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Summary: Thanks to each and every one of you...
Review: I would like to thank everyone for wanting to know, "where's Porgy and Bess"? I thought I was the only one that had ever seen the original 1959 version. I have been searching for this movie for fifteen years...really. It left such a great impression on me. Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Sammy Davis Jr. and the rest of the cast made history and it will last a life time. When it's released, be it on DVD or VHS, I'm going to purchase copies for each of my family members. I have always loved the story of Porgy and Bess it should be shared with as many people as possible. The day it's released I'm going to have a party and invite all of my friends over to experience that magical event. AGAIN, THANK YOU ONE AND ALL. The people voices win again, thank you Amazon. There is no other website for me, I know now you are there to serve your customers.
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Summary: Saw this, but would like 50's version on VHS
Review: In checking the info on P&B, I noticed that it will be coming out soon on DVD only. Why is it not coming out on VHS? I have been wanting this film for many years and did not know why it was never in print. I figured it had something to do with the estate...guess I was right, according to another reviewer's info. I never saw the whole movie; I believe I saw part of it on TV many years ago before it was pulled. Would really like to see it out again; I guess there is no soundtrack, either, for the same reason. I do have a cassette of the operatic version.
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Summary: Looking for the 1959 version of Porgy and Bess?
Review: This version of Porgy N Bess is a must have for any one who collects classic movies or musicals. This is the best all black musical in history. It is truly a down home play that offers great music, and the harsh times of being black in the 50's.
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Summary: Also looking for 1959
Review: I have the same wish als Mr.Reynolds. I can nowhere find the video. I was in several shops with video and DVD, but no chance. I would like to show my children this film, which I saw with my parents and afterwards still many times. I'm looking for it since years.
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Summary: What a Gem!
Review: It's only to sad that this page has become a forum for the Otto Preminger Movie, "Porgy And Bess." So, for people who have actually seen this version, you will be absolutly astonished. This is the best Opera ever made, and this interpretation of it is well deserving. For theatre lovers, the sets in this musical are unlike any other sets you've ever seen! I mean, How many theatrical sets have you seen with an actual river in it? The singing is beautiful, however I will agree that at sometimes it is hard to understand some of the lyrics. None-the-less this is a superb representation of this masterpiece, and its the only "Porgy and Bess" currently available on VHS. This was made for television but shown as it was on the stage, such as "Into The Woods," "Passion" and other musical, operas, made to view for people who aren't readily available to go to the theatre. This is a pretty hard tape to find, and for Amazon to carry it is really nice. Buy this VHS if you love this beautifully historical opera, you won't be dissapointed!
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Summary: Porgy and Bess Original
Review: I am so thankful for Michael Evans' review. I too have been looking for the original version of Porgy and Bess, I saw it as a child. Is there any way to plead and beg the Gershwins to release the 1959 original version? I would love to see it again in my lifetime. If anyone out there has one of the original copies, please, please, please, please, please let us P & B searchers know. Good luck everyone!
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Summary: Looking for the 1959 version
Review: I want to add my comment about the 1959 version with Dandridge and Poitier ... I saw it at a theater in Munich, Germany in 1960 and loved it. I will never forget that experience. I've been looking for the video for years and couldn't understand why it hasn't been out until I read Michael Evans' review.I would love to obtain a copy of this if that is possible. If anyone knows about this, please email me.
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Summary: this actually IS the original version!
Review: came here looking for the tv version which i, too, remember seeing as a child. have the CD of this rendition of the opera. it is gorgeous. my daughter is doing a paper on "porgy and bess" and i'll have her sign on, too, but DID YOU KNOW: -the opera IS the original work -is based on a real murder, made into a book and then a play -other composers/lyricists were originally contacted, but were let go when their work veered towards a muscial rather than opera -lastly, and READ THIS IF YOU'RE A TRUE FAN: the Dallas Black Dance Theatre created a dance version of the opera (no dialog) for the Gershwin anniversary year. scored with MILES DAVIS' incredible jazz arrangements of gershwin's tunes (get this CD, too! he has compressed gershwin essentials into lean and smooth sounds) and supplemented with original piano music to complete the soundtrack. IT IS AWESOME! you should see Bess's RED DRESS (it gets its own credit in the program). sets take you right to catfish row. went on world tour to sold-out houses from jun 98 to jun 99 when i saw it on return to Dallas. will be performed again next year....BE THERE! i so wish she could see the other version for her research! i continue to search and wait....
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Summary: classic american history
Review: Gershwin, a musical genius, puts forth the struggles of poverty and dispair in the history of the south. It is relevent in todays world, in relation to the drug abuse nation wide. The star, Porgy, with his obvious handicap, brings hope and prevails through an honest heart, bringing lessons to the world in this Classic I remember as a child. The vocals are superb.
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Summary: Good Made-for-TV version
Review: This version is well-enough sung and performed but has the obvious limitations of a Made-for-TV production.To answer the questions of many who have posted reviews for this title, the Gershwin estate owns the negatives and rights to the 1959 Dandridge-Poitier version. Done more as a musical than an opera,the Gershwins did not like it and have apparently taken legal action to prevent it from ever being shown again.They were even advertising in Variety for privately owned prints to buy and possibly destroy. Few creators are ever totally happy with the film versions of their works-for memory this was a generally powerful filmization with GREAT acting and fine(mostly dubbed) vocals.I hope the Gershwins will lighten up and let the public once again decide for themselves on the merits/flaws of this film. Censoring it only robs them of revenue and the public the opportunity to view the work of those involved.ANNIE GET YOUR GUN is tied up with the estate of Irving Berlin in the same manner but for different reasons...
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