West Side Story (1961)

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 Amazon.com essential video

There's a place for us

"There's a place for us, a time and place for us. Hold my hand and we're halfway there."
Music: Leonard Bernstein Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim

And there is a movie for us. "West Side Story" is a classic on too many levels to describe here. Everything from the music to the choreography to the actors to...

One big plus is even if the story line is a classic they did not try to duplicate Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" with modern clothing. The movie still maintains the feel and action of the play.

This movie tells the story of two people Tony and Maria (Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood) from adverse backgrounds that fall in love. They must cope with their new feelings. And to complicate things they have trouble from their families and society. Will they overcome these things or will fait and circumstance thwart their efforts and tragedy arise?

I could write a book on what makes this movie great but it is best that you watch and judge for yourself.
September 15, 2008

What can I say? It's a classic.

How do I add anything to this movie? It is all there: the music, the dancing, the conflict, Natalie Wood, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno. August 3, 2008

A classic not to be missed!

This is even better--more compact and convenient without taking away from the quality--thsn the Criterion Laser Disc I have, with all the interesting bonuses included (storyboards, screen tests, etc.) This is a classic movie in itself...but for the avid fan, this edition is a MUST HAVE for any West Side Story fanatic! June 9, 2008

One of the greatest musicals of all time!

Although I am in my mid-30's, I grew up watching a lot of musicals thanks to my mom. It wasn't a Saturday afternoon matinée at home unless a musical was on tv. That being said, this is one of my favorite musicals of all time, along with South Pacific and An American In Paris.

I have owned the VHS (and the soundtrack), but this is the best version available that I have seen. I bought this boxed set shortly after it was released and have watched it over and over. The color is beautiful, the bonus disc will make any WSS fan smile and the accompanying book has tons of photos and the screenplay.

Simply fantastic. June 5, 2008

Great Collector's Set for a Great Musical!

This Collector's Set is a real treat for fans of this very well made film. Included in the set is a great book containing the entire screenplay which I had fun following along reading while I watched the movie. This book also has a forward written by none other than the scriptwriter himself, Ernest Lehman. In addition, the book also contains write ups about the making of the film plus biographies of the main actors and directors as well as other key contributors such as composer Leonard Bernstein. Famous for his Beethoven, Brahms and Stravinsky cycles, people tend to forget that Bernstein was a very good composer in his own right; this is shown here in his inspired work together with lyricist Stephen Sondheim producing some of the most memorable songs such as "America", "Tonight" and "Maria".

Finally, a Collector's Set with something truly worth collecting! The bonus disc contains very nice documentaries on how the film was made with excellent interviews of the cast and crew as well. Although the picture quality isn't perfect as there are still a few frames here and there with white spots and other imperfections thankfully these are not too frequent and hence do not take away too much from the overall enjoyment of the film. The sound quality is excellent and comes in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound.

This film is that rare musical that has excellent music and choreography as well as a good storyline. Many musicals tend to be unbalanced in that they are stronger in one over the other. "Oklahoma" for example has great music but a weaker storyline and it's the same with say "Phantom of the Opera" but "West Side Story" is very well balanced with great drama in what is essentially Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" retold in a modern setting as well as brilliant dance and song sequences. Although the singing has been overdubbed by "better" singers the overall acting of the cast and especially that of Natalie Wood is first class.

This is one Collector's set to shout about and is certainly value for money. Highly recommended! June 5, 2008

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