Rating: 
Summary: Jesse Pearson was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT
Review: Portraying the Elvis-like pop singer Conrad Birdie, Jesse Pearson totally NAILED the role. His cocky smile, his stuff-eating grin, his you-gotta-be-sincere passion, his hearty singing, carried the day. Since he and Ann-Margaret barely appeared together in the film, each wholly dominated their every separate scene, and Jesse's screen power completely matched A-M's. And just look how great he was, in that ridiculous skin-tight gold suit (and absurd white cowboy boots!) with his slightly big belly -- nobody else on Earth could have played that part as well as (much less, better than) Jesse Pearson did.
Rating: 
Summary: Birdie Num Num
Review: I am a "Bye Bye Birdie" convert. I never thought I'd watch this movie. I figured it was campy schlock, something I couldn't possibly enjoy. My boyfriend loves "Bye Bye Birdie," though, so I bought this DVD for him and *gasp* agreed to watch it with him one afternoon. I was bracing myself for a cheesy, white, Christian, Republican, Lawrence Welk house of horrors, but 10 minutes into it, I discovered that I was completely wrong. It's a hilarious time capsule of 1960's middle-class America. The story is adorable, as is Ann-Margret. The songs are fun and extremely catchy. The entire cast is excellent, the score is great, and the dance numbers rock. I only wish the DVD had more extras, hence the subtraction of a star. Despite the lack of extra goodies, I'll be watching this one a lot with my boyfriend and anyone else I can convince to watch it.
Rating: 
Summary: Corny but Fun
Review: While not the greatest musical ever captured on film, "Bye Bye Birdie" is undeniably a nice diversion for any film-watcher. In the film, the youth of America (or, more specifically, those of the female persuasion) are outraged when popular rock and roll idol Conrad Birdie is drafted. This sets off a case of mass hysteria around the entire nation. But there is one conciliation for the throngs of teeny-boppers. Before he leaves for the army, Birdie will sing a brand new song on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and, at the song's conclusion, will kiss one lucky girl goodbye. This girl is Kim, a teenage girl from the Midwest with a pretty face, nuclear family, and a steady boyfriend. Her world, however, is turned upside-down throughout the story which is filled with dancing, teenage romance, and comedy. Ann-Margaret puts in a great performance as Kim, most notably the "I've Got A Lot of Livin' To Do" number. Bobby Rydell also does a great job in the role of Kim's boyfriend Hugo. The show stealer is, however Albert, Biochemist-turned-songwriter played by Dick Van Dyke. His musical number "Put on A Happy Face" is the undeniable highlight of the film. The film is rather corny at times, but is still worth the time of checking it out.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but Broadway version's better
Review: What happened to songs like "Healthy, Normal, American Boy?" Don't get me wrong, I think this movie is definantly enjoyable, but the plot is much different than the stage version. Ann-Margret is a wonderful actresss/singer and the dance in "Lot of Livin'" was (in my opinion) better than the Broadway version. Other than that, though, I reccomend getting the 1995 movie.
Rating: 
Summary: This movie [is bad]
Review: I hated hated hated this movie. Janet Leigh with a black wig is a definate turn off...The songs are a drag and have nothing to do with rock n roll. The only good thing is Ann-Margret, and she has certainly been in much better films.
Rating:
Summary: Great musical!
Review: Well this movie is good to watch if your in the mood for teeny-bopper musical singing, done old fashioned style! It's good to watch if you need a pick me up. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Brockn' Movie = Brockn' hearts
Review: When I got the movie, it was brocken! All 19 of my children were crying!
Rating:
Summary: It'll help you put on a happy face
Review: Bye Bye Birdie had an interesting journey from stage to screen. The show itself hearkens back to a much simpler time and with its abundance of teenager's roles, it is often revised by high schools and community theater groups. The film reaches a larger audience in a much shorter time and is pleasant entertainment, but it lacks the integrity of the stage show. First the bad news, The film suffers from flat characterization. Most affected is the role of Rosie who is often seen as despicable. All the viewer knows of her is she often flirts to make Albert jealous (even going as far as stripping for a group of shriners. Oh sure, she 'tells' us about the other, nicer side of her personality but we never see it. Similarly, Albert is so obsessed with his mother; we cannot see what Rosie sees in him. When Rosie and Albert finally get back together at the film's end it is because the "Birdie" distraction is over, not because either character had shown any growth. Conrad Birdie is so un-charismatic and untalented that it leads me to have poor thoughts about the time period... Was Elvis ever that boring? On the positive side, even in a very small role, Bobby Rydell honestly and pleasantly plays the young Hugo. But it is Ann-Margret who easily walks away with the film. She is easily the most charismatic person in the film and gorgeous to look at.
Some of the choreography is very good, even taking into account the non-dancers with big dance numbers. The show went through some serious revisions. Many songs were excised. The song "An English Teacher" went away when Albert's profession was switched to chemistry. The song "A Healthy American Boy" was also excised. The song "What Did I Ever See in Him?" was cut and that is a shame. It continued the relationship set up during the song "One Boy". Kim and Rosie lose the number and the viewers lose the comparison. Rosie has an additional loss when most of the song "Spanish Rose" was replaced by dialogue and dance. In my opinion the biggest loss in the film is Albert's beautiful "Talk to me." His song pleads for Rosie's love and showed growth, but as mentioned earlier, that growth never happens in the film. For many, BYE BYE BIRDIE did not transfer well to the screen, but the film is not the only document of the show available. In 1995, a new production appeared that was a 'different', longer, possibly truer (not necessarily better) interpretation. Although it used all of the music and the basic storyline from the stage show, they attempted to make a new show. In the end, you have two sufficient outlets to see Bye Bye Birdie but, watch for any local or community theater productions in your area. That is still your best bet. The DVD has a great video transfer and the audio sounds just great. You'll be tapping your toes in no time.
Rating:
Summary: Great music Great dancing Great movie
Review: I never get tired of the "Got a Lot of Living to Do" number, absolutely the most complex and dynamic dance number I have ever seen - anywhere, full of amazing energy & surprises. It just goes on & on. This is one hell of a fun musical. Everyone's terrific in it, especially Paul Lynde singing "Kids". Ann-Margret looks delicious and dances sensationally. Definitely her best work.
Rating:
Summary: We're going to be on Ed Sullivan."
Review: Ann-Margret shines in this adapted stage to screen version. She has a great voice, beautiful body and a damn good actress. I also saw her live years ago at Radio City Music Hall and she brought the house down....but i digress.Paul Lynde as Kim's father is priceless and it is so wonderful to have his performance perserved on film for all times. His wonderful sense of humor is one of a kind and he brings the fathers character to a new height.Dick Van Dyke and Janet Lee are as consistantly wonderful as always with their humor and singing ability.I found the sound to be excellent in 5.1 filling my living room with beautfiul sound from this musical comedy.You will not be disappointed if you buy this. It's a fun time..
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