West Side Story (Blu-ray) Blu-ray, 1961

Something amazing happens in West Side Story: sixteenth-century theatrical genius inspires a 20th century film masterpiece. 'Romeo and Juliet' is relocated to 1950's New York and instead of Shakespeare's dramatic energy and rich verse, we have the wit and longing of Stephen Sondheim's lyrics, Leonard Bernstein's pulsating music, and the poetry in motion of Jerome Robbins' choreography.

Dramatically, the film exceeds its source, with the tragedy driven not by blind fate and sleeping potions, as in Shakespeare, but all-too-believeable racial prejudice.... more >

Dramatically, the film exceeds its source, with the tragedy driven not by blind fate and sleeping potions, as in Shakespeare, but all-too-believeable racial prejudice. Quite simply the greatest film musical ever made. < less

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Is there anything Wise cannot direct?! Wonderful to look at, and even better to listen to, with full justice done to Bernsteins score, and some thrilling set pieces. ... more >

Is there anything Wise cannot direct?! Wonderful to look at, and even better to listen to, with full justice done to Bernsteins score, and some thrilling set pieces. As a general rule, halfway through watching this, you really ought to suddenly say "Oh...so thats where that song is from!" Such is the power and enduring humanity of this Romeo and Juliet in New York adaptation. < less

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