BUENA VISTA has released the magnificent ensemble film “SMOKE.”  Harvey Keitel leads a stellar cast as Auggie, the owner of a cigar shop in downtown Brooklyn, New York.  “SMOKE” tells several stories revolving around Augie and characters that visit the shop. 

William Hurt plays Paul, a writer, bereaved by the senseless killing of his wife by a stray bullet in a robbery.  When a young boy, Rashid, saves his life, pulling him out of the way of oncoming traffic, Paul feels indebted and decides to help him by giving him a much needed temporary place to stay.

At first, it appears that Auggie is like a friendly bartender, listening to and offering unlicensed advice for his customers, but soon enough we find Auggie has some major problems that would test the limits of anyone facing them.  His ex-girlfriend,

Ruby, played by Stockard Channing, appears, telling him that not only does he have a daughter he’s been unaware of for many years, but that she’s also a drug addict in need of urgent and immediate help.  Auggie’s dilemma of having to deal with a child he’s never known, is perfectly paralleled to Rashid’s story.  We find out that Rashid is trying to connect with a father who abandoned him long ago. Forest Whitaker, gives an Oscar caliber performance, and the way in which their story is told is both daring and remarkable.   

There are some slow moments in the film, and Director Wayne Wang isn’t concerned with moving the film at a tight pace. He knows he’s got characters and stories that are captivating, and he wants to give them the room they need to reveal things on their own accord.   
 
BUENA VISTA has presented “SMOKE” in its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is generally sharp, although there’s some occasional grain in spots.  Colors vary in quality, at times subdued, and at others, quite vibrant.  Still, the overall look of the film is impressive, and one really feels the gritty atmosphere of the city, as well as the contrasting openness and serenity of the country in other scenes.  Contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays. There are no artifacts.  Fleshtones appear natural. 

BUENA VISTA has provided a Dolby 2.0 Surround mix.  “SMOKE” is a dialogue-driven film, and while there are some ambient effects, surrounds are reserved mostly to compliment the subtle but moving score.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

BUENA VISTA has gone all out for this release, offering some great supplements.  To begin with, there’s a commentary with the film’s writer, Paul Auster, producers, and actor Harvey Keitel.  We’re disappointed that director Wayne Wang isn’t involved, but the gang gathered here is terrific.  Every aspect of the film’s development and production is well covered. 

There is also a deleted scenes segment, with two scenes.  Andrew McCarthy, who proved he can actually act in Wang’s other great film, “JOY LUCK CLUB,” appears in one of these scenes.  

Wang does provide some insight into the film during a brief documentary interview that has also been included. 

Still, our favorite supplement is the “B-roll footage” supplement.  This section allows plenty of behind-the-scenes prep footage, and some rehearsal. It’s terrific!

The wonderful Christmas story which Auggie tells in the film, is also offered in “complete text form.”

“SMOKE” is a title that needs to be in every film lover’s collection!