Like many concert films shot in 3D and based on a current pop culture phenomenon, Glee: The Concert Movie appeals to a very specific niche, and contrary to what you might think it’s not the entire fanbase of the show either. Midway through the first season, Glee’s pretense of telling a coherent story with a consistent story line vanished altogether and it became episodic teenage melodrama punctuated by their own peppy covers of Top 40 hits, classic rock, and ballads. By making a concert film, Glee acknowledges that all it really has is a modestly talented group of singers who’ve been trained to perform in the tradition of a 20-person pop group. For that, Glee: The Concert Movie ranks miles above the television seasons (which says little), but then it forces the audience to endure Gleek enthusiasm in the form of videos showcasing fans oozing affection for the show or specific characters.
Appreciating a TV show is one thing, but some of the testimonials in here can get pretty depressing, and it ruins what would otherwise have been a straightforward and tolerable concert flick. You really have to be drinking the Glee Kool-Aid (Slushee?) by the gallon if Glee: The Concert Movie is going to be anything but agonizingly bad.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
The Blu-ray boasts two additional tracks, “Friday” and “Dog Days Are Over”, which didn’t appear in the theatrical release, along with extended versions “Ain’t No Way” and “Happy Days are Over”. A backstage featurette and introductions by Jane Lynch in character round out the set.
"Glee: The Concert Movie" is on sale December 20, 2011 and is not rated. Concert-Film. Directed by Kevin Tancharoen. Starring Amber Riley, Cory Monteith, Dianna Agron, Heather Morris, Kevin Mchale, Lea Michele, Mark Salling, Naya Rivera, Darren Criss.
