Easter Parade (Two Disc Special Edition)
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Ann Miller, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Margaret Bert, Peter LawfordBrand: Warner
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 107 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-03-15
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Movie Reviews of Easter Parade (Two Disc Special Edition)
Movie Review: stroll the avenue with Fred and Judy!
Summary: 5 Stars
EASTER PARADE represents the pinnacle of the M-G-M musical. Too wonderful to watch only at eastertime, the film is filled with sensational Irving Berlin standards, superbly-choreographed musical numbers; not to mention the once-in-a-lifetime pairing of Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.
Astaire plays famous vaudeville star Don Hewes, whose career as a pair-dancer is cut short when his partner Nadine (Ann Miller) quits the act to become a solo star. One night, whilst drowning his sorrows in a dingy bar, he happens across struggling singer Hannah Brown (Garland). Despite having no training, he decides to turn her into his most formidable dance partner. But their relationship - both on and off the stage - is tempered by Hannah's flirtation with a young collegiate bachelor (Peter Lawford), and the reappearance of beautiful Nadine.
The entire film (based around the pre-existing catalogue of Irving Berlin songs) is a complete joy. While the role of Don was originally meant for Gene Kelly, he suffered a broken leg only days before the filming was to begin. Astaire was brought out of retirement to assume the role, and turned in one of his greatest performances, ushering in a wave of new screen vehicles ("The Band Wagon", "Royal Wedding", etc). Judy Garland is pure perfection as Hannah, and obviously adored working with Astaire (their "Couple of Swells" routine is simply tour-de-force).
Ann Miller, in her first big role at the M-G-M studios, is an eyeful as the tap-happy Nadine. Her bravura rendition of "Shakin' the Blues Away", choreographed by Robert Alton, still counts as one of THE greatest musical numbers ever filmed. It's hard to believe, but Ann Miller was still nursing a broken back when she filmed that number. What a trouper! The role of Nadine was originally earmarked for Cyd Charisse, but once again, an injury kept her from the project and former RKO queen Miller started her series of screen successes for M-G-M, that would continue through "On the Town", "Small Town Girl" and "Hit the Deck". Peter Lawford (coming straight from the successful "Good News"), plays Hannah's would-be suitor very well; his mannered singing voice is quite acceptable.
This fabulous 2-disc Special Edition of EASTER PARADE comes with a wealth of bonus materials; including audio commentary with Judy Garland expert John Fricke, and Ava Astaire McKenzie (Fred's daughter). A new Making-Of documentary called "Easter Parade: On the Avenue", which recounts the various problems and difficulties that were encountered in bringing the film to life. Judy Garland's long-deleted performance of "Mr Monotony" which was cut from the final edit of the film (the costume was later recycled for the "Get Happy" number in Garland's last M-G-M film "Summer Stock"). Among the audio components is the Lux Radio Theatre broadcast, featuring the bulk of the film cast, in a fun little freeze-dried version of the story.
The real highlight is the award-winning American Masters documentary feature "Judy Garland: By Myself", which traces the life of Garland through remnants of audio interviews, film footage and pieces from Garland's attempted autobiography (with the voice of Isabel Keating as Garland). The doco features rare screen-test footage, pieces from "The Judy Garland Show" and lots of insight from those closest to Garland.
Summary of Easter Parade (Two Disc Special Edition)
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