Customer Reviews

Kiss Me Kate - O.S.T.

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The MGM film version of Cole Porter's KISS ME KATE was released in 1953. It was filmed in 3D but was not widely released in that format as it required special projection equipment and required the audience to wear eye-straining glasses. It was successful both in the 3D version, as well as the conventional "flat" version that was more widely released. It was also one of the very first films released in stereo. The cast included some of the greatest musical talents in Hollywood at the time: Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, and Ann Miller. All are in top vocal form.

This soundtrack unquestionably surpasses any other recordings of the score, although the two original cast recordings come close. All tracks are taken directly from the original recording session masters and have been remixed for stereo (the original soundtrack album of 1953 contained only a handful of songs - compared to this - and was heard only in monaural). Not only are all cuts from the original vinyl release included here (you wouldn't expect the CD to not include them, would you?), but a HUGE amount of instrumental underscoring and additional material is here as well. The sound quality (in glorious STEREO) is fabulous. The BEST recording of the score, hands down. I also recommend, though, the 1959 stereo recording with the original cast. Fabulous.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

MGM's film of KISS ME KATE was an exception for them. They only deleted two numbers, but used one of those in background scoring. To make up for it, they interpolated a number from another Porter show, FROM THIS MOMENT ON. MGM's usual method was to select no more than ten songs from a musical and fit it into a 110 minute running time. The performances here are all exceptional, the orchestrations are bright and vivacious - a vast improvement over the originals, and the sound is excellent. The CD has filled out the time allotted by using outtakes and scene underscorings. An impressive piece of film musical history and the best recording of the score.

MGM's KISS ME KATE is a fabulous film and for a change is very faithful to the original Broadway show. It was not only MGM's first film to be released in stereo, it was originally released in 3-D! You'll see things being thrown at the audience throughout the film. Oh, to experience it that way! The soundtrack is stupendous and is one of my absolute favorites. Cole Porter's score is his overall best and the entire cast performs it to perfection. Kathryn Grayson's voice usually grates on my nerves, but here she is absolutely perfect. The soundtrack restoration is flawless and includes never before released underscoring and addition verses to "We Open in Venice." Ann Miller is at the height of her career and Howard Keel is absolutely stunning in is interpretaion of "Where is the Life That Late I Led." The orchestration of "From This Moment On" leaves me breathless. I could listen to this one every day.

Although I tend to prefer Broadway to film scores, this is a notable exception. Howard Keel is a one man tour de force, dashing off number after number with machismo, panache, and wit, Ann Miller is splendid, and even Kathryn Grayson is much better than her usual cloying self. Porter's lyrics are the stuff of genius (how many people in the history of the world could have written Brush Up Your Shakespeare?), the melodies are uplifting and catchy, the plot is hysterical, but above all this is Howard Keel's show, perhaps his greatest performance along with Showboat.

I wholeheartedly agree with every comment already posted. This recording is astonishing in its completeness. The audio quality is as superb as already mentioned. I agree that Howard Keel gives a definitive performance, and that Kathryn Grayson is heard to best advantage. Ann Miller is beyond compare in her bravura performance. The spirit of the MGM studio orchestra is also heard at the top of its game. I was lucky to see a 3D screening of this movie around 1979 or 1980. It was well worth it then, and this recording captures everything about the film that anyone could ever want.

This CD is a must. The BEST of all Cole Porters' film scores. Not a bad track amongst the 27 on this release. The orchestrations and recording quality is excellent. If you are serious in collecting CD's that capture the peak of a genre then this one is a must...enjoy

The wizards at Rhino have put us once again in their debt for this re-release of the soundtrack to MGM's Kiss Me Kate. For anyone who loves the Broadway musical and its Hollywood incarnation, this recording is an essential part of any collection.

Musical lovers have historically been very poorly served by the "original cast" and "soundtrack" recordings. What should have been glorious mementos of the theatrical (or cinematic) experience have often turned out to be savagely butchered and indifferently reproduced shadows of what could have been. With the extended playing time of CDs and the efforts of enthusiasts who (at last) recognise the treasures lying in the studio vaults, many musicals are being re-released in greatly improved sound and including previously unreleased orchestral underscoring and extended performances.

Kiss Me Kate receives a rip-roaring outing here (listen to Wunderbar, Tom Dick or Harry or Where is the Life That Late I Led. A somewhat mangled score (if you're a Broadway purist)...but what performances! It is a dream team with everyone at their finest - Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, the MGM Orchestra not missing a beat under André Previn. And those orchestrations! Conrad Salinger and his colleagues were surely the unsung geniuses of the MGM musical sound.

This is a joy to listen to and we must be grateful to the efforts of everyone who made it possible, assembled as it has been from fast-deteriorating scraps of recordings criminally neglected in the MGM archives. Listen to this and then feast your ears on other recordings in the series. I recommend Gigi, Show Boat, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Meet Me in St Louis, Hit The Deck and Kismet for starters.

The sound is, of course, variable and not up to the technical standards of today. But, bearing in mind the vintage, it is always good, often miraculous, and far, far better than it has ever sounded before. In fact, it is just right...just how an MGM musical should sound. It is also as complete as it is ever going to get.

Now come on Rhino - what about working the same miracles with High Society, Bells Are Ringing and Goodbye Mr Chips?

Why only a 4 out of 5 star rating? Simple; because we've had to wait so long!

After I bought the most MGM-Musicals which are available on CD is this another one which is A MUST HAVE IT!!!!

- - - its in glorious STEREO - - -

Music & Lyrics are by the great Cole Parter and adapted for the movie by Saul Chaplin & André Previn.

The Disc contains the complete score on 27 Tracks. One of my favorite tracks (and scene in the movie) is Track 4 "Too Darn Hot", tap-Danced by the great Ann Miller.

The movie itself is available on DVD Kiss Me Kate starring Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Ann Miller, Bob Fosse.

FAZIT: when you like those glorious MGM-Musical, then you must have this CD!!! It contains a 24-Page-Booklet.

I grew up watching Kiss Me Kate among a bunch of other 50s musicals. Ahh, back when musicals were good... Singin' in the Rain, Meet Me in St Louis, Showboat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I won't go into the mind-numbingly stupid & imbecilic musicals - original & remake - that have been released in the last decade. I had to purchase Kiss Me Kate because I LOVE Howard Keel's gorgeous voice, & Cole Porter's music is fun, energetic, hilarious & beautiful. What happened to the writers?? & the singers??

Unfortunately the item arrived damaged in transit - the CD was cracked. But this is a review of the product, not the condition in which it arrived. For those who enjoy some wry and thoughtful lyrics along with delightful music - this is a fine soundtrack. Are lyrics these day anywhere close to so bright and playful as are the ones on this CD? Rappers and punksters need not apply.