Gigi (WB/Turner)
The picture and sound quality are tops, and although the original DVD
release had no special features, a more recent two disc edition is a Gigi-lovers
delight, with an excellent "making of" documentary,
fascinating commentary by film historian Jeanine Basinger and star
Leslie Caron, and the complete 1949 non-musical French film Gigi,
which, although unrestored, is a charmer. In my opinion, this was
not only MGM's finest musical, but the greatest original screen musical
of all time.
Going My Way (Universal)
Released as a double feature with Holiday Inn, this Academy Award
winning film looks and sounds great -- but deserved a classier release.
There is no commentary and the special features are not in the least
special -- meaningless production notes, etc. Bing Crosby and Barrie
Fitzgerald are pure magic, and the songs are still wonderful, but
catching the TV reruns that occur every year around Christmas time will
serve just as well.
The Gondoliers - Opera Australia (Image)
This production originated at Canada's Stratford Theatre, and is as
witty as it is visually arresting. The cast has the vocal and
comic chops required, making this particularly enjoyable. Gilbert
& Sullivan fans will be delighted, and those new to the genre will
get what all the fuss is about. The plot has two Venetian
gondoliers learning that one of them is a king. A few comic lyrics have been
updated with local Australian humor, which will do little to detract
from the rest of the world enjoying this one. The Stratford cast did a
video version that has not (as of this writing) made it to DVD -- hope
that changes, because that was a first rate performance too.
Another TV version of The Gondoliers was done as part of the so-called
"Complete Gilbert & Sullivan" series -- it sinks like a
brick thrown into the Grand Canal, and should be avoided.
Gosford Park (Universal)
This brilliant upstairs-downstairs murder mystery set in a 1930s English country
manor house is not a musical, but it did much to resuscitate the
international reputation of British composer Ivor Novello. His songs and
shows were considered "too British" for American audiences, so
this was the first chance many in the US had to hear his
melodies. The impossibly handsome Jeremy Northam portrays Novello and
sings several of the composer's most memorable songs with
sensitivity and style. (Northam's unseen concert pianist brother assists
with some of the piano playing.) The irony is that Novello himself could not
sing at all, and would never have entertained at a private party as he does in this
film, but that does not make Northam's performance any less delightful. The
commentary tracks and "making of" featurette are
packed with fascinating information, a multi-course feast for history buffs and
Anglophiles. Even if the film were not such a rip-roaring overall treat,
it would be worth catching just for the songs.
La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein (Virgin Classics)
This is one of a series of Offenbach operettas restaged and videotaped
by French opera troupes in recent years, and what fun it is to see this
1867 hit still winning laughs. Felicity Lott has a vocal and comic field
day as a randy duchess who's obsession with men in
uniform leads her to make a dimwitted private (handsome Yann Beuron)
commander of her wartime army. The comedy is appropriately broad, the singing is
deliciously lush, and both the sound and widescreen picture quality of this live
performance are outstanding. Excellent subtitles make the fun readily
accessible. If you are looking for an introduction to Offenbach, this is a great choice.
The Great Ziegfeld (WB/Turner)
Despite being way too long, this is one of the few musicals to win the
Academy Award for Best Picture, in large part due to solid performances
by William Powell as Ziegfeld, Luise Rainer as Anna Held and lovely
Myrna Loy as Billie Burke. Fanny Brice is memorable playing herself in
two scenes. Unfortunately, while the restoration is attractive, WB was in one of its
cheap moods, and did not bother including a commentary track -- merely a
meager "making of" featurette and a premiere night newsreel.
Yet another film you may as well catch on a TV rerun.
Guys and Dolls (MGM)
Broadway buffs get to see original Broadway cast members Stubby Kaye and Vivian
Blaine recreate their show stopping moments; unfortunately, viewers
also have to endure the meager singing of
Marlon Brando and at times Frank Sinatra looks annoyed to be stuck
playing Nathan Detroit. This film deserved better leads, but the
overall production is handsome and at times highly entertaining. Frank
Loesser's new song "The Eyes of a Woman in Love" is very pleasant,
but it was foolish to replace the glorious "I've Never Been in Love Before."
The standard DVD edition has no special features, but a special edition
includes frills galore -- none of which make this the great film
it could have been.
Gypsy with Bette Midler (Hallmark)
The film version starring a dubbed Rosalind Russell is not nearly as bad as some
people suggest, but it can't hold a candle to this excellent TV
production, which includes the uncut stage libretto and score, as well
as a cast where everyone handles their own singing. Bette
Midler is a socko Rose, Cynthia Gibb is a surprisingly good Louise,
Peter Riegert is excellent as Herbie, and excellent cameos go to such
top talents as Ed Asner and Christine Ebersole. The magnificent original choreography by
Jerome Robbins is in place, and it never hurts to have costumes by
the incredible Bob Mackie. There is a full length commentary track by
the producers with lots of fun behind the scenes information, which is
more than most TV musicals on DVD ever get. From the hilarity of
"You've Got to Get a Gimmick" to Midler's searing "Rose's
Turn," the classic score is flawlessly delivered. Very highly
recommended.
Hamlet with Richard Burton (Image)
The 1964 Broadway revival of Shakespeare's classic tragedy was packed
with musical stage stars. Filmed live during its final performance at
the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the results did not live up to Richard Burton's
expectations, so he exercised a clause in his contract and blocked the release.
All copies were thought lost until one turned up -- in Burton's closet! He
is electrifying in the title role, Alfred Drake is suitably hateful as
the murderous King Claudius, Eileen Herlie is Queen Gertrude (a role she
previously played in Olivier's film version), John Cullum is a
powerful Laertes, and George Rose has a scene-stealing blast as the First
Gravedigger. The cast also includes Hume Cronyn as a loveable Polonius, Barnard Hughes in
several small roles, and director John Gielgud as the mellifluous voice of the
unseen ghost. There are some minor technical glitches that most fans will
happily overlook to get this priceless look back at a legendary production.
Hans Christian Andersen (MGM)
Danny Kaye is quite delightful, as is Frank Loesser's score, but since MGM went cheapskate and
offered no special features on the DVD release, you are just as well
off seeing this on a holiday TV rerun.
The Happiest Millionaire (Disney)
Yes, it is far too long, and the plot crashes to a halt long before the
final scene,
but a star-studded cast and a tuneful Sherman Brothers
score make this a "coulda been" that is still worth seeing.
The jaunty ""Watch Your Footwork" is so good you'll
wonder why the rest of the film isn't. John Davidson never looked more
dashing (his "Are We Dancing?" is excellent), and Tommy Steele's
jubilant renditions of songs like "Fortuosity"
suggest he would have had a major Hollywood career if big musicals not
fallen out of fashion in the late 1960s. High Camp Alert -- non-singers
Geraldine Fitzgerald and Gladys Cooper are a shameless hoot in the bitchy duet
"There Are Those." The
"Road Show Edition" DVD offers scenes left out of the standard
edition, as well as an overture and intermission music -- but in
fairness, the added material only make the wait for the ending that much
more endless. Not so much as a featurette or
trailer -- catch this one for the songs.
Hello Dolly (20th Century Fox)
Not the film it could have been, but with songs by Jerry Herman,
choreography by Michael Kidd and some dynamite vocals by Barbra
Streisand, there is plenty to enjoy here. The lavish sets and costumes
add plenty of period charm, and the title tune includes a justly
celebrated duet by Streisand and Louis Armstrong. Unfortunately, the special features on the
DVD are limited to a 1969 featurette and trailers for other Fox releases.
Not much more than one gets during a TV rerun.
High Society (WB/Turner)
MGM's musical version of The Philadelphia Story boasts a fine Cole Porter
score and a stellar cast. Just to see and hear Bing Crosby team up with
Louis Armstrong for "Now You Has Jazz" is worth the
price of admission; likewise, the screen sparkles when Crosby joins
Frank Sinatra in the memorable "Well, Did You Evah?" No commentary
track, but Celeste Holm helms a "Porter in Hollywood"
featurette. Lots of fun.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney)
An underestimated animated masterpiece, this film has one of Stephen Schwartz's
best scores -- the opening "Bells of Notre Dame" is a
breathtaking combination of exposition and soaring composition. A great commentary track
and some enjoyable special features, including a look at how the
infectious song "A Guy Like You" works when dubbed in various languages. Highly
recommended!
It's Always Fair Weather (WB/ Turner)
Gene Kelly's last major MGM musical boasts some unforgettable dance numbers
and an entertaining plot. Intended as a
sequel to On the Town, it evolved into the story of three army buddies
who reunite ten years after World War II. Initial differences
almost ruin things, but a common challenge finally re-ignites their
friendship. Few
sights could match the trio of Kelly, Dan Dailey & Michael Kidd
strutting their stuff with trash can lids strapped to their feet, or
Kelly tap-dancing through busy city streets on roller skates. Along with
outtake numbers and cartoons, there is a highly entertaining
"making of" documentary, with the author of Musicals101 among a stellar
line up of experts. If you don't know this film, you are in for a real
surprise.
Jerry Herman's Broadway (Varese Sarabande)
This all-star concert was taped live at the Hollywood Bowl, with the L.A.
Philharmonic conducted by Broadway veteran (and frequent Herman
collaborator) Don Pippin. Bea Arthur revisits Mame's
"Man in the Moon," George Hearn recreates "I Am What I Am"
from La Cage, and Carol Channing descends Hello Dolly's staircase one
more time. Wonderful performances by the likes of Michael Feinstein,
Leslie Uggams and Lee Roy Reams (his solos are show stealers!) add to the fun, and Herman himself sings
and plays piano for the finale. A veritable orgy of pleasure for showtune
buffs.
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