is a bit more enjoyable as the musical numbers tend to fill the screen and are virtually lost in pan-and-scan. Also, to correct the reviewer who wrote that Tommy Tune worked for Horace Vandergeller" (Matthau). He did NOT. Tune (Ambrose Kemper)played the love interest of Vandergeller's neice, Ermengarde. The taller of Vandergeller's assistants (Cornelius Hackl) was played by Michael Crawford, who later became the famous "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway. It's facinating to see how much his voice improved since 1969. The CD has been digitally re-mastered and is a joy to listen to now. Most consider it the last big-budget musical from Hollywood... it shows, too!
Rating: 
Summary: Dolly Delights
Review: HELLO DOLLY has received a bum rap over the years. Its oversized budget and colossal New York-circa-1890 back lot set is said to have sunk 20th Century Fox. This is far from the truth. Now, almost 35 years later, DOLLY can be seen in proper perspective: it's a well-done, old-fashioned movie musical. Its only sin is that is dresses up a flimsy Broadway musical in the form of a big-time movie musical. Let's face it, HELLO DOLLY's book features situation-comedy type scenes of hiding in closets and mistaken identities. It doesn't have the weight of the Nazis (i.e. SOUND OF MUSIC) or the Americana of OKLAHOMA. It is, nevertheless, frothy fun -- with a great, hummable score!
Barbra Streisand is also blamed for accepting the role of Dolly Levi, too. Dolly should be middle-aged; Streisand was 27. Also, Carol Channing was famous for the part (she won a Tony for it) and Streisand is considered to have "stolen" the movie from Channing. (I personally could not fathom watching Carol Channing for 2-1/2 hours.) Streisand was too young. But does it really matter? She's absolutely hilarious in DOLLY, and sings the score wonderfully. It was Streisand's second film, and one of her too few musical films.
The DVD features a wonderful featurette from 1969. The featurette contains great behind-the-scenes footage of filming the "Before the Parade Passes By" scene, as well as the "Sunday Clothes" scene. Gene Kelly, Michael Kidd, and Irene Sharaff are all included.
Fox has restored HELLO DOLLY and this DVD features the restored print. DOLLY has never looked better! From the multi-colored feathers on the back of her hat in the opening scene, to the canary-yellow "Hello Dolly" dress in the Harmonia Gardens, Streisand looks fabulous and colorful and bold. Throughout the film you will notice various shades of purples pop out. The paint-speckled trees in the "Parade"park scene are an interesting detail! The only scene that misses is the dimly lit "Love is Only Love" song. The colors look faded and the picture quality drops a notch or two.
I must also sing the praises of this WIDESCREEN release! I've watched DOLLY for years on a pan-and-scan VHS tape. The movie looks excellent in widescreen - the way it was originally filmed - and it's great to see some of the action in the extremes of the frame. For instance, this is probably the first time I've ever seen what Streisand was doing in the right part of the frame while dueting with Louis Armstrong!
So enjoy HELLO DOLLY. Dolly'll never go away again.
Rating: 
Summary: Huh.
Review: I can't describe exactly why 'Hello, Dolly' doesn't work properly as a Musical, all I can tell you is that somewhere in the middle it falls badly flat, and doesn't really regain its momentum at all.
Starring the magnificent voice of Ms. Barbra Streisand (as well as the rest of her, a fine comedic actress), 'Dolly' tells the story of widow Dolly Levi, a notorious busybody and general matchmaker who attempts to snare a client, Yonkers Grouch Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau) for herself. She is aided in her quest by lady milliner Irene Molloy and Horace's apprentice Cornelius Hackle (a VERY young, totally tuneless Michael Crawford), and a host of minor-yet-memorable characters.
Directed by Gene Kelly (yes, THAT Gene Kelly), 'Dolly' starts very well, with some gloriously-shot numbers like 'Just Leave Everything To Me' and 'Put On Your Sunday Clothes'. Streisand's voice sounds beautiful, and she does these excellent, witty songs great favours by imbuing them with her tried-and-trusted Yiddish schtick. Choreography is excellent throughout, not too complicated so as to become boring, but detailed enough to suggest opulence. Streisand and Matthau have decent chemistry, too (although the same cannot be said of Crawford and Marianne MacAndrew (Irene), and give believable, endearing performances. The Harmonia Gardens scene is spectacular, with a cameo from Satchmo himself and more gay waiters than you can shake a Barbra at.
So far, so good.
But when 'Dolly' fails, it fails hard and often. Firstly, the movie's colour palette seems to be restricted to dull shades of orange, purple and olive drab. There's not enough visual contrast in here to keep the attention focused on Spectacle, and in a musical of this nature, that's a big problem.
Secondly, the titular role of Dolly isn't actually that big a part, and the slightly irritating and very unbelievable relationships between Irene and Cornelius and their associates have too much screen time. With such epic players as Streisand and Matthau to work with, why would we need to see so much of the others? Particularly when the others just aren't as interesting?
And finally (as is endemic of nearly all stage-to-screen musicals), 'Dolly' is about three numbers too long. During Barbra's reprise of 'Before The Parade Passes By' we feel our attention waning, and even the spectacular 'Hello Dolly' routine can't bring our focus back to the level it used to be. The latter half of the movie is pretty much one big OTT number segueing into another, and the human-interest angle is somewhat lost in a mire of musical histrionics and dull colours.
One for the fans, I can only recommend it for rental, or instead, catch the Broadway version. It's far more entertaining.
Rating: 
Summary: "I think he's been holdin' out on us."
Review: I would give this film two-and-a-half stars. This mega-expensive film adaptation of the enormously popular Broadway musical really intended to give it's audience a terrific time at the movies. Unfortunately, despite all of the ridiculously inflated production values and self-conscious grander, HELLO DOLLY remains a frustrating disappointment at best. There are occasional moments where the film does sparks to life, but sadly these scenes are few and far between. Part of the problem may actually be the original play on which the film is based, which, despite it's massive popularity, was pretty slight entertainment to begin with. Though the film was actually the fifth-highest grossing film of 1969, it was still unable to recover it's tremendous budget, and was viewed as a flop by the majority of the public.
Of course, many people criticize the casting of the then-27-year-old Barbra Streisand as the widowed Dolly Levi, but her energetic and surprisingly layered performance is really the sole reason anyone even remembers this movie today. Walter Mathau is exceptable romantic foil, even though he and Streisand generate zero chemistry. The film wastes far too much screentime on Michael Crawford and Danny Loklin, who attempt to be a poor man's Laurel and Hardy, but really just wind up grating the nerves. And not only is poor Melanie McAndrew's singing absolutely dreadful, but this "young woman" actually looks older and more matronly than Streisand's supposedly middle-aged Dolly!
Legendary actor/dancer Gene Kelly seems to be a bit lost in this, one of his later directorial efforts. Despite all the attempts the set designers and cinematographer have made to dazzle viewers with the sheer scope of the production design, Kelly's direction is oddly flat and uninspired - which leaves the movie with the feel of filmed theater production, rather than that of a full-fledged motion picture. This problem filters out to other aspects of the film, even the busy choreography - which involves some very difficult steps - comes off as more boring rather than exhilarating. That said, this overlong, underdeveloped film is watchable, but that's about all it is.
About the DVD: While the film itself may be mediocre, the DVD transfer is phenomenal - vivid colors, razor-sharp details, and virtually no edge enhancement. The sound is also excellent, and although there aren't any newly-produced features, the trailer and featurette are nice additions.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful High
Review: Hello, Dolly! is one of the best musical films I've ever seen. It is filled with high exuberance and is incredibly lavish. Of course it is silly and light hearted. It is what it should be. Everyone in it seems to be having a grand time. Barbra makes a wonderful Dolly Levi and I'm so glad she did this film despite her own misgivings. It has brought so much joy to millions. I can't imagine anyone else in the movie role. Gene Kelly directed this film and did a marvelous job.
Michael Crawford and Danny Lockin are hilarious in their roles of Cornelius and Barnaby. Marianne McAndrew and E.J. Peaker as Irene and Minnie Fay are charming and delightful. To top it all off, what a finale! A location of a beautiful white chapel with green lawns stretching out for miles is the setting for the end medley and wedding. Streisand makes her way down the bridal path framed by hundreds of beautifully dressed attendants. The camera pulls back to reveal a scope of magnificence. Perfect.
I certainly can't wait for the widescreen DVD version to be released. If you've never seen it in widescreen you are in for a rare treat. This movie is gorgeous. The musical number, "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" is dream and of course the title tune with Streisand and Louis Armstrong is magnificent.
Rating:
Summary: A bouncy, fun musical
Review: I. Adore. This. Movie. Hello Dolly is admittedly unsubtle, and it's plot leaves something to be desired, but it's still a lot of fun. The words that best describe it are bold and brassy; and Barbra Streisand is PERFECT as Miss Dolly Levi, the matchmaker.
The supporting characters are expertly cast, and do a good job (Although Babs steals the show =)
It has a lot of awesome songs, including 'Sunday Clothes' 'Love is Only Love' 'So Long, Dearie'...and all the other numbers. Excelent choreography.
Babs, obviously, has an encredible voice: Michael Crawford's (Cornelius) is decent; Walter Mattheu's is DREADFUL, but it doesn't need to be lovely to carry off the songs he's given.
Watch this movie. Don't go in expecting anything deep or elegent, but do look foward to a good time. Hello, Dolly! comes THIS close to surpassing Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as my favourite musical of all time. I have been informed (glower) that Babs is no longer cool: all of you who apply to that school of thought---still your resentment, for she is definately cool in here.
Rating:
Summary: Say "Hello" to this Great Looking DVD!
Review: "Hello Dolly!" is the elphantine musical film based on the long running stage play that in 1969 failed miserably to find its audience at the the box office. Directed by legendary song and dance man, Gene Kelly and featuring the meticulous choreography of Gower Champion, this is a big, brassy, spectacular production, the likes of which we aren't likely to ever see again. Barbra Streisand plays Dolly Levi, a matchmaker whose heart is set on landing stuffy hay and feed owner, Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau). The off camera bickering between the two co-stars may have been legendary, but none of it shows up on the screen. Streisand and Matthau are ably assisted by Marianne McAndrews, Michael Crawford, Tommy Tune and the incomparable, Louis Armstrong. Removed from all the angst, hype and negative publicity that branded musicals box office poison from about 1959 onward, "Hello Dolly!" emerges as one of the best of the genre, an outstanding, tune filled epic production that never fails to entertain!
FOX VIDEO has given us a handsome looking DVD. Colors are rich, bold, vibrant and extremely well balanced. Black and contrast levels are only slightly on the weak side but adjusting one's television contrast and brightness fixes this right up. There is NO EDGE ENHANCEMENT, ALIASING or PIXELIZATION or FILM GRAIN or AGE RELATED ARTIFACTS for a visual presentation that is as smooth as the plot. The soundtrack has been remixed to 5.1 surround but suffers slightly from a muffled characteristic, perhaps because of noise reduction equipment used in the remastering effort. Still, most of the film has a crisp, clean and not overly bright sound to it that, while dated, nevertheless is easy on the ears.
EXTRAS: A Theatrical Trailer. That's it.
BOTTOM LINE: I should fault Fox for given us no extras but with the film looking as though it were shot last week I have to stop myself and just proclaim, "Well done!" An absolute must for your DVD library!
Rating: 
Summary: Streisand's Best Movie Vocals
Review: For Streisand fans, this is probably her best comedy and singing work next to What's Up Doc w/Ryan O'neil. She plays Dolly Levi a bit "Mae Westish", but it works beautifully with the rest of the marvelous supporting cast. The wide-screen version <if you can find it on TV> is a bit more enjoyable as the musical numbers tend to fill the screen and are virtually lost in pan-and-scan. Also, to correct the reviewer who wrote that Tommy Tune worked for Horace Vandergeller" (Matthau). He did NOT. Tune (Ambrose Kemper)played the love interest of Vandergeller's neice, Ermengarde. The taller of Vandergeller's assistants (Cornelius Hackl) was played by Michael Crawford, who later became the famous "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway. It's facinating to see how much his voice improved since 1969. The CD has been digitally re-mastered and is a joy to listen to now. Most consider it the last big-budget musical from Hollywood... it shows, too!
Rating:
Summary: Hello, Barbra!
Review: Despite the controversy about casting the too-young but very bankable Barbra Streisand over the star of the original Broadway production, Carol Channing, this is a marvelous, old-fashioned musical comedy. Costumes, sets, everything is gorgeous. The performances are delightful, from Michael Crawford's geeky Cornelius, to Marianne McAndrew's sweet yet sly Irene Malloy to E.J. Peeker's cute Minnie Fay. Although there is a distinct lack of sexual chemistry between Streisand and leading man Walter Matthau, he is appropriately blustery and chauvinistic and she gives the role her own iconic presence. And, of course, nobody sings like her. The role may have had more of a bite with an older woman (who could ever really believe that young, vibrant Barbra Streisand would have to worry about "the parade passing her by"?)but Streisand takes it and runs with it, acting the role like an improbable cross between Scarlett O'Hara and Mae West.
Rating:
Summary: They Just Don't Make Them Like This Anymore!
Review: Dolly Levi (Barbra Streisand) makes her living as a matchmaker and she is highly successful at it, except when she tries to matchmake for herself. Dolly hasn't been interested in men since her beloved husband died, until she met the irrascible Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau). Determined to catch him for herself, she creates a madcap scheme to find the perfect woman for Horace's two employees while keeping Horace all to herself. Dolly sends Horace's two employees, Cornelius Hackl (a VERY young Michael Crawford) and Barnaby Tucker (Danny Lockin) into the city where she sets them up with Irene Molloy (Marianne McAndrew) and Minnie Fay (E.J. Peaker), the owner and employee of a lady's hat shop, respectively. Of course, Dolly fails to mention that Horace is courting Irene and, before you know it, Horace dumps Irene, Cornelius and Barnaby are learning how to dance so they can take the ladies to the ritziest restaurant in town, and Dolly's trap is simply waiting to be sprung....
I simply adore this musical. It is true that it does not have much of a plot, but who watches a musical for the plot?! The music is wonderful and all of the singers were perfectly cast. Barbra Streisand is riveting as the eccentric and determined matchmaker; Walter Matthau is hilarious as the curmudgeonly old employer who is determined not to change a bit, but wants to get married anyway; Michael Crawford and Danny Lockin are charming as young men from a small town set loose in the city for the first time and Marianne McAndrew and E.J. Peaker are their perfect counterparts; and Louis Armstrong very nearly steals the whole show in his cameo in the restaurant. The dancing sequences are also stunning - there are intimate, one on one dance sets and huge, all cast numbers that are simply fabulous. I know that this musical was not very popular when it came out, but if you enjoy musicals, you would be a fool to miss this classic!
