Hit the Deck: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Re-release of 1955 Film) [SOUNDTRACK] [EXTRA TRACKS]

Ann Miller, Tony Martin, Russ Tamblyn, Vic Damone, Debbie Reynolds, Vincent Youmans, Jane Powell

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 21, 2000)
• Original Release Date: March 4, 1955
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack, Extra tracks
• Label: Rhino / Wea
• ASIN: B00004ZDYX
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #124,916 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
By the 50's, the lavish adaptation of Broadway musicals had already been a lucrative Hollywood staple for decades. But the times--and tastes--were changing; television and rock & roll would soon virtually spell the end of the traditional genre. Ostensibly, MGM's Hit the Deck hewed close to the studio's big-budget film musical formula: an all-star cast, eye-catching sets, and show-stopping production numbers. But No, No, Nanette composer Vincent Youmans's tale of three sailors on leave was already nearly 30 years old by the time Metro acquired the film rights (while the similarly themed, more musically contemporary Bernstein/Comden/Green show On the Town had already been a postwar hit), and their 1955 adaptation seemed somewhat quaint. Still, it's a solid musical show (highlighted by the rousing "Hallelujah"), full of strong performances by stars Vic Damone, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Martin, and Ann Miller. This release marks the film soundtrack's CD debut, restoring many previously abridged numbers and presenting all in stereo for the first time. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stereo At It's Best, February 4, 2001

By A Customer

I must start by saying briefly - the music on this recording includes finely orchestrated, beautifully sung songs and energetic dance numbers. But what really added to my listening pleasure was the superlative remastering of the original recordings for this CD. The CD has wide open stereo sound that sounds so good, it could have been originally recorded today. The music and the voices open your home listening space as no other historical film soundtrack recording has done in the recent past. Magnificent.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MGM at it's best., March 23, 2001

By A Customer

I saw this film when I was an impressionable kid of 15 and quite taken with the songs, dances, the Navy and Ann Miller's legs. I must have seen the film over ten times in the movies. I bought the album on 45 EPs and later on LP. But after hearing the CD I just couldn't believe anything could sound that good me. Who ever was responsible, thanks and do it some more. There are so many productions released on CD that just do not measure up but this one exceeded all my expectations. The extra music was a real surprise and quality is just unbelievable. What memories!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as it gets, October 23, 2001

By	JOHN GAYFORD (FORMELLO, (Roma) Italy) - See all my reviews

This is one of the most exhilarating of all the MGM soundtrack albums that have come from the Turner vaults so far. The recording quality is as good as it gets, with wonderful stereo and what can one say about the orchestrations, the MGM orchestra and the vocals? Not to mention the splendid old musical comedy score revitalised in a most exciting way. If you are a fan of musical soundtracks, you'll love this one because it's truly a classic. It's a shame the MGM video of the film is such poor quality that it doesn't do it justice. There's no comparison with this CD, which certainly does. Great performers like Tony Martin, Ann Miller, Vic Damone, Debbie Reynolds and Jane Powell give of their best and that really is tops in listening pleasure. I'm still hoping they'll bring out more titles like "Words and Music", "Thousands Cheer", "Good News" etc. Meantime I'm delighted to get "Hit the Deck", which I highly recommend!