September 10, 2000

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

Congratulations to Dylan Tichenor, Aimee Mann, & Paul Thomas Anderson for winning Best Editing in a Video at yesterday's MTV Video Music Awards for Save Me. It was also nominated for Best Video From a Film.

Magnolia held steady in 7th place on the VHS rental chart for the week ending August 27th. Weekly rental revenue was 3.80 million for a total of 29.5 million since its release on July 25th. 

A great interview with PTA by the Toronto Star from January. Topics include frogs, the soundtrack mix & more! (Thanks to reader Andrew Chiu for sending in the interview)

July 27, 2000

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

The Magnolia DVD has been delivered to select DVD sites for early review. The VHS is now available for rental, but go out & buy a DVD player & wait another month for the real thing. As expected, the DVD lives up to the hype. Check out the in depth looks at DVD File & DVD Angle. 

The packaging will include a sleek, black slipcase to house the two disc set. Boogie Nights should also have a slipcase. Here's a picture of the Magnolia slipcase.

The MTV Music Video Award Nominations were announced yesterday. PTA's "Save Me" was nominated for best video from a film & best editing in a video. The awards will be held on September 7 at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

There was a fascinating article on magician/actor Ricky Jay this past weekend in L.A. Times Magazine. Here's the link to the entire story, but here's what PTA had to say:

Paul Thomas Anderson, who cast Jay as a cinematographer in "Boogie Nights," is one of the magician's most unabashed fans. Jay acted and narrated in Anderson's "Magnolia" as well. In fact, Jay was one of the first people to read the script for last year's ensemble film, and the young director, who considers Jay an underused actor, has great affection for him. "He's like Mr. Wizard. Whenever I have a question about writing, one of the first people I think to ask is Ricky."

The August issue of Movieline has a 2 page article on New Line president, Mike De Luca focusing on his home theater & DVD collection. Here's some comments related to PTA:

"Paul Thomas Anderson has been here and turned me on to Deep Throat, which really surprised me because they were going for a real story there. Brett Ratner [director], who's a good friend of mine, watched an early cut of Boogie Nights here, was blown away and probably took a lot of that into Rush Hour."

"When there was a perception at the office from my superiors that Boogie Nights was too long, I came home and did a marathon of Spartacus, Lawrence of Arabia and The Ten Commandments. By the time I was through, I thought, 'We've got the shortest movie in history!' and I went back to New Line and proposed a four-hour Boogie Nights with a disco intermission."

May 18, 2000

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

Where do I start? I had chance to catch up with PTA on the phone this past Tuesday. The main topics were all the various rumors about future projects & the upcoming DVD's. Here is the summary of our conversation:

Pixar Animated Fiona Apple Project

PTA thought this one was pretty funny. Yes, he has talked to many studios (including Pixar) about an animated project. He has various ideas/concepts but is still sorting through them. No, they don't involve Fiona Apple, but he promises that I will be the first to know when he has any additional news!

A Conspiracy of Paper

You might recall that various internet sources reported that PTA/Ghoulardi Films had purchased the film rights to David Liss's novel. In actuality, Miramax has purchased the movie rights & there is some truth to PTA's interest in making the film. Paul said that he is reading the book & enjoying it very much. This may be something to consider for the future..........

The Underworld

I think this was cleared up in PTA's email to Harry Knowles (see the May 15th update), don't you?

PTA does not have his next project set at specific studio. He loves working with Mike De Luca at New Line, but where he ends up is still undecided.

So what have we learned? As I have said repeatedly, most of the rumors have a shred of fact & lots of fiction. PTA has not yet made a firm decision on his next project. You can count on this site to provide you the real story on future developments in the world of Paul Thomas Anderson!

What about the DVD News? Oh yeah, I almost forget. The reason for the delay of the Magnolia & Boogie Nights DVD's was made by Paul. He wanted some extra time to ensure that the transfers were spot on. He also gave me some additional information (while still keeping a few things under wraps). PTA does not like to let the cat out of the bag & spoil things for those who want to wait and be surprised. He followed that philosophy with Magnolia, his last few Music Videos & his upcoming projects. Personally, I think it's a good thing to leave a few things to the imagination & keep the curiosity level high. Without further delay, here's the latest info:

Magnolia DVD

The "making of" documentary clocks in at 74 minutes & should satisfy all of you who were salivating for a commentary track. PTA promises some interesting & funny things will be included on the documentary. Paul is still hammering out whether this release will include both a Dolby Digital 5.1 & a DTS mix, but this should be decided in the next few days. 

As previously stated, other supplements include deleted scenes (I'm not telling which ones), trailers & the "Save Me" music video. Obviously due to the length of Magnolia & the documentary, this will be a two disc set.

Boogie Nights

PTA states that this will include all the supplemental material from the first DVD as well as the following:

Criterion LaserDisc commentary track! This track included PTA, Julianne Moore, Mark Wahlberg, Heather Graham, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle & Bill Macy! This is great news as Criterion rarely (if ever) lends their supplemental materials to other studios releases (unless they are co-producing the DVD, which New Line is not doing for this one).

Additional commentary by Luis Guzman (answering allegations made on the Criterion commentary track) & Melora Walters.

Something PTA has dubbed the "John C. Reilly Files". I have no idea what this will entail, but PTA promises that we won't be disappointed.

Additional deleted scenes (with PTA commentary) including the Becky Barnett subplot that PTA cut.

Again, this will be a two disc set due to all the supplemental material that will be included. Paul also said that he is "very happy" with the new Boogie transfer. 

Lastly, before I get flooded with emails, Paul had one last thing to say. Just buy the DVD's on August 29th, you won't be disappointed!

There will some additional extras (No "Dirk Diggler Story", "Cops Footage" or "Flagpole Special", so don't ask!) on both discs, but I will keep this under wraps until we get closer to the street date. I hope to be the first website on the Internet with reviews (but not spoilers) of both of these discs this summer, so stay tuned for further developments!

One more related DVD note, Paramount will be releasing Nashville this summer (June 27th) with a Robert Altman commentary track! More important is that I believe this will be the first time that it will be available in Widescreen (with an anamorphic transfer to boot).

One last thing. Don't forget to check out Total Request Live on MTV tomorrow for the premiere of PTA's new Paper Bag video from Fiona's incredible "When the Pawn" record. 

May 7, 2000

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

For those of you who may have missed it, Image Entertainment updated their DVD New Release Information a few days back with their details on Magnolia:

Magnolia: Special Edition  (1999)
 New Line Home Video

"Magnolia" is a mosaic of American life woven through a series of comic and poignant vignettes. Through a collusion of coincidence, chance, human action, shared media, past history and divine intervention, nine people will weave and warp through each other's lives on a day that builds to an unforgettable climax. Some will seek forgiveness, others escape. Some will mend frayed bonds, others will be exposed.


Video:
 2.35:1 
Anamorphic Widescreen 
Color

Audio:
 English - Dolby Digital 5.1
 English - Dolby Surround

Subtitles: 
English

Special Features: 
Deleted Footage
Aimee Mann "Save Me" Music Video
Feature-length Making Of 
2 Trailers & TV Spots

What caught my eye was the information on the Making of/Documentary. It appears that it may be feature length, which is probably the main reason for a two disc set! This is great news & would help satisfy those people who are still disappointed that PTA is not doing a commentary track.

Those of you who are interested in the VHS version (I'm not sure why...) will be happy to know that it should also be out on July 25th. I have not got official word, but expect it to be priced for rental ($80 - $100 range)

April 28, 2000

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

Well it looks like the elusive Magnolia DVD will be released on July 25, 2000. This according to great DVD File site. Here's their information:

In a first for New Line, they have announced their debut two-disc set, for Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia on 7/25. The set features an anamorphic 2.35:1 transfer & English 5.1 & 2.0 mixes, a making-of feature (no length specified), deleted scenes (after the main 188 minute feature), the trailer & cast & crew biographies. Retail is $29.95, which is higher than New Line's usual $24.95, but given the two discs it certainly seems reasonable. (Note: that no information has been given if the main feature is split over two discs or fully contained on the first disc. 

So there it is! Before I start getting flooded with emails, I don't have anymore specifics at this time. Since it's going to be a two disc set, there are many additional possibilities such as additional deleted scenes, an extensive documentary & more! They don't mention the trailers, TV spots & "Save Me" music video, but I'm sure they will be included. Stay tuned for a subsequent update when any further information is released for this & the Boogie Nights DVD.)

March 27, 2000

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

I'm sure you all know by now that Magnolia came up empty at the Academy Awards last night (Didn't Julianne Moore look stunning!). It was nice to see Aimee Mann perform "Save Me" live & it was great to see PTA's facial reaction to Alan Ball winning Best Original Screenplay for American Beauty. His exaggerated surprise was in good fun, as he knew that Alan appeared to be a lock for the award

Aimee Mann - Save Me (1999)

PTA says its "The most expensive music video ever shot", as Aimee is inserted into a re-created crucial scene of each of the 9 characters. Cut much like a sing-a-long with many new stunt shots that were created for the video, including one with a moving piano, tables & a spinning couch with Hall & Aimee all moving at once throughout the frame.

November 17, 1999

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

Magnolia Screening with Paul on December 10th

Here's the info from the Independent Feature Project and their website:

This month, IFP/West is proud to present an Independent Focus with Paul Thomas Anderson. Hard Eight, Mr. Anderson's debut film, was acclaimed for its complex performances and fascinating glimpse into the human condition. His next film, Boogie Nights, furthered his acclaim, garnering three Academy Award nominations. Magnolia is his third and most ambitious film to date. Following a preview of his new film, host Elvis Mitchell will lead an in-depth interview with this director, who is known for his extremely personal and distinctive cinematic vision.

Magnolia takes place on a random day in the San Fernando Valley, as a dying father, a young wife, a male caretaker, a lost son, a police officer in love, a boy genius, an ex-boy genius, a game show host, and an estranged daughter each become part of a dazzling multiplicity of plots, all linked to one story. Through a collusion of coincidence, chance, human action, shared media, past history, and divine intervention, they each weave and warp through each other's lives on a day that builds to an unforgettable climax. Magnolia is a mosaic of American life that through a series of comic and poignant vignettes presents a striking portrait of a lonely city sometimes called up short on love. Written, directed, and produced by Mr. Anderson, the film has an outstanding cast that includes Jeremy Blackman, Tom Cruise, Melinda Dillon, Philip Baker Hall, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards, and Melora Walters.

After the success of Boogie Nights, Mr. Anderson originally wanted to write something "small and intimate" that could be shot in 30 days, but his plans went askew as the story blossomed into a complex tale of human frailty and universal chaos. Although nine stories are intertwined, each character is painted with intimacy and emotion. "I still think that Magnolia is small and intimate," says Anderson. "It just took 200 pages and 90 days to get the right amount of small and intimate."

The Independent Focus presentation screens at the Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood.

December 10, 1999 @ 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available for $15 IFP/West members and $25 for the general public. Please note: due to the length of the film, we will be starting the screening at 7:00 p.m.

For reservations, please call 310/475-4379, ext. 10.

I can't wait! I have reserved my tickets and I am searching for a good deal on airfare, etc. I would love to get together with the readers of the site and go see the screening. Please email me, if you would like to do this. I also heard that they are showing Boogie Nights in L.A. at a midnight showing (I'm not sure which theater). It would be great to see that again on the big screen while I'm down there!

I am also trying to set up a meeting with Paul while I'm down there for an interview, so if you have any questions you would like me to try and ask, please let me know.

 

New Aimee Mann Video from Magnolia is Out

You can download Paul's great new music video for "Save Me" at the official Magnolia website. It was shot during the filming of Magnolia and if you missed the great Billboard article on this, please see the Update below from November 13. 

November 13, 1999

Archived update from Cigarettes & Coffee, run by Greg Mariotti & CJ Wallis from 1999-2005

PTA Speaks on Magnolia 

The first PTA interview I have seen regarding Magnolia. The big news here is that Paul says that he is writing a script for his idol Jonathan Demme, but it's top secret! 

The Patriot Ledger (MA) - 11/99

 Magnolia Soundtrack, Aimee Mann, and another new PTA Music Video

I have just finished posting two new Magnolia soundtrack (which is due to be released on December 7) articles. One is dedicated to the creation of the Soundtrack, how it affected Paul's writing of the screenplay, and the new music video he directed for the first single, "Save Me". The second talks more specifically about Aimee Mann (who has 9 of the songs on the soundtrack) and her trials and tribulations. Both articles will be available in the growing Filmography - Magnolia section (of the website).