"Dreamgirls": Film: A | Extras: A

Five months after its theatrical release, what's there left to say about "Dreamgirls" that hasn't already been said? By now we all know Jennifer Hudson is awesome, Eddie Murphy was robbed of his Oscar, and everyone was shocked when the movie was snubbed from the big category. Back in February, I agreed it didn't deserve to be a contender for the top race. With a second viewing, I have to ask myself, what the hell was I thinking?\nBased on the hit Broadway musical, "Dreamgirls" is a "Behind the Music"-style telling of the rise of a '60s girl group. Starting out as back-up singers, the women eventually get their own group due to their manager's desire to cross-over into the world of white pop music (this should all be review for anyone who took History of Rock 'n' Roll). When the group makes it big, it faces a Supremes-like situation as the lead singer Deena (Beyoncé) rises to the front, pushing back attitude-heavy diva Effie (Hudson).\nThere are two main problems with the film. It packs so much story line (spreading more than 13 years into two hours) that each plot point can't really be examined before it's time for the next problem. And, because the majority of the musical numbers take place during concerts, those that are spontaneous outburst of song feel a bit awkward at first. On second viewing, when you know these are to be expected, they're no longer an issue. \nDespite all the talent on screen, the real attraction is the music (forgive me J Hud). It's perfectly structured showstopper belter after showstopper belter (the transition from "It's All Over" to "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" is 10 minutes of pure cinematic bliss). Oh, and there's the insanely detailed costumes (sequins, sequins everywhere), hair and makeup design (sequins, sequins everywhere), lighting and set design (seq … you get the point). It's hard to appreciate the meticulous design just from a regular viewing. That's why you need to get the two-disc "Showstopper" addition and watch the two-hour "Building the Dream" making-of feature that faithfully pays tribute to all the behind-the-scenes aspects. \nThere are scenes showing the sound recording process (although it's depressing to know that Jennifer wasn't actually belting out each time a scene is filmed), the choreography by Fatima Johnson (although no tutorial, aww shucks), set design and more. Plus, there's extended versions of many of the musical numbers (viewer fatigue my ass, these should've been included), actor's screen tests, storyboards, music videos and still more.\nIt's OK, nobody's looking, you can go grab that hairbrush and tear into "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" now.