Rating: 
Summary: Quite Possibly the Worst Audio Commentary Ever
Review: A person either likes this sort of thing or doesn't: A big, old-fashioned Hollywood musical with terrific singing, splashy dancing, catchy tunes, attractive costuming, and, of course, a hackneyed, schmaltzy story on which to hang it all. It's like so many others of its kind, but remains a perennial favorite because it's Christmas-themed and so it comes up every year. Rather than detail more about the movie itself, which has been amply explored in many other of the customer reviews, I want to briefly discuss the features on this DVD. First, there's a decent "the-making-of" type of documentary. And then there's the audio commentary by the movie's "leading lady", Rosemary Clooney. The latter is so awful it's almost worth hearing just to know how bad an audio commentary can get. To the extent that Clooney actually says anything interesting about the movie, it was already said by her or others in the documentary. The rest of her commentary consists of chuckling, interminable pauses, trite gossip, and cheering on the characters onscreen (e.g. "Way to go, Vera!"). So only get the DVD if the movie itself is what you want in your collection. The extras don't amount to a hill of beans.
Rating: 
Summary: How much is "Wow?"
Review: This classic Christmas movie is a comfortable blend of music, romance, holiday sentiment, and humor. Okay, so I have a keen grasp of the obvious. Laying aside the sentiment, etc., I want to focus on the humor. For me, this is the real appeal of annually viewing this film. Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby are among the funniest comedy teams. Their snappy repartee rivals anything done by Groucho and Chico, Abbott and Costello, or even Hope and Crosby. Under the deft direction of Michael Curtiz, the comedy sparkles. Amidst the holiday schmaltz, zingers abound. Why they didn't cast Bob Hope in Danny Kaye's part is puzzling (maybe it was the dancing), but it was a fortunate choice. Early in the film, Danny's efforts to fix Bing up with a "dumb Dora" chorus girl gets the laughs going nicely. Later, after Danny announces his fake engagement to Vera-Ellen, the same blond nuclear scientist nasally intones, "Gee, I wish it would happen to me!" Danny deadpans, "So do I." The look that Bing gives Danny across the table as they contemplate a photograph of "Freckle Face" Haynes is priceless. Great timing and delivery by an enthusiastic cast carry the film over the potential pitfalls of frequent and lengthy song-and-dance routines, and the unlikely plot premise of the ex-general's problems. The lightweight story is merely a framework for the spirited singing and dancing. The minstrel show number is great fun, and nobody sings "White Christmas" like Bing Crosby. Multiple viewing only increases the enjoyment. By the way, fiscally speaking, "Wow" falls between "Ouch" and "Boiinnngggg!" ;-)
Rating:
Summary: White Christmas is perfect for the Holidays!
Review: This movie is perfect for people of all ages during the holidays!The plot is entertaining, and holds your attention through the whole thing.Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby are perfect for the roles, and make this movie as good as it can be.It is as effective as it was when it first came out. THIS MOVIE IS A MUST SEE!
Rating:
Summary: Abominable
Review: These type of movies had little to do with Christmas other than making a quick buck. Not many people knew at the time that Bing Crosby was a child abuser. Three of his children would eventually commit suicide.
Rating:
Summary: Bing Crosby
Review: This is the first movie I ever owened with Bing Crosby! I like it!
Rating:
Summary: Crosby and Co. Deliver the Spirit of Christmas
Review: The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in this delightful musical which features a number of songs, as well as an original score by Irving Berlin, entertainingly presented by the crooner, the comic, the singer and the dancer-- and not necessarily in that order. It's "White Christmas," directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. One of the most popular films of 1954, it opens and closes with the title song, while in between it's filled with one great musical number after another. It's just after the Second World War; the popular General Waverly (Dean Jagger) has retired to run an inn in Vermont, while a couple of his men, Captain Bob Wallace (Crosby) and Private Phil Davis (Kaye) have gone on to fame and fortune in show biz. During a Christmas break from their successful show in New York, Wallace and Davis follow an up-and-coming act known as "The Haynes Sisters" (Clooney and Vera-Ellen) to Vermont, where they discover their former commander is in trouble; there hasn't been any snow this year, and no snow means no business at the inn for General Waverly. But not to worry; with Wallace and Davis on hand, as well as the Haynes sisters, the General's problems are as good as solved. It's just a matter of figuring out exactly how to go about it, which-- and, of course, it's not much of a surprise-- they do. And along the way the audience is treated to some spirited and memorable production numbers. They just don't make 'em like this any more, and it's a shame. Because this is pure entertainment, and one great show. Veteran director Curtiz, who directed his first film in 1912 in his native Hungary, consistently demonstrated his versatility again and again with films ranging from "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Life With Father" and "Casablanca," to later fare such as "King Creole" in 1958 (which starred Elvis Presley). And with this one he certainly proved that he knew his way around a musical. Granted, it was hard to go wrong with Crosby, Kaye, Clooney and Vera-Ellen on board, but there's a big difference between delivering a finished product and making a great movie; and this one definitely falls into the latter category. The story is solid, and Curtiz makes the most of the talent at his disposal. Bing is at his best, and the antics of Danny Kaye are a joy to behold, as are the delightful song stylings of Rosemary Clooney. But with all that talent on hand, the single element that truly takes this film to that higher plateau is the presence of the perky and winsome Vera-Ellen. Thought by many to be the best dancer ever to be a part of the studio system, Vera-Ellen is an absolute delight in this film. Though she couldn't sing (her singing was dubbed by Trudy Stevens), what she could do on a dance floor more than made up for it. Whether it's the "Sisters" number with Clooney, one with Danny Kaye or just with the guys in the chorus, she is mesmerizing to watch. It may be a style that defines another era, but when she's dancing-- like Gene Kelley-- it's a timeless proposition and becomes entertainment that belongs to the ages. It's just such a joy to watch someone like Vera-Ellen do what she does best. It's transporting. And when you consider that she is but a part of the equation here, it's easy to understand why this film remains so popular to this day. The wonderful Danny Kaye gives a terrific performance here, as well. It may lack one of the tongue-twisting numbers he was famous for, but he still has ample opportunities to showcase his many and varied talents, which he most certainly does. There was never any question that this was Bing's picture, but he couldn't have asked for a better second banana than the charismatic Kaye who, like Vera-Ellen, is virtually spellbinding when he's doing what he does best, which is just about anything he does in this film, whether it's singing, dancing, mugging or just throwing out a line to Crosby. Clooney's part may not be as flashy as those of her co-stars, but she sure can sell a song, and whether it's a solo or a duet with Bing or Vera-Ellen, there's no doubt that it's another of the many strengths of this film. And she mixes well with the laid-back Bing who, though clearly the star of the show, demonstrates his generosity as an actor by always allowing and never begrudging his co-stars their time in the spotlight. Crosby was a star and he knew it without having to prove anything; he also knew there was plenty of star dust to go around, and because he let it his movies (this one included) were all the better for it. The supporting cast includes Mary Wickes (Emma), John Brascia (Joe), Anne Whitfield (Susan), Richard Shannon (Adjutant), Grady Sutton (General's guest), Herb Vigran (Novello), Johnny Grant (Ed Harrison) and Percy Herbert (Train Conductor). Thoroughly entertaining in the truest sense of the word, "White Christmas" is an engaging, enduring and uplifting film that will whisk you away to a magic place in your heart and in your mind. It's so refreshing to take this journey to a time that may not have in reality been any easier, but at least seemed simpler and somehow less convoluted than our present era of "political correctness." A time in which films like this one were not only able to be made, but were subsequently welcomed and embraced by audiences everywhere. Today, we have "Harry Potter," a new kind of magic and a great film in it's own right; but there will always be a place for Bing and his bunch, because theirs was a magic all their own, the kind that's lasting and immortal. And it's all a part of the magic of the movies.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!!
Review: i'm only 14 yrs. old and White Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas movies! you wouldn't think a kid would like "oldies" but i do! this one is the PERFECT Christmas film with a grand ended of . . .well if you haven't seen it I won't tell you.
It is a fantanstic movie!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Sloppy.
Review: I am a huge fan of Bing Crosby, so this review has nothing bad to say about his own performance. Sure, he was not as crisp in 1954 as he had been in the 1930s and 1940s, but Cros never lost his touch. Unfortunately, of the two movies based on the songs (and corresponding holidays) from the classic "Holiday Inn," "Easter Parade" with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland is by far the superior picture. Irving Berlin's new songs for that movie are much better, the script is better, and the chemistry is better. But even if I don't compare the two movies, "White Christmas" is a bloated, somewhat cold production that is surprisingly sloppy. For instance, at one point (and I don't think this is being nit-picky) Vera-Ellen actually trips over Danny Kaye's back foot as she's dancing around him! Fred Astaire never would have stood for that. Also, the premise that Danny Kaye's character wants Bing Crosby's character to get married and have nine kids so that he (Kaye) can have "45 minutes a day to himself" (5 minutes for each kid)-- well, it's almost crude, and rather stupid. Of course, it's meant to be humorous, but I use it as an example of the flatness of this picture. Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney don't exude much chemistry, and even Kaye and Crosby never quite go together. Most of the songs aren't up to Berlin's usual standards-- except for the title number (which is mildly famous!), and its performance in the last scene is kind of tacky. No-- I'm afraid I won't be watching this picture during the Christmas season, but instead I'll reach for the great "Holiday Inn" (in spite of the heinous black face scenes).
Rating:
Summary: Forever White
Review: I'm 16 years old and I can recite everyline from "White Christmas"! It sounds funny and unbelievable, but it's true. Ever since I was a little girl I watch this movie like a million from thanksgiving to new years. And I never get tired of it. But then again how could you?! The songs are great and it's such a warm movie. It wouldnt feel like Christmas with out...
Rating:
Summary: Epitomizes the Christmas Spirit
Review: "White Christmas" has been my favorite Christmas movie since I was a little girl. This is about a group of people who overcome their own human foibles (Judy faking a letter from Benny; Emma misinterpreting Bob's phone conversation with Ed Harrison) to show someone how much they care. The song "We'll Follow the Old Man" is about the camaraderie and loyalty that occurs in a unit that has served and seen battle together. Meanwhile there's a double love story and great singing and dancing. The sets are bigger than life and the costumes are glamorous in a way we don't see anymore. I strongly disagree with Leonard Matlin's cynical review.
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