|
Maria and Tony meet, fall in love at a dance, and become
caught in the middle of violent racial tension. The two lovers
meet secretly in the dress shop where Maria works. Bernardo's
girlfriend Anita (Rita Moreno) discovers them and, although
she disapproves, keeps her silence until a fatal fight ensues
between the Jets and the Sharks.
The movie action starts with a majestic an aerial view of
Manhattan that tracks down to a finger-clicking figure in
a wire-enclosed schoolyard. The scene is set and the audience
goes through an emotional roller coaster. There has never
been such passionate choreography and athletic dancing before.
Natalie Wood is beautiful. Rita Moreno and George Chakiris
deliver riveting, award-earning performances.
Everything is right about this picture; sets, sound, editing,
cinematography, costumes... each wins an Oscar. Robert Wise
and Jerome Robbins jointly collect the 'Best Picture' award.
Star of the show though is Leonard Bernstein's music. It
carries the highs and lows, twists and turns of the story,
from first frame to last. 'Something's Coming', 'America',
'Tonight', "I Feel Pretty" and other songs are memorable,
now evergreens, written by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein.
West Side Story is one of the finest musical films ever made.
On a home theatre system with surround sound and a good television
set, this DVD is an enthralling experience.
Conclusion: 95% Extras: 90%.
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
|
