Carousel (1956)

The music lives on

I sing the songs from this movie for days after playing it and truly enjoy having a great DVD copy instead of the old VHS. The quality is excellent and I received it before the expected date. June 25, 2008

Superb restoration--50th Anniversary Edition

This review refers to the '50th Anniversary Edition' of the Rodgers & Hammerstein masterpiece "Carousel", filmed in 1956. Whatever problems that may have existed in previous releases of this great musical have been apparently resolved in this latest (2006) edition. Amazon.com mixes all of the reviews that pertain to different editions (of the same film), so it can be confusing. There are other reviews of "Carousel" from previous editions that are mixed in with the 50th Anniversary Edition reviews--and they complain about the DVD--look at the date of the review--they are referring to a previous release!

The digital restoration of the 50th Anniversary Edition is simply superb! The images literally jump off of the screen. Presented in widescreen, the picture has been enhanced for large screen TVs--so goodbye to that annoying little letterbox image. I watched this movie on a 46-inch Samsung LCD high definition TV, played on a Toshiba 1080p HD DVD player--and the picture and sound are simply stunning! If you had any doubts about purchasing a copy of this in the past--this issue is definitely worth it. Also, if you are interested in the other famous Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals ('Sound of Music', etc.)--they are sold as a 50th Anniversary boxed set--I have the others as well--and all have been expertly restored. Highly recommended! May 5, 2008

A great movie musical, one of the best

This version of "Carousel" received critical acclaim but failed at the box office when it was first released in 1956. After watching it again on this wonderful DVD I understand the mixed reactions. This is a beautiful story, beautifully told with beautiful music but it is dark. Boy is it ever dark! American movie audiences weren't ready for this sort of thing in the `50s but that was their loss.

Despite the movie's Bowdlerization of the story -- Billy Bigelow dies accidentally rather than by his own hand, as the original Broadway show had it - it's still wonderful. It's easy to forget what great voices both Shirley Jones (Julie Jordan) and Gordon McRae (Billy Bigelow) had. McRae's rendering of Soliloquy was both beautiful and deeply movie, and Jones' combination of youth, beauty, and singing talent couldn't have been more appealing.

Equally appealing is the ballet, featuring Susan Luckey as young Louise Bigelow and Jacques D'Amboise as her carnival dancing partner. The choreography was based on the great Agnes De Mille's choreography for the original Broadway procuction.

The film's original 2.55:1 formatting and multi-channel soundtrack have been retained. The whole thing looks and sounds pristine.

Highly recommended! April 21, 2008

Carousel is still a work of art today

I had seen this movie in the late 50's in Philadelphia at an expensive theatre with the lady who later became my wife. It had some really great scenes in it. I recently viewed it again on this DVD with my new lady, a widow. She saw so many similarities showing herself as the young and innocent Julie and her experiences with her deceased husband who clearly resembled Billy in many ways. It was a cathartic experience for her to see this film. As for me, it was a reminder of what I was also seeking back then, someone to love too. It is amazing how artfully Rogers and Hammerstein created a real life metaphysical story from such simple and touching moments. The costumes, scenery and music and words are just beautiful. I recommend the video to everyone who appreciates real love in life. March 1, 2008

Carousel a winning ride

After the film Oklahoma, Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRea team up again to give another solid performance in this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. MacRea, who works on the carousel, falls in love with a small town girl, Jones, and together they sing the many memorable songs in the film. February 29, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...