Customer Reviews

The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection (Babes in Arms / Babes on Broadway / Girl Crazy / Strike Up the Band)

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is the long awaited boxed set of four Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musicals that includes a fifth bonus disc. The contents are as follows as described by a press release from Warner Home Video:

Babes in Arms (1939)
This is the first film the two did together and was adapted from the 1937 Rodgers and Hart Broadway hit of the same name. Busby Berkeley directed the film and also did the choreography. This film is being shown as it was in its initial release in 1939, complete with the minstrel numbers that might seem offensive today and a sequence involving the impersonation of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt that was cut shortly after FDR's death since MGM didn't want to appear disrespectful under the circumstances. The plot is simple - Rooney plays a kid trying to prove his musical talent and therefore decides to put on a show. Garland plays another talented youngster who decides to help him do it.
DVD Special Features:
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Commentary by historian John Fricke
Vintage Our Gang short Duel Personalities
Classic cartoon The Mad Maestro
1939 Newsreel with Mickey and Judy
Audio-only bonuses:
Leo Is on the Air radio promo
3 different radio shows with Rooney and Garland
Theatrical Trailer

Strike up the Band (1940)
This one has more of a plot than the first, plus some great music. Rooney plays self-involved musician Jimmy Conners who impresses bandleader Paul Whiteman so much that he offers him a job in New York City. However, a friend's medical emergency makes Rooney choose between his own plans and his friend's health, and he chooses his friend in the end. Rooney's character now has to come up with a way to replace the travel money. Busby Berkeley again provides the choreography and the direction in this film. Highlights include a big Busbv Berkeley production number called "Do The La Conga" and Rooney's "Drummer Boy" sequence. The film also features the Oscar-nominated song "Our Love Affair" and a rousing finale with the Gershwins' title tune.
DVD Special Features:
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Pete Smith specialty comedy short Wedding Bills
Classic cartoon Romeo in Rhythm
"Do the La Conga" stereo remix version
Audio-only bonuses:
Leo Is on the Air radio promo
Millions for Defense radio special with Mickey and Judy
Additional radio show with Rooney and Garland
Theatrical Trailer

Babes on Broadway (1941)
Rooney plays Tommy Williams, a singer in a restaurant who wants a shot at Broadway. Garland plays Penny Morris, and Williams uses her interest in orphaned children to come up with the idea of "putting on a show" to send them on a vacation in the country. However, Williams really is only interested in self-promoting his talent, not the orphans. However, in the end, he learns his lesson. Musical highlights include the song "How About You', Rooney's impersonation of Carmen Miranda, and a massive Busby Berkeley finale which was featured in 1974's "That's Entertainment!".
DVD Special Features:
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Pete Smith Specialty comedy short How to Hold Your Husband Back
Classic cartoon Dance of the Weed
Audio-only bonuses:
Two Leo Is on the Air Radio Promos
Radio Show Adaptation of Merton of the Movies with Rooney and Garland
Chin Up! Cheerio! Carry On Song Demo performed by composer Burton Lane
Theatrical Trailer

Girl Crazy (1943)
This is the strongest of the four included films. This time Norman Taurog shares direction duties with Busby Berkeley. Here Rooney plays Danny Churchill, a rich college kid that is partying more than he is studying. His father sends him to an all-male college in the middle of nowhere where he can regain his focus. However, Danny does fall for the one eligible female in the hundred mile radius of the school - the dean's granddaughter, Ginger Gray (Garland). Ginger, however, is more concerned that the college is in danger of closing than in Danny's advances. She enlists Danny's help to see that the school stays open. Songs include "Embraceable You," "Fascinating Rhythm," "Bidin' My Time," and a the Garland solo "But Not for Me." Of course there is a huge Busby Berkeley finale done to Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm", with Mickey, Judy, a large supporting cast, and Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra.
DVD Special Features:
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Commentary by historian John Fricke
Vintage short Hollywood Daredevils
Classic cartoon The Early Bird Dood It
I Got Rhythm stereo remix version
Audio-only bonus: Bronco Busters Outtake
Theatrical Trailer

Finally there is a bonus disc with over three hours of extras that include:
Private Screenings with Mickey Rooney - 1996 TCM special hosted by Robert Osborne
The Judy Garland Songbook- A superb collection of 21 complete, magical Judy Garland musical numbers spanning her many films from 1936-1954
Mickey and Judy Trailer Gallery

The bottom line on this set is that if you are looking for "Gone with the Wind" level serious drama and you don't like great music look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for charming escapist musical entertainment, these films fit the bill. After all, they were made so that troubled audiences could get away from it all during troubled times - the pre and early World War II era. Plus it looks like Warner Home Video has continued their "Film School in a Box" tradition with this set that I have grown to like so much.

So often, it seems to me, Judy Garland dvd box-sets raise the standard of excellence for all manufacturers of DVDs to aspire to. This newest Judy-Mickey collection is no exception, it is a stunningly satisfying experience to read the 48 page (hardback) guide, and the very generous collection of 20 high-quality large postcards in the portfolio binder takes you back almost 70 years to when these films were made.
The hardback book includes reproductions of what seem to be newspaper ads, lobby cards, miniature poster reproductions along with John Fricke's meticulous research and unparallaled knowledge of all-things-Garland lovingly stamped all over this collection before you even pop in the first DVD to watch. The 5th bonus DVD features more than 20 Garland performances spanning 1938 through 1954 as well as 10 trailers for the Garland-Rooney film collaborations & TCM's Robert Osbourne hosting his 'Private Screenings' interview with Rooney.
It just doesn't get any better for vintage film collectors, in terms of value and content. It's a total explosion for the senses to unwrap this package and take it all in; the extraordinary art design, layout, and such a brilliantly realized concept- from the fonts used; to the glossy, higher-quality paper than one would expect in the 'Bonus DVD & Guide' book, this is a first class product all-around that deserves to be a huge success.
Turner Entertainment Co./Warner Home Video and Mr. Fricke have all outdone themselves with this release. Easily the best value of any box-set DVD I have purchased in more than a year, which should be used as a blueprint for any (or every!) upcoming DVD release, which so often don't include so much as an insert.
Outstanding!

Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland are one of the best teams in movie history ranking with Laurel and Hardy, Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, and Doris Day and Rock Hudson in terms of chemistry. Each were bursting with talent both musical and theatrical, so their films together jumped from the screen. Here are their four most popular and profitable ventures featuring excellent musical scores and simple stories about show business.

Babes in Arms is notable as the first smash hit Garland and Rooney teaming. It was adapted from a stage play for the screen, and probably lost some appeal in the transition. What stands is an okay film with a great cast and some interesting musical numbers. A group of vaudevillians led by Joe Moran (Charles Winninger) are planning a big comeback to the stage, although vaudeville is losing its audience. Their kids want to help, but are brushed away. Moran's son Mickey (Mickey Rooney) brings the kids together to perform their own show and to prove to the adults that they can hold their own on a stage. Mickey's girl Patsy (Judy Garland) intends to play the lead, but Mickey thinks "Baby Rosalie" (June Preisser) might draw a bigger audience. And they have to battle Mrs. Steele (Margaret Hamilton) who wants to put them all into school.

With lots of notable songs like "Good Morning," in its best form here with the jazz stylings of Garland's vocals and Rooney's piano playing, it's the catchiest song of the film. Most of the others are medleys with good and bad parts. Betty Jaynes and Douglas McPhail sing a few songs in their operatic style, which will be less appealing to mass audiences. The blackface routine might offend some audiences today, but it is really a tribute to the minstrel shows that Mickey's father started his career in. Rooney does an impression of Eddie Cantor in blackface, and also his impersonation of Clark Gable and Lionel Barrymore. However, none of the medleys have the energy that most Garland/Rooney numbers have, so they disappoint, possibly because the spotlight is shared with the lesser talented members of the cast.

Strike Up the Band is an outstanding musical about a group of kids who adore music. Jimmy Connors (Rooney) loves playing the drums, so much so that he scorns girls and goes against his mother's ambitions for him to become a doctor. He ropes a bunch of his friend into forming an orchestra, something more fun than just the school band, and recruits Mary for a singer (Garland). Mary is in love with Jimmy, but he has no time for women, even though a new girl in town (Preisser) tries to change his mind.

The music in this film is a lot of fun. "Our Love Affair" is a cute song, but it features an absolutely strange presentation of animated fruit playing instruments. This segment was done by uncredited animator George Pal. Very early in the movie is the famous "The Conga" number, a high energy exhibition of one of the eras dance crazes. No matter how many times you see clips of this number in documentaries, it never gets old, and that is thanks to the boundless energy of Rooney and Garland who just leap from the screen. The next best song is performed at a party; Garland sings "Let the Drummer Boy Play" while Rooney goes crazy on the drums. Some people might be a bit put off by how over the top Rooney is in these sorts of movies, but he's so lovable that even if he looks ridiculous, you can't help but laugh and enjoy it. The finale is somewhat of a letdown, though it does include medleys of the previously performed songs which saves it, but "Strike up the Band" is far too tame to end such a great film.

In Babes on Broadway, Rooney plays a guy who feels it is his destiny to make it big on Broadway. Although Garland has similar ambitions, she is not willing to step on other people to get what she wants. The two team up to start their own musical extravaganza to raise money for some poor children to visit the country, a dream that though promised has never materialized. With lots of talent in their hands but many problems to face, they unravel a simple but fun story.

Garland is at her most beautiful in this film, a true joy to watch. Seeing this film would make you think she'd be soon jumping into films as a romantic lead, not struggling to grow up on the screen. Her magical voice was both an asset and her downfall; it kept her typecast in sunny musicals. Rooney is a ball of energy as always, but somehow even moreso than ever. His impression of Carmen Miranda is very funny. His love for showing off is really catching, like a puppy doing tricks. Virginia Weidler does a good job as well as a secondary character and Ray McDonald does a great job dancing. Busby Berkeley directs the musical numbers, which is obvious by some of the overhead shots and the choreography.

Finally we have Girl Crazy, the story of a playboy Danny (Mickey Rooney) from New York whose father has had enough of his behavior. He is sent to an all boy's school out in the west where the boys get up promptly at 5:45, rarely shower, and find solace in riding horses all day. Danny certainly doesn't fit in, but he finds he can't complain too much thanks to the presence of Ginger (Judy Garland), the Dean's grand daughter and one of the prettiest girls he's ever seen. When the school is threatened to close, the two join up to find a way to save it.

Rooney is a barrel of fun in this film; his energy is contagious. He's hamming it up in every scene, especially in the "I Got Rhythm" finale. Although he isn't the most handsome of men, he really pulls off being a charming ladies' man, much like he was in life at this time. Garland is breathtakingly gorgeous throughout the film. Her natural charms, heartbreaking voice, and gentle sweetness add up for an amazing character and performance. June Allyson makes her first appearance in an opener that catches the attention quite well. She seems confident, but it is interesting to know that after each song she had to sing on a film, she threw up in the bathroom.

The songs in this film were later compiled for the musical Crazy For You. The lyrics were changed slightly to fit the altered plot, so if one is familiar with that show, it is interesting to see this film too.

There is a bonus disk of materials to supplement the commentaries, short subjects, and radio presentations on the movie disks. Here we find Rooney's interview with Robert Osbourne on TCM's Private Screenings, Rooney and Garland movie trailers, and Garland's songbook, a compilation of songs from Judy's career in films.

The packaging for this DVD is absolutely wonderful. There are three sections in the box. The first contains the disks for the four films. My only complaint is that they are stacked on top of each other, which can be mildly annoying. However, the booklet features great photo collages for each Rooney and Garland. The second section in the box is a folder of stills from the making of the films; it is an excellent bonus for fans. Each photo is interesting and most are uncommon. The third section contains the bonus features DVD with a booklet of information about each of the film including scene selections and supplemental materials.

This set is perfect for musical lovers, teens looking for more wholesome entertainment, or classic movie fans who can't get enough of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland.

this review is NOT of the movies...
although they are classics, Judy is her amazing self and Mickey Rooney is as Cary Grant once said "The most talented actor in all the movies"...this review is of the DVD set...
WOW WOW WOW
beautiful remastered films.
amazing introductions from Mickey Rooney himself!!!!
a bonus disc with a 40 minute interview with Mickey
a best of Judy Garland performances from the movies
a trailer history of the two of them 30 minutes!
a set of glorious promo pix...stunningly reproduced
a hard bound book with great pictures once again produced to the quality of any expensive art book...
plus other bonus features on the DVDs for each movie

This set was put together by someone who LOVES movies, Loves Judy and Mickey and presents this as a TREASURE ...not some flimsy cheap (talking about YOU Universal)throw away of old movies to be gotten out quick and dirty. PLEASE reward the caring people at WB by buying this and get them as gifts...they are CLASS CLASS CLASS all 1st!

Only one word can describe this set "Brilliant". It is by far the best presented box set I have ever bought. For lovers of these two great artists this set is a must buy and the 5th DVD alone is worth the price.

Here we have two stars who can best be described as the two greatest musical talents in cinema history. Even after almost 70 years the sheer brilliance,vitality and overwhelming artistry shine through as bright and as clear as ever.Mickey in his usual frantic form. Judy delivering,as always vocals both tender and dynamic and together thoroughly enjoying their work and each other.The Judy Garland Song Book section on the extras disc is just breathtaking and cleverly opens and closes with Born In A Trunk, a song which in so many ways sums up her life and career. As Mickey says in the interview on the extra disc, Judy doesn't just sing the songs, she acts them, in fact Mickeys interview shines with wonderful memories of those great MGM days and his quite obvious love for Judy.

Todays so called super stars pale by comparison to these two great artists and all I can say in closing is, that if you buy nothing else this year, buy this set and then sit back and enjoy these two great talents. Their like will never be seen again.

The first review was extremely thorough in your comments. One correction however, the first Mickey/July flick was actually "Thoroughbreds don't cry"

Many have patiently waited the release of the Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney musicals and they are finally here in a well-designed box set. The movies themselves are a real treat to watch, as the chemistry between Judy and Mickey is evident. The talents between the two is also nothing short of incredible. Judy is funny and heartbreaking all at once, as she typically plays the plain-Jane who only gets her man at the last moment of the movie after having to compete with glamour girls. In the documentary, Mickey Rooney makes it clear that they had a brother/sister relationship in real life, and this is obvious in their chemistry too. It is somewhat difficult to buy the fact that playboy/jokester Mickey is going to give up a glamour girl for Judy. Of the four, Girl Crazy is my favorite, mainly because of the score and talent (Tommy Dorsey, June Allyson, Nancy Walker, etc.). Judy's singing of "But Not For Me" is beautiful; as Mickey states in the documentary, she didn't just sing a song...she lived it. The quality of the image for the DVD is good, but not stellar, as one would expect from MGM/Warner. It doesn't appear that much restoration was done to the image. The sound is clear and sharp, and it is nice that a few stereo versions of the large musical numbers were included (especially "I've Got Rhythm."). However, I would ask would it have been that much more difficult to do a 5.1 mix for these extras? As you can read in the other reviews, there are lots of extras. Still, I would have preferred more Mickey/Judy extras than cartoons and unrelated short subjects (which are entertaining, but not why I purchased this set). There is much more audio material that was on the Mickey/Judy Rhino CD set put out years ago that could have been included. The Mickey interview with Robert Osbourne is not terribly long, nor very indepth. It is mainly a rehashing of the same stories told before with a few I had not heard (The Dore Schary meeting and the fight on the set of "Killer McCoy"). Mickey definitely seems lucid, but quite odd in some of his responses. He overly fawns about Judy, Busby Berkeley, and LB Mayer, almost to the point where it seems insincere. His statement that Judy loved Berkeley and would say as much today if she were alive seems downright bizarre, considering what happened between the two on "Annie Get Your Gun." The Judy Garland songbook is an amazing collection of Judy's MGM songs (and a few from "Star is Born") that are presented in chronological order. Again, would have been nicer if stereo/remixed audio was included for these clips. And it also appeared that the "Star" clips didn't utilize the full widescreen framing from the DVD. As would be expected, John Fricke gives a very thorough and entertaining commentary track. The lobby cards and booklet included are a nice touch, and done very well; for the price, this really is a fantastic set. For the movies, I would rate this set a 5; for the audio/video quality, I would rate it a 3.5/4; for the extras I would give this set a 4, mainly because I feel they could have done a better job of putting in more RELATED material. This set should keep Mickey/Judy fans happy until it is upgraded and revamped for the NEXT boxed set, which you can be sure will be out in another few years!

This is an amazing collection! I bought this set for the movies, and I am thrilled.

The extra nice surprise- I was completely blown away by the huge amount of extras. Each dvd comes with loads of special features- commentaries, interviews, lots more (two pages of extras per film), and even old newsreel footage. I haven't even looked at the "extra" special features dvd that came with the set yet. It also came with a hardcover book with info about the films and the actors, and great images of behind the scenes and all of the movie posters. Additionally- there was a folder with many photographs (like large, high-quality postcards), which are a treasure in themselves.

I am so glad I bought this set- what a bargain! My whole family loves it.

Want a plot? Want a review of their artistic splendor? Then scroll down and just read what other people have to say. With regards to these musicals being released on DVD, All I have to say is: IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!

I was a bit doubtful about these at first. I'm a huge fan of the MGM musicals of the 40s and 50s with Gene Kelly and an older Garland, as well as Howard Keel and the rest. But these movies are just wonderful! The writing is actually fairly fresh and witty--each movie has a nice balance of drama and comedy, and each has some truly moving scenes. There's no doubt that the basic plots of "let's put on a show" are all pretty much alike, but the movies are still very, very entertaining.

I think that what I loved about the post-war musicals was the dancing--in these it's the music and vocals that make magic. Gerschwin tunes and others--it's about creating a mood rather than the athleticism that I love in Gene Kelly pictures and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The instrumentals of the soundtracks are as lovely as the musical numbers themselves.

Mickey and Judy light up the screen--I found the two of them just breathtaking. You can tell that they're both going to be big stars--the acting is absolutely top knotch from this pair. They look like the teens that they were instead of twenty somethings. Judy is acting every second that she's on screen, conveying a whole gamit of emotions all the time. Mickey's charisma is very powerful--I'm not surprised that he married 5 times!

As for special features, you can read about the wide range of them in the other reviews, and I'll just say that I would have bought this set for the Judy Garland songbook alone with musical numbers that span her career from beginning to end.

I wasn't sure that these would be my taste--but I just loved them. They have a very different feel than the adult Astaire/Rogers and MGM musicals to come. I enjoyed them all immensely, and I'm sure that I'll watch them again and again. You can't go wrong with this set--4 great films, shorts and cartoons, commentaries, radio spots, trailers, a book and postcards: this is a little snapshot of the history of an era. Buy this!!!