Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)All three of these DVDs have been released previously; however, this new boxed set houses a few new mildly interesting "extras" to be found in the Special Features. These three films are all big colorful MGM musicals, but none are in Widescreen because that particular aspect:ratio was not "invented" until 1954. However, they LOOK spectacular anyway!
"Anchors Aweigh" (1945) is a winning musical about two sailors on shore leave in search of a "dame". This musical's only flaw is it is a bit too long, as it has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in it, including a whole lot (too much) of Jose Iturbi, who must have been "quite something" in 1945 (but not now)! However, it is thoroughly entertaining for both adults and children, the latter, due to a lengthy sequence in the middle of the film that pairs live action (Gene Kelly dancing) with animation. Note, this was over 40 years BEFORE "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and 20 years before "Mary Poppins".
Both Sinatra and Kelly are excellent and Sinatra proves he can DANCE with the greatest of them! (4 1/2 out of 5 stars)
"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (1949) is not quite as entertaining as "Anchors Aweigh". It less colorful and has a weaker plot, but the songs and dancing are still top-notch! This is the film where Sinatra REALLY proves he can DANCE as he and Kelly charge through a song in striped suits halfway through the film. Songs like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", "Strictly USA", "The Right Girl For Me", and "O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg" add to the fun of this film. (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
"On the Town" (1949) Simply, one of the greatest musicals ever made! This was the FIRST musical in film history to be filmed ON LOCATION, and what a location: NEW YORK CITY CIRCA 1949! If the plot sounds familiar (THREE sailors on shore leave in search of a "dame"), the musical numbers and the thrill of the Big Apple send this one right OUT of the ballpark!
Co-starring Jules Munshin, Vera-Ellen, Betty Garrett, and Ann Miller, with some of the musical sequences composed by Leonard Bernstein, and the great theme song, "New York, New York" ("a helluva town, the Bronx is Up and the Battery Down...", not the Sinatra smash-hit song, which came way later - 1979), "On the Town" is everything a musical could and should be!
(5 out of 5 stars)
Overall rating for this DVD box set, due to the considerable strengths of "Anchors Aweigh" and "On the Town": 5 out of 5 stars!
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection (On the Town / Anchors Aweigh / Take Me out to the Ball Game)
THE FRANK SINATRA & GENE KELLY COLLECTION ON THE TOWN The Bronx is up and the Battery’s down, but no one can be down after seeing this ebullient tale of sailors on leave in Manhattan. Sinatra, Kelly and Jules Munchin are the gobs, Ann Miller, Vera-Ellen and Betty Garrett are the gals. TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME Second baseman Sinatra and shortstop Kelly are in there pitching – pitching woo! Esther Williams and Betty Garrett costar in a tale of baseball and that other American pastime. ANCHORS AWEIGH I Fall In Love Too Easily, Frank croons. And we fall in love with the charms of two sailors at liberty in Tinseltown. Includes a milestone of musical fantasy: Kelly’s dance with cartoon mouse Jerry!
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