Broadway version an EXCELLENT expansion of the film!
927689
I have adored THE LION KING ever since seeing it in the cinema. I bought the soundtrack right away, and on the day the Disney store released the video, nothing could keep me from picking it up -- not even the howling  Nor'easter that was pummelling Boston. (I remember laughing with my  roommate when we noticed a policeman, patrolling the deserted streets, was  staring at us as we fought our way over icy snowbanks to get to the subway  stop. But we were on a mission!)
Now, in retrospect, I can't understand  why my devotion was not extended to the Broadway production and the CD. I  didn't bother with them at all until this summer -- and oh, what I had  missed!
You see, in the Broadway version of The Lion King, Elton John and  Tim Rice prove their mettle. The production reaches deep into the essence  of the tale: A timeless story, much like mythology, that reflects grand  truths about life and living. And the CD soundtrack captures this! If I had  only known this when it was released, I would have purchased it right away.
So, if you like the movie at all, I strongly suggest that you  grab the  nearest copy of this CD and let yourself be mesmerized. Here are some more  reasons why:
1. The singers in the cast are as good or better than those  in the film. You'll *love* their voices!
2. The lyrics to the new songs  are clever, often heightening the humor and the dramatic tension to great  effect.
3. The music behind the new songs is catchy. And you'll recognize  some songs, since they're based on the movie's instrumental underscoring.
4. And.... Everyone loves a villain. Scar is more conniving and crazed  than you'd ever imagined. His role is huge! (In fact, on stage, his bow  comes *after* Mufasa's.)
So, if you loved the movie version of The Lion  King, be sure to hear this CD. It's lush and intricate, brimming with the  magical wonder of transcendent truths. Don't miss it for anything!
2488650
I saw this recent reissue of the 1954 STAR IS BORN in a store, but did not see it in Widescreen. I was intrigued by all the added attractions, including the Premiere, Original Trailer, the deleted WHEN MY BABY WALKS  DOWN THE STREET, and the fabulous alternates of MAN THAT GOT AWAY.  The  next day in another store, I find the WIDESCREEN EDITION!!  Hallaluah!!  I  have been writing to Warner Brothers since the first edition of the  Restored Version was released to try to get it out in Widescreen, THX,  Surround, etc.  Hence, I've been heard!  Granted, though not THX, Warners  did a superb job in enhancing the restored version.  Even on a mono VCR,  you can tell the difference in the soundtrack, and the widescreen edition  gives you the FULL effect of this great film.  Pan and Scan does not do it  justice.  I was one of many who saw this restored film during its 1983  tour, featuring personal appearances at the theatre by major stars,  including the fabulous James Mason.  I was at the Dallas engagement and was  waiting for Liza or Lorna to appear, as Liza did in NY.  However, I got the  great suprise to have Ginger Rogers come out and say a few words, as did  Fay Kanin of the Academy and Mr. Mason.  We were then treated to this  restored "wonder", and the additions of what was deleted added so  much to the story, that it made more sense.  I loved the shortened version,  but did not know until this re-release it had been chopped down.  With the  extra bits for MAN THAT GOT AWAY and WHEN MY BABY that have been added as  supplemental footage, someday someone at Warners will stumble on the cut  footage of the actual scenes that were reconstructed using the still shots  and other supplemental pieced footage.  With the way Film Preservation has  advanced, we may one day see this film in its full form.  As of today, this  new version, including the DVD to come out, is the ultimate version to have  in your collection.  Though it is not labled as a 45th Anniversary Edition,  1999 makes the 45th anniversary of release for this incredible film.  It is  a shame Mr. Cukor did not see the completed reconstruction prior to his  passing, but I am sure God has found a way for him to see it.  It is  marvelous.  Buy it, put your feet up for a few hours and ENJOY!!
981266
A most enjoyable adaptation of Tolkien's books. I liked the first film after I initially viewed it at the theater, but after watching it again on DVD I grew to love this film. The Two Towers made me feel the same after viewing it at the theater. I thought it was good, and was just slightly annoyed at a change or two from the original book. I'm not a purist, and after seeing it on DVD for the second time I believe I will come to love this film too. Jackson does such a wonderful job telling this mid-part of the story that I can forgive his deviation from the letter of the book (except maybe Aragorn fall). I still feel that the extended version of this film will be, like the first, a better film. If it is, it will pace itself much better, and flesh out the story to enhance the viewer's movie experience.
I gave the extended edition of Fellowship to a non Tolkien fan friend, and he said he felt a bit cheated that the theater version wasn't as good as what was on the version I had given him.
If you enjoy watching a great film again and again, you'll not be disappointed in this film.
2958272
After seeing the Broadway version of 'Once,' the viewer (i.e., this viewer) can return to the original movie. And begin fully to appreciate it.  In my opinion, it is a minor miracle.  Subtle, sublime and heart-movingly wonderful.  How two people who come together seemingly at random grow quickly to love each other; but how each quietly 'knows' that s/he cannot (at least at that moment) be together....  I wonder what destiny and providence hold for these two simple but glorious folks.  May they both be happy.  And for the time or for the duration, bear their necessary heartaches well.  I've also grown to adore the music.  Which is greatly and, also, ever so sensitively raised to a new level in the stage version.  It took me a while to realize this too.  But when it hit me, it made a big and lasting effect.
4819596
Love this movie. Wish they'd perform it on Broadway!!!
3064463
Rick McKay did a wonderful job of bringing the golden age of Broadway to light.  This documentary is both informative as well as highly entertaining.  As someone who did not have a good understanding of the Golden Age, I found this film to be exciting, funny and moving.  Mr. McKay explains his fascination with the great white way which began for him as a young boy. Broadway legends are interviewed and tell the story of their coming of age, while Broadway itself comes of age.  I highly recommend this film to both the Broadway novice as well as the Broadway familiar. It it an excellent addition for the home as well as a wonderful present for any age.
2911340
Excellent - even better than the version released to the theatre.
1429599
I've reviewed the film elsewhere.  Let me just say that the extended edition is far superior to the outstanding theatrical release.  Don't dare judge this film or filmmaker until you've seen this cut.  Much more character development and extra story elements that give the film depth and extra resonance.
The extras on this DVD are well worth the purchase.  Commentaries, story boards, behind the scenes looks, and other features make this a wonderful addition to any Tolkien fan's library.  You learn first-hand how much attention the writers did pay to the original.
No one can fully appreciate or understand this film series without fully digesting this spectacular DVD set.
4923080
I'm such a fan of this story, especially as it appears on film in the 3 incarnations I've viewed so far.  The 1939 version, starring Robert Donat and the beautiful Greer Garson is poignant and will always hold a dear place in my heart, mainly because it was the first version I watched.  The 1969 musical version starring Peter O'Toole and the cheeky Petula Clark is SO 60s, but SO good.  They are perfect together, and O'Toole is excellent as Arthur Chipping.  And finally this version from 2002 starring Martin Clunes and Victoria Hamilton.  I must admit, I never heard of either of these actors, nor anyone else in the cast, so I was initially skeptical that it would measure up to the other two renditions.  As it turns out, the 2002 version has topped my list -- it is by far the best.  So well done, it touches every emotion and leaves you thinking about the film and characters long after the DVD has ended.  Martin and Victoria are brilliant.  Not a single misstep will you find.  You're truly missing out if you haven't watched this version yet.
917141
This is one of my favorite Broadway shows and it's good to have the score so complete with the new restoration of the original orchestrations.  The other recording I have of this show is the older one with Portia Nelson and Jack Cassidy, conducted by Lehman Engel, on Columbia Records.  I vacillate between the two.  Yes, this newer recording is more complete and more 'authentic' but the 'lusher' approach of the older, less complete, recording has a lot going for it too.  In any case, this is a
very enjoyable disc and well worth investigation, both for the 'purists' and also the casual listener.
1417413
I had the pleasure of seeing this production in Dallas on its way to Broadway, and just finished viewing the DVD.  I've hoped for some time that the Rigby version would be filmed, and I'm not disappointed!  I also love the Mary Martin (I grew up with it), but the Rigby version is much closer to the original play that James M. Barrie wrote, and to Peter and Wendy, the book which followed.  Rigby's Peter is boyish, cocky, sometimes rude and unthinking - not always sweet.  This is the way James Barrie originally wrote the character!  The relationship with Wendy, and Peter's refusal to grow up (a somewhat tragic decision, as it means he must eventually lose Wendy, or any other chance at a real relationship) is front and center, as it should be.  The Indians are a British child's dream of Native Americans, again, much more like Barrie wrote them.  There are scenes in this version that have been in no other (Marooner's Rock), and the flying and other special effects are absolutely superb!  In addition, the DVD features the entire stage production --- the broadcast version on A&E cut some scenes, but they are present in the DVD (I don't know about the video).  The background information about the production is also very interesting.  A great version of Peter Pan - probably the closest we have to the original story --- adventure, magic, fun - and some of the deeper shadings (what we gain and lose by "growing up") that are overlooked in most versions.  Highly recommended!
4544307
Normally, when a Broadway musical is revived for the modern audience, changes are made.  Perhaps songs are even added.  This revival is no exception.  Also, normally, the revived, rewritten, and interpolated music makes the listener wish we had left well enough alone and stuck with the original.  Peter Pan LIVE breaks this tradition of pain in the best way.  The added songs, expanding Captain Cook's presence, are a welcome and surprisingly apt addition.  They feel like the original music.  The pirate crew also gets more to do, and the harmony work (not to mention the tap dancing) of these evil denizens is a joy.  Christopher Walken is, perhaps, not the brightest jewel on the musical stage.  His Captain Hook seems rather listless and less evil.  But if you can get past the Captain and just enjoy the music, you should have a delightful time.
1827480
I love this movie!  I read the book several times before buying a DVD version.  I don't expect the book to EXACTLY follow the movie, but this version does a really good job with the undercurrents and personalities in the book, and the 'in between the lines' things that are going on in the plot.  I think the casting was done quite well.
2057220
A great book turned into a film that gets an upgrade to Blu-ray. If you thought the movie was good, and I hope you did, pick up this enhanced copy! You'll like what you see and hear. Good cast, great soundtrack, awesome movie.
1883049
It is rare that a remake or reinterpretation of a story can surpass an original classic, but this is definitely an exception. Tin Man was very well written to provide a different twist into the story of OZ and then tie it back to the orginal. The cinematography and special effects put the requisite 'bigger than life' feel to this story, and the casting and acting couldn't have been better. This was the first time I've seen Zooey Deschanel at work and her visual expressions coupled with her down-to-earth acting made this story really come together. Two thumbs up!
1098529
Great version!  Extended scenes are extremely well done.
1661803
Why the film studios allowed a musical work of art such as this to waste away in the vaults I'm not sure, and hope they learned a lesson.  The restoration team did a wonderful job to ensure the quality of the original film flourished.  The colors and music shine like a diamond, and the voices of Harrison, Hepburn/Nixon, are clear and crisp in the Dolby 5.1 and match up to the video beautifully.  The enchanting story is back, and this time it will stay.  The part of Higgins played by the great Rex Harrison is brought to life by intricate acting.  Harrison played the part on broadway, and since he didn't "sing" well, he talked the lyrics of the songs to pitches.  He brought this same style to the big screen.  Hepburn wasn't the first choice of the producers (it was Julie Andrews, who could sing her own part, but was already in Mary Poppins), but Hepburn became Eliza Doolitle, and it was one of her most renouned performances.  She was nominated for oscar in this performance, but wasn't given the honor since her singing was dubbed (a travesty, and mistake by the academy).  The musical soundtrack is wonderfully accurate and the noise is substatially low.  Everything in this film (and DVD) is seamless.  Enjoy this film over and over, especially the gorgious cinematography and colors that starts from the overture and doesn't end until the finale.