On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)

Less colorful than it appears…, 18 May 2011

As much as I wanted to enjoy this film, it just bored me. I found myself needing to take frequent breaks from it, just to get through the first half. And, I didn’t even make it through the second half! I began watching this movie because of an initial intrigue that I had for the plot. And, while I do commend the film for the visual effort that was put into it (lavish costumes, often lovely scenery…), and while I do appreciate the production of the film as an admirable endeavor to extort a well-intended plot-line (reincarnation is never an easy subject to tackle, not even in the movies—-so kudos to this film for trying…), I must pan it for being unable to capture my interest and keep it. In sum, I would say the film is well-intended, but tries to be more than it is. At first glance, it comes across like one of those blockbuster, big-budget musicals, but this one is all air and no substance, like an inflated balloon that falls flat. Not even the high notes in the few songs in the film could keep it afloat… a movie only a Barbra fanatic could love.

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History (2008) (V)

Good attempt at covering an entire genre…in only 108 minutes!, 18 May 2011

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

This is perfect for a documentary, as far as being the right blend of entertaining and educational! And, another huge highlight of this particular DVD is the fact that it is a high-quality production; visually and audio-ably pristine. Good selection of clips, great selection of interviews, tip-top sights and sounds—-a real treat for the senses! I do have one big gripe with it though, and that it seemed to ignore some valid points in favor of some exaggerated points. For example, at one point, it said that Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) was really the first movie-musical in which the songs were part of the story/incorporated into the plot-line (it was said that before that movie, musicals were just a compilation of song and dance numbers on stage). And, Vincent Minnelli is credited with the change. However, accepts that claim as fact obviously knows very little about 1930s musicals! Examples of 1930s musicals in which the songs are incorporated as part of the plot-line development include: Showboat (the original), Love Me Tonight (1932) and That Girl From Paris (1937), just to name a few. Don’t get me wrong, I am a big Minnelli fan! Its just that I’m also a big fan of said films, and I think it is a sad injustice for them not to be recognized and given the credit they deserve! Because obviously, they were a bit ahead of their time. Other than that though, this is a five-star documentary, that I would recommend to any classic-film lover!