Customer Reviews

Finian's Rainbow

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In 2004, Rhino Handmade released the long out-of-print soundtrack "Finian's Rainbow" on CD. But because it was a limited edition, it was only available for a short term and sold at a high price.

Collector's Choice has wisely released the soundtrack at a lower price, and with fine remastering, fans of the underrated musical can finally own the soundtrack without paying too much money.

"Finian's Rainbow", directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was released in 1968, a period when the era of musicals was pretty much over. The film was not a big hit, but it's actually a beautiful film despite some creaky plot points and some outdated ideas.

What makes the film so special is the music and the performers who sing it. Fred Astaire and Petula Clark make an ideal father and daughter. Astaire is as charming as ever, and Clark truly comes into her own as a singer and actress. Although I love Clark's own recordings in English and French, this film is what made me a true fan. She glows on "Look to the Rainbow" and her duet with Don Francks on "Old Devil Moon" is both romantic and sensual, not the typical sentimental duet you see in musicals.

It's been a long time since this soundtrack has been readily available. I highly recommend this soundtrack if you are a fan of the film, and especially if you are a big Petula Clark fan.

Well I must say when I first picked up this 1968 soundtrack the first time it was in album/vinyl format and I was a big Petula Clarke fan. Since then I have grown to love this musical and appreciate all the fine things going on in it. First of all look at the talen here, Fred Astair, Pet Clark, Don Franks and Tommy Steele. Wouldn't think it would work would you..............ah but it does, and very nicely too. Petula does some of the finest singing in her career. She sings some fine duets with both Astair and Franks. BUT the solos, are the reall meat in this meal. Always wondered why she didn't do more in this field but I guess the big musical era was winding down and not much to offer. The movie itself is entertaining but the real attraction is the Harburg/Lane music/lyrics. Wonderful songs, the kind you come out of the theater singing or humming. They stay on your mind long after the curtain has fallen and the lights are dark. Get this while you can.

I was really impressed with this CD. The sound quality was fantastic. Crisp and clear, no fuzziness or tape noise. My only real objection is that Og's reprise of Something Sort of Grandish that he sings while the kids are searching for his pot of gold, was left out. It's such a charming song, so I do kind of miss it. Otherwise, the music is wonderful. I never tire of listening to this soundtrack.

beautiful loves songs, ole devil moon sung by don franc is enough to leave you swooning and makes you want to hear more

Bought this as a gift for my sister who loves musicals. She wore the movie out. Took her to see it on Broadway recently. The cast from this movie/cd was much better. Great songs.

Though not the best film, the original musical was better, it is still quite entertaining.

I have always loved this movie and its music. The director, Frances Copploa, provides a commentary. This is one of is very early works and it didn't seem to be one of his favorites.

I am disappointed in the CD I ordered. Not only did it take almost 4 weeks for me to receive it but I did not order the original cast version, but the current cast version which is currently playing on Broadway. I am thinking about returning it. I will not order anything from the Smartmart division of Amazon in the future.

What the other reviewer failed to mention is that Collectors' Choice omitted the 3 bonus tracks which appeared on the Rhino Handmade edition of this soundtrack, thereby rendering it absolutely worthless to true soundtrack collectors and devoted Petula Clark fans. People who fall into both categories already have the vinyl edition of this soundtrack, which is the same as this CD. I, for one, would not even CONSIDER purchasing this sham of a release from Collectors' Choice. I, and I suspect many other soundtrack and Petula fans who were not able to get the Rhino Handmade edition, will hold out for finding a used one at a reasonable price. BOO and Shame On You Collectors' Choice!