By Luis Reyes
This year 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the enduring legendary of “The Queen of Tejano music”, Selena Quintanilla’s passing, and the 23rd anniversary of the biopic Selena that catapulted the then-unknown actress Jennifer Lopez into superstardom. Lopez’s amazing portrayal brought the fallen young singer to life on screen in a performance that was worthy of an Academy Award nomination. The Academy voters in the nomination process overlooked her that year. However, she did receive a Golden Globe nomination from the Hollywood Foreign Press. Lopez was recognized as a major talent discovery and her multifaceted career was on its way turning her into an icon in her own right.
Quintanilla, the 24-year-old Grammy award-winning singer, whose life was tragically cut short in 1995, just as her star was rising and her music was going mainstream. Not a day goes by without Quintanilla’s music still being played on radio stations and heard across the US and the world, a testament to her musical talent, enduring legacy, and the power of cinematic representations.
To honor Quintanilla’s memory Warner Archive has released for the first time a new Blu-ray of Selena the motion picture directed and written by Gregory Nava, produced by Moctesuma Esparza, Bob Katz and Abraham Quintanilla (Quintanilla’s father). The film also stars Edward James Olmos, Jon Seda, Lupe Ontiveros, Constance Marie, and Jacob Vargas. The soundtrack features original recordings of Quintanilla’s signature songs. It was filmed on location largely in San Antonio, TX and Quintanilla’s hometown of Corpus Christi, TX. Nava’s screenplay focuses on the triumph and tragedy of Quintanilla’s life. The young girl from South Texas with talent, magnetic charm, and beauty, weaved Latin music with several music styles that have changed the course of popular music to this day.
The stunning Warner Archive Blu-ray was struck with highly defined audio as well as enhanced visual quality. Two versions of the film are contained on the disc, the original theatrical release and the extended cut. The extended scenes are two musical numbers from the film’s Astrodome concert recreation “No me Queda Mas” and “Si Una Vez”. Special features include a documentary Selena: Queen of Tejano Music, a Making of Selena the Movie-10 years later and outtakes and a theatrical trailer.
Selena is one of the few classic movies that give voice to the experience of Latinx in America and the sometimes-difficult dual nature of being a Mexican American, in a dominant white society, in which the American Dream can be achieved, but not without pain and struggle. Nava’s insightful script, sensitive direction, and an exquisite cast make Selena a memorable and joyous film experience.
When first released in theatres in March of 1997 Selena was a box-office hit resulting in $60 million in ticket sales
Selena on Blu- ray is now available on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and retail stores everywhere or through the Warner Archive Collection.