West Side Memories (2003 Video) User Reviews

Interesting

[preppy-3 · 8/10 · 22 October 2006]

OK documentary on the making of "West Side Story". It has some of the original actors (like Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno and Russ Tamblyn) and director and executives talking about the film.

It is good to see some of the outtakes of certain scenes and hear Natalie Woods original recordings of the songs (she was dubbed because, basically, she couldn't sing) but I found this a little dull. I have little interest in art direction and such so this dragged.

For whatever reason George Chakiris wouldn't participate and they got just one or two guys from the gangs to participate. So you're listening to a lot of information from the same people. Also seemingly everyone (except Tamblyn) has forgotten that Wood HATED Richard Beymer and didn't want him. Even Beymer doesn't mention it (although he has talked about it before in other shows). So we're given a very cleaned up version of what went on.

Still it is worth seeing if you want a complete version of every aspect of the movie. I'm giving it an 8 (mostly because I love the movie) but I can't say I'm thrilled by it.

A fascinating look at the making of "West Side Story".

[misterjones · 27 March 2003]

Included among the special features of the limited edition DVD of "West Side Story" is this magnificent documentary on the making of the film. We follow the show from it's inception as an idea in Jerome Robbins' mind through a 40th anniversary screening at Radio City Music Hall. Along the way we learn much about the collaborative process that brought the show to fruition on stage and the particular demands faced by the producers in adapting it to the screen. Of particular interest is the attempt to have the film directed by two men, Broadway director Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. Art and commerce would collide and the exacting Robbins would be sent packing, much to the dismay of his cast. It is also of interest to note that the two distinct changes from the Broadway production were actually planned by it's Broadway creators: Stephen Sondheim always fought for the reversal of "Cool" and "Officer Krupke" and Robbins himself decided to add the men to the "America" number ("elevating it to the heavens", as Rita Moreno remembers).

The viewer learns that Natalie Wood was not always slated to be dubbed, and we hear her high-school soprano renditions of "I Feel Pretty" and "Tonight". (Marni Nixon should surely be given a medal for her ability to be faithful to Natalie's interpretations while literally giving her voice.) More surprisingly, we learn that Russ Tamblyn was dubbed on the opening "Jet Song" by Tucker Smith, who plays Ice in the film and also sings "Cool". Tamblyn's rougher track was certainly serviceable, but co-producer Saul Chaplin believed in leaving the dancing to the dancers and the singing to his professional singers. We do not hear Rita Moreno's original "A Boy Like That", but her concept of the song and her frustration with the dubbed result is quite fascinating.

Indeed, all of the interviewed parties (Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Harold Prince, Wise, Moreno, Tamblyn, Richard Beymer, Tony Mordente and many others) contribute to a vivid picture of the process of creating one of the most durable classics of two distinct mediums, the Broadway stage and the Hollywood film. You will watch the great "West Side Story" with enhanced appreciation after viewing this documentary.

Bert Michaels

[praxis_729 · 10/10 · 11 December 2005]

Bert Micheals Is one of the most talented men I have ever known but that nothing to do with why I love him and his wife Pat the day before I auditioned for a performing arts high school in Long island (I had no idea I would be auditioning for Bert) I watched West Side and at that point in my life I was easy to succumb to even the slightest bits of star worship But I loved all the jets and the sharks I wanted to be one of those guys and Bert helped me to realize that dream. He helped me ring every last bit of talent out of my body and showed me how to use it to its fullest and helped me to do so without me ever having to sacrifice one bit of my "inner self". His wife (a lovely vision of pure DIRECT talent and heart) was equally influential in me having a strong personal and professional base) I will be 41 on my next birthday and have worked closely with Debbie Allen, Steven Spielberg, Twyla Tharpe, Alvin Ailey, Elton John, Lionel Rithie (i really could go on) but I have remembered Bert and Pat almost every day. So though I do Not get to see them or speak to them I want every one to know how important they have been and that they will always have my thanks and love oh and WEST SIDE IS THE BEST COLLECTION OF TALENT EVER ASSEMLED UNDER ONE CAMERA Glenn Ford