Rating: 
Summary: this is the worst possible movie
Review: The singing [stinks] and the characters barely talk. It is about a...girl who cares more about her evil lover than her brother..... It's a really terrible plot not worth spending to see.
Rating: 
Summary: Simply the greatest musical of all time
Review: This film is no doubt, one of the greatest pieces of cinematic work that has ever existed. Its stunning visual beauty, heartwrenching story, and deep-rooted emotions that run through all come together to create an absolute marvelous film. To call it a modern version of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is not giving this film its due credit; it's far more than that. With the classic forbidden love tale, it also channels the emotions of childhood friendship, gang hatred, racism, and loyalty. Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer give the performances of a lifetime as the two lovers, Maria and Tony. They are so perfectly matched and convincing that I almost forgot they were only actors. The way they look at each other is timeless, even though in real life it's been reported that they didn't really get along that well at all. The colorful supporting cast carry on fame of their own, and deservably so. The hatred that brews between gang leaders Bernardo (George Chakiris) and Riff (Russ Tamblyn) is so deep and menacing it's frightening at times, and Anita's (Rita Moreno) display of fun agitation and odious dismay is astonishing. All of these actors are top-notch; they reportedly are all extremely close, yet the hatred they are required to display towards each other in their performances is brilliant. And then, of course, there is the directon and the story. The choreography in this film is simply breahtaking. The dancers perform stunts and moves that one wouldn't think were possible (and there's interesting tidbits about this on the extras). The film is also cinematically and visually stunning, from the opening park scene to the alleys and the rooftops. The direction is also fantastic and cleverly planned; there is pratically no dialogue until a good 20 minutes into the film, yet you can still sense hatred through their eyes and their opening choreography. This DVD would be a fanstastic addition to any collection. Though I expected more from the extras, I definitely don't regret buying it, because watching the film in DVD format is great in itself. This is my favorite musical of all time, and I've seen lots of them. No other musical has come close to this one, and many recent ones have adapted the similar tragic love story (Moulin Rouge) that was done in West Side Story. So be sure to pick this one up soon -- you won't regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: Less Than Perfect Sound
Review: This magnificent film is truly ageless. I won't bother discussing the plot as so many others have. I simply wish to call your attention to the sound quality of the otherwise perfect
DVD. In a word, the sound "stinks." Far more attention should have been paid to such a crucial element of this film. It's muddy and poorly mixed, especially during the musical numbers. Or perhaps it's just a sloppy digital transfer. Happily, the picture quality is excellent. So, why was so little attention paid to sound? It's a mystery.
Rating: 
Summary: I cannot believe they painted Natalie Wood's face!!!
Review: I have only one comment: What were they thinking when they decided to paint Natalie Wood's face? She could have easily pass for Puerto Rican without having that awful paint on.
Rating:
Summary: The one and only cast
Review: Though Natalie Wood doesn't sing her role, her portrayal of Maria is wonderful, along with a dynamite cast of characters. In my opinion, the cast of this movie is the ultimate cast...the standard for which all future performers in this musical should reach to attain. The choreography is stunning, as is the use of color in the costuming. I am impressed with the musical performances on all accounts and the music itself...well, it doesn't get much better than Bernstein and Sondheim. I'm excited for the special edition DVD of this performance, but this VHS is a great value.
Rating:
Summary: The Most Brilliantly Done Musical of all Time!!
Review: In another review of this sort, surely not enough words can describe what is truly the "Grand Daddy of them All." This is a marvelous film,from the beginning to the tragic end, and it encompasses all the best that a show can offer. The music by Bernstein stands out, and has for as long as the show has been revived. The subject matter - gangs, and a love which is doomed, especially in this kind of Romeo and Juliet love story. Then there's the dancing, and Chakiris shines, as well as does the ensemble cast. Natalie Wood is wonderful as Maria, and she brings a flair to this young role unlike any other film which has tried to duplicate its success. An outstanding achievement, and when you add this film to your library, you'll want to revisit it periodically, especially as the story and the songs enter your heart. This is truly a message for our times, and in another respect, this story is timeless. Incredibly recommended - probably with 10 stars or more!!!
Rating:
Summary: This film will give you goosebumps
Review: West Side Story is one of the most enjoyable and well made musical films ever made. From the breathtaking opening shot of Manhattan to the poignant cry of Maria which ends the film, this movie is captivating throughout. The groundbreaking cinematography, the memorable music of Leonard Bernstein, and the powerful storyline contribute to this film's well-deserved masterpiece status.
Rating:
Summary: A great movie, superb packaging except...
Review: The movie: Without a doubt one of America's treasures.
The packaging: First rate with one exception. The "glue" used to attatch the sales sheet on the outside of the DVD sleeve will rip up the sleve if you try to remove it. A small complaint, but whoever at MGM let this go out like this should sacked.
Rating:
Summary: "It won't be like any other night!"
Review: This wonderful timeless classic in it's new restored version is breath taking. Every little detail of video is perfect but the sound is a bit disappointing. I have a THX 7.1 system and i would think that the audio engineers would have done a better job of remixing the sound. Don't get me wrong it isn't bad but i do remember the Road Show version and remember how impressed the 70mm version was.The only major flaw i found was the technical aspect of the "Intermission". There is NO SUCH thing as "Intermission Music". It's fine the way the Act 1 comes to it's end but starting Act 2's entr'ence music with the word "Intermission" is unexcuseable. Why couldn't they just played the music on black film as done in the theatres. Don't you think that the DVD audience has a little more smarts than having to be told that this is "Intermission" or Entr'ence? All you really have to do is READ the chapter search. It's fine to use the words "Intermission" at the end of Act 1 if provided but you do not need to tell the audience that this is the beginning of Act 2.Other than than this is a great film and the 2nd DVD with the extras is just as wonderful. It's still worth every price.
Rating:
Summary: WE'RE STILL PRETTY!!!! [and very good too!]
Review: WELL, actually three and a half stars for the DVD edition - something seems 'odd' about the color control - expecially the balcony sequences [YES, I DO know that this is a specific 'hilighted' production - somewhat stylized regarding color choices and very avant-garde for 1961 - well, well deserving the critical accolades,] BUT the color control does seem to fluctuate on this edition {like a bad technicolor print - bleeding colors} ALSO the DOLBY 5.1 - Great Thumping effects ...occasionally... but then we slip back to Stereo [is it???] ANYHOW, enough! This is a treasure for the collector, and I did finally see this intact last night - somewhat 42 years later. Performances? Superlative, expecially Rita Moreno as the anguished Anita! This Lady deserves every inch of the 1961 Oscar. NATALIE WOOD? A perfect Maria - that last line "Don't you touch him!" Now that's something to relive ....... The others? Richard Beymer - heartthrob and great '60 ties talent ~ a tortured, intelligent and sensitive Tony. RUSS TAMBLYN? OK ... so just WHERE is his Award? Watch this performance closely .... NOT only a Dancer, Actor, but a superb, superb acrobat ...so underrated. [Fortunately Mr. Tamblyn is still with us - "Twin Peaks" Anyone?] A MOVIE experience to treasure, and revisit again and again!
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