Rating: Summary: Clearing up Todd-AO/Cinemascope/video/DVD confusion Review: I found the information on the two video and the DVD releases confusing, even after reading the comments here, because the terminology is sometimes scrambled. In theatres, both Todd-AO and CinemaScope versions were shown, both widescreen. The Todd-AO is 2.20:1; I don't know what the CinemaScope was (maybe 2.35:1). I have deciphered the various pieces of information, and determined the following (1) original P&S video (not widescreen) was based on the CinemaScope version, (2) laserdisc version was based on Todd-AO version, (3) newer widescreen video was based on Todd-AO version, and, the one that interested me the most, (4) DVD version was based on the Todd-AO version. There appears to be no widescreen version on video, laserdisc, or DVD that's based on the CinemaScope version. The video and audio quality of the DVD is outstanding. My only complaint is that it's letterboxed full-frame, not anamorphic. But, great nonetheless.
Rating: Summary: Widescreen-everything and more Review: Ever since I was a little girl, I've been watching this movie. But, until recently, I had only seen the modified version. I was incredibly delighted to see it for the first time in its original cinemascope. Wow! The dance sequence had always, before, lost something. Now, I could see everything that was happening, everything I was supposed to see! It was a wonderful experience!
Rating: Summary: Thrilling Review: I've always loved this musical. I know people who don't, and I've never understood why they don't like this show, and particularly this production. And am I the only person who never believed that Eddie Albert's character was _really_ Persian anyhow? I mean, everything else he said was a lie, and his character used deception and falsehood to make sales. Why shouldn't he also have been making up an exotic ethnicity?
Rating: Summary: DVD not all it could have been Review: This is a fine DVD, to be sure, but considering that there are two widely-seen versions of this film (Todd-AO and CinemaScope), I don't see why they couldn't have given us both versions instead of "retiring" one of them for all time. I realize I'm in the minority, but I actually prefer the CinemaScope version, perhaps because that was the one I grew up watching on TV over the years. Once I got past the novelty of seeing the Todd-AO version for the first time I missed hearing the lines delivered the "old" way! I remember the CinemaScope version actually began with a title card that said "Color by Technicolor" while a full-bodied orchestra played the music to "There's a bright golden haze on the meadow"--an exhilarating fanfare never to be heard on home video, as they have always substituted the Todd-AO version's overture. Since the Todd-AO version was a "road show" only attraction, it seems to me that more people would have seen the CinemaScope version over the years and thus it deserves to be preserved for historical purposes if not for any other. Ironically, the back of the DVD box erroneously indicates that it's the CinemaScope version!
Rating: Summary: I love Will Parker! Review: Forget Curly! Will and Ado Annie are the best part of this show. Actually everybody did a great job. The songs are fantastic, the dancing amazing. I get hysterical everytime Laurie tells Judd to "pack up his duds and scoot!"
Rating: Summary: MINOR CHARACTER FLAWS...GREAT SONGS Review: After seeing this movie dozens of times, I still love it. The score is so creative and lively. The less popular tunes like "I Can't Say No" and "Poor Judd is Daid" are among the most enjoyable! I feel that among the other characters, though, the part of Laurie is somewhat boring, but Shirley Jones does a nice job with her. And do I even have to mention Eddie Albert's terrible attempt at a "persian" accent? Sounds slightly Scottish..then Italian...then Norwegian, Irish ....EVERYTHING BUT Persian. Other than his failure to look and sound like someone from the middle East, Albert held his own as well. All in all, the movie is great, and gets better eith each viewing.
Rating: Summary: BRILLIANT! Review: Oklahoma never stops to amaze me. Shirley Jones, with her beauty and FANTASTIC voice, just steals the show. Gordon McRae was equally good, and I you know what? I'm going to go and watch it again right now. I have the soundtrack- on record. I am twelve, and despite what my friends think, well, to hell with them! Oklahoma rules, and screw the people who don't like it!
Rating: Summary: GREAT SONGS! GREAT CAST! Review: I thought that this musical had Great songs in it and some of the greatest actors of all time. I watch this film over and over again. I recommend this film to everyone.
Rating: Summary: Great Review: Putting a stage musical onto film is a hard job...many parts have to added, or taken away, the actors have to be selected, (providing the stage actors dont play the part) all new orchestrations and dances are added....alot of work just to put a musical onto film.But this version of Oklahoma! does everything amost perfectly. Richly shot and dripping with the music of Richard Rodgers and the words of Oscar Hammerstein II, this production is worth buying.
Rating: Summary: ONE OF THE GREAT MOVIE MUSICALS. Review: I'm from Oklahoma, so I've seen this musical many times. This movie is fabulous. Well sung and acted, beautifully shot, and a great story and wonderful songs.
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