Rating: 
Summary: Bought This DVD Last Year...
Review: ...and, believe it or not, saw this film for the very first time last week! I know, part of the reason has been the fact that I don't consider myself to be much into venerable musicals (although at least two of them are on my all-time fav list: see THE KING AND I & THE WIZARD OF OZ); also, clocking in at exactly three hours as this film does, I needed to build up the patience to see FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (1971). Now that I've finally seen it, I want to see it again.Norman Jewison (himself not Jewish, by the way, despite his name) directed this, the film version of the long-running '60's Broadway musical that had starred the legendary Zero Mostel. I mention this fact because of the related controversy surrounding the casting of this film. Norman Jewison had bucked the popular trend by passing on Mostel to cast Palestine-born Israeli actor Topol, who had starred in the London stage production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, in the lead role of Tevye. This hurt the Broadway star's feelings badly, as Zero Mostel had basically figured that his starring in the film version was a done deal; however, his notorious tempestuousness with film directors, plus his unpredictability on the set of the Broadway original, caused Jewison to choose the better-tempered, and less-hammy, Topol instead. (The story goes that, the following year when Norman was casting his next film, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR--another film adaptation of a Broadway musical--he called on Zero's son Josh to fill the role of King Herod. Zero was home and could be heard shouting "Tell him to give it to Topol's son!" Josh got the part, anyway.) This film, Topol and all, is a masterpiece. It manages to tell a rather somber story while being entertaining at the same time. It contains some rather lengthy musical numbers that only serve to enhance, not subtract from, the plot. Most of these musical numbers became so popular that they are now legendary (the opening number "Tradition"; "Matchmaker, Matchmaker"; "If I Were A Rich Man"; "Sunrise, Sunset" and the beautiful closing number "Anatevka"). This Special Edition DVD boasts excellent picture and sound quality; it certainly doesn't seem like the film was made over 30 years ago! Then there is the casting: Topol, in an instantly-career-defining role, justifies the Mostel snub all the way (sorry, Zero) with a fully-realized performance that is alternatively amusing and engaging, introspective and thoughtful, agonizing and heart-rending. His character, a lowly milkman, is the center of the world in which he lives. At the beginning, he addresses us, the audience. In the remainder of the film, he interacts with each of the other characters and, most notably, with God, to whom he addresses his pleas. His relationship with the camera is nothing short of magical, and he was well-deserving of his Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Norma Crane plays Tevye's wife Golde, who both loves and tolerates him, all at once. Molly Picon plays Yente, the irrepressible matchmaker (who, in a point of irony, does not match up any of the marrying principals). Rosalind Harris plays Tevye's eldest daughter of five, Tzeitel, in a beautiful performance of quiet understatement. Leonard Frey plays Motel (pronounced "muttle"), Tzeitel's betrothed, in an earnest performance that garnered him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Paul Mann plays huge, pear-shaped Lazar Wolf, who strikes up an agreement with Tevye to win his eldest daughter's hand in marriage. His performance is so full of vitality that it's amazing to me that FIDDLER ON THE ROOF was the very last film he would ever do. Lastly, it is of note that future "Starsky and Hutch" star Paul Michael Glaser (here billed simply as Michael Glaser) makes a notable film debut as Communist revolutionary Perchik, who wins the hand of Tevye's second-eldest daughter Hodel (Michele Marsh), much to Tevye's chagrin. Tevye's striving to hang on to his Orthodox Jewish traditions while everything changes all about him--indeed, his world as he knows it goes from secure to nonexistent during the course of this film--makes up the majority of the plot. Frustrating his good intentions are the three eldest daughters (out of a total of five) who cause his patience to be tested, his faith to be shaken. The eldest calls into question the tradition of arranged marriages and the second calls into question the tradition of marrying an observant Jew (who himself calls into question the ancient rules of intergender public activity, such as dancing). Finally, the third daughter Chava (Neva Small) calls the whole idea of marrying another Jew into question, which leads to some of the film's most heartbreaking scenes. Oh, and while all this is going on, Czar Nicholas II stages pogroms against Jews in many towns--with Anatevka being next on the list. With all of its subplots and activity, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF leaves you with much about which to think. For all of its musical bombast, it contains much in the way of thoughtfulness. Perhaps most importantly, it captures a people and their era that is so distantly removed from our own--and makes us care. It also contains some beautiful music by Isaac Stern, who gives such an idelible musical voice to the titular character in this thoroughly remarkable, classic film. The extra features on this DVD are also excellent. This is a must-buy for all cinemaniacs. MOST RECOMMENDED
Rating:
Summary: The movie will blow you away
Review: This movie was the bomb! It rocked! TRADITION! hee hee...if I were a rich man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! good flim! Deserves 6 stars!!!!!! =)
Rating: 
Summary: HOLLYWOOD TRADITION
Review: I was surprised to find the whole Russian Army involved in "Fiddler On The Roof". Aside from the spirited singing and dancing, the film depicts The Bolshevik Revolution, a Siberian prison camp and generally the whole Russian Army fighting a revolution in expansive production values that at times equal the splendor of such grand movies as "Lawrtence Of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago". As the song and dance die down, homeless Jews travel in poor caravans searching for a homeland and the Russian Army fights and falls while revolutionaries gain control over the country. This all makes "If I Were A Rich Man" seem a bit trite in response to the enormous historical changes taking place in the movie. It seems the film should have only suggested these worldly details and remained focused on the gentleness and charm of the lead character and his domestic troubles.
Rating:
Summary: To Life, To Life! L'Chaim!
Review: One of the most emotional stage musicals, Fiddler on the Roof has a wonderful success story. The show focuses on one man's issues within his own family and faith. From that alone the show won universal appeal. Everyone can relate with Tevye's struggle. There on stage or screen we can see another adult who has choices to make everyday. That is a lot of stress and the musical expresses the sentiments wonderfully. When it came time to put the show on film, the show went through some interesting changes. First, Norman Jewison was selected to direct the project. A self-proclaimed 'goy', Jewison doubted his own ability to capture all the details of Jewish life. But, instead of giving up, he researched and researched. One of the first changes came in casting. The popular comic Zero Mostel, who played Tevye on Broadway was the natural choice to take on the film role, but Jewison had a different opinion. He thought film makes the settings, textures and characters more realistic. So, this film would be less of a fantasy, less of a musical comedy than the stage production. He didn't want the film to resemble a Jewish vaudeville act so, he looked elsewhere for the leading man. He wanted someone who could realistically portray a Eastern European Jew. He found Chaim Topol who was only 35 when they finished the film. Topol had played the role in the London Production of Fiddler on the Roof and was honored for his film performance as well. Much of the film was filmed on location in Yugoslavia. At the time of filming, there were still many villages that had no electricity, telephones and operated with horse drawn carts. It was a perfect stand-in for 1910 Anatevka. Incidentally, Anatevka as well as Tevye and his daughters were all the work of fiction, created by the Jewish humorist Sholom Aleichem. Some work was still done in a London studio when weather or environmental control was a necessity. The movie musical stands as one of the strongest, most emotional in history. But it is not a Xerox copy of the stage production. The spectacular Production values, (gone were the stage production abstract paintings) are amazing. You can almost choke on the dust in the chicken coop; feel the mud sloshing as Tevye's mule takes his last journey back home; Appreciate the weight of the Milk Cart. Several times throughout Fiddler on the Roof a song is sung during a ritual. Whether it be folding the clothes, delivering milk, celebrating a wedding or the sabbath or feeding the livestock. The song "the rumor" was removed. Additionally, Perchik's song "Now I have Everything" was taken out to be replaced with a new song "Any Day Now." That song was recorded but taken out of the show before it was filmed, but is available as a Bonus Feature on one of the two DVD releases, along with a running commentary. Be warned that the gorgeous cinematography is extremely widescreen and looks best on a 16 by 9 television... A small standard television will give you a very small picture. As Tevye struggles with balancing his love of tradition against his love for his daughters, we also can feel his struggle... As if he were a fiddler on the roof... Working to play a simple tune without falling off either slope of the roof. Fiddler on the Roof is a tremendous achievement.
Rating: 
Summary: great movie, only adequate video quality
Review: When I saw this DVD on sale at a local store I snapped it up - happy to add this classic film to my collection. While the story, music, characters and dialog are as enjoyable as ever, I was disapointed by the flaws in the video. The anamorphic widescreen transfer is a welcome plus, but it seems that no attempt was made to restore the film on DVD by removing the obvious and numerous flaws in the original film print. I'm not a video perfectionist by any stretch, but even across the living room on my small-screen (27") TV I could easily spot the flecks, spots and other flaws in the film - and this was during the FIRST viewing! Think half-way to dollar movie image quality (or lack therefore). MGM had already OK'd a high quality, anamorphic transfer, why didn't they spend the extra money to restore this classic and beloved film? Hopefully MGM will do a restoration in the future and bring out an "extra special edition" (or something). For now this is all we have on DVD and I'll keep my copy - I just wish MGM would have gone the extra mile (restoration) with this film on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: one of the best musicals of all time
Review: This movie is one of my all time favorites! The plot is great and exiting.0ne of the best movies! The acting is perfict and the singing is better. I LOVED it. The first time I saw the story was a play. The play was good, so tryed the DVD. It was so much better! This movie has great backgrounds. This movie should be a yearly TRADITION!!!
Rating:
Summary: Why can't all musicals be this extraordinary?
Review: I am not a fan of musicals. To suddenly burst into song to facilitate the telling of a story is just. . .well, it's corny. ("Bob, before you give your quarterly report, let's have a medley.") FIDDLER ON THE ROOF differs drastically from most musicals for two reasons: it tells an engrossing story; it is an exceptionally well-made film. Director Norman Jewison is the true star of this epic, as he is able to seamlessly transport the viewer to the Russian village of Anatevka--a village about to be radically affected by a dying Czarist regime. It is here the viewer is vigorously and wonderfully indoctrinated into the Jewish faith through the narration of Tevye, the milkman (Topol). And the Jewish faith, as Tevye repeatedly says, is based on "tradition." Naturally, tradition is under assault in Tevye's household, as his three oldest daughters--one by one--bypass their parents and pick their own husbands: a most egregious departure from old custom. But even more compelling is the allegorical depiction of Jewish tradition on the brink of mammoth assault in the tumultuous years to come under the Communists and Nazis. Again, Jewison tells a powerful story, superbly augmented by the music. Topol and the rest of the cast are fantastic. This film covers the full gambit of emotion, from lighthearted fun to dark remorse. The opening violin solo by Isaac Stern is worth the price of purchase itself. I don't make a habit out of recommending musicals, but FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a golden exception.
--D. Mikels
Rating:
Summary: A Keeper
Review: Fiddler on the Roof is a movie that will always stand the test of time. It accurately portrays what the Jewish people have been overcomming during their existence. Topol is oh so charming as a poor milkman father who strives to do the best for his family. There are many moments of humor and other moments that are poignant. Topol struggles through much change in marrying off his daughters. Whereas Topol can handle stepping away from arranged marriages and formal approvals he cannot accept intermarriage especially in an environment where Jews are so frequently persecuted. Whereas Topol's character certainly stands out the most, each of the supporting cast members give noteworthy performances. And the music is all fabulous. To Life, Sunrise Sunset, Tradition, and If I Were A Rich Man are all very memorable songs. Fiddler on the Roof is one movie that can be clearly classified as a keeper.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST MOVIE I'VE SEEN IN YEARS!!
Review: The classic story, based on the tales of Sholom Aleichem, is all about the wise, great-natured Tevye, who is a poor milkman in his Jewish village in Russia. Tevye is a kind and loving man, who loves his wife and his daughters. However, Tevye is at an important stage in his life. It's pre-revolution in Russia, and he has to come to terms with his changing lifestyle. His daughters are growing and looking for love, the pre-revolution and of course, other ties that bond into his family. Believe it or not (well, you should know) all of this works in a fine musical of morals, meaning, great character and emotion. There's a never a dull moment. It's three hours long, but it always feels far less than that to me... and I have trouble sitting for long movies. There's no surprise why this movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards®, it's just really good and well made. Truly one of the greatest musical movie adaptions ever. As I said, this movie goes really quick for me. Every scene in this is necessary and the dialogue just flows well and sounds great, all from Joseph Stein. There's just this great knack to it and it really comes to be an incredible and very enjoyable story. This musical is quite memorable as far as songs go. Yes with my sister I heard 'em all dozens of times, but the tunes are rather catchy and sound traditional. They just fit really well and come up at the right times. From the grand opening "Tradition" to "Matchmaker" to "Sunrise, Sunset" there's simply a greatness to them that can't be denied. They have messages and go with what's going on. The lyrics go well too and it's just a fine fit for it all. Really memorable tunes in all of this. The performances here are great, especially the Academy Award® nominated Topol as Tevye. Topol is just a great fit for the role as he really brings the character to full life. The strength, the happiness and the conflicting emotions. I don't know why, but Topol just has this real strong presence on the screen that's such a joy to watch. He's brilliant in this role as he really does capture everything in the role. He makes it feel and seem so real. Truly an impressive performance. The supporting cast is also good and play off Topol well. The singing voices are great too. Still, I think the real star of all of this is Norman Jewison. His directing skills, which have always been strong as he's done great films, but here he really creates a fantastic movie here. The way he conveys and sets up his shots as he captures the characters actions and feelings as we're viewing it all through our eyes. The editing and pacing is also fantastic. His wide and long shots are marvelous. I really just love his style and how it works in all of it. I wish this movie won the Oscar® for his direction, but it did win for cinematography. "Fiddler On The Roof" is one fine musical, as there is such richness in its characters and stories. Great acting, directing and adaptation all around, if you haven't seen this movie, what are you waiting for?
Rating:
Summary: Tradition ---- TRADITION!!!
Review: A marvelous film, as is the soundtrack, and Topol, who stars in the lead, gives a fabulous portrayal of Teyve, the patriarch who witnesses his life come to an abrupt halt in the small town of Anatevka. The music takes you through this tale of laughter and pathos, and tragedy, and in a very timeless way, it is sort of a history of the Jewish folks who have been persecuted throughout the centuries because they have been willing to pay the price for their own traditions and way of life, because it has been at odds with the rest of the world. You can still see it being played out today in many parts of the world. But...this is a wonderful and entertaining story, with a brilliant ensemble cast, and it will not only make you chuckle, but cry as well. The songs, from "If I were a Rich Man," to "To Life," to "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," to "Far from the Home I Love," are priceless and memorable, as is the story. It's a wonderful addition to a film library, and highly recommended!!!
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