Directed by
Vincente Minnelli
USA 19
A dazzling Caribbean cod-swashbuckler of a musical, with acting as its very theme and the imaginative projection of illusionism its self-referential life-blood. Strolling player (Kelly) woos sheltered but romantic girl (Garland) in the guise of the notorious pirate Macoco, while her dull fiancé (Slezak) desperately hangs on to his own concealed identity. Cole Porter songs, a choreographed camera, vivacious performances, and Minnelli's customarily camp colour scheme and decor are wonderfully seductive vehicles for the themes that run obsessively through almost all the director's films, be they musicals, comedies or melodramas.
Excerpt from TimeOut Film Guide located HERE.
Posters
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Theatrical Release: May 20th, 1948
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Review: Warner - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC
DVD Box Cover |
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Also available in the Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 2 which includes The Pirate / Words and Music / That's Dancing / The Belle of New York & Royal Wedding and That Midnight Kiss & The Toast of New Orleans: |
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Distribution | Warner Home Video - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC | |
Runtime | 1:41:30 | |
Video | 1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.73 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Bitrate: |
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Audio | English (Dolby Digital 1.0) | |
Subtitles | English, English (hoh), French, None | |
Features |
Release Information: Edition Details: • Commentary
by historian John Fricke |
Comments: |
Healthy looking image from Warner on this, almost 60 year old, musical. I doubt there are few around who could contest the color (certainly not I) but aside from being a shade faded it looks exceptionally good. Detail is also on the very strong side. Good news again that I don't see excessive manipulation and the image is fairly clean. Digital noise exists but it is fine and gives the impression of an unobtrusive grain. Overall I am pleased with the image quality. There are optional subtitles and original mono audio which was consistent and clear. Warner has done a good job on this fun, nuanced musical.
This is one seventh of the extensive Classic Dream Factory Vol. 2 and it represents the set very well with a huge host of supplements. It starts with a very professional commentary by historian John Fricke. He touches on the most subtle of details (including Garland's left-handedness). Fans will surely enjoy his dissertations. We also have a kind of making-of new featurette, The Pirate: A Musical Treasure Chest,- about 20 minutes long - with Liza and a number of talking heads giving input. Then we are given some acceptable filler - a Pete Smith short comedy, a Tom and Jerry cartoon and a trailer. There are also a "Mack the Black" stereo remix version and some audio extras - outtakes and Roger Edens guide track versions and promotional radio interviews with Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. Wow - as I said a tremendous amount. For $14 this is a steal considering the value but I'd be remiss in not recommending the entire Classic Dream Factory Vol. 2 set. I'm not completely through it but just from what I have seen it's another vintage winner from Warner. |
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Classic Dream Factory Vol. 2 package
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Subtitle Sample
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Screen Captures
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DVD Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from: |
![]() |
Also available in the Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 2 which includes The Pirate / Words and Music / That's Dancing / The Belle of New York & Royal Wedding and That Midnight Kiss & The Toast of New Orleans: |
|
Distribution | Warner Home Video - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC |