Judy Garland commands our attention

Critics consider A Star is Born to be Judy Garland's greatest film, one that garnered a well-deserved best actress oscar nomination. A Star is Born features James Mason as an actor struggling with booze as his wife's career skyrockets. Cemented by Judy's performances of The Man That Got Away and the famous Born in a Trunk sequence, among others, this film is as fresh today as it was when it was released in 1954. Garland's performances are touching -- without being schmaltzy. A must-have for Garland fans, but also a notable addition to any film collection.

A Star Is Born

This is one the best movies ever made. Judy Garland is absolutely stunning in this film, and one of the greatest unfairness of the Academy Awards was not giving her the Oscar for her magnificent performance. No other actress came close, except perhaps, Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones. Grace Kelly won for The Country Girl, of which I cannot find words. A Star Is Born is timeless and a collectiable jewel for film buffs. I place in my top 10 best movies of all time; and Judy Garland's talent is a rare gift.

A Star Is Born

As an avid Judy Garland fan (is there any other kind?), I am always excited when an updated version of any of her works is made available to me. A Star Is Born is my favorite Garland film, and seeing it spruced up with excellent sound and color makes me love it even more. Anyone who claims to know anything about film must include this in their list of 'must-haves'. The 1984 restoration is more polished; the bonus material is a Judyphile's dream. Alternate takes of songs, a radio version with Garland made in 1942, trailers from the three versions of the film...all add up to a classy and classic packaging of a film recently highlighted at the TCM Film Festival in LA. 'It's a bargain at double zee price!!'

A Star is Born

After a four year absence Judy Garland returned with the film that was probably the most personal. In a sense manufactured by the studio system with hardly any say in it whatsover she lived a great deal of her life tumultously. This tragic tale shows how hollywood can destroy a human being (James Mason's character) just as it had done to many of its stars in actual life. A job well done by director George Cukor and great performances by its leads. A true classic. Highly recommend!!!

A Star Is Born -- A So-So Remake

A Star is Born is a great story, spawning 2 remakes besides the original 1937 version. This is the 1st remake, and like most it just leaves you kind of flat. This is by far the worst of the 3 versions, with the original being a better movie, and the 1977 version with Streisand/Kristofferson being far and away the best. Now I'm not saying this is a bad movie, it's not. Infact it has some very good music in it. it just doesn't measure up to the other 2. Judy Garlands acting abilities, in my opinion, were always suspect, peaking early in her career with "The Wizard of Oz", and declining rapidly thereafter. Basicly, it's worth a watch if you have nothing better to do, and have already seen the 2 good versions of this movie. If you haven't by all means, go there first!
The Wildman