaks the mold by keeping to a dark note. It resembles a Pedro Almodovar spectacle initially with its saturated look and primary-color palette. But three-fourths through, Billy and his gang walk into the contemporary gay equivalent of a Gidget movie. The shift is surprising and even sometimes funny. Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss has a lot going for it, but it's still just a trifle, and not a milestone in the genre. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Camp with substance
Recently re-watching this film about a year after I originally saw it, I was amazed at how enjoyable it remained on a second viewing. Using a style perfected by Almodovar, Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss, is both charming and sad. O'Haver's film appears fresh and vibrant at all times and it is such a pleasure to see a gay love story told not as a subplot but as the driving plot. From the opening credits to the sad and poignant finale each actor contributes to the overall feel of the film. Sean P Hayes and Brad Rowe are perfect as Billy and Gabriel.

Using a Gidget retro atmosphere to imbue a certain kitsch could have easily failed but here it works. It made me laugh and think how wonderful all those Annette Funicillo/Frankie Avalon beach movies would and could have been with a gay subplot. It was also refreshing to hear a soundtrack to a gay film that doesn't feature dance/club music. The use of Nina Simone and Petula Clark were perfect in adding that retro feel to hip and funky 1990's LA.

Billy's Holywood Screen Kiss works beacuse of the cast, the unrequited love story, the music and the look of the movie. O'Haver's has molded together all the elments to produce quality fluff. Put it on and be prepared to feel good.

A Big, Technicolor Tease
I had high hopes for this film, and was dissapointed. Granted, it's nice to look at. The use of technicolor is beautiful, and the locations are well-chosen and attractive. But that's the best thing about this film. This story is a collection of every gay movie cliche; the plain but idealistic, romance-starved hero, the attractive guy who's supposedly straight but possibly interested, and the usual assortment of stock charactgers (the sassy female buddy, the older mentor, the shallow lover of the moment who leaves the hero feeling empty, noisy drag queens, money-grubbing talent agents, ect). Of course, our hero (Sean Hayes) falls for a hot, blond straight guy. Of course, the hottie (Brad Rowe) seems to be awfully friendly. And of course, we spend the whole movie wondering "will he or won't he" jump in bed with our hero. And that's about it for some 90 minutes. Sean Hayes plays the main character, and that's probably why this film got so many positive reviews. It's true that Hayes is hilarious on "Will & Grace" and a very talented artist. But here, he's saddled with a role that gives him little to do. Because the movie is too light to be a romantic drama and not funny enough to be a romantic comedy, Hayes struggles to find the right balance for his performance. Instead, he comes off as sullen and impatient, as if he can't wait for the movie to end. It's not one of Hayes finer moments, though it's not his fault. Thankfully, it didn't do any damage to his career. Brad Rowe has it no better. His role is also not easy. During the whole movie, the audience wonders, is Rowe really interested in Hayes but afraid to admit it? Or is he just friendly and not aware of how he effects his gay friend? Or is he an opportunistic jerk using Hayes to further his own career? The movie keeps all possibilities open for longer than I was able to care. Rowe is supposed to keep the audience uncertain, and wondering if his character is sexually confused. In the process he comes off as absent-minded and spacy. During most of his scenes, he acts like he's forgotten an important phone number. I regret to say that this movie is only for people who like to chase what they can never have.

Inoffensive fluff, no more or less
BILLY'S HOLLYWOOD SCREEN KISS (USA 1998): An LA photographer (Sean Hayes) falls madly in lust with an aspiring model (Brad Rowe) who's been hired to pose in a series of pictures inspired by old-time Hollywood movies. But Hayes receives mixed signals from the object of his desire - is he gay, or isn't he? - which leads to complications of the heart...

Described during the closing credits as a 'trifle' by writer-director Tommy O'Haver (ELLA ENCHANTED), this unassuming confection asks little more of its audience than to enjoy the scenery (both geographical and human!) and to pine along with its luckless protagonist as he pursues the hunk of his dreams. Those familiar with Hayes' outrageous turn in TV's "Will & Grace" may be disappointed by his restraint as a bland, scatterbrained idealist who learns the hard way that the course of true love never ran smoothly, especially in LA. Spiced with dream sequences that recreate moments from Hollywood's 'golden age' (most impressively, an Astaire-Rogers dance routine between Hayes and Rowe to the strains of Petula Clark, with drag queens on backing vocals!), the film pays affectionate tribute to the movies of a bygone era, movies which inspire the leading character on his never-ending quest for perfect happiness. Watch out for the magical scene in which Hayes and Rowe share a bed for purely platonic reasons, only to end up touching each other by 'accident'...

Though fluffy and inconsequential, the film is rescued from anonymity by an excellent supporting cast, including Meredith Scott Lynn (STANDING ON FISHES) and Richard Ganoung (PARTING GLANCES) as Hayes' best friends, Paul Bartel (EATING RAOUL) as a veteran photographer who lures Rowe into his professional circle, Carmine D. Giovinazzo (IN ENEMY HANDS) as a stoner who offers Hayes and Lynn a place to stay on his yacht after they pursue Rowe to Bartel's photo-shoot in Catalina (Giovinazzo's rear-view nude scene is funny and sexy, all at the same time!), and Warhol 'superstar' Holly Woodlawn (WOMEN IN REVOLT) as a musical attraction at the gayest party in town! Filmed in vivid color and widescreen Panavision, cinematographer Mark Mervis (HELLBENT) uses every inch of the scope frame in a painterly fashion, though his beautiful panoramic compositions were resisted by the film's nervous backers, according to O'Haver's fascinating DVD audio commentary. Sadly, for his next film (GET OVER IT), the director opted for Super 35, which isn't the same thing at all...

Aside from the aforementioned commentary, Trimark's unambitious DVD offers animated menus and a heavily cropped trailer, and that's it. The main feature's lack of anamorphic encoding is a drawback, but otherwise, picture quality is OK, and the soundtrack serves its purpose.

92m 24s
2.39:1 (Panavision) / Letterboxed
Dolby Surround 2.0
Dolby Stereo [theatrical]
Closed captions
All regions

billy's hollywood screen kiss
A very enjoyable film--my husband and I loved it. Well acted, well written, great soundtrack. Great date movie boys, enjoy.

Simply one of the best
This film is funny, touching, well-written, well-acted and simply one of the best gay films made. In fact, one of the better films anywhere. The tone is light and it doesn't get all bogged down in itself and angsty. Sean Hayes is splendid as Billy and shows his skill as an actor beyond his new persona as "Just Jack".
If you have a library of gay cinema - this is a must have. If you have a library of cinema, this should be there as well. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

For the USA manga fans:
Astroboy(Japanese original name is "Tetsuwan Atom", which means Armstrong Atom or Mighty Atom by the author's English titles written in manga books) is the first attempt of the weekly TV animation series made in Japan. It was released in Japan from Jan 1st 1963 until Dec 31th 1966 (4 years) with 193 episodes in total in B/W films. In Japan the watching rate was usually more than 30% and the highest marked astonishing 40.7 %. In USA, the on air was discontinued by the claim of parental movement insisting the story contains strong brutal actions, so only early part of the total episodes were available outside of Japan. The original Tetsuwan Atom was written in the form of Manga (comic) on the monthly books started from 1951. The author Tezuka Osam (Tezuka is the family name) was the best manga writters in history and in his lifetime he wrote more than one hundred fifty thousand pages of manga manuscripts (about more than 500 manga books) and directed many animation films for commertial TVs and non commertial experimentals. Outside of Japan, very small part of his huge amount of work is known. Atom is just 1% of him. The Atom series contains many classical SF spirits and rich ideas. The design of the machines and buildings are elegant decora style possibly Germanic. This Atom series influenced many Japanese kid at that time to make many engineers to have desire to make humanoid robots with intellect. etc, etc, Enjoy

I never tought it was so wonderful!
It was amazing! Seen this video was the best experience. How can somebody have such a great futuristic vision? Just think about it: this were the 60's! I recomend this video more for adults than for children, and I recomend it a lot above 100%!

Corny in a 60's kind of way.
I just viewed this video and enjoyed it very much. It's funny to see what the future was going to look like from the 60's. It even beats a lot of the newer cartoons that are produced now.

Tezuka Osamu's Classic
Astroboy, or "Tetsuwan Atom"in Japanese original title (literaly Atom with iron arms) was the first TV animation series in Japan which started in 1963. I was a kindergarten kid then, and TV was still new to our family. TV was still monochrome then, still I could feel  "clolor" of the scenery. It was my first encounter with Manga... Tezuka Osamu, the Manga artist who created Astroboy is "God of Manga" in Japan. Tezuka was the founder of the present Japanese Manga and animations. When "Lion King" was released from Disney, many Japanese fans are furious that the animation is replica of Tezuka's "Jungle Emperror/Kimba the White Lion." This Astroboy series is a story of boy-shaped robot who has human heart. Classics, but never loses its fascination. END ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The late Bill Sherwood's quiet little 1986 feature film about the early days of AIDS has held up remarkably well, and it still seems much smarter and less sentimental than higher-profile "AIDS movies" such as Longtime Companion and Philadelphia. It focuses on a couple, Michael and Robert, during a 24-hour period in New York City, as they prepare for Robert's departure on a trip to Africa. Michael must encourage his HIV-positive friend and former lover Nick (Steve Buscemi) to attend Robert's going-away party (hosted by The Drew Carey Show's Kathy Kinney), meanwhile trying to get Robert to stop avoiding Nick, the gnarly lead singer of a punk band whose video MTV has put into current rotation. Sherwood basically follows Michael around town, as he visits a record store, gets pursued by a cute young cashier, has dinner with a married couple, criticizes Robert for his callousness, and tries to nursemaid Nick, whose defiance against convention, pity, and a couple of bathetic Don Giovanni-inspired nightmares makes him the firm moral center of the film, rather than a victim. As Robert gets ready to leave, Nick plays a prank on Michael to test his devotion. Sherwood keeps issues unresolved and his characters very much alive. It's therefore a shame he didn't live long enough to make more witty, intelligent films like this. --Robert Burns Neveldine ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Never to Part with this Treasure
On a whim, I purcahsed this DVD without knowing much about it other than reading some of the reviews on Amazon, and the fact that Richard Ganoung was one of its stars. After receiving my DVD last Friday, I've watched the movie four times already. If that doesn't say alot...

What amazes me about this film is its honesty and realness. Bill Sherwood set out in '86 to create a film to accomplish exactly that. It covers a wide variety of topics, from relationship dynamics, to AIDS, to friendship, in such a way that every moment of this film seems real. The film doesn't seem dated, but timeless. The performances of Richard Ganoung, and Steve Buscemi, are real and frought with undercurrents of love and emotion.

If you are a DVD collector, please consider adding this treasure to your collection.

Wonderfully Imperfect & Heartfelt
In the years since it was first released, "Parting Glances" has acquired a loyal following. Few movies dealing in a gay social context are as appealing, unpretentious, or--best of all--as emotionally genuine.

Bill Sherwood's little film doesn't feature any big-name glamorous stars. The most recognizable names are Steve Buscemi (in fact, the spine of the DVD package reads "Steve Buscemi in Parting Glances") and Kathy Kinney, who has become known to millions for her hilarious character on "The Drew Carey Show." Kinney and especially Buscemi are excellent here. But so are most of the other actors. One thing that makes the film work so well is its use of performers who are not all movie-star beautiful. John Bolger plays a character who is supposed to be handsome, and he certainly fits the bill, as does Adam Nathan. But this movie is not just another excuse to display beautiful people. It has at its core an honesty that draws in the viewer and makes him/her feel like part of the proceedings. There is plenty of gentle humor and a few big laughs. There is also one deeply moving scene the sticks in the mind afterward like a revelation about the connection between people. Sherwood was a musician and there are many interesting and creative selections to be heard in the soundtrack. A couple of New York locations are used to good effect as well.

As far as the DVD issue is concerned. There aren't any real complaints. Picture and sound are as good as can be expected of a low-budget, independent film. "Extras" include text-only information about the making of the film. An interview with Buscemi, Kinney or any others would have been good. An irresistably charming and heartfelt film

A word about 'Parting Glances' Format...

A fantastic portrait of gay NYC life in the late 80's, and a timeless testament to the strength of friendship and allure of New York City.

My only gripe? It's not letterboxed. Does anyone know why?

Besides that, it's a good clean image of an uplifting and inspired film. I was pretty young when I first saw this on cable in the eighties, and it had a profound influence on my life then. I decided that I wanted to live my life the way the characters in this film did. And you know what? I'm thirty four now and I AM living life much like they do in this film.

Now that's inspired filmmaking!

Steve Buscemi is a marvel, in one of his first film roles. The soundtrack by Bronski Beat still thrills. And New York looks mighty fine. Oh, and the men are none too shabby in the looks department either.

Check it out.

TAKE A GLANCE AT A MOST PERFECT LOVE STORY
We leave you with a parting glance at Bill Sherwood's directorial debut, the funny, romantic and bittersweet 1986 film that was a pioneer of gay cinema and that remains the best film about gays and the AIDS epidemic ever made. It is a story of love, compassion and friendship -- the flick made a star out of lead Steve Buscemi -- told with style and sophistication that will you breathless whether you're gay or straight.

First, and Foremost a Good Film
What makes Parting Glances among the best of gay themed films is that it is first and foremost good film making...good writing. One way or another, Bill Sherwood knew that the demands of storytelling come first. So, while the gayness of the characters is inseprable from the story, it never becomes the story. These are characters indvidually realized. If any straight friends were curious about a gay themed film, this is the one I would put in their hands.
You might think a film about 24 hours in a man's life might end up being another "slice of life" shapeless slog-fest. Not in this case. The film has pace; there's nothing extraneous; nothing that doesn't add to your appreciation of the characters, whether it's a side bar discussion about a Flemmish painting, or a flash-back fantasy of a marauding romp around a Fire Island queen's swimming pool...everything contributes and moves the story forward.
It's a shame film making has lost Bill Sherwood. We can only wonder what else he might have created. Parting Glances is a beautiful legacy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

First-time director Tommy O'Haver garnered a lot of critical acclaim for this contribution to the "new queer cinema." But he seems more clued in as to its weight than the reviewers. O'Haver rightly calls Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss a Tommy O'Haver "trifle" in the credits and he's on the money in estimating what his film is worth. For sure, the movie has much going for it; it's wholeheartedly enjoyable and packed with the usual dynamic that saturates most gay-themed films: what does one do when that object of desire is heterosexual? In this case O'Haver at least gives his protagonist, Billy, played by Sean P. Hayes, another obsession besides the Brad Pitt-lookalike, prophetically named Gabriel, who is enigmatically acted by Brad Rowe. This is because Billy is a photographer, as addicted to finding the perfect picture as theperfect man. His world is formed by old movies: From Here to Eternity and Imitation of Life are his criteria and the flirty foreplay by which to gauge whether or not a love will have stamina and staying power. Of course, Billy is bound to be disappointed by gay-friendly Gabriel, who is struggling in his own way as much as Billy. Full of the usual mix of second-string players who inhabit the gay milieu (e.g., the best female friend who has man trouble of her own, and the older, secure pal who has secretly held Billy in his sights for some time), O'Haver's film breaks the mold by keeping to a dark note. It resembles a Pedro Almodovar spectacle initially with its saturated look and primary-color palette. But three-fourths through, Billy and his gang walk into the contemporary gay equivalent of a Gidget movie. The shift is surprising and even sometimes funny. Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss has a lot going for it, but it's still just a trifle, and not a milestone in the genre. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Camp with substance
Recently re-watching this film about a year after I originally saw it, I was amazed at how enjoyable it remained on a second viewing. Using a style perfected by Almodovar, Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss, is both charming and sad. O'Haver's film appears fresh and vibrant at all times and it is such a pleasure to see a gay love story told not as a subplot but as the driving plot. From the opening credits to the sad and poignant finale each actor contributes to the overall feel of the film. Sean P Hayes and Brad Rowe are perfect as Billy and Gabriel.

Using a Gidget retro atmosphere to imbue a certain kitsch could have easily failed but here it works. It made me laugh and think how wonderful all those Annette Funicillo/Frankie Avalon beach movies would and could have been with a gay subplot. It was also refreshing to hear a soundtrack to a gay film that doesn't feature dance/club music. The use of Nina Simone and Petula Clark were perfect in adding that retro feel to hip and funky 1990's LA.

Billy's Holywood Screen Kiss works beacuse of the cast, the unrequited love story, the music and the look of the movie. O'Haver's has molded together all the elments to produce quality fluff. Put it on and be prepared to feel good.

A Big, Technicolor Tease
I had high hopes for this film, and was dissapointed. Granted, it's nice to look at. The use of technicolor is beautiful, and the locations are well-chosen and attractive. But that's the best thing about this film. This story is a collection of every gay movie cliche; the plain but idealistic, romance-starved hero, the attractive guy who's supposedly straight but possibly interested, and the usual assortment of stock charactgers (the sassy female buddy, the older mentor, the shallow lover of the moment who leaves the hero feeling empty, noisy drag queens, money-grubbing talent agents, ect). Of course, our hero (Sean Hayes) falls for a hot, blond straight guy. Of course, the hottie (Brad Rowe) seems to be awfully friendly. And of course, we spend the whole movie wondering "will he or won't he" jump in bed with our hero. And that's about it for some 90 minutes. Sean Hayes plays the main character, and that's probably why this film got so many positive reviews. It's true that Hayes is hilarious on "Will & Grace" and a very talented artist. But here, he's saddled with a role that gives him little to do. Because the movie is too light to be a romantic drama and not funny enough to be a romantic comedy, Hayes struggles to find the right balance for his performance. Instead, he comes off as sullen and impatient, as if he can't wait for the movie to end. It's not one of Hayes finer moments, though it's not his fault. Thankfully, it didn't do any damage to his career. Brad Rowe has it no better. His role is also not easy. During the whole movie, the audience wonders, is Rowe really interested in Hayes but afraid to admit it? Or is he just friendly and not aware of how he effects his gay friend? Or is he an opportunistic jerk using Hayes to further his own career? The movie keeps all possibilities open for longer than I was able to care. Rowe is supposed to keep the audience uncertain, and wondering if his character is sexually confused. In the process he comes off as absent-minded and spacy. During most of his scenes, he acts like he's forgotten an important phone number. I regret to say that this movie is only for people who like to chase what they can never have.

Inoffensive fluff, no more or less
BILLY'S HOLLYWOOD SCREEN KISS (USA 1998): An LA photographer (Sean Hayes) falls madly in lust with an aspiring model (Brad Rowe) who's been hired to pose in a series of pictures inspired by old-time Hollywood movies. But Hayes receives mixed signals from the object of his desire - is he gay, or isn't he? - which leads to complications of the heart...

Described during the closing credits as a 'trifle' by writer-director Tommy O'Haver (ELLA ENCHANTED), this unassuming confection asks little more of its audience than to enjoy the scenery (both geographical and human!) and to pine along with its luckless protagonist as he pursues the hunk of his dreams. Those familiar with Hayes' outrageous turn in TV's "Will & Grace" may be disappointed by his restraint as a bland, scatterbrained idealist who learns the hard way that the course of true love never ran smoothly, especially in LA. Spiced with dream sequences that recreate moments from Hollywood's 'golden age' (most impressively, an Astaire-Rogers dance routine between Hayes and Rowe to the strains of Petula Clark, with drag queens on backing vocals!), the film pays affectionate tribute to the movies of a bygone era, movies which inspire the leading character on his never-ending quest for perfect happiness. Watch out for the magical scene in which Hayes and Rowe share a bed for purely platonic reasons, only to end up touching each other by 'accident'...

Though fluffy and inconsequential, the film is rescued from anonymity by an excellent supporting cast, including Meredith Scott Lynn (STANDING ON FISHES) and Richard Ganoung (PARTING GLANCES) as Hayes' best friends, Paul Bartel (EATING RAOUL) as a veteran photographer who lures Rowe into his professional circle, Carmine D. Giovinazzo (IN ENEMY HANDS) as a stoner who offers Hayes and Lynn a place to stay on his yacht after they pursue Rowe to Bartel's photo-shoot in Catalina (Giovinazzo's rear-view nude scene is funny and sexy, all at the same time!), and Warhol 'superstar' Holly Woodlawn (WOMEN IN REVOLT) as a musical attraction at the gayest party in town! Filmed in vivid color and widescreen Panavision, cinematographer Mark Mervis (HELLBENT) uses every inch of the scope frame in a painterly fashion, though his beautiful panoramic compositions were resisted by the film's nervous backers, according to O'Haver's fascinating DVD audio commentary. Sadly, for his next film (GET OVER IT), the director opted for Super 35, which isn't the same thing at all...

Aside from the aforementioned commentary, Trimark's unambitious DVD offers animated menus and a heavily cropped trailer, and that's it. The main feature's lack of anamorphic encoding is a drawback, but otherwise, picture quality is OK, and the soundtrack serves its purpose.

92m 24s
2.39:1 (Panavision) / Letterboxed
Dolby Surround 2.0
Dolby Stereo [theatrical]
Closed captions
All regions

billy's hollywood screen kiss
A very enjoyable film--my husband and I loved it. Well acted, well written, great soundtrack. Great date movie boys, enjoy.

Simply one of the best
This film is funny, touching, well-written, well-acted and simply one of the best gay films made. In fact, one of the better films anywhere. The tone is light and it doesn't get all bogged down in itself and angsty. Sean Hayes is splendid as Billy and shows his skill as an actor beyond his new persona as "Just Jack".
If you have a library of gay cinema - this is a must have. If you have a library of cinema, this should be there as well. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Never to Part with this Treasure
On a whim, I purcahsed this DVD without knowing much about it other than reading some of the reviews on Amazon, and the fact that Richard Ganoung was one of its stars. After receiving my DVD last Friday, I've watched the movie four times already. If that doesn't say alot...

What amazes me about this film is its honesty and realness. Bill Sherwood set out in '86 to create a film to accomplish exactly that. It covers a wide variety of topics, from relationship dynamics, to AIDS, to friendship, in such a way that every moment of this film seems real. The film doesn't seem dated, but timeless. The performances of Richard Ganoung, and Steve Buscemi, are real and frought with undercurrents of love and emotion.

If you are a DVD collector, please consider adding this treasure to your collection.

Wonderfully Imperfect & Heartfelt
In the years since it was first released, "Parting Glances" has acquired a loyal following. Few movies dealing in a gay social context are as appealing, unpretentious, or--best of all--as emotionally genuine.

Bill Sherwood's little film doesn't feature any big-name glamorous stars. The most recognizable names are Steve Buscemi (in fact, the spine of the DVD package reads "Steve Buscemi in Parting Glances") and Kathy Kinney, who has become known to millions for her hilarious character on "The Drew Carey Show." Kinney and especially Buscemi are excellent here. But so are most of the other actors. One thing that makes the film work so well is its use of performers who are not all movie-star beautiful. John Bolger plays a character who is supposed to be handsome, and he certainly fits the bill, as does Adam Nathan. But this movie is not just another excuse to display beautiful people. It has at its core an honesty that draws in the viewer and makes him/her feel like part of the proceedings. There is plenty of gentle humor and a few big laughs. There is also one deeply moving scene the sticks in the mind afterward like a revelation about the connection between people. Sherwood was a musician and there are many interesting and creative selections to be heard in the soundtrack. A couple of New York locations are used to good effect as well.

As far as the DVD issue is concerned. There aren't any real complaints. Picture and sound are as good as can be expected of a low-budget, independent film. "Extras" include text-only information about the making of the film. An interview with Buscemi, Kinney or any others would have been good. An irresistably charming and heartfelt film

A word about 'Parting Glances' Format...

A fantastic portrait of gay NYC life in the late 80's, and a timeless testament to the strength of friendship and allure of New York City.

My only gripe? It's not letterboxed. Does anyone know why?

Besides that, it's a good clean image of an uplifting and inspired film. I was pretty young when I first saw this on cable in the eighties, and it had a profound influence on my life then. I decided that I wanted to live my life the way the characters in this film did. And you know what? I'm thirty four now and I AM living life much like they do in this film.

Now that's inspired filmmaking!

Steve Buscemi is a marvel, in one of his first film roles. The soundtrack by Bronski Beat still thrills. And New York looks mighty fine. Oh, and the men are none too shabby in the looks department either.

Check it out.

TAKE A GLANCE AT A MOST PERFECT LOVE STORY
We leave you with a parting glance at Bill Sherwood's directorial debut, the funny, romantic and bittersweet 1986 film that was a pioneer of gay cinema and that remains the best film about gays and the AIDS epidemic ever made. It is a story of love, compassion and friendship -- the flick made a star out of lead Steve Buscemi -- told with style and sophistication that will you breathless whether you're gay or straight.

First, and Foremost a Good Film
What makes Parting Glances among the best of gay themed films is that it is first and foremost good film making...good writing. One way or another, Bill Sherwood knew that the demands of storytelling come first. So, while the gayness of the characters is inseprable from the story, it never becomes the story. These are characters indvidually realized. If any straight friends were curious about a gay themed film, this is the one I would put in their hands.
You might think a film about 24 hours in a man's life might end up being another "slice of life" shapeless slog-fest. Not in this case. The film has pace; there's nothing extraneous; nothing that doesn't add to your appreciation of the characters, whether it's a side bar discussion about a Flemmish painting, or a flash-back fantasy of a marauding romp around a Fire Island queen's swimming pool...everything contributes and moves the story forward.
It's a shame film making has lost Bill Sherwood. We can only wonder what else he might have created. Parting Glances is a beautiful legacy. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Never to Part with this Treasure
On a whim, I purcahsed this DVD without knowing much about it other than reading some of the reviews on Amazon, and the fact that Richard Ganoung was one of its stars. After receiving my DVD last Friday, I've watched the movie four times already. If that doesn't say alot...

What amazes me about this film is its honesty and realness. Bill Sherwood set out in '86 to create a film to accomplish exactly that. It covers a wide variety of topics, from relationship dynamics, to AIDS, to friendship, in such a way that every moment of this film seems real. The film doesn't seem dated, but timeless. The performances of Richard Ganoung, and Steve Buscemi, are real and frought with undercurrents of love and emotion.

If you are a DVD collector, please consider adding this treasure to your collection.

Wonderfully Imperfect & Heartfelt
In the years since it was first released, "Parting Glances" has acquired a loyal following. Few movies dealing in a gay social context are as appealing, unpretentious, or--best of all--as emotionally genuine.

Bill Sherwood's little film doesn't feature any big-name glamorous stars. The most recognizable names are Steve Buscemi (in fact, the spine of the DVD package reads "Steve Buscemi in Parting Glances") and Kathy Kinney, who has become known to millions for her hilarious character on "The Drew Carey Show." Kinney and especially Buscemi are excellent here. But so are most of the other actors. One thing that makes the film work so well is its use of performers who are not all movie-star beautiful. John Bolger plays a character who is supposed to be handsome, and he certainly fits the bill, as does Adam Nathan. But this movie is not just another excuse to display beautiful people. It has at its core an honesty that draws in the viewer and makes him/her feel like part of the proceedings. There is plenty of gentle humor and a few big laughs. There is also one deeply moving scene the sticks in the mind afterward like a revelation about the connection between people. Sherwood was a musician and there are many interesting and creative selections to be heard in the soundtrack. A couple of New York locations are used to good effect as well.

As far as the DVD issue is concerned. There aren't any real complaints. Picture and sound are as good as can be expected of a low-budget, independent film. "Extras" include text-only information about the making of the film. An interview with Buscemi, Kinney or any others would have been good. An irresistably charming and heartfelt film

A word about 'Parting Glances' Format...

A fantastic portrait of gay NYC life in the late 80's, and a timeless testament to the strength of friendship and allure of New York City.

My only gripe? It's not letterboxed. Does anyone know why?

Besides that, it's a good clean image of an uplifting and inspired film. I was pretty young when I first saw this on cable in the eighties, and it had a profound influence on my life then. I decided that I wanted to live my life the way the characters in this film did. And you know what? I'm thirty four now and I AM living life much like they do in this film.

Now that's inspired filmmaking!

Steve Buscemi is a marvel, in one of his first film roles. The soundtrack by Bronski Beat still thrills. And New York looks mighty fine. Oh, and the men are none too shabby in the looks department either.

Check it out.

TAKE A GLANCE AT A MOST PERFECT LOVE STORY
We leave you with a parting glance at Bill Sherwood's directorial debut, the funny, romantic and bittersweet 1986 film that was a pioneer of gay cinema and that remains the best film about gays and the AIDS epidemic ever made. It is a story of love, compassion and friendship -- the flick made a star out of lead Steve Buscemi -- told with style and sophistication that will you breathless whether you're gay or straight.

First, and Foremost a Good Film
What makes Parting Glances among the best of gay themed films is that it is first and foremost good film making...good writing. One way or another, Bill Sherwood knew that the demands of storytelling come first. So, while the gayness of the characters is inseprable from the story, it never becomes the story. These are characters indvidually realized. If any straight friends were curious about a gay themed film, this is the one I would put in their hands.
You might think a film about 24 hours in a man's life might end up being another "slice of life" shapeless slog-fest. Not in this case. The film has pace; there's nothing extraneous; nothing that doesn't add to your appreciation of the characters, whether it's a side bar discussion about a Flemmish painting, or a flash-back fantasy of a marauding romp around a Fire Island queen's swimming pool...everything contributes and moves the story forward.
It's a shame film making has lost Bill Sherwood. We can only wonder what else he might have created. Parting Glances is a beautiful legacy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amazing Astroboy
While it was released in the 1960's, Astroboy contains thematic elements that seem more pertinant in today's ultra technological age. Astroboy's stories had dark aesthetic appeal that seemed more well suited to a mature audience than kids. Made with foreboding, ideologically implicit themes on artificial intelligence, discrimination, societal unrest and more, Astroboy is unbelievably powerful for animation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Astroboy #2 - First Love/Save the Carolina/Fighting Aliens
The version of astroboy vol. 2 that I have does not have a title, but does feature 3 episodes on the video. The are titled first love, save the carolina 3, and fighting aliens. Astroboy is a very unique character/cartoon in a sense that in almost every episode there is a war going on, or fighting, or spaceships shooting eachother, etc. yet, it aims to promote peace and harmony. althought i am in my early twenties, i had some trouble following the storyline of many an episode, and it beats my how little kids were meant to make sense of this. The storyboard is usually all over the place, and the language they use is definitely not for anyone below the age of ten.

Astroboy has become quite a cult-icon in recent years. He abounds on everything from keyrings to glasses to t shirts to everything else u can think of. If you find yourself getting into the astroboy scene, then this video is definitely for you. You'll love all the trademarks of astroboy and the cartoons. He's the only cartoon hero i know who actually HAS his girlfriend's legs! He's the only cartoon hero that can shoot bullets out of his underpants/hip! There are so many more little weird additions.. and i wont spoil them for you. Just get this video, it is very entertaining and well worth it... definitely something to cherish. Four Stars. ... Read more