What are they? Bright Lights, 1 hour and 35 minutes on one disc (manufactured on demand, which means you won't find it in stores), and Wishful Drinking, 1 hour and 16 minutes on one disc, both from HBO Home Entertainment
How much? $19.98 for each
When? Now
What's the connection here? Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.
The December 2016 deaths of the mother-daughter stars made big headlines and a big impact -- just as the two women made a big impact on movies and pop culture during their lifetimes.
Was this hastily thrown together? Actually, Bright Lights, a documentary about Reynolds and Fisher, had already been made and a March airing scheduled for HBO before their unexpected deaths. The airing was moved up to January in response.
It's a study of a mother and daughter and their close, complicated relationship, relying on old home movies and photos to tell their history. But the bulk of the film follows the two women in their unusual day-to-day lives as Fisher attends a sci-fi convention and prepares to film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Reynolds continues to perform onstage and sells off pieces of her famed Hollywood memorabilia collection.
Fisher's fears for her mother's well-being (exacerbated by Reynolds' insistence on performing despite her failing health) and her struggles with bipolar disorder are heartbreaking. But it's not all heavy. On the lighter side, there is a tour of Fisher's wacky, eclectic home that she likens to a "scavenger hunt."
The documentary is a bit scattered, unfocused and eccentric -- just like its stars -- but still gives some keen insight into the women and their bond. Ultimately, it is what it claims to be: "A different kind of Hollywood love story." But while it does fill in some of the history, such as the Eddie Fisher/Elizabeth Taylor scandal and Fisher's mental illness, it may help if viewers have at least some passing knowledge of Fisher and Reynolds' lives.
What about Wishful Drinking? Wishful Drinking was Fisher's one-woman show (and the title of one of her books) in which she discussed her career, mental illness, drug abuse and her famous family. A performance of the show was filmed and broadcast on HBO.
It's a look at the real Fisher: sarcastic, funny, sardonic, intelligent and brutally honest. Hearing her share her twisted family tree (complete with photo board and pointer) in a segment she called "Hollywood Inbreeding 101" is a particular standout.
As hilarious as Fisher is, she's also incredibly open and insightful, so while viewers laugh, they discover they're getting to know Fisher and developing an empathy and understanding for her struggles with drugs and bipolar disorder.
Fisher's humor may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a must-see for fans.
The DVD includes a couple of deleted scenes and an extensive interview with Reynolds in which she's asked about her perspective on the show and the stories Fisher shared.
New this week: The Americans, Season 4; DCI Banks, Season 5; The Dick Van Dyke Show, in color; Kim's Convenience, Season 1; The Librarians, movie trilogy; Suspects, Season 5; That '70s Show, complete series (Blu-ray); Wentworth Prison, Season 2; You Me Her, Season 1.
Next week: As Time Goes By, Silver Anniversary Collection, Volume 2; C.O.P.S., complete series; CHiPs, Season 5; Drunk History, Season 4; Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Volume 2; Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, complete series; Marco Polo, miniseries; Newhart, Season 8; Pee-Wee's Playhouse, complete series; Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 2; Z Nation, Season 3.
Style on 03/05/2017