Five decades after its historic debut, a timeless classic returns to dazzle audiences young and old. Based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, the iconic film WEST SIDE STORY returns in brilliant Blu-ray form November 15, 2011 from Twentieth Century Home Entertainment. With a record-breaking ten Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Directing and Best Original Score, the film took home more awards than any other movie-musical in the history of cinema. This monumental production not only featured the timeless lyrics from master American composer Stephen Sondheim, but a brilliant score from Leonard Bernstein, and beautiful direction from Robert Wise. WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition boasts hundreds of hours of restoration, new 7.1 digital audio, and a collection of bonus features spotlighting the harmonious songs and elaborate dances of the original film.
This “brilliant” (The New Republic) film sets the ageless story of Romeo and Juliet against a backdrop of gang warfare in 1950’s New York. A love affair is fated for tragedy amidst the vicious rivalry between two street gangs – the Jets and the Sharks. When Jets member Tony (Richard Beymer, The Longest Day) falls for Maria (Natalie Wood, Splendor in the Grass), the sister of the Sharks leader, it’s more than these two warring gangs can handle. As mounting tensions rise, a battle to the death ensues and innocent blood is shed in a heartbreaking finale.
Featuring the famous songs “Maria,” “America,” “Tonight,” and “I Feel Pretty,”WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition showcases thrilling performances by Best Supporting Actress® winner Rita Moreno (The King and I), Best Supporting Actor® winner George Chakiris (Two and Two Make Six) and Russ Tamblyn (How the West Was Won). The Blu-ray will be available in a Limited Edition 4-Disc Boxed Set featuring 2 disc Blu-ray, newly-restored DVD, Tribute CD and collectible memorabilia, as well as a 2-disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. Prebook is September 7.
WEST SIDE STORY 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Special Features
ALL-NEW: Pow! The Dances of West Side Story - cast members, contemporary filmmakers, dancers and choreographers analyze and illuminate the film’s famous dance sequences.
- Prologue
- Dance At the Gym
- Tony and Maria’s Cha Cha
- America
- The Rumble
- Maria’s Roof Dance
- Cool
ALL-NEW: A Place for Us: West Side Story’s Legacy – a look back at the iconic film and the impact it has had all over the world
- Creation and Innovation
- A Timeless Vision
- Song Specific Commentary by Lyricist Stephen Sondheim
- Prologue
- The Jet Song
- Something’s Coming
- Dance At the Gym
- Maria
- America
- Tonight
- Gee, Officer Krupke
- I Feel Pretty
- One Hand, One Heart
- Quintet
- Somewhere
- Cool
- A Boy Like That / I Have A Love
- Music Machine –allows viewers to go straight to their favorite musical numbers
- West Side Memories
- Storyboard to Film Comparison Montage
- Trailers
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Original Issue Trailer
- Reissue Trailer
- Animated Trailer
“AMERICA”
“TONIGHT”
“SOMEWHERE”
“SOMETHING’S COMING”
“JET SONG”
“GEE, OFFICE KRUPKE INTRO”
“A BOY LIKE THAT”
“PROLOGUE”
“BLADE FIGHT”
BONUS CLIPS
“LEONARD BERNSTEIN”
"STORYBOARDS”
“CO-DIRECTORS”
“ORIGINAL THEATRICAL TRAILER”
My Take on the DVD
This three disc set had the Blu- Ray with the feature film and special features. The remastered version has amazing hi-def with 7.1 DTS-HD sound. It also includes West Side Story special memories.
The DVD has an updated look to the classic with new featurettes.
I saw this film when it was released many years ago. It was a favorite of mine. With the enhanced color images and sound it came to a new life on the TV screen.
This would be an excellent gift for someone who loves the story or an excellent addition to your own video library. Whether it is Blu-Ray or DVD you will watch, you will absolutely enjoy it a second time around.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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