Maytime

The case does not claim that it has been remastered but, to my eyes and ears it must have been since it premiered in 1937 and yet, the black and white image - hallelujah! - is clear and, the sound is wonderful through my Bose speakers. Having said that, it has the great Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. It really did not matter what they sang with their voices, their diction - in speech and song - , their charisma. They were charismatic separately but, together they were quite something. What studio could have afforded them, Romberg and, the great Don Cossack Chorus? MGM even paid the great Sigmund Romberg - born Siegmund Rosenberg to a Hungarian Jewish family - for one song: Sweetheart. MGM was also smart enough to respect original languages in musical numbers. It also gave credit to Tchaikovsky for the last production number. It is, ultimately, a sad story but, it also made me smile. It is a great love story. I played it for my best friend - who, despite not having a sentimental bone, is a sensitive man - . He said "José, you are right: this is a great film". He happens to be a musician, mind you. Hard to believe that Ms. MacDonald had hardly any vocal training at the time since everything is there: I have listened to opera from the cradle literally. On the other hand, Mr. Eddy had abandoned a successful operatic career for Hollywood. Go figure. Still, what moved me most was Ms MacDonald and Mr. Eddy's rendition of Carry me back to old Virginny; so much so that, I had to watch it again. Get the movie; you will not regret having done so.

This review is ONLY for the DVD-R quality of this product. Many have already written the description about what this film is in the VHS section. The quality of this film is very excellent in BOTH picture and sound. It is not perfect because there is minuscule flecking throughout which doesn't distract from the film and is really barely noticeable. In addition, the flecking doesn't last but disappears very quickly. The only reason I bring this issue up is because there are individuals like myself who are picky about quality. Also, in one scene there appears a black spot in the corner but disappears a second later. However, the picture is sharp and the sound is mono; the blacks and grays, and whites pop very beautifully. It DOES look like some remastering has been done to the film although it doesn't say so BUT maybe the issuing company is taking their customers' concerns to heart. Anyway, the sound is even so one doesn't have to adjust due to loudness or inaudibility. There aren't any obvious snaps, crackles, or pops; even if there are, perhaps they are very low. All in all, if anyone hesitates in upgrading from VHS tape to DVD-R I strongly recommend it. Of course, this DVD-R plays in "play only" devices and might not be suitable for all computers so please be sure that yours is compatible for DVD-Rs. Unfortunately, there is NO closed captioning for the hearing impaired or for those with limited English. The only extra is the trailer. Please remember to not hold out much hope that this DVD-R will ever find itself on regular DVD or Blu-Ray. Since these films are not deemed as big money sellers these are only burned on demand. Although I, personally, am not fond of this format, THIS is the best we will probably ever get.

This musical masterpiece from l937 is now finally on DVD and I received it a lot earlier than expected and in excellent condition. Amazon always amazes me. The price was more than right and the ordering process was so streamlined that all I had to do was click a few times and my order went through. "Maytime" was originally conceived by MGM's wonder boy genius, Irving Thalberg, to be filmed in sumptuous Technicolor. The movie was years in planning and although the finished product was in black and white, its sumptuous production values, the awesome musical numbers, the cast, the background people, the chorus and costumes still can cause your jaws to drop when you think of the mammoth planning that is obvious on the screen. Jeanette McDonald, who always considered "Maytime" her favorite movie, and her frequent co-star, Nelson Eddy, are at the peaks of their careers in this lavish extravaganza. The stunning opera, 'Tsaritza", which was created especially for this movie, will long linger in your memory. If you're a lover of grand opera, luscious music and old-time stars of the first magnitude, then "Maytime" is the perfect answer. My only complaint is that there were no extras--not even a scene selection feature. All you have are "Play" and "Preview." Let's pray for a deluxe edition to appear one day.

Love all their movies, but this is my very favorite one they made together!

It is a fascinating movie from a historical standpoint. Jeanette MacDonald introduces America to opera. They sing in French. The majority of the movie takes place in France. Jeanette MacDonald showcases her talents singing the opera, Les filles de Cadiz by Delibes. Apparently the foreign language didn't bother Americans at the time. John Barrymore grows into his role as the movie rolls on.

Outstanding! I love this movie! But you have to be a movie fan of Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy.(and of course musicals). This is one of the best that they have done together. Because this movie was made in 1936, one has to accept the time and era from which it came.

A splendid transfer (although not restored) of a magical film from 1937 which will appeal to fans of both the leading players and lovers of romance. The direction, sets, and acting from the entire cast, are all splendid and the heartbreaking denouement is expertly managed. Yes - at 130 mts it will be long for some viewers and the extended operatic sequences may drag for others, but for this viewer it was two hours of absolute joy and a case study in how to direct a tear-jerker with consummate professionalism! It's almost 80 years old and my word it still packs an emotional punch. I viewed the Warner Archive copy - other versions may not be such good transfers, so purchase with care!

Great film but it took a long time and when it arrived, it was damaged.

We think we are so sophisticated to-day but would Hollywood use Les Huguenots in a film today as a main scene? Build a plot around two opera singers? I think not - well constructed, well acted and beautifully sung I was NOT prepared to be so knocked out by this film in spite of many reviews on the internet in various places. Good print, and just worth every penny, every film I have purchased from the Warner Brothers Archive is totally a success and this is another. The opera sequences are well staged and Adrian's costumes are simply stunning on Jeanette Macdonalds tall slim figure. If you love opera/musical comedy/musicals BUY this!

entertainment