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This four-DVD boxed set of the That's Entertainment documentaries is a must-buy for all fans of classic movies and musicals. Don't be turned off by the term "documentary," because these films are like no documentaries you've ever seen before. They're not Ken Burns, and they're not some boring programs you'd expect to see on PBS in the middle of the night. These movies are fun, enjoyable, and, well, entertaining. The three That's Entertainment films and the bonus DVD are filled with the most memorable moments from M-G-M's movie musicals. Released in 1974, That's Entertainment was shot on the M-G-M (now Sony) lot in Culver City, California (much of which still looks the same today!), and is hosted by the stars of the musicals, including Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli (for her parents, Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli), and Mickey Rooney. You'll see scenes from around the studio and the back lot, which was demolished and sold for housing immediately after this film was made. This documentary is great as an introduction for those who want to learn more about movie musicals and the legendary performers who starred in them. It's also fun for those who have seen this movies before but want to relive the best moments. You'll see everything from Broadway Melody of 1929, the first musical to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, to Easter Parade, to An American in Paris. And you'll get to watch clips of every time the Nacio Herb Brown-Arthur Freed classic "Singin' in the Rain" was sung in an M-G-M picture. Who knew Ukelele Ike, Jimmy Durante, and Judy Garland gave their renditions before Gene Kelly ever picked up an umbrella? That's Entertainment II is hosted by Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, who both became interested in continuing the work begun with the first documentary. The production value of the new material is below the level of the first film, but the musical clips shown are top-rate, as are the scenes in the third film and bonus DVD. That's Entertainment takes its name and musical theme from the song "That's Entertainment" in The Band Wagon, one of M-G-M's best musicals, starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Watching this movie made me get interested in the genre of movie musicals. Since seeing That's Entertainment, I've watched more movie musicals than I can count. I've written reviews and guides concerning many of these films and their stars, especially Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly, and Fred Astaire. To take a gander at them, please click on the link above to see all reviews by me, tivoli1228. Thanks, and enjoy this great That's Entertainment boxed set.Read full review
That's Entertainment ends appropriately with an exclamation point, because simply this set is worth screaming about. The deluxe edition includes all three compilation/docu-tainment films plus an extra disc featuring 4 hours of material, like the making of the final installment: Behind the screen and other gems from the glory days of MGM such as outtakes, cut numbers, MGMs 25th anniversary newsreel, plus featurettes about the making of the first two films...plus many more. But the meat and potatoes of the set are of course the Entertainment trilogy. If you've never seen an MGM musical, That's Entertainment is a revelation. It is a door that opens wide to reveal some of the most dazzling musical entertainment ever to grace the movie screen...ever! When I saw it in 1974, I wanted to see it again (Remember, these were the days before video tapes and DVD) and you'd have to see it again at your local theatre. Due to the massive success of the first movie, Two years later MGM unveiled That's Entertainment Part 2. What was amazing about the sequel was that Fred Astaire (age 76) and Gene Kelly (Age 63) dance their way through introducing clips of the movie (a very rare treat). Not only that, but the numbers they introduce were in many cases, just as good as the ones featured in part one. Almost twenty years later, MGM unveiled That's Entertainment Part Three. Gene Kelly (Age 84) returns as one of the hosts. What's neat here is that the producers find rare material that was cut from some of MGM's classic films and finally presented here along with more fascinating material. In short, the deluxe box set gets you excited about seeing the actual movies that these numbers came from. That's Entertainment! The Complete Collection is an amazing set that should be in everyones movie library. It's feel good entertainment that never fails to bring smiles and joy.Read full review
That's Entertainment has been one of my favorite movies since it was release in 1974 ( I was 25). The 2nd and 3rd one are less favorite, but still entertainment. Haven't got around to watching all of them yet, but I will soon. The only negative issue is that the outer case is damaged pretty heavily, and that's just from wear. It doesn't affect to actual DVD's so far.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Unbelievable generous collection of clips from the greatest MGM musical movies from the 1930s to the 1940s, their golden era, and into the 1950s. Present day intros by Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Esther Williams, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, and more. With a bonus disc of behind the scenes, TV special, and more. Excellent value!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The That’s Entertainment series is a wonderful tribute to the legacy of the great musicals and films of MGM. The bonus dvd also showcases clips of numbers that were dropped from a film for one reason or another. This is a must have for any movie buff.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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