Hollywood had neglected movie musicals in recent years, then Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge gave the genre new life and showed that audiences will fill theaters seats if they're offered an entertaining musical. Inspired by the success of Moulin Rouge, director Rob Marshall brought the hit stage show Chicago to the big screen, capturing six Academy Awards and further promoting the resurgence of the genre.
Here's a selection of some of my personal recommendations for movie musical fans looking for something decent to watch on video/DVD:
Here's a selection of some of my personal recommendations for movie musical fans looking for something decent to watch on video/DVD:
1. 'Singin in the Rain'
© Warner Home Video
Singin in the Rain features spectacular choreography, uplifting songs, and incomparable acting. Donald O'Connor's backflip after running up a wall is unquestionably one of the most creative dance movements in movie history.
2. 'My Fair Lady'
© Paramount Home Video
The winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, My Fair Lady stars Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison in their finest roles. Adapted from the George Bernard Shaw play, Pygmalion, My Fair Lady's unforgettable soundtrack ("I Could Have Danced All Night," "Get Me to the Church on Time," "The Rain in Spain") combined with superb acting, help make it one of the best all-time movie musicals.
3. 'The Sound of Music'
© 20th Century Fox
A timeless classic, fans of the Sound of Music should love the special bonus features included on the DVD. The 2 disc set is jam-packed with outtakes, interviews, documentaries, and special DVD-ROM features with links to Sound of Music websites and games.
4. 'Moulin Rouge'
© 20th Century Fox
Moulin Rouge was one of the best films of 2001, and one of the best movie musicals to emerge in years. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor have amazing chemistry - and their vocal talents aren't too shabby, either. The DVD is loaded with extra features including music videos, behind the scenes footage, and interviews with the cast and crew.
5. 'Chicago'
© Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere camp it up, belting out tunes while telling the story of two gorgeous vaudeville performers who just happen to be murderesses. Chicago won six Oscars and helped reinforce the fact that audiences will turn out for big screen musicals if they're given a quality product.
6. 'West Side Story'
© MGM
West Side Story trivia buffs will enjoy this DVD version of the film. The DVD includes an 8-page booklet featuring trivia, production notes and an in-depth look at the making of the movie.
7. 'Guys and Dolls'
© MGM
Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra headline an outstanding cast in this 1955 classic musical. The DVD doesn't have much to offer in the way of bonus features, but the film is so entertaining, it doesn't need any extra bells and whistles.
8. 'Grease'
© Paramount Home Video
Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta capture the era well, and the film's soundtrack is one of the most enjoyable movie soundtracks of any year or genre.
9. 'Rent'
© Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
The Broadway hit made its way to the big screen in 2005 complete with many of the original members of the Broadway production. Despite the fact that it played to sold-out audiences for years, the film version failed to ignite audiences. But it's a fantastic musical that deserves attention, so pick it up on DVD if you haven't yet experienced it.
10. 'Paint Your Wagon'
© Paramount Home Entertainment
My husband insisted this one had to be on this list. Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin in a musical? It's too good to pass up. This enjoyable film features singing, drinking, gambling, and gold mining.
