SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN [1952 / 2012] [60th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition] [Blu-ray + DVD] [UK Release] M-G-M’s Technicolor Musical Treasure! M-G-M’s Singing, Swinging, Glorious Feeling Musical!
Silent films are giving way to talking pictures and a hoofer-turned-matinee idol [Gene Kelly] is caught in that bumpy transition, as are his buddy Cosmo Brown [Donald O’Connor], prospective ladylove [Debbie Reynolds] and shrewish co-star Lina Lamont [Jean Hagen]. Rediscover the musical masterpiece. See ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN,’ in a dazzling, restored high definition, featuring an all-new documentary special feature that salutes not only just this all-time favourite film, but also the musical legacy of its producer and songwriter Arthur Freed.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1953 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Jean Hagen. Nominated: Best Music for Scoring of a Musical Picture for Lennie Hayton. 1953 Golden Globes: Nominated: Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for Donald O'Connor. Nominated: Best Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical. 1953 BAFTA Film Awards: Nominated: Best Film from any Source [USA]. 1953 Directors Guild of America: Nominated: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly. 1953 Writers Guild of America: Win: WGA Award (Screen) for Best Written American Musical for Adolph Green and Betty Comden.
FILM FACT No.2: ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ was originally conceived by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer producer Arthur Freed, the head of the "Freed Unit" responsible for turning out Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's lavish musicals, as a vehicle for his catalogue of songs written with Nacio Herb Brown for previous Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical films of the 1929 – 1939 period. Screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote two entirely new songs, "Make 'Em Laugh" and "Moses Supposes" and the latter with music director Roger Edens providing the music. All songs have lyrics by Freed and music by Brown unless otherwise indicated. Some of the songs, such as "Broadway Rhythm," "Should I?" and especially the song "Singin' in the Rain" itself, have been featured in numerous films. Gwen Verdon She provided the Tap sounds of Gene Kelly’s “Dancing In the Rain” sequence. Gwen Verdon said this was done while tapping in water. S Gwen Verdon announced this when interviewed by Dick Cavett on his television show between 1968 – 1974. Betty Comden and Adolph Green report that when they met Francois Truffaut at a party in Paris, and Francois Truffaut was very excited to meet the authors of Chantons sous la pluie. Francois Truffaut told them that he had seen the film so many times that he knew each frame by frame, and that he and fellow director and screenwriter Alain Resnais were among others, went to see it regularly at a small Parisian movie theatre where it sometimes ran for months at a time.
Cast: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Cyd Charisse, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno, Dawn Addams (uncredited), John Albright (uncredited), Betty Allen (uncredited), Sue Allen (uncredited), Marie Ardell (uncredited), Bette Arlen (uncredited), David Bair (uncredited), Jimmy Bates (uncredited), Marcella Becker (uncredited), Margaret Bert (uncredited), Madge Blake (uncredited), Gail Bonney (uncredited), Chet Brandenburg (uncredited), Gwen Carter (uncredited), Bill Chatham (uncredited), Lyle Clark (uncredited), Mae Clarke (uncredited), Dorinda Clifton (uncredited), Harry Cody (uncredited), Chick Collins (uncredited), Pat Conway (uncredited), Jeanne Coyne (uncredited), Ruby C. Currie (uncredited), Fred Datig Jr. (uncredited), Bert Davidson (uncredited), Robert Dayo (uncredited), Patricia Denise (uncredited), Kay Deslys (uncredited), Gloria DeWerd (uncredited), John Dodsworth (uncredited), King Donovan (uncredited), Michael Dugan (uncredited), Phil Dunham (uncredited), Helen Eby-Rock (uncredited), Marietta Elliott (uncredited), Richard Emory (uncredited), Betty Erbes (uncredited), Charles Evans (uncredited), Luigi Faccuito (uncredited), Tommy Farrell (uncredited), Don Fields (uncredited), Ernie Flatt (uncredited), Bess Flowers (uncredited), George Ford (uncredited), Robert Fortier (uncredited), Dan Foster (uncredited), Robert Foulk (uncredited), Clair Freeman (uncredited), Kathleen Freeman (uncredited), Lance Fuller (uncredited), Jeanne Gail (uncredited), Glen Gallagher (uncredited), Jon Gardner (uncredited), Diane Garrett (uncredited), Jack George (uncredited), John George (uncredited), Shirley Glickman (uncredited), Mickey Golden (uncredited), Inez Gorman (uncredited), A. Cameron Grant (uncredited), Beatrice Gray (uncredited), Marion Gray (uncredited), Robert Haines (uncredited), William Hamel (uncredited), Betty Hannon (uncredited), Sam Harris (uncredited), Timmy Hawkins (uncredited), Jack Hendricks (uncredited), Lars Hensen (uncredited), Dean Henson (uncredited), Jean Heremans (uncredited), Stuart Holmes (uncredited), Joyce Horne (uncredited), Don Hulbert (uncredited), Frank Hyers (uncredited), Patricia Jackson (uncredited), Ivor James (uncredited), Morgan Jones (uncredited), David Kasday (uncredited), Jan Kayne (uncredited), Jimmy Kelly (uncredited), Kenner G. Kemp (uncredited), Mike Lally (uncredited), Judy Landon (uncredited), Joi Lansing (uncredited), Janet Lavis (uncredited), Virginia Lee (uncredited), William F. Leicester (uncredited), Peggy Leon (uncredited), Diki Lerner (uncredited), Bill Lewin (uncredited), Sylvia Lewis (uncredited), John Logan (uncredited), Leon Lontoc (uncredited), Shirley Lopez (uncredited), Joan Maloney (uncredited), Paul Maxey (uncredited), Dorothy McCarty (uncredited), Ann McCrea (uncredited), Philo McCullough (uncredited), Johnny McGovern (uncredited), Joseph Mell (uncredited), Sheila Meyers (uncredited), Carl Milletaire (uncredited), Gloria Moore (uncredited), Marilyn Moore (uncredited), Forbes Murray (uncredited), Peggy Murray (uncredited), Sally Musick (uncredited), Anne Neyland (uncredited), Ruth Packard (uncredited), Dorothy Patrick (uncredited), Allen Pinson (uncredited), 'Snub' Pollard (Old Man Getting Umbrella in “Singin' in the Rain” Number) (uncredited), Angi O. Poulos (uncredited), Charles Regan (uncredited), Shirley Jean Rickert (uncredited), Joanne Rio (uncredited), Joel Robinson (uncredited), Joette Robinson (uncredited), Tony Rocke (uncredited), Victor Romito (uncredited), Dennis Ross (uncredited), Paul Salata (uncredited), Cosmo Sardo (uncredited), Audrey Saunders (uncredited), Russell Saunders (uncredited), William Schallert (uncredited), Phil Schumacher (uncredited), Betty Scott (uncredited), David Sharpe (uncredited), Elaine Stewart (uncredited), Ben Strobach (uncredited), Brick Sullivan (Policeman in “Singin' in the Rain” Number) (uncredited), Allen Sutherland (uncredited), Julius Tannen (Man in “Talking Pictures” Demonstration) (uncredited), Harry Tenbrook (uncredited), Jimmy Thompson (Singer in ‘Beautiful Girl' Segment) (uncredited), Dee Turnell (uncredited), Lana Turner (Actress in 'The Royal Rascal') (uncredited), Tyra Vaughn (uncredited), Tommy Walker (uncredited), Audrey Washburn (uncredited), Bobby Watson (Diction Coach) (uncredited), Chalky Williams (uncredited), Robert B. Williams (uncredited), Wilson Wood (Rudy Vallee Impersonator) (uncredited), Adam York (uncredited) and Norma Zimmer (uncredited)
Directors: Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly
Producers: Arthur Freed and Roger Edens (uncredited)
Screenplay: Adolph Green (story) and Betty Comden (story)
Composers: Lennie Hayton (uncredited)
Cinematography: Harold G. "Hal" Rosson, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Spanish: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Português: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
German: 1.0 DTS-HD Master Mono Audio
Italian: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Czech: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Polish: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German SDH, Italian SDH, Czech, Danish, Finnish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Polish, Russian and Swedish
Running Time: 98 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: All Regions + DVD: PAL
Number of discs: 3
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Warner Home Video
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ [1952] is one of the most-loved and celebrated film musicals of all time from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, before a mass exodus to filmed adaptations of Broadway plays emerged as a standard pattern. It was made directly for film, and was not a Broadway adaptation.
The joyous film, co-directed by Stanley Donen and acrobatic dancer-star-choreographer Gene Kelly, is a charming, up-beat, graceful and thoroughly enjoyable experience with great songs, and lots of flashbacks, wonderful dances, including the spectacular Broadway Melody Ballet with leggy guest star Cyd Charisse, casting and story. This was another extraordinary example of the organic, 'integrated musical' in which the story's characters naturally express their emotions in the midst of their lives. Song and dance replace the dialogue, usually during moments of high spirits or passionate romance. And over half of the film is a 'let's put on a play' type of film, is composed of musical numbers.
This superb classic Hollywood film, called “M-G-M's Technicolor Musical Treasure,” was produced during Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios' creative pinnacle. From the late 1930s to the early 1960s, producer Arthur Freed produced more than forty musicals for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The creative forces at the studio in the Arthur Freed Unit and composed of Arthur Freed, Vincente Minnelli, Stanley Donen, and actor/choreographer Gene Kelly also collaborated together to produce of other top Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Musical classics.
The plot of the film is actually an autobiography of Hollywood itself at the dawn of the talkies. The story is about a dashing, smug but romantic silent film star and swashbuckling matinee idol Don Lockwood [Gene Kelly] and his glamorous blonde screen partner/diva Lina Lamont [Jean Hagen] who is expected, by studio heads, to pretend to be romantically involved with each other. They are also pressured by the studio boss R.F. Simpson [Millard Mitchell] to change their silent romantic drama ‘The Duelling Cavalier’ and make their first sound picture, renamed as the musical ‘The Dancing Cavalier.’ There's one serious problem, however the temperamental, narcissistic star has a shrill, screechy New York accent. The star's ex-song-and-dance partner Cosmo Brown [Donald O’Connor] proposes to turn the doomed film into a musical, and suggests that Don Lockwood's aspiring actress and ingénue dancer-girlfriend Kathy Selden [Debbie Reynolds] dub in her singing voice behind the scenes for lip-synching Lina. The results of their scheming to expose the jealous Lina and put Kathy in a revealing limelight provide the film's expected happy resolution.
The film opens outside the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre at an exciting 1927 Hollywood film premiere. It is Monumental Pictures' opening night for its latest romantic, black and white swashbuckler, The Royal Rascal, starring two successful silent film stars, Don Lockwood [Gene Kelly] and his leading lady, a beautiful blonde bombshell Lina Lamont [Jean Hagen] understudy for another quintessential, squeaky-voiced dumb blonde named Billie Dawn, portrayed by Judy Holliday in the Broadway production of ‘Born Yesterday’ and in the subsequent film ‘Born Yesterday’ [1950]. One of the fans in the crowd holds up Screen Digest, a fan magazine with Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont pictured on the cover with the story titled: “Lockwood and Lamont – Reel Life or Real Life Romance?” The tabloids exaggerate their relationship and presenting them as virtually engaged.
A Louella Parsons-like radio interviewer Dora Bailey [Madge Blake] announces the arrivals of all the stars. The first limousines pull up at the show with lesser stars and their escorts, as fans cheer, anticipating the arrival of the major stars. Finally, Hollywood's favourite romantic team/couple of silent films, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, arrive and they are announced as “those romantic lovers of the screen.” As they step out of their limousine, Don Lockwood is wearing a totally white, belted polo coat and white felt hat, and Lina has on a glittering light silvery-green gown and fur-collared stole. They are greeted with tremendous cheers from the fans, and the interviewer's words about the gorgeous couple: “They're a household name all over the world, like bacon and eggs.”
Then, in flashback, he reminisces for the listening public, in exaggerated fashion, about his life story and rise to the top in show business. Don Lockwood [Gene Kelly] tells of his early pre-Hollywood days, dancing school, rigorous musical training at the conservatory of fine arts, and many performances with his vaudeville partner/musician Cosmo Brown [Donald O’Connor]. The narrative images on the screen belie every embellished, fabricated word he speaks in reality, the pictures and descriptions are terribly disjointed. [The film's theme is the 'out of sync' disjunction of words / sounds / film images from reality and what can be believed in the magical world of film? Can we believe our eyes and our ears?] What actually happened to Cosmo Brown and Don Lockwood is seen entirely differently as an uphill struggle for two musicians/performers.
Enter vivacious flapper Kathy Selden [Debbie Reynolds], who Don Lockwood meets by chance one evening after he flees a flock of rabid fans. The spunky Kathy Selden isn't intimidated by Don Lockwood's aura, and he quickly becomes smitten. The jealous Lina Lamont, however, much to Don's chagrin, tries to shoot down Kathy Selden's rising star, just as the advent of talkies turns the movie industry upside down and puts the career of squeaky-voiced Lina Lamont in jeopardy. But Don Lockwood, his best pal Cosmo Brown [Donald O’Connor] and Kathy Selden hatch a plan that just might work to everyone's ultimate advantage, or will it?
Though the script makes good-natured fun of a host of Hollywood foibles from splashy premieres, backstage backstabbing, and oversized egos to stuffy elocution experts, creative short-sightedness, and performer stereotypes at its core, ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ is a sweet, naive love story played with winning earnestness by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. Forget the 20-year age difference; the pair crafts a believable relationship that's heightened by one of Gene Kelly's most relaxed and natural performances. At times, Debbie Reynolds might seem a tad too vivacious, but the game 19-year-old never seems daunted by her co-stars or overwhelmed by their substantial terpsichorean talent. As the wisecracking sidekick, Donald O'Connor garners his share of laughs, but it's Jean Hagen's priceless Lina Lamont who all but steals the show. Jean Hagen was a good dramatic actress, but her peerless comic timing, inflection, and no-holds-barred, over-the-top portrayal of the dumb, delusional, yet devious diva justly won critical raves and a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.
The rollicking “Good Morning,” featuring more great tap-dancing and impish clowning, is a total winner, as is the sprightly Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor duet “Fit as a Fiddle” and the quietly amorous “You Were Meant for Me.” And we surely can't forget the sensational “Broadway Ballet.” A shorter, more accessible, bouncier dance montage than Gene Kelly's opulent 'An American in Paris' ballet a year earlier, this jazzy, sexually charged, yet passionately romantic creation features Gene Kelly dancing with the exquisitely sleek and precise Cyd Charisse. The fireworks between them are extraordinary, and the pair burns up the screen in a sizzling mini-drama of seduction set to “Broadway Rhythm.”
‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ has no message or moral beyond love conquers all or good triumphs over evil, and it didn't advance the art of musical moviemaking. Gene Kelly and his co-director, Stanley Donen, writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green, the accomplished cast, and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer dream factory merely take the traditional musical blueprint and produce the ultimate offering, a film whose sole purpose is entertainment and singular goal is to send its audience walking home on air. And it succeeds brilliantly on both counts. The lack of pretension, mystifying talent, and sheer joy that emanate from every frame of ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ are what makes this beloved film so tremendous and so worthy of repeat viewings. Is it the greatest musical ever made? Yes of course it is and I will not have any negative comments saying it is, because if anyone does give negative comments about this film, then obviously they are philistines.
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN MUSIC TRACK LIST
FIT AS A FIDDLE (1932) (Music by Al Hoffman Al Goodhart) (uncredited) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the 1932 stage revue "George White's Music Hall Varieties"] [Sung by Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor] (uncredited)
TEMPTATION (1933) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) [Originally from the film ‘Going Hollywood’ cir. 1933]
ALL I DO IS DREAM OF YOU (1934) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘Sadie McKee’ cir. 1934] [Sung by Debbie Reynolds (uncredited) and Chorus]
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH (1935) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘Broadway Melody of 1936’ cir. 1935] [Sung by chorus]
THE WEDDING OF THE PAINTED DOLL (1929) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘The Broadway Melody’ cir. 1929] [Sung by chorus]
SHOULD I? (1929) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘Lord Byron of Broadway’ cir. 1930] [Sung by Wilson Wood] (uncredited)
BEAUTIFUL GIRL (1933) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘Stage Mother’ cir. 1933] [Sung by Jimmy Thompson] (uncredited)
YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME (1929) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘The Broadway Melody’ cir. 1929] [Sung by Gene Kelly] (uncredited)
MOSES SUPPOSES (1952) (Music by Roger Edens) (uncredited) (Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green) (uncredited) [Sung by Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor] (uncredited)
GOOD MORNING (1939) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from Babes in Arms cir. 1939] [Sung by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds] (uncredited)
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1929) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘The Hollywood Revue of 1929’ cir. 1929] [Sung by Gene Kelly] (uncredited)
WOULD YOU (1936) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘San Francisco’ cir. 1936] [Sung by Betty Noyes dubbing for Debbie Reynolds] (uncredited)
BROADWAY RHYTHM BALLET (1952) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘The Broadway Melody’ cir. 1929] [Sung by Gene Kelly] (uncredited)
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (in A-Flat) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘The Hollywood Revue of 1929’ cir. 1929] [Sung by Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Millard Mitchell] (uncredited)
YOU ARE MY LUCKY STAR (1935) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Originally from the film ‘Broadway Melody of 1936’ cir. 1935] [Sung by Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and off-screen chorus] (uncredited)
MAIN TITLE (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra] [Sung by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds]
DIGNITY (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra]
STUNT MONTAGE (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra]
FIRST SILENT PICTURE (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra]
GENE DREAMS OF KATHY (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra]
GOOD NIGHT KATHY (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra]
FROM DUELLING TO DANCING (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra]
WOULD YOU? (End Title) (uncredited) [Conducted by Lennie Hayton] [Performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra] [Sung by Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Chorus]
MARCH: NEWS OF THE DAY (uncredited) [Conducted by John Rochetti]
Blu-ray Image Quality – SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ was the first Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film via Warner Home Video who restored using the Ultra-Resolution process back in 2002, and the results were extraordinary. The re-master Blu-ray, however, didn't meet high-definition standards, so for this Blu-ray edition, the studio went back to a set of fine grain masters, the original negative was destroyed in a fire in the late 1970s and struck a 4k scan. Once again, the results are often breath-taking high-definition transfer and ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ looks totally spectacular. Colours, contrast, and clarity are all totally superb. And what glorious colours they are! Designer Walter Plunkett went the extra mile replicating the outlandish flapper outfits of the late 1920s, and the purples, pinks, emerald greens, and sunny yellows truly pop. Sequins, fringe, and feathers are also beautifully defined and difficult patterns, such as the green and white plaid suits that Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelly don in the “Fit as a Fiddle” number, are rock solid and resist shimmering. Kelly's yellow vest and Syd Charisse's sparkly green mini-dress in the “Broadway Ballet” add pleasing accents to the picture, as do all the costumes of the dance extras, each of which possesses its own distinct sense of retro style. Black levels are rich and inky, but crush is never an issue, and whites, such as Hagen's outfit in the opening premiere segment, are bright but stable. Flesh tones lean a bit toward the ruddy end of the scale in certain scenes, but on the whole are true to life. Background elements are always easy to discern (the all-important rain is brilliantly clear, with individual drops possessing more clarity than ever before), and close-ups ooze Hollywood glamour without appearing overly artificial. Some scenes look a shade softer than others, but the gradation is so slight, most eyes won't even see it. Warner Home Video has always been careful to present classic Hollywood films as close to their original look as possible, and with ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ they've done a first-class job. We've waited a long time for this title to be released on Blu-ray, and our patience hasn't been in vain.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Warner Home Video also has done a great job fashioning a high-quality 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix for this musical classic. ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ was produced before the advent of stereo, so naturally most of the sound is front-based, but the fidelity and tonal depth are so crisp and warm, there's a marvellous surround feel to this track. A wide dynamic scale, featuring bright, crystalline highs and weighty lows, maximize vocal and instrumental intensity while showcasing subtleties with ease. Both Debbie Reynolds' brassy delivery and Gene Kelly's delicate tenor come across cleanly, and the “Broadway Ballet” scoring is alternately vibrant and nuanced, as screaming trumpets and swelling strings fill the room without a hint of distortion. Atmospherics, such as the pouring rain, street noise, and the film set ambience, are solid, too distinct, but not overpowering and every toe tap is crisp and synchronised. The audio in the early talkie sequences is especially well balanced, possessing the appropriate degree of roughness without delving too far into caricature. The clanking of Lina Lamont's pearls, and the clomping of footsteps, and the general imperfections of rudimentary sound recording, such as static, hiss, pops, crackles, are all meticulously rendered. Thankfully, no age-related defects afflict the rest of the picture, as Warner technicians have scrubbed up this audio track very clean. Dialogue is always well prioritised and easy to comprehend, as are song lyrics, and the musical sequences benefit from a slight level boost that enhances the excitement and vigour of each number. For a 60-year-old film, ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ sounds surprisingly contemporary, and those who appreciate Golden Age Musicals will be thrilled by this audio track. The Blu-ray disc houses the main feature in a beautiful encoded 1080p image with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, an audio commentary, the original theatrical trailer, and an all-new documentary, while the PAL DVD disc contains the film in standard definition. Plus included is the ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Compact Disc with 26 amazing tracks.
Blu-ray and DVD Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary by Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Cyd Charisse, Kathleen Freeman, Co-Director Stanley Donen, Screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Author/Historian Rudy Behlmer: Sometimes with an audio commentary, they say, “too many cooks spoil the broth,” but luckily not here thank goodness. Debbie Reynolds “hosts” this highly interesting conglomeration of reflections and analysis on the film ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ by co-stars Donald O'Connor and Cyd Charisse, co-director Stanley Donen, screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green, also featured is Kathleen Freeman, director Baz Luhrmann, and film historian Rudy Behlmer. Sadly, many of the participants have sadly passed away since this audio recording discussion in 2002, but it just makes us more appreciative with this audio recording that exists at all. Betty Comden and Adolph Green talk about the difficulty of fashioning a film around the Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown musical catalogue. Donal O'Connor recalls how his classic “Make 'Em Laugh” number came together; Rudy Behlmer relays a cornucopia of fascinating facts, including abandoned numbers and concepts, the proposed casting of Oscar Levant as Cosmo Brown, and how the film's original nitrate negative was destroyed by fire; and the rest of the participants share fond memories of Gene Kelly and Arthur Freed. My only complaint is that Debbie Reynolds barely contributes, other than to introduce the various speakers. Why aren't her memories worthy of more air time? Other than that small gripe, this is a totally first-class audio commentary and well worth the time of fans and newbies alike to listen to all of their comments, as you learn so much in-depth information about this classic Holly wood musical.
Special Feature: Singin' in the Rain: Raining on a New Generation [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [50:48] This 2012 documentary includes 21st century choreographers, dancers and film historians discuss the significance of ‘SINGIN' IN THE RAIN’ [1952] to their art form and also reveal why this iconic musical continues to influence and inspire musical performers around the world. We get to hear comments from many contemporary musical luminaries, all of whom reflect on their personal experience with the iconic film; discuss its wide-ranging influence, inimitable style, and amazing choreography; and salutes Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor; and marvel over the spectacular dance numbers. Interestingly, the film clips we get to view in this breezy documentary are really beautiful and really enhance this special feature. Contributors include: Zachary Woodlee (Co-Producer/Choreographer), John DeLuca (Choreographer), Corbin Bleu (Actor), Michael Rooney (Choreographer), Charles Klapow (Choreographer), Paula Abdul (Entertainer), Rob Marshall (Director/Choreographer), Rudy Behlmer (Author/Film Historian), Adam Shankman (Director/Choreographer), Baz Luhrmann (Director), Dick Clement (Screenwriter), Ian La Frenais (Screenwriter), Harry Shum Jr. (Actor), Sam Watson (Film Historian), Matthew Morrison (Actor) and Usher (Entertainer).
Special Feature: Juke Box Jump-to-Song Feature: This handy feature allows ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ fans to access their favourite musical numbers from the film, by using your remote control, which includes: "Fit as a Fiddle;" "All I Do Is Dream of You;" "Make 'Em Laugh;" "You Were Meant For Me;" "Beautiful Girl;" "Moses Supposes;" "Good Morning;" "Singin' in the Rain;" the "Broadway" pieces; "You Are My Lucky Star" and more. You can create custom playlists or use the Play All button for a stimulating concert experience.
Theatrical Trailer [1952] [1080i] [1.37:1] [4:00] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN.’ What a shame they could not of upgraded this trailer like the film.
Special Feature: Musicals Great Musicals: The Arthur Freed Unit at M-G-M [1996] [1080i] [1.37:1] [86:09] This absorbing, clip-filled 1996 documentary is part of the “Great Performances” series on the PBS channel, which salutes arguably the finest producer of movie musicals in the history of cinema. Many dignitaries, such as dancer Cyd Charisse, actor Mickey Rooney, composer André Previn, choreographer Michael Kidd, writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green, dancer Ann Miller, director Stanley Donen, actress Leslie Caron, and many others recall the amazing man Arthur Freed, and talk about his amazing method of assembling talent, how he transformed a pedestrian musical genre into a bona fide art form, and his distinctive film creations. We get to view a marvellous array of excerpts from such classic films as ‘Singin' in the Rain’ (1952), ‘The Band Wagon’ (1953), ‘On The Town’ (1949), ‘An American in Paris’ (1951), ‘The Harvey Girls’ (1945), ‘Strike Up The Band’ (1940), ‘The Broadway Melody’ (1929), ‘42nd Street’ (1933), ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939), ‘Babes In Arms’ (1939), ‘Strike Up The Band’ (1940), ‘Cabin In The Sky’ (1943), ‘Broadway Melody of 1936 (1936), ‘Meet Me In St. Louis’ (1944), ‘Ziegfeld Follies’ (1946), ‘Easter Parade’ (1948), ‘That Midnight Kiss’ (1949), ‘Royal Wedding’ (1951), ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ (1950), ‘On The Town’ (1949), ‘Show Boat’ (1951), ‘Yolanda An d The Thief’ (1954), ‘The Pirate’ (1948), ‘An American in Paris’ (1951), ‘Hollywood Review of 1929’ (1929), ‘The Band Wagon’ (1953), ‘It’s Always Fair Weather (1955), ‘The Subterraneans’ (1966) and ‘GIGI’ (1958). Of course among the many other contributors illustrate Arthur Freed's artistry and further cement his already lofty reputation. Musicals fans will be enthralled by this well balanced and very involving beautiful documentary tribute of Arthur Freed. Contributors include: Cyd Charisse (Actress), Donald O’Connor (archive footage), Arthur Freed (archive footage), Hugh Fordin (Biographer of Arthur Freed), Stanley Donen (Director), André Previn (Composer/Arranger), Betty Comden (Screenwriter/Lyricist), Adolph Green (Screenwriter/Lyricist), Michael Kidd (Choreographer), Mickey Rooney (Actor), Barbara Saltzman (Daughter of Arthur Freed), Nacio Herb Brown (Composer), Jack Benny (archive footage), Vincente Minnelli (archive footage), Irving Brecher (archive footage), Ann Miller (Actress), Mildred Kaufman (Secretary to Arthur Freed), Gene Kelly (archive footage), Saul Chaplin (Vocal Arranger), Leslie Caron (Actress) and Irving Berlin (archive footage).
Special Feature: What a Glorious Feeling: The Making of ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ [2002] [1080i] [1.37:1] [36:00] Debbie Reynolds hosts this behind-the-scenes chronicle and produced for the film's 50th Anniversary. Though many of the comments by Donald O'Connor, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Stanley Donen, Rudy Behlmer and others also are included, this is still a fresh and informative piece. It also offers us the chance to hear Debbie Reynolds share her memories of working on the film and her fondness for her legendary co-star and the valuable lessons he taught her. We once again get to view a marvellous array of excerpts from such classic films as ‘The Broadway Melody’ (1929), ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939), ‘Show Boat’ (1951), ‘An American in Paris’ (1951), ‘Two Weeks with Love (1950) and ‘Singin' in the Rain’ (1952). Contributors include: Debbie Reynolds (Hostess), Irving Thalberg (archive footage), Louis B. Mayer (archive footage), Stanley Donen (Director), Betty Comden (Screenwriter/Lyricist), Adolph Green (Screenwriter/Lyricist), Donald O'Connor (Actor), Kathleen Freeman (Actress), Cyd Charisse (Actress) and Rudy Behlmer (Author/Historian).
Special Feature: Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed Film Excerpts: Where the Songs Originated [1929 – 1939] [1080i] [1.37:1] [50:14] I'm a sucker for film musical history of this genre, so here we get an amazing collection of original performances of the Nacio Herb Brown Brown/Arthur Freed team songs used in the 1952 ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ from various films of the 1920s and right through to 1930s period. Stars such as Bing Crosby, Eleanor Powell, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Jeanette MacDonald perform the numbers. There are some real rarities here, so classic film buffs should definitely check this Special Feature out. Composer Nacio Herb Brown [1896 – 1964] and lyricist Arthur Freed [1894 –1973] started writing songs together in 1921. When sound came to motion pictures in 1927, the pair was doing a series of small stage revues at the Music Box Theatre in Hollywood. M-G-M immediately signed them up, taking one of the songs, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and featuring it in the early movie musical ‘The Hollywood Revue of 1929.’ Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed continued on staff at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer through the 1930s, with song hits including “All I Do is Dream of You,” “Temptation,” “You Are My Lucky Star,” “Broadway Melody,” “Pagan Love Song” and “You Were Meant for Me.” In 1939, Arthur Freed served as an associate producer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ during the production of which he convinced studio head Louis B. Mayer to put him in charge of a division to produce movie musicals. The Freed Unit made such classics as ‘Meet Me in St Louis,’ ‘An American in Paris,’ ‘The Band Wagon’ and ‘GIGI.’ Most popular of all was the 1952 film ‘Singin’ in the Rain,’ with a score featuring songs from the early Nacio Herb Brown Brown/Arthur Freed catalogue. Here you get to view where the original songs came from with these early Black-and-White Hollywood Film Musicals and they are as follows:
“All I Do Is Dream of You” is from the film ‘Sadie McKee’ (1934) The song’s inclusion in this Joan Crawford vehicle, made it a hit tune. Joan Crawford’s face adorned the sheet music covers . . . even though the film’s vocal was crooned to Joan Crawford by Gene Raymond! Running time: 1:43
“Beautiful Girl” is from the film ‘Going Hollywood’ (1933) M-G-M borrowed new singing sensation Bing Croasby from Paramount Pictures to star opposite Marion Davis as a radio crooner. Notice who’s holding Bing Crosby’s microphone: Sterling Holloway, later the cartoon voice of Winnie the Pooh. Running time: 4:09
“The Broadway Melody” is from the film ‘Broadway Melody of 1936’ (1935) The Spectacular finale of this talented-loaded hit, pulls out all the stops as Frances Langford, Buddy Ebsen, Vilma Ebsen, June Knight and Eleanor Powell light up the screen. Running time: 9:21
“Good Morning” is from the film ‘Babes In Arms’ (1939) Arthur Freed’s debut effort as producer was this adaption of Rodgers and hart’s 1937 Broadway hit. Many of the stage scores weren’t used. This previously written Herb Brown Brown/Arthur Freed song was interpolated as a Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland duet. Running time: 2:24
“I’ve Got a Feelin’ You’re Foolin’” is from the film ‘Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935) Matinee idol Robert Taylor revealed a pleasant singing voice in this duet with Broadway import June Knight. Running time: 5:36
“Should I?” is from the film ‘Lord Byron of Broadway’ (1929) The film and its leading man, Broadway transplant Charles Kaley, didn’t catch on. But this song, which Charles Kaley introduced, did. It became one of Herb Brown Brown/Arthur Freed’s biggest hit. Running time: 2.37
“Singin’ in the Rain” is from the film ‘The Hollywood Revue of 1929’ (1929) Ukulele Ike, along with the Brox Sisters and the M-G-M Chorus, introduced the Herb Brown Brown/Arthur Freed’s team’s biggest hit. Ukulele Ike’s real name was Cliff Edwards, and would gain movie immortality 11 years later as the voice of “Pinocchio’s” Jimmy Cricket. Running time: 6:20
“Would You?” is from the film ‘San Francisco’ (1936) This was written for M-G-M’s resident operatic soprano star Jeanette McDonald. Both this and the ‘San Francisco’ pictures title tune written by Bronislaw Kaper and Walter Jurmann, with lyrics by Gus Kahn, that went on to become a standard. Running time: 2:53
“You Are My Lucky Star” is from the film ‘Broadway Melody of 1936’ (1935) Lovely Eleanor Powell was M-G-M’s first big dancing sensation and she captivated audiences with this charming fantasy sequence. Running time: 6:13
“You Were Meant For Me” is from the film ‘The Broadway Melody’ (1929) This was the Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed team’s first hit love song. Charles King introduces it here. Indeed, it was so popular that Conrad Nagel (American actor) crooned it again a few months later in the film ‘The Hollywood Review’ (1929). Running time: 2:25
“Temptation” is from the film ‘Going Hollywood’ (1933) This film score’s biggest hit was a torrid ballad, sung by Bing Crosby. Rejected by true love Marion Davies, he drowns his sorrows in drink while being seduced by vamp Fifi D’Orsay. Running time: 2:03
Special Feature: “You Are My Lucky Star” [Musical Number Outtake] [1952] [1080i] [1.37:1] [3:56] This solo number by Debbie Reynolds, strangely reminiscent of Judy Garland's “Dear Mr. Gable (You Made Me Love You)” and was cut before the film ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ was released.
Special Feature: Gallery [2012] [1080i] [1.78:1] [2:06] With this slideshow you get to view eighteen rare M-G-M publicity images relating to the film ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ and are a mix of candid publicity shots, costume sketches, hair and makeup tests, and behind-the-scenes. Each images changes every seven seconds.
Special Feature: Scoring Stage Sessions: Here we get to hear rare an audio recording vault of 26 pre-recordings of musical material from the film ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN,’ including unused versions and drafts that were altered before filming and what you get to hear is the following: “You Were Meant For Me” – Take 3; “You Were Meant For Me” – Take 5; “Moses Supposes;” “Fit As A Fiddle;” “All I Do Is Dream Of You;” “Singin’ in the Rain;” “You Are My Lucky Star” Final – Take 2; ;” “You Are My Lucky Star” Final – Take 3; “Would You?” – Duet; “Singin’ in the Rain’ – For Unused Main Title; “Good Morning;” “Beautiful Girl” – Original Version with Unused Bridge; “You Are My Lucky Star” – Deleted Debbie Reynolds Version; “You Are My Lucky Star” – Deleted Debbie Reynolds Version without dialogue; “Would You?” – Debbie Reynolds Vocal; “Make ‘Em Laugh;” “Broadway Ballet” – Part One (Two takes); “Broadway Ballet” – Part Two (Two takes); “Broadway Ballet” – Part Three; “Broadway Ballet” – Part Four; “Broadway Ballet” – Part Five; “Broadway Ballet” – Part Six; “All I Do Is Dream Of You” – Unused Gene Kelly Version and “Beautiful Girl” – Unused Version with Gene Kelly Interlude Demo.
BONUS CD: Includes the ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Compact Disc with amazing 26 audio tracks.
PLUS: A beautiful designed 48 Page commemorative booklet highlighting the behind-the-scenes history of how the classic film musical made it to the big screen. It includes articles entitled: Production #1546. “ALL TALKING! ALL SINGING! ALL DANCING!” Gene Kelly. Donald O’Connor. Debbie Reynolds. Jean Hagen. Cyd Charisse. Millard Mitchell. Douglas Fowley. Rita Moreno. The Freed Unit. Good Morning. Make ‘Em Laugh. Beautiful Girl. Singin’ in the Rain. The Broadway Melody. Final Touches. Previes/Cuts. Epitaph. On top of all that, we get a plethora of wonderful rare promotional Black-and-White and Colour images relating to to all aspects of the film ‘SING’ IN THE RIAN.’
Finally, what a glorious feeling, that ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ has at last arrived on this magnificent Blu-ray and Warner Home Video honours this immortal musical with a fitting ultimate collector's edition that features eye-popping video, excellent audio, and a shower of high-quality extras that will thrill the film's legion of fans. While the enclosed collectible umbrella is an unnecessary bit of swag, the rest of this marvellous set hits the bull’s eye and is well worth the interminable wait, as well as the hefty price tag. If like me, you own the Ultimate Collector's Editions of 'The Wizard of Oz' in 3D, you will be familiar with the scope and size of this Limited and numbered 60th Anniversary package is simply illustrated with a white box cover that lists specs and supplement info. Inside lies a full-size, beautiful 48-page, lavishly illustrated hardcover book that features many rare photos, shooting logs, and well-written text. The film's production history, brief bios of the principals and key supporting players, a behind-the-scenes look at many of the film's numbers, and a list of both changes to the script and deletions after the picture's previews are all included within the pages of this absorbing and beautifully designed volume. The 3 discs are housed in a fold-out, full-colour blue case, and on the back it features publicity photos of Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, as well as various scenes from the film. Certain classic films demand the red-carpet treatment like 'The Wizard of Oz' lead the charge and of course ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ is one of them. Filled with humour, great songs, spirited performances, and some of the best dancing you'll ever see on film, this musical icon remains fresh and exhilarating 60 years after its initial release, and demands a spot on every cinema lover's shelf. You'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain every time you experience ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN,’ especially in stunning awesome encoded 1080p image and one more reason why this Blu-ray set is a definite must-own! And that is why it has gone great honours to now be added to my other Gene Kelly and awesome Hollywood Magic Musical Blu-ray Collection. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
