Paul Thomas Anderson’s hotly tipped The Master hits the big screen today. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman in a story about a charismatic cult leader and a world war two veteran, it’s set to be another hard-hitting feature from one of America’s finest directors. So if you’re stuck for ideas this weekend, why not have a look at some of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Blu-ray back catalogue?
Magnolia
Magnolia tells a moving tale of multiple interrelated characters in a stunningly cast ensemble piece, with Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Philip Baker Hall and John C. Reilly pulling out all the stops in a series of towering performances.
Impossible to describe in a few short paragraphs, it’s a powerful story of unrequited love, neglectful parents and resentful children. Magnolia is a must-see movie for any film fan and an essential addition to the Blu-ray collection.
There Will Be Blood
With an Oscar winning performance from Daniel Day-Lewis in a masterful adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s book ‘Oil!’, you know that you’re in for a treat.
Following the story of a down-and-out silver prospector in California who strikes it lucky when he finds oil, the film charts Daniel Plainview’s (Day-Lewis) rise to power. But as Plainview attempts to appear magnanimous in his success, his darker side constantly threatens in the background, leading to confrontations with the community and his adopted son.
There Will Be Blood is another example of Paul Thomas Anderson’s ability to coax huge performances out of actors and its stunning cinematography looks incredible in high-definition on Blu-ray. A must have.
Boogie Nights
Paul Thomas Anderson’s breakout film and a classic of 90s film, Boogie Nights follows the tale of an aspiring actor, Eddie Adams, who gets drawn into the seedy world of adult movies in the late 70s. But with the rise of home video, Eddie’s success and career threaten to dive-bomb as his market dries up.
Boogie Nights is a classic rise and fall story played with a sardonic twist and a stand-out supporting cast including Burt Reynolds, Heather Graham, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle, Julianne Moore and William H. Macy. With dramatically improved quality over previous editions of the film and a bombastic soundtrack reproduced brilliantly in Dolby TrueHD, the Blu-ray is essential viewing for any Paul Thomas Anderson fan.
