West Side Story

Starring:Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland, Ned Glass, William Bramley, Tucker Smith, Tony Mordente, David Winters, Eliot Feld, Bert Michaels, David Bean, Robert Banas, Anthony 'Scooter' Teague, Harvey Evans, Tommy Abbott, Susan Oakes, Gina Trikonis
Director: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

The winner of 10 Academy Awards, this 1961 musical by choreographer Jerome Robbins and director Robert Wise (The Sound of Music) remains irresistible. Based on a smash Broadway play updating Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to the 1950s era of juvenile delinquency, the film stars Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer as the star-crossed lovers from different neighborhoods--and ethnicities. The film's real selling points, however, are the highly charged and inventive song-and-dance numbers, the passionate ballads, the moody sets, colorful support from Rita Moreno, and the sheer accomplishment of Hollywood talent and technology producing a film so stirring. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim wrote the score. --Tom Keogh

Description

This brilliant (The New Republic) film sets the ageless story of Romeo and Juliet against a backdrop of gang warfare in 1950s New York. Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins and scripted by Ernest Lehman, the film combines Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's unforgettable score ( Maria, America, 'somewhere, 'tonight ) with Robbins own exuberant choreography to achieve an exhilarating work of art (Saturday Review). A love affair is fated for tragedy amidst the vicious rivalry of two street gangsthe Jets and the Sharks. When Jets member Tony (RichardBeymer) falls for Maria (Natalie Wood), the sister of the Sharks leader, it's more than these two warring gangs can handle. And as mounting tensions rise, a battle to the death ensues, and innocent blood is shed in a heartbreaking finale.

Customer Reviews:

West Side Story.......2007-07-02

Adapted by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins from the long-running Broadway play, this triumphant production combines a brilliant score and jaw-dropping choreography with a heart-rending tale of doomed love. The leads work well together, with Wood particularly effective, but supporting players Russ Tamblyn (as Jet leader Riff), Chakiris and Rita Moreno (as Bernardo's sassy girlfriend Anita) virtually eclipse the stars with their intense moves and portrayals. This vibrant film is also elevated by an unsurpassed, evergreen Bernstein/Sondheim score. Winner of a staggering ten Oscars, including Best Picture.

West Side Story (Full Screen Edition.......2007-06-27

I don't have much to say about this DVD as I only purchsed it for my husband, he is very pleased with the order, he only bought this DVD as he likes Westside story and has seen it numerous times and loves it, he thinks it is the best musical that ever was made

West Side Not Snorie.......2007-06-27

West Side Story is a clasic. The theam is almost timeless, and the songs are first rate. Anyone who enjoys good music, and/or acting should make an effort to view this film.

Gonna Rock It Tonight!.......2007-05-30

My goodness, after wearing out my old VHS copy, it was amazing to see this in such clarity. The one-hour documentary and production home movies and stills were fascinating!!!

The Movie's OK..........2007-05-11

"West Side Story" is an interesting film to analyze. It won Best Picture in 1961; it's #41 on The American Film Institute's Top 100; But look at the top 250 films according to the Internet Movie Database. It's nowhere to be found..."West Side Story" is not, in my opinion, a masterpiece. It's a good film, but it's overly long and none of the singers are particularly good (except Marni Nixon, who dubbed Natalie Wood's vocals), and it's also very cheesy. A modern update of Romeo & Juliet, a movie about rival gangs that sing and dance. It's almost campy.

The movie takes place in New York, where the rival gangs The Jets (whites) and The Sharks (Puerto Ricans) frequently fight for the right to certain turf. After a school dance, a Jet named Tony (Richard Beymer) falls for Maria (Wood), the Puerto Rican sister of Bernardo (George Chakiris) the leader of The Sharks. The film features such memorable tunes as "I Feel Pretty" and "Gee, Officer Krupke."

It's definitely well made, as the acting is fine, and the choreography is superb...But at 2 hours and 30 minutes, I was thinking (once it hit the 90-minute mark) "END ALREADY!" I guess I should clarify however that I'm not a very big fan of musicals and I guess if you are, you'll probably like "West Side Story" a lot more than I did. But I think this is one of the 10 or so films that appear on the A.F.I. list that I can honestly say don't deserve to be there.
GRADE: B-

West Side Story (Special Edition DVD Collector's Set)

Average customer rating:

West Side Story
West Side Story (Full Screen Edition
West Side Not Snorie
Gonna Rock It Tonight!
The Movie's OK...

West Side Story (Special Edition DVD Collector's Set)
Starring: Natalie Wood , Richard Beymer , Russ Tamblyn , Rita Moreno , and George Chakiris
Director: Jerome Robbins , and Robert Wise
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Musicals & Performing Arts | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Classics | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

My Fair Lady
Fiddler on the Roof (Special Edition)
Oklahoma! (50th Anniversary Edition)
The King and I (50th Anniversary Edition)
Singin' in the Rain (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B00008972S
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Amazon.com essential video

Description

Customer Reviews:

West Side Story.......2007-07-02

West Side Story (Full Screen Edition.......2007-06-27

West Side Not Snorie.......2007-06-27

West Side Story is a clasic. The theam is almost timeless, and the songs are first rate. Anyone who enjoys good music, and/or acting should make an effort to view this film.

Gonna Rock It Tonight!.......2007-05-30

My goodness, after wearing out my old VHS copy, it was amazing to see this in such clarity. The one-hour documentary and production home movies and stills were fascinating!!!

The Movie's OK..........2007-05-11

American Movie Musicals Collection: West Side Story/Fiddler on the Roof/Guys and Dolls

Average customer rating:

Great Collection
Great buy
Buyer Beware!
AMERICAN MOVIE MUSICALS COLLECTION

American Movie Musicals Collection: West Side Story/Fiddler on the Roof/Guys and Dolls
Starring: Marlon Brando , Jean Simmons , Frank Sinatra , Vivian Blaine , and Robert Keith
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz , Norman Jewison , and Jerome Robbins
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Musicals & Performing Arts | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Essential Classics - Musicals (My Fair Lady / Singin' in the Rain / Gigi)
Essential Classics - American Musicals (The Music Man / Meet Me in St. Louis / Seven Brides for Seven Brothers)
The Rodgers & Hammerstein Collection [Remastered] (The Sound of Music / The King and I / Oklahoma! / South Pacific / State Fair / Carousel)
Cabaret
The Music Man (Special Edition)

ASIN: B000ARXF9G
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Description

WEST SIDE STORY: This "brilliant" (The New Republic) film sets the ageless story of Romeo and Juliet against a backdrop of gang warfare in 1950s New York. Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins and scripted by Ernest Lehman, the film combines Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's unforgettable score ("Maria," "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight") with Robbins' own exuberant choreography to achieve an exhilarating "work of art" (Saturday Review). A love affair is fated for tragedy amidst the vicious rivalry of two street gangs - the Jets and the Sharks. When Jets member Tony (Richard Beymer) falls for Maria (Natalie Wood), the sister of the Sharks leader, it's more than these two warring gangs can handle. And as mounting tensions rise, a battle to the death ensues, and innocent blood is shed in a heartbreaking finale. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: "An outstanding accomplishment in every category" (Boxoffice), this lavishly produced and critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the international stage sensation tells the life-affirming story of Tevye (Topol), a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the century czarist Russia. Nominated for eight Academy Awards®, including Best Picture and Best Director, and featuring such classic songs as "If I Were A Rich Man," "Matchmaker" and "Sunrise, Sunset," Fiddler on the Roof is a universal story of hope, love and acceptance - a "stunning, joyful and jubilant" (New York Daily News) musical masterpiece. GUYS AND DOLLS: Hollywood legends Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blain (from the original Broadway cast) are dazzling in this Frank Loesser (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) masterpiece, unleashing a "spectacular, song-and-dance show that's loaded with entertainment" (New York Journal-American). Featuring hits like "Luck Be a Lady" and "A Woman in Love," this smash film version of one of Broadway's most popular musicals is guaranteed, rip-roaring "four-star entertainment" (New York Daily News). The slickest big-time New York City gamblers, Sky Masterson (Brando) and Nathan Detroit (Sinatra), can't resist making or taking a bet on anything. So when a pretty missionary (Simmons) sets up shop in the neighborhood, Nathan stakes a grand that Sky can't seduce her. But all bets are off when Sky falls madly in love in this romantic musical spectacular that sets the Big Apple afire with excitement!

Customer Reviews:

Great Collection.......2007-01-19

Love all three musicals! Great for those just beginning to build a collection of movie musicals.

Great buy.......2007-01-14

Three really great musical movies in one package, how can you go wrong? A permanent addition to my DVD collection.

Buyer Beware!.......2005-10-25

I returned this boxed set to Amazon for a refund because the 3 films inside are not as advertised on the Sony/Columbia website. All 3 films are supposed to be in anamorphic widescreen, but only 1 of them (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF) actually is. GUYS AND DOLLS is still the same old "letterbox" version, and they put the awful pan-and-scan fullscreen version of WEST SIDE STORY in this box. If you're a collector like me, you will not want to see WSS in pan-and-scan. This film won 10 Oscars--one of them for its innovative widescreen cinematography. This product is not as advertised, and Sony/Columbia should know that they can't pull a fast one like this. Please join me in boycotting this collection until they give us what they promised. Thanks.

AMERICAN MOVIE MUSICALS COLLECTION.......2005-10-22

I purchased this collection ONLY because GUYS AND DOLLS is advertised as ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN 2.35:1 which is NOT correct. The back of the box even gives this erroneous information. This is the same LETTERBOXED (non-Anamorphic) transfer in the original single disc MGM DVD release. This is FALSE advertisement.
WEST SIDE STORY is a 4:3 PAN and SCAN version. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is correctly advertised as ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN 2,35:1. I know the price is superb for these three classic musicals, but I already own ALL of these in WIDESCREEN, and I really wanted GUYS AND DOLLS with a new ANAMORPHIC transfer. I am planning to return the set. SHAME ON YOU MGM and SONY PICTURES DVD for the attempt to fool the public with this release.

The Making of West Side Story - Leonard Bernstein

Average customer rating:

fantastic documentary!
Great music, great human interest
What Carreras said...
A Boffo Production!
Geniuses at work

The Making of West Side Story - Leonard Bernstein
Starring: Leonard Bernstein , Kiri Te Kanawa , Josep Carreras , Tatiana Troyanos , and Kurt Ollmann
Director: Christopher Swann
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Classical Music DVD Deals | Stores | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

The Leonard Bernstein Concert Boxed Set
Bernstein - Wonderful Town / Audra McDonald, Kim Criswell, Thomas Hampson, Wayne Marshall, Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic
The Unanswered Question - Six Talks at Harvard by Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein - Young People's Concerts / New York Philharmonic
West Side Story (Special Edition DVD Collector's Set)

ASIN: B0009DBXXG
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Amazon.com

Filmed in 1984, the feature-length documentary Leonard Bernstein Conducts "West Side Story" follows the composer as he records the first-ever complete recording of his musical-theater masterpiece. Virtually the entire documentary takes place in a New York recording studio with a pick-up orchestra, session singers, and headliners Kiri Te Kanawa (Maria), José Carreras (Tony), Tatiana Troyanos (Anita), and Kurt Ollmann (Riff). The 89-minute program alternates rehearsal footage with complete final takes of the main numbers--including "Tonight," "America," and "Maria"--with limited comments from the principal players. Te Kanawa explains how much the music means to her, Troyanos notes how she grew up in the very streets depicted on stage, and Carreras provides a rare moment of tension when a session ends unsatisfactorily. Bernstein himself is by turns commanding, charming, enthusiastic, and weary. This is a fascinating insight into what happens as a major album is recorded. --Gary S. Dalkin

Description

1. Arrival of the principal singers, blending off 2. I feel Pretty (Piano rehearsal) 3. First session: introduction of the principals 4. Tonight (ensemble) (rehearsal) 5. Jet Song (recording) 6. Cool (recording) 7. Tonight (Piano rehearsal) 8. Something's Coming (recording: take, playback, retakes) 9. Troyanos on working with Bernstein "Tonight (Ensemble)" (recording) 10. Tonight (Ensemble) (recording- contd.) 11. Bernstein talks about the orchestra, "I feel pretty" (recording) 12. Te Kanawa on working with Bernstein 13. Problem passages, "Dance at the Gym" (recording & playbacks) 14. Bernstein talks to the press "Dance at the Gym" (recording-contd.) 15. Recording Nina and Alexander Bernstein ("Meeting Scene" - "Dance at the Gym") (recording- contd.) 16. Te Kanawa on West Side Story, "Somewhere" (recording) 17. Troyanos on recording, "America" (rehearsal and recording) 18. One Hand, One Heart (recording) 19. Te Kanawa on singing Bernstein's music 20. Maria (piano rehearsal) 21. Maria (recording) 22. Carreras on the Interruption, "Maria" (recording- contd.) 23. Te Kanawa on working with Berstein 24. A Boy like that "I have love" (recording) 25. Gee, Officer Krupke (recording) 26. Balcony Scene (recording) 27. Berstein on recording West side Story, "Balcony Scene" (recording) 28. End titles

Customer Reviews:

fantastic documentary!.......2007-05-14

I highly reccomend this film and I was so happy to see that it was released on VHS and made available here. This film, recorded in the early 1980s, follows conductor (and composer) Leonard Bernstein as he records a new version of his brilliant WEST SIDE STORY (originally brought the Broadway in the 1950s, and later to the big screen in the Academy Award winning 1961 film) with Spanish tenor Jose Carreras (as Tony), Kiri Te Kanewa (as Maria), Tatyana Troyanos (as Anita) and others. I remember this well. I especially remember the constant bickering between Jose Carreras and Leonard Bernstein over--shall we say--artistic differences.

Ultimately, the end product that comes of this labor of blood, sweat and tears is very successful. It was a bit of a stretch, for me, to believe that Jose Carreras was Tony, a Polish boy, with his pronounced Spanish accent, but he was beautifully expressive. That's called acting and being a believable and versatile opera singer, right? Also, Te Kanewa (from New Zealand), was a bit over-the-top with her pronounced Puerto Rican accent, but I believe she was really just trying to get into character. This was a fascinating account of a musical master at work with other musical masters. Great! Purchase this before it goes out of print.

Great music, great human interest.......2007-01-09

Aside from the wonderful performances, watching Bernstein in action is fascinating. He's the archetype of heroic conductor/leader.

What Carreras said..........2005-10-25

I wish he had let go a real good one in Spanish!! But as some non Italian opera singers do, he swears in polite Italian, which definitely softens it for the cameras... He mutters "Porco Iddio!" (God, you pig!). What a wasted opportunity for a well placed VAFANCULO!!!

Snappy orchestra, excellent chorus, lots of Lenny mugging and woefully miscast principals. Kurt Ollman sings an incongruously effeminate Riff while Te Kanawa and Carreras produce some lovely sounds in completely inadequate accents. Of course, these were the the opera superstars of the early 80's. Today, this would have been done with Fleming and Villazón with comparable results. Only the late great Tatiana Troyanos holds her own as an impassionate Anita.

Still, lots of fun, great sound. Worth replacing your laserdisc or VHS.

A Boffo Production!.......2005-10-21

This video is one of the most amazing performances i've ever witnessed. This behind the scenes look at recording one of the best musicals ever with a high voltage cast shows the whole creative, artistic process at work. Some egos are bruised along the way, tempers flare, but it is obvious that everyone wants this to work-and it does. The music is timeless and never sounded better. The interplay between Mr. Bernstein and the cast is fascinating, particularly between him and Mr. Carreras.
Mr. Carreras stumbling over the word "coming" -he never did get it right-finally led to his storming off the set uttering epithets in Spanish! But he prevailed in the end, hitting a burnished, softly held "Maria" that would raise the hairs on anyones neck. Overall, a very fine performance by all involved
including a "pick up" orchestra that could hold it's own with
anyone. I highly recommend this video. You'll smile when you hear it!

Geniuses at work.......2005-10-16

Almost a year ago I was away on a one week photo workshop. After a few days our teacher treated us to this dvd while saying that "this is to show you that real artists also struggle to achieve what they want. They are not merely superstars that always can deliver at the tip of a hat".......... The film started and we watched the great ensemble of artists giving their all to get the best possible result out of the recording sessions. I have to say it was kind of encouraging for me to watch and to hearing a voice saying "take 132" while the great artists are getting ready to record. It shows that no man is infallible. We're getting a really interesting glimpse into how things are working when an artist is recording an album. I was sitting there watching and then came the clip where Carreras is singing Maria and my mouth just fell wide open. Something went "click" in my head and it's possible that my heart skipped a beat too and I was completely hooked on this absolutely beautiful voice. The first thing I did when returning back home was to order a copy of this dvd and then I started checking out José Carreras and at the moment I'm the proud and delighted owner of a substantial opera collection - all of them of course with Carreras singing the tenor role.

This dvd is showing us clips from rehearsals and recording sessions as well as some brief comments from the singers about how they feel about working with Bernstein; Troyanos and Te Kanawa are talking about their "connection" to the music of West Side Story and of course we have the more or less (in)famous episode where Carreras is cut of in the middle of "Maria" and someone is saying that this was the end of the session and they have to continue the next day. Carreras, who obviously had worked a lot to get into the right mood to sing this song, in addition to the tension because of a vital top G still not recorded, gets cut of and reacts in a very natural way, I think. He utters a few words in Spanish; (not saying anything nice, I guess) collects his notes and then storms out of the studio. However, the next day he returns in resplendent voice and delivers his top note without any seemingly problems.....

It's also really fun watching the recording of "America" where the artists in addition to Bernstein himself are literally dancing around the studio. I just love watching this. I especially love the look on the face of one of the singers when the song ends; you can see the satisfaction just glowing, because she knows they have pulled it off perfectly.

There are lots of things I could say about this dvd, but I don't want to spoil all the fun for those who haven't watched it yet. What I can say is that this is a "spirited" injection for all those people out there struggling to achieve something, in addition to being a wonderful testament to Bernstein and his music as well as the musicianship of Carreras, Te Kanawa and the late Tatia Troyanos. Don't miss this opportunity to watch real geniuses at work......

PS. I just have to add that "my" workshop ended with almost all the participants going around singing "I feel pretty", becuase we felt that we had triumphed at last, and I can tell you that this song is really "contagious"....

Average customer rating:

West Side Story
West Side Story (Full Screen Edition
West Side Not Snorie
Gonna Rock It Tonight!
The Movie's OK...

West Side Story
Starring: Natalie Wood , Richard Beymer , Russ Tamblyn , Rita Moreno , and George Chakiris
Director: Jerome Robbins , and Robert Wise
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

My Fair Lady
Fiddler on the Roof (Special Edition)
Oklahoma! (50th Anniversary Edition)
The King and I (50th Anniversary Edition)
Singin' in the Rain (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: 6305132984
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

West Side Story.......2007-07-02

West Side Story (Full Screen Edition.......2007-06-27

West Side Not Snorie.......2007-06-27

West Side Story is a clasic. The theam is almost timeless, and the songs are first rate. Anyone who enjoys good music, and/or acting should make an effort to view this film.

Gonna Rock It Tonight!.......2007-05-30

My goodness, after wearing out my old VHS copy, it was amazing to see this in such clarity. The one-hour documentary and production home movies and stills were fascinating!!!

The Movie's OK..........2007-05-11

Average customer rating:

West SIde Story - Better than the original
The best side!
dissapointing!!!!!
Great recording
You will like Grusin’s interpretation of the original, but..

Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story
Starring: Dave Grusin
Manufacturer: Encoded Music
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Gershwin Connection
Homage to Duke
Two for the Road: The Music of Henry Mancini
Migration
The Songs of West Side Story

ASIN: B000001YO9
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Description

Dave Grusin presents West Side Story. The complete audio recording mastered for Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and 48.1K Stereo. Full-screen, full-motion videos take you inside the recording studio. See footage of the actual recording sessions with Dave Grusin and the artists. Special guests: Michael Brecker, Jonathan Butler, Ronnie Cuber, Gloria Estefan, Bill Evans, John Patitucci, Lee Ritenour, Arturo Sandoval, Jon Secada, Dave Valentin, Dave Weckl. Produced by Phil Ramone.

Customer Reviews:

West SIde Story - Better than the original.......2007-03-19

I have owned this DVD for many years, and decided to look for more like it. When I saw some of the negative reviews, I just had to write mine. These people generally do NOT understand jazz, or the basis for it. Jazz transforms the normal into something special when done well. I never liked West Side Story until I saw and heard this interpretation. I originally bought it as a gift for my wife, not because of any interest by me. It has become one of my favorite DVD's, and I kept it.

This is a must have for real jazz enthusiasts! Grusin hits the center of the bullseye with this.

The best side!.......2006-02-26

A fanantastic album, a sensational interpretation of Bernsteins music, excellent for listening to if you know the origional music well.

dissapointing!!!!!.......2006-01-05

I already owned the cd when i saw the dvd. If you hoping to watch a musical performance or hoping to see the musicians in action, you will be dissapointed like me. so Don't waste your money, what you get is simply graphics like those you see in display in an EQ or your car stereo systems eq effect display. Just get the cd would be good enough.

Great recording.......2001-12-04

I must admit, Dave Grusin is one of my favourite musicians. I alway liked the "original" two-channel recording. But this DTS recording gives you even more excitement! Once you are addicted to multi-channel music you will hardly accept/like conventional recordings anymore.
With this album high quality music goes together with high quality recording...

You will like Grusin’s interpretation of the original, but.........2001-08-13

Just in case you did not know, this is Dave Grusin’s version of some of the music themes of West Side Story original film with music by Leonard Bernstein (a masterpiece)....I like Dave Grusin. I have heard that some pure jazz fans do not have him in there grater esteem (perhaps they see him as a kind of modern Glen Miller), but I find most of his music and arrangements tasteful, balanced, adequate and easy to listen to (that is maybe why some don’t like him, but he manages to make his jazz style accessible to most audiences). He made for example a very good job with his interpretations of Duke Ellington and Henry Mancini’s music. He also has a delicate, distinctive and personal way of playing the piano (which I like) that makes his performances very recognizable. Well, his adaptation of West Side Story’s music is not an exception. It lacks the strength and vitality of the original but many might prefer it and consider it up to modern standards (or fashion). Even if your personal musical taste is such that you might not be very fond of the original score (I love it), I bet you will like this version which I suppose must be reachable and enjoyable by almost everybody. If you like Jon Secada, Gloria Stefan and Jonathan Butler, well, they sing some themes. Also, many other great and renown musicians participate. But be aware, the music is OK but the visual scenes going with it are mostly disappointing and seem out of place. I would have expected to see more of the musicians playing, maybe more of the film’s steady pictures (they use a few), why not some bits of the film, or even some sort of video clips matching the rhythm (the kind you can normally see nowadays on TV going together with almost any song). Instead, although you get some glances of the musicians while recording or of Dave Grusin conducting or playing the piano, there are two musical themes which go with a made up visual story that has to do with absolutely nothing, in most themes you constantly get flashing images of kind of psychedelic (and disturbing) lightings of what I guess might be the graphical representation of the sound waves, and with the “I Love to be in America” song you get different pictures of representative sceneries and buildings of America and Dave Grusin walking around and smiling in a country environment (which I suppose is his way of saying that he also loves America). I must warn you, at times it gets even annoying. Perhaps you just ought to go for the CD version (just the music). Anyway, the music and its interpretation are OK and I think you will like them. I, by all means, would recommend the original movie DVD (but you’d better check the reviews first, before you make up your mind)....

Leonard Bernstein Conducts "West Side Story"

Average customer rating:

fantastic documentary!
Great music, great human interest
What Carreras said...
A Boffo Production!
Geniuses at work

Leonard Bernstein Conducts "West Side Story"
Starring: Leonard Bernstein , Kiri Te Kanawa , Josep Carreras , Tatiana Troyanos , and Kurt Ollmann
Director: Christopher Swann
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Leonard Bernstein Concert Boxed Set
Bernstein - Wonderful Town / Audra McDonald, Kim Criswell, Thomas Hampson, Wayne Marshall, Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic
The Unanswered Question - Six Talks at Harvard by Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein - Young People's Concerts / New York Philharmonic
West Side Story (Special Edition DVD Collector's Set)

ASIN: B00005UDFZ
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Amazon.com

Description

Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story is a staple of the American theatre. In "The Making of West Side Story" (a bestseller on CD), a legendary cast is led by Jose Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa, Tatiana Troyanos, and Kurt Ollmann--all conducted and supervised by Leonard Bernstein. See and hear the making of a masterpiece--from the first piano rehearsals to the actual recording performances. A must for every fan as well as a rare look inside a recording studio. Includes Bernstein's famous "interruption" of "Maria."

Customer Reviews:

fantastic documentary!.......2007-05-14

Great music, great human interest.......2007-01-09

Aside from the wonderful performances, watching Bernstein in action is fascinating. He's the archetype of heroic conductor/leader.

What Carreras said..........2005-10-25

A Boffo Production!.......2005-10-21

Geniuses at work.......2005-10-16

Buddy Rich and His Band--The Lost West Side Story Tapes DVD

Average customer rating:

Master at work
Buddy...still the greatest!
Great to see Buddy Play
A MUST HAVE
The Master at work

Buddy Rich and His Band--The Lost West Side Story Tapes DVD
Starring: Buddy Rich
Manufacturer: Mvd Visual
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Music Video & Concerts | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Buddy Rich Live At The 1982 Montreal Jazz Festival (includes Bonus CD)
Jazz Legend
Classic Drum Solos and Drum Battles DVD
Buddy Rich and His Band - Channel One Suite
Buddy Rich - At the Top DVD

ASIN: B00005UV6A
Release Date: 2002-03-04

Product Description

Recorded in 1985, the master tapes on this DVD were thought to have been lost in a fire. They were discovered in 2000, along with the original 'surround sound' digital master, and extensive work was done to bring you this state-of-the-art audio mix. The concert includes the Buddy Rich standards 'Cottontail,' 'Mexicali Nose,' and the unforgettable classic 'West Side Story Medley.' Special DVD Features include: 4.0 Channel Dolby? Digital and DTS? Digital Surround tracks ? solos of selected performers ? track selection menu ? additional commentary by Marie and Cathy Rich, world-renowned drummer Dave Weckl, and Gary Reber (producer of the original recording) ? interview segments ? behind-the-scenes footage of Buddy ? and rare photos from the Rich family archives. Approximately 110 minutes. 'This DVD is every Buddy Rich fan's dream come true - a brilliant concert coupled with state-of-the-art technology. Looking back on this event, it's incredible to think that Buddy was 67 years old at the time, and playing better than ever. To this day, he continues to amaze and inspire. Enjoy!' - Cathy Rich, daughter of Buddy Rich

Amazon.com

Superior production values, great playing, and a host of bonus features combine to make this arguably the best available audiovisual representation of the late Buddy Rich and his music. Recorded in 1985 in San Francisco, the hourlong concert by Rich and his 15-piece big band was thought to have been lost in a fire. The master tapes were "rediscovered" in 2000, leading to the meticulous preparation (a full 14 text pages are devoted to technical details) of this DVD release. As always, it's the powerhouse playing of "Mr. Drums" that's of prime interest, and to that end the producers have used bonus tracks to isolate Rich's solos (as well as those of the brilliant saxophonist Steve Marcus and five others), including two on the "West Side Story Medley." Add to that interview segments with Rich, his wife and daughter, and several others, and you've got a well-rounded look at one of jazz's most renowned percussionists in absolutely top form. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

Master at work.......2004-06-02

I'm sure everyone that had heard BR play before knows that he is the best drummer by far. So I'm not going to accentuate that fact again here. What I do want to says is that the recording & audio quality of this DVD is one of the best I'd heard. When I first played the dvd and the main menu's music came up (it's a fragment of one of BR solos), my jaw just drop to the floor `cus is was just like having BRich playing in my living room, and I know about drum set in the living room , my dad is a drummer from that era.
Some people mention "muddy/thin" sound on this dvd,...all I can say is , you're missing the point completely. The idea is to get a truly Big Band sound `al natural, without any type of eq/effects/amplification. This is not a radical novel concept; this is the way classical music has been recorded since, er, for ever. You just don't close mic every violin, cello bass and every tympani, the sound will be very unnatural. In my opinion, the engineers did a superb job on this recording.

Buddy...still the greatest!.......2004-01-02

I have been playing for 32 years and I have never seen anyone close to Mr. Rich. I can still recall all ten concerts of his I attended,and can truthfully say that in the 17 years that he has been dead, I still consider him the 'worlds greatest drummer'. Case closed!

Great to see Buddy Play.......2003-09-26

I've seen Buddy Rich play dozens of times and this DVD brings back many fine memories. I thought the sound quality was excellent. However I found the video production to be very disappointing. They built a really cool plexi-glass stage for Buddy to play on, the perfect opportunity to get a close up look at Buddy's foot, but they blew it. All you see is the snares across the bottom head and the Manny's Music logo. What a shame. When Buddy's starts a solo in West Side Story we get to see the bass player turning pages rather than the man doing his thing, you mean to tell me you didn't know that solo was coming. I sure did, I know his book well. They mentioned they had a number of cameras running iso, I guess the page turning was the most interesting shot they had. Shame on whoever did the camera switching and editing, they really missed the boat. Knowing what a perfectionist Buddy was, I'm not sure he would have let this go. I did really enjoy watching him though, I really miss going to see him play

A MUST HAVE.......2003-02-18

This is much better than "At the Top" which has horrible audio and focuses too much on the band and doesn't show enough of Buddy. The Dolby surround sound on this DVD really gives clarity to Buddy's playing(and the rest of the band also). Good camera angles on this too; although a brief camera shot under the snare drum on one of the solos doesn't make any since - it is my only complaint.

The Master at work.......2002-08-02

It is always a pleasure seeing the worlds greatest drummer play. The only problem with this video is that his playing although great in it is not by any means a true representation of the unique, special & unmatched fire that Buddy Rich was blessed with. Certains things in life are unexplainable, Buddy's gift is one of them. This video does'nt show that, although it is very enjoyable.

Singin' In The Rain - 2 DVD Multi-Language Subtitled Special Edition [Pal, Region 2, Import]

Average customer rating:

Singin' In The Rain - 2 DVD Multi-Language Subtitled Special Edition [Pal, Region 2, Import]
Starring: Gene Kelly , Donald O'Connor , and Debbie Reyndols
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Singin' in the Rain (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000K5HOLS

Product Description

Multi-Language Special Edition. Audio Tracks: English, French, Italian. Subtitles: English, French, Italian, Dutch, Arabic, Spanish, Portugese, German, Romanian, Bulgarian. DVD Format: PAL, Region 2, reguires PAL compatible or multi-system DVD player. ------------ About the movie---------Singin' in the Rain is probably the most treasured musical in the history of cinema. It is essentially a satire on the dawning age of talking pictures, but that description doesn't begin to describe its importance in the hearts of film lovers, even those who can't otherwise stand musicals. Given its origins--producer Arthur Freed wanted a framework on which to hang a selection of the hits he'd written in the early part of his career with Nacio Herb Brown, many of which had themselves featured in early talkies--it should have been a mongrel of a picture. But somehow, with its combination of endearing performances, the razor-sharp script of Adolph Green and Betty Comden, instinctive direction from Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen and those delightful songs, it is triumphantly greater than the sum of its parts. Kelly's dance sequence, conceived for the title song, is an undiluted joy and remains an iconic cinema moment. But there is so much more to savour: Donald O'Connor's knockout vaudeville, Jean Hagen's hilarious Bronx-voiced leading lady and the honest charm of underrated Debbie Reynolds, crowned by Kelly's choreography for the Broadway Melody suite. No collection is complete without this.

Average customer rating:

Romeo & Juliet or Tony & Maria in the West Side.

West Side Story [Region 2]
Starring: Natalie Wood , Richard Beymer , Russ Tamblyn , Rita Moreno , and George Chakiris
Director: Jerome Robbins , and Robert Wise
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004RYXX

Customer Reviews:

Romeo & Juliet or Tony & Maria in the West Side........2007-07-06

When I saw this musical at the theater more than forty years ago, I was blowed up. Such a great music, songs & dancing being shown in a film!
For years I was keeping a watchful eye for any reposition show or festival including the movie. At last VHS was invented & the third picture I bought was "West Side Story". More recently I bought the DVD version too!
When I saw it again in Cable TV I wasn't able to resist the urge to review it.

First the story: it is a recreation of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet", situated in NYC in the late `50s. Two teen gangs are fighting to master "their place in the sun". "Jets" second American generation in a poor neighborhood & "Sharks" recently emigrate Puerto Ricans. Maria is Bernardo's sister, the boss of the "Sharks". Tony is Riff's best friend, the boss of the "Jets". A classical forbidden love. At first sight they both fall madly in love with each other, defying any prejudice & minimizing obstacles.
Tragedy is around the corner: the rumble explodes and Tony tries to stop it. Everything goes wrong and blood is shed. Tragedies are tragic and this is one of them!

Second the performances: a lovely and tender Natalie Wood give flesh & soul to Maria in a remarkable acting piece. George Chakiris as Bernardo, Richard Bymer as Tony and Rita Moreno as Anita are very good.

The choreography is outstanding: coordinate and dynamic movements electrify the audience. The songs are superb, especially "Maria", "Tonight", "America" and "Something's coming". The score is very, very nice and the "leitmotiv" persists thru more than forty years!

IMHO this is one of the best musicals of all times!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Max Keeble's Big Move

Daniel Deronda

Beethoven's 3rd [1999]

DVD: The Blue Kite

Warnings - Die Zeichen sind da