Customer Reviews
Fabulous musical 
2008-04-17
I have been watching this since I was a child. Wonderful movie, outstanding dancing and ground breaking choreography. Music is fantastic. A "must have" to your musicals collection.
West Side Story 
2008-02-22
Gangs clash in New York, new immigrants versus old immigrants. Natalie Wood is miscast as an Hispanic. Natalie was a mediocre actress but managed to endear herself. Her real name was Natasha Gurdin. Her parents came from Russia. This movie is an American Romeo and Juliet. "Tonight" is its best song. We feel the anticipation. Cousin Larry and I saw it in November, 1962. President Kennedy was due in Louisville, and I suggested we stay over to catch a glimpse. He came riding down 4th Street perched atop the back of a Convertible, waving to the crowd. That kind of accessibility cost him a year later when he was assassinated in Dallas. I will always link Kennedy with West Side Story.
I love it I love it I love it. 2008-02-13
One of the best movies of all time. Another childhood favorite and so I had to have it. It has the full script included. That was fun to read through.
great musical 2008-02-09
my sister is a big fan of musicals, and this was one she just had to have. If you are into musicals, definitely see this one.
If you're under age 45, you owe it to yourself to watch this musical 2008-01-18
Movie rates 10 stars; DVD transfer is equally flawless.
West Side Story stands alone in movie history; virtually all aspects of this musical exude class, talent, heart. If a movie could be considered perfection, West Side Story is absolute perfection. It was introduced in 1961 but was still first run in many movie theaters as late as 1963. I probably hold this movie in high esteem because I watched it on my first date.
Arguably, there are other fine date movies. None, however, strike your senses better than WSS. As a 14-year old, I never appreciated choreography; the dance sequences in WSS changed my mind forever. Every actor/dancer was inspired, fluid, poetry in motion.
I defy you to keep still when listening to "America!" I thought Little Eva's "Locomotion" got me off my kiester; "America!" instantly became my go-to happy song. I bought the LP sound track, and wore down the grooves on "America!" within a few weeks.
Youngsters, those of you under 45, have no concept what talent truly is.
If you think Aguilera/Spears/Simpson are superstar singer/dancers, this movie will
show you the difference between real talent and fanny-wagging.
WSS was intended as a flashy adaptation of Romeo & Juliette set in New York City streets circa late-1950's. The writing, singing, staging, dancing, sound engineering, and editing produced a modern classic, a movie with a life uniquely its own.
Yes, West Side Story is ALIVE. It will entertain you; dazzle you; move you. If you have never experienced the magic of WSS - buy this DVD and treat yourself to a life-changing experience.
A classic not to be missed! 2008-06-09
This is even better--more compact and convenient without taking away from the quality--thsn the Criterion Laser Disc I have, with all the interesting bonuses included (storyboards, screen tests, etc.) This is a classic movie in itself...but for the avid fan, this edition is a MUST HAVE for any West Side Story fanatic!
One of the greatest musicals of all time! 2008-06-05
Although I am in my mid-30's, I grew up watching a lot of musicals thanks to my mom. It wasn't a Saturday afternoon matinée at home unless a musical was on tv. That being said, this is one of my favorite musicals of all time, along with South Pacific and An American In Paris.
I have owned the VHS (and the soundtrack), but this is the best version available that I have seen. I bought this boxed set shortly after it was released and have watched it over and over. The color is beautiful, the bonus disc will make any WSS fan smile and the accompanying book has tons of photos and the screenplay.
Simply fantastic.
Great Collector's Set for a Great Musical! 2008-06-05
This Collector's Set is a real treat for fans of this very well made film. Included in the set is a great book containing the entire screenplay which I had fun following along reading while I watched the movie. This book also has a forward written by none other than the scriptwriter himself, Ernest Lehman. In addition, the book also contains write ups about the making of the film plus biographies of the main actors and directors as well as other key contributors such as composer Leonard Bernstein. Famous for his Beethoven, Brahms and Stravinsky cycles, people tend to forget that Bernstein was a very good composer in his own right; this is shown here in his inspired work together with lyricist Stephen Sondheim producing some of the most memorable songs such as "America", "Tonight" and "Maria".
Finally, a Collector's Set with something truly worth collecting! The bonus disc contains very nice documentaries on how the film was made with excellent interviews of the cast and crew as well. Although the picture quality isn't perfect as there are still a few frames here and there with white spots and other imperfections thankfully these are not too frequent and hence do not take away too much from the overall enjoyment of the film. The sound quality is excellent and comes in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound.
This film is that rare musical that has excellent music and choreography as well as a good storyline. Many musicals tend to be unbalanced in that they are stronger in one over the other. "Oklahoma" for example has great music but a weaker storyline and it's the same with say "Phantom of the Opera" but "West Side Story" is very well balanced with great drama in what is essentially Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" retold in a modern setting as well as brilliant dance and song sequences. Although the singing has been overdubbed by "better" singers the overall acting of the cast and especially that of Natalie Wood is first class.
This is one Collector's set to shout about and is certainly value for money. Highly recommended!
Scorpio,Oak Bluffs 2008-04-28
Fantastic!!!! It's one of my favorite movies. The music is so memorable and the dancing even better!!Love it, Love it Love it!!!
Natalie Wood shines! 
2008-04-25
West Side Story is beloved musical but I could never get in to this classic. The Romeo & Juliet angle doesn't work in a musical style setting, it comes off corny and superficial. Natalie Wood is the bright point in this film, even though she didn't actually sing the songs, her performance is riveting, she was a special actress back then. Rita Moreno over acts, what's so great about her? West Side Story is good but not spectacular, decide for yourself on this one.
