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Singin' In The Rain (2 Disc Special Edition) [1952]

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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

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.

On the DVD: Singin' in the Rain--Special Edition, vibrant in 1.33:1 fullscreen format with a crystalline mono soundtrack, is the crown jewel in the embarrassment of riches on this 50th anniversary two-disc DVD. The extras just keep coming: "Musicals, Great Musicals" (a documentary about Arthur Freed's legendary production unit at MGM), a shorter documentary about the film itself (much of which is duplicated by the audio commentary, led by Debbie Reynolds), outtakes and audio scoring sessions and extracts from films in which many of the songs originated. There's also a hidden feature in which Baz Lurhmann offers his own testimony to the film's enduring appeal, but it's a tad redundant given the primary sources on offer. --Piers Ford

Probably the Best All Round Musical Ever Made
Review date: 2008-06-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

Gene Kelly's famous song and dance sequence from the title has become a household name.Added to this a young Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor and you have a film that connects both musically and with dance sequences that are colourful and imaginative even today....Donald O'Connor's rendition of "Make em laugh" shows how superfit and talented he was...In the background of the silent movies the competition into talkies made the big studios have to pull out all the stops..This is a talented if not tongue n cheek look at those times....Kelly is masterful with the Broadway Melody sequence with Cid Charise dancing charisma to enhance the mood...."You are my lucky star" is one of many heart stopping hits to top the romance love tale that intertwines between Kelly and Reynolds.......a tale of when Hollywood was at it's best in it's musical hey day and with an all star cast this is a must see musical for any fan of the genre and even for those who are not....Kelly is a genius

Reviews

Hitting Uneven Notes in the Rain
Review date: 2008-04-01 Rating: 6 out of 10

I have a feeling I am about to step on a few toes, but I just watched this for the first time, and I was less then impressed.

The movie revolves around movie stars during the transition from the silent films to the talkies. Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are two of the biggest stars in Hollywood. But when sound comes in, they begin to face problems. Not only do they have lines to learn, but they have to deal with microphones and other sound imposed technology. Even worse, Lina has a truly horrid voice.

Fortunately for their careers, Don has some help. His best friend Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor) is an able song man, and he turns their latest effort into a musical. Working behind the scenes, Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) dubs Lina's voice. But will this be enough to save their careers?

Now I will be the first to admit that many of the song and dance numbers were great. The title song is wonderfully sung, the tap dancing of "Good Morning" was amazing, and Donald O'Connor's performance in "Make 'Em Laugh" made me laugh.

But the story that ties all this together is extremely weak. It was extremely predictable, yet at the same time several major plot points were just kinda dropped in our lap with no explanation. And don't get me started on the bloated "Broadway Melody" that takes up 20 minutes near the end. I never did see the purpose in either movie. I was bored with it long before it was over.

I realize I am in the minority when it comes to this film. But I do feel the great musical numbers take up so much room the rest of the film isn't given enough time to develop. Give it a chance if you are interested since so many people love it. But personally, I will be steering clear of it in the future.

An Inspiring and Entertaining Musical - Guaranteed Enjoyment !
Review date: 2008-03-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

What a film, what entertainment !

I'm sure many people will be aware of the title song but not the musical as a whole - something they should correct immediately.

From the opening number you know you're in for a treat, and classic numbers like 'Make 'Em Laugh' and 'Good Morning' are full of energy.

The lead artists are at the top of their game and constantly show-off their marvellous skills; their dancing movement is athletic, yet artistic.

There is no better musical film in existence and this DVD edition has an excellent picture and sound quality.

There is a film commentary and Disc 2 has literally hours of featurette extras.

If nothing else, this film is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and reinvigorate you for anything that you were previously dreading - it is full of zest and is inspiring viewing.

Sparkles like a diamond
Review date: 2007-04-04 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is one of the most brilliant films I have ever seen: it sparkles like a diamond. It is an affectionate, clever and funny look at the history of "talking pictures" - and so much more! As a fan of old movies and musicals and having a keen interest in the history of motion pictures, I find this to be a truly magical, wonderful film. However, aside from the humour, the music, the charming performers and the glorious technicolour, this film is worth watching for two things alone: Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. Their dance routines are an absolute joy to watch. I watch their routines over and over again. The 'Moses' routine is fascinating as these dancers have very different styles and yet they both compliment each other so well. Their dancing is so fantastic it makes you want to cry. If you are a fan of old movies and old movie musicals and this one has managed to pass you by, invest in this movie now and you won't be disappointed.

A very pleasant comedy musical
Review date: 2007-02-26 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is a very comical movie for those who are more drawn to laughs than the music.

The star of the movie, Gene Kelly, is undoubtedly outshone by the amazing Donald O'Connor who steals the whole show when he performs an incredible acrobatic-cum-slapstick, and terribly complicated dance routine which deserved countless awards! Having experienced such a spectacular climax, the movie can seem a little flat thereafter...

A very entertaining picture.

Product Details/Specifications

Actor(s):
Rita Moreno
Elaine Stewart
Kathleen Freeman
Gene Kelly
Dawn Addams

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900656214
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: Box set, PAL, Special Edition,
Release date: 2006-07-01
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1952-04-11
Language: English (Original Language)

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Singin' In The Rain (2 Disc Special Edition) [1952]

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