A Celebration of Classic MGM Musicals [DVD]

Product Details

• Format: PAL
• Language English
• Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Classification: Exempt
• Studio: 2entertain
• DVD Release Date: 12 July 2010
• Run Time: 120 minutes
  

By : Rated:Exempt|Format: DVD
Price : £5.49

Customer Reviews

This afternoon we've been watching this super DVD of the PROM from last year. Magic, just simply magic.

John Wilson re-orchestrated the scores from more than a year of watching the original films, after MGM had disposed of the 'ephemeral' original scores half a century ago, then he brought together this fantastic orchestra and chorus and singers, and presents it to us in this historic setting.

The DD 2.1 sound is superb on our system when synthesising surround mode, we really do feel like we are there in the audience. We were sitting there with silly grins, ignoring the tea-cups in hand growing cold, and enjoying the scintillating music.

The 16:9 picture is excellent on a 42" digitally connected screen even though it is from only a standard definition DVD.

Seth Macfarlane was a revelation, what a voice! I knew of Curtis Stigers and Kim Cresswell, and I have recordings featuring Sir Thomas Allen, and also Sarah Fox. All were wonderful, joining in with the spirit of the occasion. Some of the re-creations were uncannily accurate, and closing my eyes I could hear long dead voices all over again, brought back to life with loving care and attention to detail.

John Wilson has worked a miracle in gathering all this talent in the same place at the same time, and it is so obvious everyone is enjoying themselves, especially a rapt audience. The two hours just flies past.

The only downside is the occasional interruptions from the 'continuity pair' who I refuse to name-check. But even they cannot tarnish a five star performance like this.

If you enjoyed the film music of those classic MGM movies, then this enthusiastic re-creation is a must-buy.

As others have commented before me, this DVD is a pure delight, and given the fact the BBC were inundated with requests for repeats, I guess they accepted this was the highlight show of the Proms Season.

John Wilson is a genuis, deserving of an Oscar or even a Knighthood, for his epic task in bringing all of this original score music back to life.

The orchestra was sublime. The vocalists truly showed their love for the music and lyrics, their enjoyment shone through. Particularly, I enjoyed the duet between Seth McFarlane and Curtis Stigers and I hope that a remake of 'High Society' is now on the cards, with these as the main male characters.

If only the BBC would use more of our licence fee to produce such spectacular entertainment as this more often, instead of endless celebrity/reality TV shows.

As an aside, John Wilson is involved in 'The John Lennon Songbook', which I saw in Liverpool last year and it was an amazing piece of work. Catch it if you can before it goes to China, which is where it heads later in 2010.

 

A Celebration of Classic MGM Musicals [DVD]