The King And I (1956)

It is hard to say anything original about this masterpiece of the Hollywood Studio system. But, here goes. It begins, and ends, with the spectacular Score and Book from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Although I am sure much has been said over the years that casts this inimitable pair in a more realistic light, I still find little fault in nearly anything they did. And that is coming from a Progressive Liberal who thinks "Oklahoma!", despite the complete absence of Native Americans is, still, a masterpiece. I had the good fortune to see a smaller scale but still wonderful stage version of “The King and I” in New York several years ago. Again, the music and lyrics really drive the piece, so it matters little whether it is on a small, or large stage: the musical still, well, sings is the best way I can put it. And, against the breathtaking canvas of CinemaScope this film version is one for the ages. It continues with the two leads who are perhaps two of the best that could have ever been chosen: Academy Award-winner Yul Brynner and the splendid Deborah Kerr. Brynner was really a giant of the silver screen, although unfortunately he didn’t appear in as many films as we might have wanted to him to. If he had only ever done King, with his commanding presence tempered by a heart of gold, that would have been enough. And Englishwoman Kerr did so many great American films with a perfectly straight American accent it is a relief to hear her speak and sing with her English accent and diction. It, as the saying goes, classes the joint up a bit. Am I right? Much has probably been written about whether “The King and I” is a culturally sensitive depiction of 19th Century “Siam” (today known as Cambodia) or whether it celebrates or fails to take account of the destructive power of British Imperialism. That is perhaps not important in a basic Amazon film review. Nonetheless, the film-makers tried to get much right about the Siam of the 1800s, from the brief location photography in the opening to the exquisite set piece of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” set to classic Cambodian- style, Kabuki-esque theater. The latter, alone, is worth the price of admission. And of course the costumes. Oh, man, the costumes! One final comment. If you love great music, then admire the late, great Arthur Newman’s masterful adaptation of the musical’s timeless score – listed as “orchestrations” in the credits but really much, much more than that. It won Newman – one of the titans of Hollywood film scoring – one of his several Academy Awards. The astonishing opening melody sends shivers up my spine, it is so good. Watched on Amazon Prime Video. The print and transfer seemed to be of very high quality.

In good quality, enjoyable movie

Great movie!

They used to air this on t.v., probably annually, and I miss those days. It's one of the better musicals in my opinion, and one of my mother's favorites so that's what prompted the purchase. I guess the 5 dollar movie clearance bin has spoiled me because I balk at $20 movies when they aren't new releases. I suppose I have to say it was worth it though, not to mention, even the non anniversary version is nearly the same high price. It was nice to see once again, it's as charming and timeless as you would expect from something so widely loved. The theme addresses slavery and racism, where the civil war is being fought on one side of the globe and the Europeans are practicing expansion for the prevention of barbarianism. If I had something negative to say it would be that with as much independence or as the king says, "difficulty" as Anna exhibits she puts herself in as much of a derogatory position as the other women are forced into. I guess her love for the king is special, because no matter how many wives he has, she's worth just a bit more to him. I didn't find it as touching when I thought about that. On the whole it's flawless, and beautifully decorated, performed and sung. The extras which we haven't finished are a nice touch (once again, disappointed that there is not closed captioning available for the extras like commentary - I guess it never occurred to these people that it's old people that like musicals; the kids are either at the rock concerts or the boy band concerts preparing their ears for closed captioning in the future). It was surprising to learn a lot of the songs were dubbed. Anna's voice was provided by Marni Nixon who also sang for Eliza in My Fair Lady. I should have known Audrey Hepburn couldn't sing like that!

This is a classic, period. A movie everyone should watch at least once, and given how finicky streaming services are getting, not a bad idea to pick it up for real. Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr make a wonderful pair to tell this story, which sets it apart from many movies, as in there is actually a story there to be told. Wonderful songs, a compelling storyline, etcetera etcetera etcetera!

Love the movie Added to my collection

If you are of a certain age, this great musical classic will bring back some wonderful memories. Mine was riding around in my dad's pickup truck at work in the 60's as a young kid on Saturday listening to a repeating loop of this great music on the 8-track. I did not see the full movie version until a bit later on TV. Physical media of this musical is a bit rare nowadays so I can heartly recommend this 50th Anniversary DVD. The video and audio quality are quite good, and the excellent music and stunning stage productions ported directly over from Broadway as well the costuming (all Oscar Award winning) really shine through. There are some great extras on a second disc including an in-depth history of the musical's creative origins and development as well as various historical trailers and even a pilot episode of a never shown TV movie!

I love this movie & I keep watching over & over when there is nothing else to watch .

Una película clave de mi infancia

Excelente película de 1956 con uno de los mejores actores de ese antiguo Hollywood con producciones artesanales, extras y escenarios. Remasterizada perfectamente. Llegó por primera vez una película con estuche intacto sin rayones ni ningun desperfecto. Totalmente recomendable.

Good quality

' Available to buy on Blu-Ray - (Sadly, the Blu-ray upgrade that i'm sure many fans of this classic musical would buy is currently only available as an import from the U.S.A and is Region 'A' I find it surprising that a film such as this was not released as multi-region both sides of the Atlantic ...shame) This a delightful and extremely popular Rogers and Hammerstein's musical which is perhaps one of their finest offerings which not only see's 'Yul Brynner' and 'Deborah Kerr' perform in their most memorable roles, but also offers many-a- memorable song (not forgetting the 'March of The Siamese Children') much humour tinged with a little sadness. It tells the partially true story of widow 'Anna Leonowens' travelling to 'Siam' with her young son 'Louis' to take up the post of Teacher/Governess to the King 'Mongkut of Siam's' many, many children. 'Anna' will quickly become attached to the children. We see the gradual development of mutual respect grow between the King and Anna, the King though very much in the mould of his forefathers is eager to move with the times but is afraid to show weakness, however he does come to value the views and advice 'Anna' offers him. 'Anna' in turn try's to show no fear of the Kings status but is mindful of his pride and attempts to make her advice seem like idea's of his own. There is sadness from 'Tuptin' a wife who had been presented to him as a gift....she loves another..... 'Tuptin' narrates her version of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' to act as entertainment for the Kings illustrious dinner guest, but the King is not amused by the slavery theme.... After 'Tuptin's' failed attempt to escape, the King is intent on punishment but 'Anna's' protest prevents the action, and what she say's to him deeply affects him. Much humour, Great Songs..... Most fans of the 50's and 60's musical presentations will no doubt have seen the film (many,many moons have past since i last watched the film in truth) for those that haven't the film easily crosses the swathes of time and will i feel be enjoyed over and over again for many a generation to come. The Film presented as a 3-Disc Set....The Blu-Ray upgrade on Disc One for the 60 year old film i feel is pretty good, contrary to what some have suggested...i was well pleased. SPECIAL FEATURES - Disc One - 'The King and I' in High Definition 6 Behind The Scenes Featurettes Vintage Stage Excerpts Music Machine With Sing-a-Long Anna and the King TV Pilot Fox Movietone News Still Galleries And More - Disc Two - 'The King and I' in Standard Definition Songs-Only-Option Sing-a-Long : Subtitles (English) And More - Disc Three - 6 Behind The Scenes Featurettes Vintage Stage Excerpts Stills and Audio from Deleted Number 'Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You ?' (Performed by Deborah Kerr and Marni Nixon) Anna and the King TV Pilot Fox Movietone News - including Charity Premier and Yul Brynner Oscar * Clip (Picture Below taken by myself in Hollywood Christmas 2011)

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