directed by Robert Wise
U.S. 1961


Posters

Reviews    More Reviews  DVD Reviews

DVD Comparison:

MGM - Region 1 - NTSC vs. MGM - SE - Region 1 - NTSC

(MGM - R1 - NTSC-Left vs. MGM - SE - R1 - NTSC-Right)

DVD Box Covers

 

 

  NOTE: Purchases through DVDBeaver's links to Amazon help keep us afloat and advertisement free!
Distribution

MGM

Region 1  - NTSC

MGM 
Region 1 - NTSC

Runtime 2:31:25 2:32:55
Video

2.20 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate:6.37 mb/s
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

2.20:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.72
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

Bitrate:

MGM

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

Bitrate:

MGM-SE

Audio English (Dolby Digital 5.1)

English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)

Subtitles English, French and none English, Spanish, French and none
Features Release Information:
Studio: Mgm/Ua Studios
Theatrical Release Date: January 1, 1961

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.20:1

Edition Details:
• Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen
• Non-anamorphic widescreen trailer - 2:58
• 8-page booklet featuring trivia, production notes and a revealing look at the making of the movie
• Widescreen anamorphic format

DVD Release Date: October 20, 1998
Keep Case

Chapters 36

Release Information:
Studio: M G M, Inc
Theatrical Release Date: January 1, 1961

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.20:1

Edition Details:
• Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, Dolby
• Disc 1:
• New Dolby Digital 5.1 audio
• Option to play feature with or without intermission
• Disc 2:
• "West Side Memories": 1-hour retrospective documentary containing Natalie Wood's original vocal recordings and new interviews with the cast and crew, including Robert Wise and Stephen Sondheim
• Original film intermission music, restored and remixed in 5.1 surround
• Storyboard-to-film comparison
• Original release trailers and behind-the-scenes photos, plus production design and storyboard galleries
• Collectible scrapbook:
• Ernest Lehman introduction
• Complete copy of the working film script
• Reproduction of the original lobby brochure
• Behind-the-scenes memos plus film reviews from 1961
• Widescreen anamorphic format
• Number of discs: 2

DVD Release Date: April 1, 2003
Keep Case

Chapters 32

Comments:

Okay this is not just any film in my mind. It is THE film of which all musicals should be compared. The absolute height that it can reach. The old version (was 'out of print') has the same perfect picture quality as the new SE. Great colors and tight blacks. The new SE has a huge host of extras on a 2nd disc. I have no proof, but my ear says the SE's 5.1 is a little more defined than the older version 5.1 and I understand it has been remastered and remixed . I don't have any evidence that it is a lot better, but it sounds so to me. No right-minded cinema fan should be without this masterpiece of film and now DVD in their collection.     - Gary W. Tooze

NOTE: it has come to our attention that the audio sync for "Tonight" is way off in the new edition. There is strong debate that it should be re-authored and replaced. Hang on to you old copy !!




DVD Menus

(MGM - R1 - NTSC-Left vs. MGM - SE - R1 - NTSC-Right)

 

Screen Captures

(MGM - R1 - NTSC - TOP vs. MGM - SE - R1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

(MGM - R1 - NTSC - TOP vs. MGM - SE - R1 - NTSC - BOTTOM)

 Hit Counter

Report Card:

Image:

-

Sound:

MGM-old (MGM - SE is out of Sync on "Tonight")
Extras: MGM - SE
Menu: MGM - SE

 

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