Into the Woods (Image)
No special features on the DVD release, but none are needed. Stephen Sondheim's
Broadway hit was taped live in performance by the original cast. Sumptuous
production values, a sensational cast headed by Bernadette Peters and Joanna
Gleason -- this DVD is a must-have for all serious musical theatre lovers.
Jesus Christ Superstar (Various)
This musical gave the team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice their
first taste of international success. Unfortunately, all film and video
versions have been crippled by directors imposing their vision on
material that just wants to tell a straightforward story. The normally
reliable Norman Jewison let too many ideas get in the way of his 1973
big screen version starring Ted Neeley, which at least has Yvonne
Elliman recreating her famed rendition of "I Don't Know How to Love
Him." The DVD includes a commentary track by Jewison and Neeley,
and an interview with Rice.
While the film leaves a lot to be desired,
it is far less disappointing than the moronic souped up video version
released in 2001 starring no one of particular note. Either way, you get
NO clue as to what made this rock opera a landmark hit in the early 1970s. Pity.
Judy Garland: The Concert Years (Kultur)
An exciting collection of Garland performing before live audiences gives
us some of the most vibrant footage of her in existence. The only bonus
feature is newsreel coverage of A Star is Born's Hollywood
premiere. That said, this is essential viewing for Garland fans, and a
rare pleasure for anyone who loves the great American songbook.
The Jungle Book (Disney)
The original DVD release had no noteworthy special features, but the
2007 two disc deluxe edition has extras galore. A huge hit in 1968, this
film is still a charmer. Along with a great score by the Sherman
Brothers, there are stellar vocals by Phil Harris, Louis Prima and
George Saunders. The last animated film created under Walt Disney's
personal supervision, this is great fun for all ages.
Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (WB/Turner)
Originally aired as part of the PBS American Masters series, this 85
minute documentary gives a frank and wonderfully entertaining look at
filmmaker Gene Kelly's life and career -- with clips from many of his
memorable dance routines. The DVD edition has no
noteworthy special features.
The King and I (20th Century Fox)
The original DVD release had no frills, but the two disc 2006
edition more than made up for that oversight. For starters, the movie was
given an eye-popping restoration, as well as a very informative
commentary track by film historians Richard Barrios and Michael Portantiere.
The second disc includes the pilot for the short-lived TV series Anna
and the King, some vintage footage of the original Broadway production,
and a stills recreation of the cut number "Shall I Tell You What I
Think of You." Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr are perfection in the
leads, and the physical production is breathtaking, so it is easy to see why
this film is such a beloved classic. The special edition is a must-have
for serious collectors.
Kiss Me Kate - Stage (Image)
Taped live in London, this is the same staging that delighted New
York in 1999. Broadway veterans Brent Barrett and Rachel York dazzle as
the once-married stars battling their way through a musical version
of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Michael Berrese and Nancy
Anderson are both sexy and sensational as the secondary leads. I found
this staging a bit hyper-kinetic, and the libretto did not need the
sometimes heavy-handed revisions -- but there is plenty here to enjoy.
The DVD edition has no special features.
Lady and the Tramp (Disney)
What a wonderful film! The original DVD release was minimalistic -- the
later special edition added a second disc of special features. (Amazing
how those greedy Disney execs keep bleeding fans over and over again,
isn't it?) This film broke records for home video sales, so the word is
obviously out.
The Little Mermaid (Disney)
Here is another case where the pure greed of corporate executives floors me.
The Little Mermaid was first released in a plain DVD edition with no
special features. Then in 2006, a special two disc re-release not only
piled on added features, but had the nerve to boast of a
"restored" picture. What nonsense! Since the movie was made in
1989, there is really no discernable
difference between the look and sound of the film on the two editions --
why does Disney find it necessary to stoop lie in order to sell a
product? A brilliant film, but the DVD special edition is a symptom of
greed gone wild.
The Little Mermaid II (Disney)
An inferior sequel to a screen classic that Disney did not even try to put
in theatres. The animation and the score are no match for the
big screen original, and the story (Ariel's human daughter yearns to
become a mermaid) is painfully predictable from start to finish. A few
minor DVD extras include a "storybook" narrated by Jodi
Benson. Strictly for very young viewers whose parents don't care how
stupid their entertainment is.
Little Shop of Horrors (WB/Turner)
One of the all-time best screen adaptations of a stage musical, this
film is a total treat -- although the site of a mammoth plant gobbling
up human beings might be a bit much for some younger viewers. Director Frank
Oz provides a frequently fascinating commentary track, and there is a selection of
outtakes. We even get information on an alternate ending that had (as in
the stage version) the man-eating plants taking over the world. For
once, a screen version is as good as, and in some ways better than, a
stage original. Highly recommended!
Love Me Tonight (Kino Video)
Not a hit in its initial 1933 release, this film has become the darling of
scholars and film buffs thanks to its use of musical dialogue and
innovative cinematic techniques. The DVD release has an outstanding
commentary track by historian and raconteur Miles Kreuger, screenplay
excepts of deleted scenes, a rare glimpse of production documents and an
additional clip of Maurice Chevalier singing his trademark hit
"Louise." The
film is decently restored, and Chevalier shines as a tailor romancing
wealthy but frustrated noblewoman Jeanette MacDonald. The Rodgers & Hart score
includes "Lover" and "Mimi," and director Rouben
Mamoulian would later re-team with Rodgers for the stage hits Oklahoma
and Carousel. Myrna Loy makes a splash here as an upper class
slut, just a few years
before her star ascended to the heights. Well worth seeing and owning.
Mame
You've probably heard horrible things about this film -- well, as one of
its few fans, I urge you to judge it for yourself. For the DVD release,
a long overdue remastering makes this film look far better than it has
on either VHS or cable reruns. Sure, Lucille Ball was no singer, but she
brings great comic warmth to the role of Mame Dennis, and she is
surrounded by a sensational supporting cast. Bea Arthur sizzles as Vera,
Jane Connell is a riot as Gooch, and Robert Preston is arguably the most
loveable Beauregard of all time. Onna White adapted her stage
choreography, and most of Jerry Herman's wonderful score is intact.
Mame is not the film it might have been, but it still
offers lots of great entertainment along the way, and the final montage
packs a sentimental punch. The DVD includes a featurette released when
the film was made -- which shows you how grainy the film has usually
looked until now.
March of the Wooden Soldiers (Good
Times)
This holiday favorite has been colorized, making it look a bit better
than it did on old TV reruns. This DVD (there have been other inferior
releases) includes an interview with Oliver Hardy and a home movie by
Stan Laurel -- both are pleasant but non-essential. The songs all come
from Victor Herbert's score for the 1903 stage hit Babes in Toyland,
making this the closest that hit stage musical ever came to getting a decent film
version.
Mary Martin & Ethel Merman (VAI)
In 1953, the Ford 50th Anniversary Show was telecast simultaneously on
two networks and seen by almost every American with a television. Here
is a kinescope of the material Merman and Martin performed, including
skits, medleys, and their extended duet sequence. Altogether, its is less
than 30 minutes of material, but it is a joy to behold. Martin's
"Fashion Show" routine is hilarious, and the final duet medley
is everything we ever heard it was -- two legends knocking out more than
30 songs, including many of their most famous showstoppers. Directed
with exemplary simplicity by Jerome Robbins, it set a standard that
would echo through television performances for years to come. Dedicated
musical theatre fans will definitely want this one on their shelves.
Mary Poppins (Disney)
As always, Disney released a simple DVD version first, then in 2004 picked the
public's pockets all over again with a two disc "40th Anniversary
Edition." The latter includes a new animated short narrated by
Julie Andrews, a deleted song, a "making of" featurette, a
reunion of Andrews and co-star Dick Van Dyke, and a commentary track
featuring the recollections of several cast and crew members. Since the
picture and sound have both been noticeably enhanced, the two disc
edition is well worth owning. If only Disney had the decency to do it
this well the first time around!
Meet Me in St. Louis (WB/Turner)
This is a long delayed but first-class DVD release offers a much loved MGM
classic sumptuously restored in all its Technicolor glory. Along with an
enjoyable and extremely informative commentary by Garland scholar John
Fricke and actress Margaret O'Brien, there are several documentaries, assorted
musical shorts, and a photo recreation of what the deleted song
"Boys and Girls Like You An Me" might have looked like. There
is also a fascinating pilot episode for a TV sitcom version starring
Celeste Holm as the mother. A must-have for fans of Garland, movie
buffs, and anyone else with a soul.
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