Cheap Coal Miner's Daughter - 25th Anniversary Edition (DVD) (Michael Apted) Price

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Customer Reviews of Coal Miner's Daughter - 25th Anniversary Edition

Coal, Country, Conflct = Classic
My mother hails from the Tennessee Smokey Mountain region, not at all unlike Loretta's Kentucky. Admittedly, her parents came from a certain level of wealth, so she is not a "coal miner's daughter" but she does, to this day, exemplify the quiet dignity of a woman who's life has been marked by beautiful vistas combined with hardship. Prior to her entering high school, the wealth of the family farm was ultimately lost, causing a move to Memphis, where things really got rough. Not dirt paths instead of paved roads rough, but rough nonetheless. Moreover, though long since lost to the west coast of California, her accent and values remain strong. <
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>From my youngest memories, I saw a significant amount of her in Loretta Lynn (after all, both cooked with Crisco!). When an opportunity to see Ms. Lynn at a county fair show came along in shortly before this movie's release in the late 70's, I made it a point to be there. There's nothing like a country concert in the rain at a county fair. Sitting amongst all the big buckled men & high-haired ladies (none under umbrellas) Loretta and band kept all spirits above the rain as it fell just after she took the stage. How appropriate that a scene like this exists in this film. <
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>Further, there is nothing quite like an actor who braves, and succeeds, in actually vocalizing a role, instead of cheating chance by lip-synching (ala Jamie Foxx in "Ray" or Jessica Lange in "Sweet Dreams"). Even Beverly D'Angelo, who even won the praise of Patsy Cline's producer, Owen Bradley, for her perfect interpretation of Cline's classics (let alone, rehearsing on the bus). What a shame that Hollywood felt the need to cast Jessica Lange over Miss D'Angelo in the aforementioned "Sweet Dreams." Oscar voters should have to consider that the actual voice of the actor is PART of the art of acting. <
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>Tommy Lee Jones is perfectly cast as Lynn's adoring, abusive, die-hard, hard-living husband "Doo," in spite of the fact that her real husband was not tall - he was still towering, brutish, intimidating. He should have been recognized with at least nominations. Also worthy of note are Levon Helm (his acting debut) and Phyllis Boyens as Loretta's parents. <
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>This film is a perfect "re-imagining" of a woman's life & career that continues to overcome, persevere, and succeed. Great plus in the 25th anniversary edition is actual interviews with Ms. Lynn. And this from one who is NOT a big fan of Country music.

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One of the bests
I'm from TN about an hour from the Appalachian mountains and not to be stereotypical, but I love this movie. It's funny and sad. I laugh and cry several times. The acting is so good.The actors make the Kentucky accents so believable, not hokey like the Beverly Hillbillies. The music is also fantastic. Sissy Spacek does Loretta Lynn justice. This movie is good for Loretta fans and even those that aren't. I guarantee that after watching this film, everyone will be a fan. It is also very accurate. Loretta Lynn herself has said that she can't watch the movie because it's so true to the way that it actually happened. The movie showcases such historic places such as the Ryman and Earnest Tubb's record store. I cannot stop raving about this movie. It's a must see!

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Biopic of Loretta Lynn Just Gets Better with Age!
To me, the success of a film biography isn't whether fans of the personality will watch the movie; they will, whether it is any good, or not...the true measure of success is how the film captures an audience who DON'T know the person, and wins their hearts. <
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>"Coal Miner's Daughter" does this, better than nearly any other 'biopic', and the film is as passionate and wonderful today as it was in 1980. <
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>There are several reasons for the film's 'staying' power; first, British director Michael Apted, making his first American feature, brought an unbiased eye to the lifestyle of poor but proud rural America. Eschewing the clich�s of the "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Dukes of Hazzards" stereotypes, he cast many 'locals' in the film, and attempted to recreate, as realistically as possible, the world Loretta Webb/Lynn knew so well. <
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>Second, the film boasts not one or two, but three powerhouse supporting performances. Tommy Lee Jones, who Apted picked over Harrison Ford, is a revelation as Doolittle 'Mooney' Lynn. With only a handful of credits when the film was released, he demonstrated the dazzling combination of humor and sensitivity that would eventually win him a place as one of our finest actors. Levon Helm, making his dramatic debut as Loretta's father, Ted, is even more impressive. Low-key, but irresistible, he offers so much love and power in his portrayal that it's easy to see why he would remain influential to his superstar daughter, long after his passing. In a brief but sparkling portrayal, Beverly D'Angelo channels Patsy Cline to perfection (I may be alone in my opinion, but I prefer her portrayal over Jessica Lange's, in "Sweet Dreams"). With earthy charm and worldliness, she would change Loretta's image from 'cowgirl' to 'royalty', and her shocking, early death would shatter Loretta, much as it would for everyone who loved her. <
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>Of course, without a strong, charismatic performance in the lead, nothing else would matter, and Sissy Spacek is nothing less than spectacular! Handpicked by Loretta Lynn, herself, from a photograph (Spacek would admit that she felt 'wrong' for the role, and uncomfortable about Lynn proclaiming the actress as "her" choice on national TV, but as she was preparing to turn it down, "Coal Miner's Daughter" came on a 'classical' radio station she was listening to, and she suddenly knew she was 'meant' to play the part!) Contrary to popular opinion, she had to learn Lynn's Southern accent, and spent grueling weeks learning how to sing her signature tunes (including a week with Loretta, herself). The end results are stunning! Despite only a passing resemblance, Spacek so totally captured the talent, vulnerability, feistiness, and strength of Loretta Lynn that she won the 1980 'Best Actress' Oscar (over Gena Rowlands, Ellen Burstyn, Goldie Hawn, and Mary Tyler Moore), and is still identified with the role, today. <
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>I knew little of Country Music in 1980, and even less about Loretta Lynn, but the film captured my heart...and after 25 years, it still moves me! <
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>"Coal Miner's Daughter" IS a CLASSIC!