Recently Warner Archive Collection released an actor spotlight collections of James Stewart featuring a good mix of western, drama and comedy. But now we need a little musical interlude so enter The Fred Astaire Collection.
Movie Rating:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend some time.
*=You haven’t missed anything.
Easter Parade (1948) A nightclub performer hires a naive chorus girl to become his new dance partner to make his former partner jealous and to prove he can make any partner a star. ***
The Band Wagon (1953) An aging movie star uncertain of his future teams up with a top ballerina to headline a new Broadway musical, but the pretentiously artistic goals of its director threaten to change it beyond recognition. ***
Silk Stockings (1957) A Russian government official is sent to Paris to bring back her comrades; she soon gets a taste of Paris life and falls in love with an American movie producer. ***
Finian's Rainbow (1968) An Irish immigrant and his daughter move into a town in the American South with a magical piece of gold that will change people's lives, including a struggling farmer and African American citizens threatened by a bigoted politician. ***
Warner Archive has restored and transferred each of these films on Blu-ray and are presented in 1080p with 1.37:1 and 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio tracks are English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and 5.1. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
As with all Warner releases the restorations are masterpieces. The picture and audio quality are second to none. But thankfully Warner just doen't throw a movie on a disc and make you pay for it. They make these discs worth while by adding some nice bonus features as well. Take a look at what is included.
Easter Parade Blu-ray Bonus Features:
* Commentary by Fred Astaire's daughter Ava Astaire and Judy Garland biographer John Fricke
* Easter Parade: Beyond the Avenue
* Outtake musical number Mr. Monotony
* Radio show
* Trailer
The Band Wagon Blu-ray Bonus Features:
* Commentary with Liza Minnelli and Michael Feinstein
* Get Aboard! The Band Wagon
* The Men Who Made the Movies: Vincente Minnelli
* Jack Buchanan with the Glee Quartet
* The Three Little Pups (Tex Avery Cartoon)
* Theatrical Trailer
Silk Stockings Blu-ray Bonus Features:
* Cole Porter in Hollywood: Satin and Silk
* Paree, Paree (1934)
* Poet and Peasant Overture
* Theatrical Trailer
Finian's Rainbow Blu-ray Bonus Features:
* Commentary with Director Francis Ford Coppola
* Francis Ford Coppola: DVD Introduction
* The World Premiere of Finian's Rainbow
* Theatrical Trailer
Not only do we see the great Fred Astaire in these films, but he is joined by Hollywood leading ladies Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse and Petula Clark. This is a wonderful collection for films on Blu-ray. Plus great bonus features make this Blu-ray a must for classic Hollywood fans.
If you love the films of Fred Astaire as much as I do, this Warner Archive Blu-ray set would make a wonderful addition to your home video library. Head over to MovieZyng or Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of the Fred Astaire Collection receives.....
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