SUPERB
MOVIE MAVEN | New York, NY USA | 09/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have no idea why THE BAND WAGON is so hard to find on VHS and is not yet released on DVD. Along with SINGIN' IN THE RAIN and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and ON THE TOWN it is one of the few superbly written (Betty Comden and Adolph Green), wonderfully performed, gorgeously designed and classily directed (Vincente Minnelli) musicals from MGM's golden age.
If for no other reason, it should be seen to watch Michael Kidd's incomparable choreography. I am especially fond of Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse falling in love without saying or singing a word, while they dance through Central Park in "Dancing in the Dark" one of the most romantic and sexy scenes in any movie.The cast also includes the adorable Nanette Fabray and Astaire's perfect foil, Jack Buchanan. Just as SINGIN' IN THE RAIN romantically spoofed Hollywood, THE BAND WAGON does the same for Broadway.This superb CD contains every bit of music in the movie including the nearly twelve minute "Girl Hunt Ballet" and some extras too: a few songs cut from the film and two demos sung by the composers. The sound is amazingly fine considering that all the cuts come from the film, itself. The score by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz is filled with gorgeous melodies and clever lyrics. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
Get Aboard THE BAND WAGON
Bluebird | USA | 12/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another great CD soundtrack from Turner/Rhino is found in their CD issue of "The Band Wagon." All of the original songs are here, plus underscoring and outtakes. Supplemental material includes demo versions of "Two Faced Woman" and "That's Entertainment" performed by Roger Edens (with an assist from Richard Beavers on "TE") with lyrics for the latter that did not end up in the final version. Some of the original tracks were recorded in three track magnetic stereo, but in the 1960's when MGM converted the tracks to 1/4" tape they were transfered in monaural. However, the tracks still sound clean and are a very big improvement over the original soundtrack which had shortened and/or re-edited versions of some tracks. "The Girl Hunt Ballet" includes Fred Astaire's narration and selected sound effects appropriate to the sequence. The highlight for me is the full length version of "Shine On My Shoes," a classic moment of all time."
"The Band Wagon"...now, that's entertainment!
Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 01/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THE BAND WAGON is still regarded as one of the greatest M-G-M musicals ever made. The charming story of a group of actors, composers and their bombastic director putting together a Broadway show still rings true with its comedy and wit. This reissue of the original soundtrack album is a real treat.The superb cast includes Fred Astaire (SILK STOCKINGS, FUNNY FACE), Cyd Charisse (with a singing voice dubbed by India Adams), Nanette Fabray, Jack Buchanan and Oscar Levant. The sparkling score is by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz. Standout numbers include "Dancing in the Dark", "By Myself", "A Shine on Your Shoes", "That's Entertainment!", "I Love Louisa" and "New Sun in the Sky".The score also features the priceless comedy number "Triplets", and Nanette Fabray's spirited "Louisiana Hayride". This reissue also includes the complete "Girl Hunt Ballet" as well as the cut number "Two-Faced Woman" (which many people agree should have stayed in the picture).A top, must-own soundtrack. [RHINO 8122-72253-2]"
Track Listings (27) - Disc #1
