directed by George Cukor
USA 1964

Like most movie musicals this was adapted from a long-running Broadway musical. In this case most of the original Broadway cast repeat their roles in the film version, the only exception being the addition of Audrey Hepburn excellent in the role of Eliza (despite the fact that she does not do her own singing). Julie Andrews played the part on Broadway but lost out in this film version, creating a shock around Hollywood at the time and ultimately lead to Andrews winning that year's best actress Oscar. Hepburn however could not sing and was dubbed by Marni Nixon, a famous singing double of the time. The film retains its theatrical roots however, the set pieces are stunning and only a very few changes were made from the original score. Indeed, the whole thing appears very staged, in the gloriously engaging style of similar scale musical films such as Oliver.

Adapted from George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, the addition of the Lerner & Loewe songs provide an extra dimension to the story. Even if you do not usually like musicals. Songs like `The Rain in Spain' and `Get Me to the Church On Time' will be familiar to most people.

Fantastically unmissable.

Excerpt from Liz Burroughs' review at the Edinburgh University Film Society located HERE

Posters

Theatrical Release: 21 October 1964 - USA

Reviews    More Reviews  DVD Reviews

DVD Comparison:

Warner - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC

Big thanks to Ole Kofoed for the Warner (SE) Screen Caps!

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - RIGHT)

DVD Box Covers

      

     
Distribution

Warner

Region 1 - NTSC

 Warner
Region 1,4 - NTSC
Runtime 2:52:48 2:52:48
Video

2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 4.95 mb/s
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

2.38:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.58 mb/s
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:

Warner

 

Bitrate:

 

Warner (SE)

 

Audio English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 1.0)

English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dub DD 1.0.
Subtitles English, French and none. English, Spanish, French or none.
Features Release Information:
Studio: Warner

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1

Edition Details:
• Commentary by art director Gene Allen, singer Marni Nixon, and restorers Robert A. Harris and James C. Katz.
• Production notes.
• Behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Alternate versions of 'Show Me' and 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly?'.
• Four theatrical trailers.

DVD Release Date: December 8, 1998
Snapper Case

Chapters 47

 Release Information:
Studio: Warner

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.38:1

Edition Details:
• Commentary with Gene Allen, Marni Nixon, Robert A. Harris and James C. Katz.
• Making of - Then and now (57:49).
• 1963 Production Kickoff Dinner (23:17).
• George Cukor Directs Bina Rothschild - Audio with stills(2:37).
• Audrey Hepburn Vocals of 'Show Me' and 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly?'.
• Sketches, productiion stills, documents and publicity.
• Rex Harrison radio interview - Audio with poster and lobby card stills (1:02).
• The Fairest Fair Lady - Featurette (9:32).
• Los Angeles premiere footage. (4:51).
• Rex Harrison Golden Globe Acceptance Speech (0:42).
• Academy Awards ceremony highlights (0:24).
• Comments on a Lady - Scorsese (1:20) Lloyd Webber (1:06).
• List of awards.
• Trailers of Brigadoon, Camelot, Gigi, My Fair Lady original & 30th anniversary.

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2004
2- DVD insert in cardboard box

Chapters 50

 

Comments

On a projection system the earlier disc was virtually un-viewable, with incredible amounts of edge enhancement. The new version is from the same transfer (look at the bit-rate peaks and valleys). It runs at a higher bitrate, but still has a great amount of edge enhancement when viewed on larger than a 50' screen - this is when it tends to breakdown. 

 

The Ascot gown, fence railings outside Rex's home, all have double lines around them, which is unacceptable. The screen captures look sharp but these DVDs don't pass the test when put through an HTPC projection. For tube owners (not HDTV) this should not be a problem.

 

The new SE version is the one to buy. Great Extras - we can hope for improvement in the PQ one day. Most will be very happy with its sharpness and vibrant colors. 

 Gary Tooze

 




DVD Menus

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - RIGHT)

 

 

 

Screen Captures

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

 

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

 

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

 

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

 

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

 

(Warner - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP vs. Warner (SE) - Region 1,4 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 

 

 

Hit Counter

Report Card:

 

Image:

Warner SE

Sound:

Extras: Warner SE
Menu:
DVD Box Covers

      

     
Distribution

Warner

Region 1 - NTSC

 Warner
Region 1,4 - NTSC

 


DONATIONS Keep DVDBeaver alive and advertisement free:

Mail cheques, money orders, cash to:    or CLICK PayPal logo to donate!

Gary Tooze

1775 Rowntree Court

Mississauga, Ontario,

L4W 4V3    CANADA