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Fiddler on the Roof (Collector's Edition)

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4 star:		(21)
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1 star:		(7)

 

 

The Film:

Fiddler on the Roof is based on the tales of Russian Jewish life written by Shalom Alechem in the 1800s, with music scored by John Williams. Directed by Norman Jewison, it's widely acknowledged to be one of the best musicals ever made. Tevye, played by the famous jewish actor Topol, lives in the enclave of Anatevka with his wife and _6_ daughters. Insulated & protected by their Orthodox traditions, Tevye must face, with a poignant combination of humor, sorrow and acceptance, the marriage of his three eldest daughters in a series of increasingly unacceptable unions. How far can tradition be bent and still maintain the center of his family and his community's existence? Do we place tradition over family? Oswald Morris' beautiful cinematography and Jewison's compelling film-making pursue these questions both for the residents of Anatevka and for us in our ever-changing worlds.

The DVD:

A marvel, this film has never looked or sounded better for home viewing - a remixed Dolby 5.1 soundtrack and crystal-clear picture on a double-layer disc make this a contribution to your film library you'll not regret. Jewison & Topol's commmentary give you some ideas behind the making of the film, what the director was trying to achieve, and how Topol moved his character from stage to screen. Director's full use of the 70mm aspect ratio demands the anamorphic widescreen format used in this printing.

Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, the movie version of Fiddler on the Roof features Topol as Tevye the Milkman, a poor Jewish husband and father living in pre-revolutionary Russia. His story is inevitably tragic, but humorous and touching along the way.

The movie is filled with asides from Tevye, as he reveals his thoughts to the camera. He is forever quoting "the good book," sometimes correctly, sometimes not so correctly.

As was tradition during this time, the matchmaker sets up all marriages. Tevye's daughters aren't too happy about this (as is shown through the famous song, Matchmaker, Matchmaker), and the older three eventually set up their own marriages.

Tzeitel, the oldest, falls in love with Motel, the poor tailor, and they ask Tevye's permission to marry. He finally relents and they have a proper Jewish wedding. Hodel falls in love with a revolutionary who has been staying with Tevye and Golde and their family. She leaves her family to follow him in the heartbreaking song, "Far From the Home I Love." Chava, the delicate middle daughter, falls in love with Fyedka, a Russian. Tevye forbids this marriage, for he cannot turn from his faith. Chava chooses love over family as shown through ballet, and Tevye has no choice but to count her as dead.

Tevye's story ends as the Jewish community is forced from Anatevka. Even in this hard time, Tevye is faithful that everything will turn out all right in the end.

The music in this movie is absolutely beautiful. You'll tap your feet to "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Miracle of Miracles." You'll find tears in your eyes during "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Far From the Home I Love." You'll laugh at Yente and during the dance at the bar.

This is a movie that belongs in everyone's movie collection. It is a story that will last forever.

I'm not about to review Fiddler on The Roof or a give a complete history of all its various incarnations like other reviewers have. We all acknowledge it's great. One of the best, if not THE best, musicals ever. I'm here to write about this particular packaging of the "DVD with CD". I don't know about you, but I naturally thought the CD was a CD of the soundtrack so that you can then listen to the songs while driving in your car or hanging around the house. No - it's not a soundtrack CD, which explains the relatively low price - it's a CD of 70's songs. While some are great (Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye and ABC by the Jackson 5), what the heck does "The Night Chicago Died" have to do with Fiddler on The Roof? Or "Reunited" by Peaches and Herb? Maybe they thought Herb worked in the deli down the street!?!?!

I'm not sure if the same CD is included in everyone's package, but here's the listing for my CD:

Billy Don't Be A Hero-Donaldson & The Heywood's
Maggie May-Rod Stewart
The Night Chicago Died-Paper Lace
ABC-Jackson 5
Ant No Mountain High Enough-Diana Ross
Lets Get It On-Marvin Gaye
War-Edwin Starr
Reunited- Peaches&Herb

To paraphrase Edwin Starr, "What is this CD good for?" Almost absolutely nothing as everybody should already have Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and Rod Stewart on their Ipod already!?!?!? If you want a DVD of Fiddler on The Roof and another version is cheaper - go for that version. Don't think you're getting anything special with the bonus CD.

"Fiddler on the Roof" is my all-time favorite musical, both on the stage and on film. This is a story of tradition, love and marriage in a Jewish family living in the face of persecution in Tsarist Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Based on the 19th century stories of Sholom Alechem, it tells of how Tevye, a poor Jewish dairyman, Golde, his somewhat shrewish wife, and their five unmarried daughters face their dreams amidst the reality of rampant anti-semitism. Director Norman Jewison's treatment of this story is wonderfully sensitive. The cast - especially Topol as Tevye (nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for this role) and Norma Crane as Golde - bring to life all the strength of character, the comedy, and the poignant tragedy of life in the village of Anatevka. The music and choreography are sheer magic throughout! "Fiddler on the Roof" is a timeless classic, and should not be missed.

I bought this DVD because the Amazon product description said it starred Theodore Bikel, who played in the Broadway and road show versions of "Fiddler on the Roof" for many years - I had the impression this would be a film of the Broadway show. This is just a repackaging of the excellent 1971 movie, starring Topol. The features of the DVD are identical to those on the DVD I bought several years ago - only the box is different.

The Amazon product description has been changed since I ordered the DVD several weeks ago, but it's still not completely correct. The Amazon description lists the actors as Ina Claire, Brian Coburn, Patience Collier, Norma Crane, Barry Dennen - and doesn't include the star, Topol, in the list. The DVD jacket lists the following in starring roles: Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, and Paul Paul Mann, produced and directed by Norman Jewison.

Don't get me wrong - this is an extraordinary movie. Just be aware that it's the movie that stars Topol, so it's not really anything new.

At one time Fiddler on the Roof was the longest running musical in Broadway history. The musical was based on the books of Sholom Aleichem. Both the books and musical are considered cultural icons. So to film this, Norman Jewison was chosen and despite the name he is not Jewish.

The story is sort of a Jewish version of Pride & Prejudice. Tevye is the village milkman with five daughters to marry off with not much to give by way of a dowry. Therefore, beggars cannot be choosers. Marriages at that time were arranged by the family through the matchmaker, Yenta. (Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match, find me a find, catch me a catch....)

The opening number "Tradition" shows the microcosm in which the characters live. The specific microcosm is the Jewish section of a village during the last Czarist's reign. The village has tradition for everything, "how to sleep, how to eat, how to work, how to wear clothes". You may ask were did the traditions start, no one know but they are traditions. The family is run by the father. All major decisions are made by him. But the mother runs the home. The children are there to carry on traditions of the family. But until they leave the home, the parents make all their decisions, including who they marry.

Tzeitel is the oldest daughter. She is at the age that she must marry soon. Yenta has found a great match, well at least he's well off. The butcher Lazar Wolf wants to remarry and has decided that Tzeitel would be perfect. But to Tzietel, marrying Lazar would be like marrying her father but older. But more importantly, she has found someone that she loves, the tailor Motel. This is not the tradition. But the look in Tzeitel's eyes tells Tevye that she truly loves him. So he decides that he must allow her happiness.

Now the problem is how to break the marriage agreement with Lazar. Worse, how to tell his wife. Tevye devises a plan, "Tevye's Dream". Golda falls for it and the match with Lazar is off.

While making his Sabbath deliveries, Tevye encounters a young radical, Perchik. He invites Perchik to say with his family for the summer in exchange for lessons for his youngest daughters. At Tzeitel's wedding he breaks the tradition that men and women do not dance with each other and dances with Hodel. Perchik decides his mission in the village is done and needs to go elsewhere to fight for the people. Hodel does not take the news well, until he asks her to marry him. The tell Tevye that they are getting married and he says no. They explain that they are not asking for his permission just his blessing. They are getting married no matter what he feels. Tevye contemplates that like Adam and Eve, Hodel and Perchik have the greatest matchmaker. And despite the traditions, he gives them his blessing.

Tevye tells Golda that he has given Hodel and Perchik his permission and asks her "Do You Love Me?" Perchik goes off to Moscow. After he is arrested and sent to Siberia, he asks Hodel to join him.

While bringing the cow home (don't ask where it's been), Chava is harassed by some "outsider" farmers. But Fyedka, an "outsider" farmer, comes to her rescue. They begin to see each other. After Hodel leaves, they arrange a chance meeting with Tevye. He tells Chava that marriage outside the religion is forbidden and to never see Fyedka or speak of him again. Chava rebels and elopes. When Tevye is told that of the elopement, tells Golda that she is dead to him.

The Jews in the town are told that they must leave Anatevka in three days. After a life together the village disperses. Some go to Jerusalem, some go to Chicago, Tevye and family go to New York. In the emotional end, Chava returns to let the family know they are also leaving to Krakow. Despite everything Tevye wishes them to go with God.

This movie is one of the last great movie musicals. Director Norman Jewison took what he learned from directing TV variety shows and the great movies of the 60's to make a truly evocative film about the oppressive life of Jews in Russia. Even though this film is bleak it also shows the hope that all the people of that time lived with. This is a masterpiece.

From a technical view, the score is one of the best. Much of the production design is actual locations in Yugoslavia. And one thing I found out from a Jewison tribute is the color was created by shooting the film through a nylon stocking.

I was lucky to see a stage production of Fiddler with Topol about ten years later. And it confirmed that the film was an accurate reproduction of the stage show in content and feeling.

DVD EXTRAS: Located on Side 1
Commentary by Norman Jewison and Topol

DVD EXTRAS: Located on Side 2
Norman Jewison film maker - A 49 minute National Film Board of Canada documentary on Jewison and the filming of Fiddler. This is principally about the filming of Fiddler but in the middle Jewison talks about his experiences at Universal and UA Mirsch.

Norman Jewison Looks Back - Five mini documentaries where Jewison talks about the creation of Fiddler. These were filmed for the DVD release and are a look back. (10 minutes)

Deleted Song: Any Day Now - Created for Perchik (Michael Glaser - before Starsky and Hutch) to replace his romantic ballad Now I Have Everything. But it was cut too. This is sound only with stills (3 minutes).

Tevye's Dream in Full Color - Tevye's Dream was filmed in full color but then filtered to give it more of a dreamlike quality. This has an into by Jewison and also a side by side viewing of a portion of the number. (7 minutes)

The Stories of Sholom Aleichem - Two stories that inspired Fiddler read by Norman Jewison. (6 minutes)

Historical Background - Norman Jewison gives some historical background on Jewish life in turn of the century Russia. (12 minutes)

Production Design and Storyboards - Production and storyboards from the film and five storyboard to actual film comparisons. The comparisons are always great to see. This shows how it was conceived and how close the actual film was to this. (20 minutes)

Original Production Notes - Normally, I skip these but I decided to look. This is broken into four sections: casting, make-up, call sheets and shooting schedule. The casting are appointment sheets with the names of actors (many which were unknown at that time) auditioning for parts. Interesting names were Ron Rifkin, Rob Reiner, Richard Dreyfuss, John Rubenstein and John Ritter for Motel, Leland Palmer, Katie Sagal, Talia Shire, Darlene Carr, Meg Foster and Ann Jillian for one of the daughters. Richard Thomas for Fydeka

Photographic Production Diary - Like everything else this is broken into subsections. Therefore, you can choose which aspects to view.

Promotional Materials - Various print material for the original and the re release. The best is the animated souvenir program which shows the entire souvenir program page by page.

...and, believe it or not, saw this film for the very first time last week! I know, part of the reason has been the fact that I don't consider myself to be much into venerable musicals (although at least two of them are on my all-time fav list: see THE KING AND I & THE WIZARD OF OZ); also, clocking in at exactly three hours as this film does, I needed to build up the patience to see FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (1971). Now that I've finally seen it, I want to see it again.

Norman Jewison (himself not Jewish, by the way, despite his name) directed this, the film version of the long-running '60's Broadway musical that had starred the legendary Zero Mostel. I mention this fact because of the related controversy surrounding the casting of this film. Norman Jewison had bucked the popular trend by passing on Mostel to cast Palestine-born Israeli actor Topol, who had starred in the London stage production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, in the lead role of Tevye. This hurt the Broadway star's feelings badly, as Zero Mostel had basically figured that his starring in the film version was a done deal; however, his notorious tempestuousness with film directors, plus his unpredictability on the set of the Broadway original, caused Jewison to choose the better-tempered, and less-hammy, Topol instead. (The story goes that, the following year when Norman was casting his next film, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR--another film adaptation of a Broadway musical--he called on Zero's son Josh to fill the role of King Herod. Zero was home and could be heard shouting "Tell him to give it to Topol's son!" Josh got the part, anyway.)

This film, Topol and all, is a masterpiece. It manages to tell a rather somber story while being entertaining at the same time. It contains some rather lengthy musical numbers that only serve to enhance, not subtract from, the plot. Most of these musical numbers became so popular that they are now legendary (the opening number "Tradition"; "Matchmaker, Matchmaker"; "If I Were A Rich Man"; "Sunrise, Sunset" and the beautiful closing number "Anatevka"). This Special Edition DVD boasts excellent picture and sound quality; it certainly doesn't seem like the film was made over 30 years ago!

Then there is the casting: Topol, in an instantly-career-defining role, justifies the Mostel snub all the way (sorry, Zero) with a fully-realized performance that is alternatively amusing and engaging, introspective and thoughtful, agonizing and heart-rending. His character, a lowly milkman, is the center of the world in which he lives. At the beginning, he addresses us, the audience. In the remainder of the film, he interacts with each of the other characters and, most notably, with God, to whom he addresses his pleas. His relationship with the camera is nothing short of magical, and he was well-deserving of his Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Norma Crane plays Tevye's wife Golde, who both loves and tolerates him, all at once. Molly Picon plays Yente, the irrepressible matchmaker (who, in a point of irony, does not match up any of the marrying principals). Rosalind Harris plays Tevye's eldest daughter of five, Tzeitel, in a beautiful performance of quiet understatement. Leonard Frey plays Motel (pronounced "muttle"), Tzeitel's betrothed, in an earnest performance that garnered him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Paul Mann plays huge, pear-shaped Lazar Wolf, who strikes up an agreement with Tevye to win his eldest daughter's hand in marriage. His performance is so full of vitality that it's amazing to me that FIDDLER ON THE ROOF was the very last film he would ever do. Lastly, it is of note that future "Starsky and Hutch" star Paul Michael Glaser (here billed simply as Michael Glaser) makes a notable film debut as Communist revolutionary Perchik, who wins the hand of Tevye's second-eldest daughter Hodel (Michele Marsh), much to Tevye's chagrin.

Tevye's striving to hang on to his Orthodox Jewish traditions while everything changes all about him--indeed, his world as he knows it goes from secure to nonexistent during the course of this film--makes up the majority of the plot. Frustrating his good intentions are the three eldest daughters (out of a total of five) who cause his patience to be tested, his faith to be shaken. The eldest calls into question the tradition of arranged marriages and the second calls into question the tradition of marrying an observant Jew (who himself calls into question the ancient rules of intergender public activity, such as dancing). Finally, the third daughter Chava (Neva Small) calls the whole idea of marrying another Jew into question, which leads to some of the film's most heartbreaking scenes. Oh, and while all this is going on, Czar Nicholas II stages pogroms against Jews in many towns--with Anatevka being next on the list.

With all of its subplots and activity, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF leaves you with much about which to think. For all of its musical bombast, it contains much in the way of thoughtfulness. Perhaps most importantly, it captures a people and their era that is so distantly removed from our own--and makes us care. It also contains some beautiful music by Isaac Stern, who gives such an idelible musical voice to the titular character in this thoroughly remarkable, classic film. The extra features on this DVD are also excellent. This is a must-buy for all cinemaniacs.

MOST RECOMMENDED

With so many reviews of this film already available (106 to date) there's no need for me to provide another summary of the storyline. However I would like to offer a few thoughts about what I consider to be the greatest musical of all-time.

"Fiddler On The Roof" has been called by many as a celebration of the Jewish spirit. While that is a correct perception, it's not limited to being simply a "Jewish" experience. This amazing film is a inspiration to all, Jew and non-Jew, serving as a universal affirmation of the inner strength and faith within each and everyone of us. The faith and traditions that make us who we are and help us face the challenges that await in this everchanging, often hostile environment.

For Tevye (Chaim Topol), a poor, kind-hearted husband and father of five daughters it's his love for God and family that keeps him strong enough to face the continual trials and tribulations brought about by pressures both within his faith community as well as the greater community-at-large. His spirituality is expressed to all by his devotion and adherence to the faith and traditions of Judaism, which are personified on-screen by a solitary fiddler that only Tevye can see.

This film will make you laugh and it will make you cry as it takes the viewer through the full gamit of human emotions. Thank you Norman Jewison for directing such a beautiful film and thank you Topol for becoming the living embodiment of Shalom Aleichem's literary creation, Tevye.

Own It! Watch It! It Will Never Fail To Lift Your Spirits! L'Chaim!

This review refers to the MGM/UA VHS...
"Fiddler On The Roof" is truely a story of the human spirit,traditions, and values, told in this wonderfully touching and brillant musical. It will have you smiling one minute and all choked up the next. You'll be wanting to sing aloud the musical numbers, and you won't want it to end. It will stay with you for a long time, and you'll watch it again and again.

"Tradition" and faith are the main ingrediants that keeps the poor Jewish people in the little Russian village of Anatevka from giving up.Tevya is one of those people. He must try to provide for his family("If I Were A Rich Man"), face the changing world as his daughters come of age and marry against tradition, and hold up against the opression he and his fellow townspeople face from the Czar during early 1900's.He speaks to God, mostly through song, as he has us laughing and crying at the same time.

Some of the wonderful traditions, and colorful characters you'll encounter during this story are told beautifully through the music. There's Yentle the Matchmaker("Matchmaker,Matchmaker"), the beautiful Sabboth ceremonies, the weddings("Sunrise, Sunset"),the gatherings of the learned men, and of course The Fiddler, symbol of all the traditions,ever present as a reminder, when Tevya must bend in his ways.There are also the trials the people must endure. First in the way of "demonstrations", on orders from the Czar, and finally in the evicitons of all the Jews from their homes("Anatevka"). They bear up and go on with life. It is powerfully touching.

The film is a masterpeice of storytelling in every way. Here's a few names connected to this film...It's a Norman Jewison Film(Produced and Directed), Choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Music by Jerry Bock, Conducted by John Williams, and starring Topal, Norma Crane, Molly Picon, Leonard Frey, and Paul Glaser. Oh and the fiddler's music was done by none other than violinst Isaac Stern.

The VHS has a nice quality picture and is presented in Dolby Surround Hi-FI.

There are so many wonderful songs.If I had to pick one line from one song to sum up this moving masterpiece it would be the line from "To Life"...."Life has a way of confusing us, blessing and bruising us...TO LIFE!".........Laurie

Fiddler on the Roof has always been one of my favorite movies. Both the acting and the music are terrific. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to buy it on DVD because I already had it on VHS. But after renting it and seeing how beautiful it was in all it's digital splendor, I knew I had to buy it. When I first heard about the running commentary by Norman Jewison and Topol I really wondered why anyone would want to hear such a thing while watching a movie. However, I found that it really added to my enjoyment. Hearing the thoughts of the director and the lead character about the making of the movie provided great insight. It wasn't distracting like I thought it would be. Even hearing the commentary, I still cried when they sang "Sunrise Sunset." I am glad this was put on DVD. It really is a wonderful film.