Editorial Review

Some people may sneer at this 1965 musical, but the truth is the film has earned its status as a perennially watchable romantic-drama, largely on the strength of a fun story and chemistry between stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Veteran filmmaker Robert Wise (Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
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• Original recording reissued
• THX
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Reviews (431)

A all time great!
"You have brought music back into my home".This is a story about a man, who lost his wife, suffered loneliness, realized the value of his family and embraces his family once again in music and drama, and falls in love with a woman of great culture and life.
BEAUTIFUL TRANSFER OF A PERFECT MOVIE
SOUND OF MUSIC 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Fox) is the latest digital version of this beloved, timeless, film.The two-disc set features an exceptionally sharp transfer and a rich audio mix but the real treat is the new commentary with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer (this in addition to the late Robert Wise's commentary).
The Hills are alive
This musical details the life of a novice nun named Maria. There are people in the Nonburg Abbey in Salzburg that do not like her so the Reverend Mother sends her to take care of the seven children of a Widower Captain Georg Von Trapp.
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Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

Editorial Review

Elvis Presley does the clam--a now-forgotten dance--in this 1964 potboiler in which the King stars as a singer who gets a gig in Ft. Lauderdale with his combo but has to baby-sit a mobster's teenage daughter (Shelley Fabares) as part of the deal. Fabares's character, looking for a break, runs wild and makes life difficult for Elvis. The film has the usual "Elvis movie" bounce and wolfish jokes and glossy disposability, but the endearing (and smart) presence of Fabares as the love interest adds a bit more zip than usual. Songs include the title track, plus "Puppet on a String," "Do Not Disturb," and "Let's Party Tonight." Directed by Boris Sagal (Read more

Features

• Color
• Original recording reissued
• Soundtrack
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Reviews (26)

elvis presley girl happy
I saw this movie as a youmg boy, and it's still timeless Elvis

When, Oh When?
When can we look for this movie on DVD in widescreen format with
#1 Elvis Movie!!!
Of all the Elvis movies, this one is my favorite!It has comedy (the boat through town ending in the pool is the best)!!Romance (Elvis and Shelley just "go")!!!And Elvis impersonating a woman is a can't miss moment! And great music!!!Pure fun and Elvis at his finest!!!I can't wait to get this on DVD!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock & Roll   

Features

• Color
• Live
• Original recording reissued
• NTSC

Reviews (33)

Some technical data about this film
There is a very good reason for this film not living up to That the Way It Is.I am sure if you have seen this movie you have noticed that it is much more grainey and not as bright as TTWIS or other movies for that matter. This contributes a lot to the picture not being as well received.The fact of the matter is that MGM in it's infinite wisdom chose to shoot the movie in 16 mm not 35 mm as most all movies.This is a little known fact.But all you have to do is watch for many of the stage segments and you can see the photographers crawling around the various stages with a relatively small camera in hand.They may have done this for maneuverability sake but with significant loss in quality.16 mm is a long way from 35 mm in all measuring points.This may also be why they have not put it out on DVD as yet.The movie is very grainy and this adds a subconscious negativity to the movie.I was present at many of the concerts that were filmed for this movie.The live shows were not grainy at all and they were very sharp and well lit and came across much better than the film.
This video rocks, entertains . . . and saddens
To start, I won't labor through listing all of the music on the concert video.Reviewer Alejandra Vernon did that nicely in her excellent Spotlight Review.
C,MON NOW....WHERE'S THE DVD
As a former Elvis Impersonator from NJ/NY area, I collect everything I can on Elvis as a fan firstly!
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Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Music Video - Pop/Rock    3. Musical Features    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock   

Editorial Review

This is the most popular opera production so far on DVD, surpassing evenFranco Zeffirelli's lavish, symbol-laden Read more

Features

• Color
• HiFi Sound
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Reviews (69)

Simply the best representation of Bizet's
opera ever!It's very raw and authenic interpretation of both Merimee's and Bizet's story.Filmed in Spain back in 1984, the movie holds a special place in my imagination. Real places such as the cigarette factory, the bullring in Ronda where Escamillo received accolades for his bullfighting prowess.What I really liked about the movie are the performances by Placido Domingo and Julia Migenes.They brought Jose and Carmen to life with their dialogue and acting.
A moving Carmen - the movie of the opera
You cannot close your eyes, the film adds something so special to the music even if Migenes is not the best voice Carmen ever had ... More beautiful than any other Carmen movie (let alone the opera on stage) because it was shot in Spain.

Truly Outstanding
The musical performances, acting, directing, and cinematography are first-rate.One of the few successful film renderings of opera.Even non-opera-lovers will like this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

Sometimes movies are built around a great idea begging for a story, in this case pairing ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov with tap great Gregory Hines. The resulting storm of dance in Read more

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• Dolby
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Reviews (45)

One of my all-time favorites and finally found it on DVD!
The acting's excellent, the music's amazing, and the combination of Mikhail Baryshnikov's--Misha's and Hines' dancing will blow you away.Russian ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov essentially plays himself--a Russian ballet star who escaped the USSR in the 1970's and sought asylum in the US.When a plane carrying him crashes over Russia, he's back in the Soviet net with no escape.His handler is Gregory Hines, a US dancer and US expatriate who renounced his US citizenship.
Two Spectacular Performers Dance Around One Weak Cold War Thriller...Literally
Seeing this 1985 movie (dubbed without irony by director Taylor Hackford as a "political dance thriller" in his DVD commentary) over twenty years later in a pristine new print reminds me exactly what I thought about it back then. That is that Hackford recruited two world-class dancers of completely different genres and then went about and contrived a far-fetched Cold War thriller story around them. It is really the unparalleled dancing that makes this film still watchable beginning with Mikhail Baryshnikov's extraordinary performance of Roland Petit's ballet, "Le jeune homme et la mort", opposite Florence Faure over the opening credits. His artful athleticism inevitably makes the rest of his acting feel rather pedestrian, as he unsurprisingly portrays Nikolai Rodchenko, a world-renowned Russian ballet dancer who has defected to the US after having been the leading performer of the Kirov Ballet.
Summer Nights
I love it that this is out in DVD so everyone can watch it over and over to see how these dancers work out and get in shape and see their joy in dancing.I was amazed at Baryshnikov's flexibility, when he does the splits on the floor, against the wall, and the strength of the jumps of both dancers.Hines' footwork was really beautiful, too.Being a dance devotee, I am always very impressed with the way dancers work so hard, and you could see it here.The movie had a fun plot that was serious, too.You knew it would end up okay but it made you think.The music was excellent and upbeat, too, as well as the scenes of Russia and the theater.I'm happy to have this in my permanent collection, because it's really a classic for dance fans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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• Black & White
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Reviews (6)

A Pretty Interesting Western With Great Singing!
This was for me a pretty good movie. I have seen all but one of this duo's movies and this is either the best or second best I have seen. It was amusing to see them play these parts. I really enjoyed seeing Buddy Ebson when he was really young! I was hoping he would dance though. The movie held my interest all the way.

Fans-only film
Walter Pidgeon in an unsympathetic role? Jeanette MacDonald as a cowgirl who just happens to sing Liebestraum in a trained soprano, for patrons of her saloon? I don't think so either. Perhaps with a more astute production these challenges could have been overcome, but this film is not about giving MacDonald/Eddy suitable material...who needed to, if material like this would make the same amount of money for the studio? MACDONALD AND EDDY IN OLD MONTEREY.
This was the fifth time around for this story. Originally, it was a play by David Belasco in 1905; it was made as three silents as well as an opera.In this version, Eddy and MacDonald were at the height of their popularity: their finest effort - MAYTIME -was filmed the year prior. The screenplay isn't exactly superlative and the direction drags a bit, but fans of the great singing duo should still find themselves semi-enthralled.Jeanette owns a rough gambling saloon and Nelson is a Zorro-like character - but on the wrong side of the law. They fall in love, naturally.The best number in the film is the elaborate MARIACHI number.Buddy Ebsen, who plays Alabama, is in fine form and gives the movie some much-needed comedic moments.Monty Wooley can be seen briefly as the Governor. Melodies include Liszt's beautiful LIEBESTRAUM, THE WIND IN THE TREES, SUN-UP TO SUNDOWN & AVE MARIE....{What a deux mixture!!} Oddly enough, Ray Bolger was originally singing and dancing in this film, but his scenes were deleted.Why is this strange?We all know that Bolger went on into cinema immortality as the Scarecrow the next year in M-G-M's enduring classic WIZARD OF OZ. But many forget that Ebsen was the studio's first choice for the Tinman. Because he was highly allergic - he nearly died - to the aluminum dust mixed into paste for the Tinman's make-up, he was ultimately replaced with Jack Haley. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Fred Astaire plays a fashion photographer based on real-life cameraman Richard Avedon, in this entertaining musical directed by Stanley Donen (Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• NTSC

Reviews (63)

Fred Astaire as sexual predator.
Overall as musicals go, this is ok, but I was very uncomfortable with Fred Astaire acting like a sexual predator.The way he aggressively approached and man handled Audrey was atrocious.

They don't make 'em like this anymore!
If you've only heard about FUNNY FACE, you really owe yourself to SEE it with your own eyes for the first time - and now that you can buy the DVD at Target for like $5 clams, why not?There are many great old-school "Golden Age" musical numbers on display here, from THINK PINK to BONJOURS PARIS (filmed in various locales around the City of Lights, sorta like a fashion-magazine inversion of ON THE TOWN), and especially the cool-cat beatnik dance number Hepburn does in the bohemian bar - *you'll note that THE GAP recently used clips from this celebrated sequence in their "Skinny Black Pant" ads set to, of all things, Back in Black by AC/DC! - but here is the original, and it's sublime - you are amazed how expertly Audrey hoofs it up in gay Paris!The direction is flawless, especially several auteur touches, like the stop-motion photographer during the Givenchy outdoor photoshoot, and the one dance sequence in Astair-cum-Avedon's photo darkroom only lit by one tiny red bulb...now that's TECHNICOLOR! While the films' gender politics have dated, this was filmed in a different era and much more conversative sensibility, so cut the movie some slack. This is a gorgeous, timeless musical that could use a contemporary update by a major studio - hello?!

Funny Face
Audrey Hepburn is perfect for this movie and I enjoyed it very much.
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Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy    2. Movie    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

Editorial Review

Comparing Read more

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Reviews (125)

Godspell - a blast from the 70's
This film is a great example of not only musical theater of the late 60's and early 70's, but the culture at-large. It is an intriguing film experience that started life as a masters thesis project and took on a life of its own. 'Godspell' is an old english version of the word 'gospel' which means good news. This story is a musical version of Jesus' short minstry with his disciples. It is filmed on the abandoned streets and building roofs of New York City and the dialogue serves the purpose of setting up each song - of which there are many. This film was controversial when it was first released (about the same time as Jesus Christ Superstar) because some thought is was sacreligious. I tend to see it as a fun way to communicate important ideas in the context of tunes that will remind you of the overall message.
A ray of sunshine on a cloudy dismal time period
What a controversy THIS movie caused back in the late 1960s! First, it was Elvis, then it was the Beatles, then Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair. Now, of all things, an upbeat musical with people dressed in weird costumes doing a play on the gospel of St. Matthew! How many members of the older generation must have angerly screamed "what is this country coming to?"
Godspell
Definately retro, but interesting. Stay's true to the Bible. Some of the music is great. Should be seen at least once by everyone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

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Reviews (3)

Thank Heaven for Little Girls
This smash musical that won the Oscar for best dance direction was headlined by leggy Eleanor Powell abetted by a cast of superb dancers who danced, well.. spectacularly.
Strictly for Musical Fans!
So far this is my favorite Broadway Melody movie from the series. Anyway the movie stars Robert Taylor, Eleanor Powell, Jack Benny, Una Merkel and Buddy Ebsen.
Very Cliche, But Lots of mid-1930s Musical Charm
The plot of BROADWAY MELODY OF 1938 is a classic of its kind.Bob Gordon (popular matinee idol Robert Taylor) is producing a Broadway musical--but he runs afoul of actress and financial backer Lilly Brent (June Knight), who sees herself not only as the star of the show but Bob's ladylove as well.When their "romance" is played up by gossip columnist Bert Keeler (Jack Benny) fireworks ensue, and matters are further complicated by the arrival of Bob's old flame Irene Foster (Eleanor Powell) who has come to make her fortune as a dancer on the Great White Way.Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Generally considered the first sound feature, this 1927 film is pretty much silent except for a few lines of dialogue and Al Jolson's songs. The story finds Jolson playing the son of a cantor who wants him to follow in his footsteps, but the singer prefers secular music. Except for its historical value, the film isn't all that interesting, though it is great to get a sense of why people considered Jolson to be a hugely exciting entertainer at the time. Read more

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Reviews (24)

Jolson will always be a star
The Jazz Singer gives us a look back into the past to a very different time; so different from today that some casually call it "corny".Well, the past was what it was and I, for one, find it quite remarkable that this particular film survived while there were so many lost forever.I love it and get a thrill seeing a "window" opened into the past. And to be able to SEE and HEAR the great Al Jolson sing and entertain always thrills me and I can understand the magnetism and appeal he had to the public and why he was so loved by them.Look at the Jazz Singer, not with jaded 2006 eyes, but with eyes eager to see and hear something and someone amazing and you will never forget it.You owe it to yourself to own this bit of the past.

The Original "Talkie"
This is a grainy film, difficult to concentrate on, but film history buffs will be as riveted as I was. The almost operatic quality of the acting and makeup remind us of the miracle of the talking movie. A must have.

Schmaltzy but still touching
The song numbers are heratwarming. The opening when the Cantor dad drags the kid home is poignant. I guess this film was just made in Hollywood even though much of it is set in New York. It is very touching though corny too. The 1920's is a rarely seen decade now as few talking films were made then. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Musicals   

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Reviews (30)

Please vote for Blue Bird to be released on DVD!
I've never seen this film, but I've seen clips of it!
Lovely Adaptation of Maeterlinck's Classic Play
Curly Shirley Temple lends her dimpled, pouty-mouthed winsomeness to the tale of a young girl and her brother(Johnny Russell)who live in Austria/Bavaria during the Napoleanic Wars.
wonderful movie
I have enjoyed this movie for many years. Yes Shirley plays a spoiled kid, and she doesn't sing or dance, but that does not take away from the beauty of the story. I would highly recommend this movie for kids and adults alike, of course adults with a child like heart will enjoy more. War breaks out daddy is drafted
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Movie    3. Musicals   

Editorial Review

The hit Broadway musical from the 1940s gets a lavish if not always exciting workout in this 1955 film version directed by old lion Fred Zinnemann (Read more

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Reviews (109)

20th Century Ripoff!!!
I specifically waited to buy this on DVD hoping to get a Todd-AO version and not just the Cinemascope version.The freaking Laserdisc looks better than this!I, for one, will not be buying any more "special editions" without reading the reviews in Amazon or elsewhere when it comes to 20th Century ripoff.This release reminds me of all the 20Th Laserdiscs that were first released when laser was just starting out and how poorly the transfers were treated...now it seems we're right back to the good old bad transfer days of yore.Yuk, I recommend that no one buy ANY of their discs (especially the upcoming crappy versions of STAR WARS non-anamorphic, non-5.1 sound original movies).These people suck big time!
great
A true musical theater classic.Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Visual diappointment for a great format
Like several others, I agree that the Cinemascope version was well presented, but what a disappointment as far as the Todd-ao digital transfer! The original release I bought in 1999 gives a much clearer and brighter Todd-ao version that gives you a much better idea of what the original may have looked like. I enjoyed seeing "The Miracle of Todd-ao" again, but similarly the realism that was present in the original was lost, either due to poor quality of stock or inabilty to be able to digitally correct and sharpen the image. (I find it hard to imagine that Fox couldn't resore it better).There was an apology printed on our Region 4 version.
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Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

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Reviews (6)

Thrilled again!
This movie was as I remembered seeing it in the 1950's. Gordon Macrae is the handsome dashing hero, who happens to have one of the greatest singing voices ever. (He wasCurly in Oklahoma.) So the movie is a bit smuchly! It is still one of the most romantic movies ever.If you want all the music of the operetta, you'll have to buy an audio recording. But still all the favorites are here. Pop some popcorn, light the fire, put your feet up, and enjoy.

a great musical
Katheryn Grayson and Joel Mcrea are delightful in this musical. Only passing resemblance to the stage version
The movie version of "The Desert Song," with Gordon MacRae and Kathryn Grayson, is an okay musical movie, but in many significant respects it bears only a passing resemblance to the stage version. Having participated in the chorus of a high school production of Desert Song in 1953, I was very much disappointed in the movie.Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Having proven itself as a favorite film of children around the world, Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Dolby
• Original recording reissued
• NTSC

Reviews (326)

Gene Wilder IS Willy Wonka
Wow this is one of the best family movies ever made.Though Johnny Depp was OK albeit more than a bit creepy in the 2005 movie, Gene Wilder will always be the only Willy Wonka for me.Sure the movie is a bit dated in regards to a 70's look and no modern special effects but does it really matter?This book is so true to Dahl's original children's book and the songs, characters and sets match up exactly to what I envision when I read it.I love Jack Albertson as Grandpa too.Even if you have seen the modern film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory you must treat yourself to watching this one.

Can't Beat Gene Wilder as Wonka
He will ever be the image of Willie Wonka. No one else will ever come close.
A Child's Paradise
"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is one of those rare films that bridges the child-adult film gap.Persons of all ages can watch, eyes wide, and revel in Willy Wonka's eccentricities and Charlie's inate goodness and splendid luck.The film, more than 30 years old, hardly feels its age.Made in a time before computerized special effects, the relative cheese quotient only serves to make the film that much more charming.
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

One of the finest American musicals, this 1944 film by Vincente Minnelli is an intentionally self-contained story set in 1903, in which a happy St. Louis family is shaken to their roots by the prospect of moving to New York, where the father has a better job pending. Judy Garland heads the cast in what amounts to a splendid, end-of-an-era story that nicely rhymes with the onset of the 20th century. The film is extraordinarily alive, the characters strong, and the musical numbers are so splendidly part of the storytelling that you don't feel the film has stopped for an interlude. Read more

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Reviews (141)

Meet me in St. Louis
Great Buy.Very happy with my purchase.Thanks

Judy Garland's Best Film Ever!
I first saw this movie when I was seven years old and it has been one of my all-time favorites ever since. The cinematography is gorgeous. The technicolor brings out the lush set designs and costumes. This is one those movies that you should watch if you're feeling sick or depressed. It never fails to make me feel better! The catchy tunes are beautifully sung by the talented Judy Garland. Among them are "The Boy Next Door" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". The uncomplicated problems of the Smith family are a great escape from the complex lives that modern people lead.

MEET ME IN ST.LOUIS!!!! A Charming Look Back At The Good Old Days
This has quickly become one of my favorite musicals. With breathtaking sets and Minnelli's beautiful eye for detail this movie has a powerful impact and is simply breathtaking. Often forgotten and overlooked by Broadway this movie is powerful with it's music and it's all-star cast. Judy Garland gives a performance that rivals her "Wizard Of Oz" one and in my opinon deserved an Oscar for her job as Esther.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Musicals   

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Reviews (8)

Knowledge Is A Key
I have had 2 copies of this video. It is that good! I first bought this video only because it contained The Ronettes of whom I am a great fan. But this video contains so much more. Not only great and rare performances, but also insightful interviews and documentary. That is what sets this video apart from others. It is extremely well edited and perfectly balanced. Just the right amount of documentary that is paired with the performances. Often I've seen other videos with too much of one or the other. But this video strives for an even balance of the two.
Please someone (MGM? SONY?) re-issue this gem on DVD!
This is the ultimate 60s girl group documentary. Excellent commentary by Ellie Greenwich, Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love.
Great great video on GIrl Groups....
great great video on girl groups. Wish it was available on DVD... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 60's    2. Brill Building Pop    3. Documentary    4. Doo Wop    5. Girl Group    6. Motown    7. Pop    8. Pop-Soul    9. R&B    10. Rock & Roll    11. Soul    12. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Closed-captioned
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• Original recording reissued
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Reviews (143)

The Music Man
Terrific piece of Americana, enhanced by Preston's bravado and Wilson's witty script and score. Comic touches abound, and the film's resolution actually has a bit of zing! One of two films guaranteed to bring me to tears, time and time again. Who wouldn't want to be Harold Hill?

The Music Man
Robert Preston is the best Professor Hill. This is definitely a classic keeper you want in your collection

The Music Man 1961(Special Edition)
The Music Man , the joyfull film of the 1,375-performance Broadway smash , remains an irresistible skyburts of Americana . Robert Preston (1918-1987) recreates his Tony-winning Broadway triuph as con artirst Harold Hill , arriving in River City, Iowa to form a boys band , much to the dispproval...And later delight of town liberarian Marian