An American in Paris [Blu-ray]

Warner Brothers' proprietary Ultra-Resolution process has brought new life to such classics as "The Wizard of Oz," "Gone With the Wind," Errol Flynn's "Robin Hood," and "Singin' in the Rain." By going back to the original three-strip technicolor negatives and realigning them digitally, the color and detail blows away anything that customers have seen in the past with home video. "An American In Paris" has now undergone the same process. For those that have a blu-ray player, be sure to order this version, An American in Paris [Blu-ray]. Here is a list of extras that are the same on both versions:

Disc 1:
1.33:1 Full Screen with Original Mono audio * Tech Specs for Blu-ray version: Video is 1080P 1.33:1 * Audio is English, French, Spanish (Both Castilian and Latin), German and Italian DD1.0 * Subtitles (Main Feature): English, French, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish * Subtitles (on Select Bonus Material): English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese
1938 MGM short: Paris on Parade
1951 MGM cartoon: Symphony in Slang
Theatrical trailer

Disc 2:

2002 American Masters Documentary: Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (Gene Kelly - Anatomy of a Dancer)

`S Wonderful: The Making of An American in Paris, an all new documentary, produced especially for this release. A dynamic history of the making of the film, which reveals how George and Ira Gershwin's classic songs, the dazzling art of the French impressionists and the ultimate teamwork of MGM's legendary "Freed Unit" came together to create a musical masterpiece. Featuring ten new interviews, including co-stars Leslie Caron, Nina Foch, and Kelly's widow. A very enlightening piece; Caron's memories are probably the most interesting, with Foch running a close 2nd. Caron's comments about co-star Georges Guétary being handsome but not too bright seem to be echoed by Kelly's widow, who says Gene spent more time trying to teach him how to gracefully walk down a set of steps than on anything else in the film. It is unfortunate that Maurice Chevalier could not have taken that role as originally intended. You also realize just how revolutionary this movie was (artistically), especially because of the 17-minute ballet tacked on at the end of the movie. Even Irving Berlin disapproved during an on-set visit, which didn't help the confidence of Vincente Minnelli at all.

Outtakes:
Georges Guetary performing Love Walked In (not missed in the movie at all!)

Audio Outtakes: Alternate Main Title, But Not for Me (Guetary), But Not for Me (Levant Piano Solo), Gershwin Prelude #3, I've Got a Crush on You, Nice Work if You Can Get It, 'S Wonderful

Radio Interviews: Johnny Green, Gene Kelly, Gene Kelly & Leslie Caron;
Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron promotional radio interview with Dick Simmons

Not all of the original musical recording stems have survived over the years, preventing a true stereo/5.1 restoration of the soundtrack; instead, a restored mono version is being made available.

Most are familiar with the movie; storywise, it is a little creaky and hasn't necessarily survived well over the years: Kelly is an American artist living in Paris. He falls in love with a young girl (Leslie Caron) who is in a loveless relationship with one of his best friends (Guétary). Kelly is also in somewhat of a loveless relationship with his financial sponsor (Nina Foch). You can probably guess the rest.

The glowing color, fantastic music by Gershwin (arrangements by the talented Conrad Salinger), and the amazing choreography of Gene Kelly will keep this one a classic for years to come despite a predictable plot. Just the ending ballet alone is a masterpiece; the art of Toulouse Lautrec and Utrillo comes to life with Gene Kelly & Leslie Caron dancing their hearts out to some of the most imaginative choreography (Kelly's) in years. The Freed Unit at MGM was at their peak when this movie was made, and this is one of the last great ones that it created.

It is a real shame that with how fantastic the picture is (the colors literally leap off the screen, and it really adds to the appreciation of what an artistically beautiful visual feast this movie is) that the sound cannot match. Although it is clear and free of problems, the Gershwin music just begs for a 5.1 or 7.1 surround track; unfortunately, due to the age and availability of the original elements, this is not possible.

The movie is more if a musical fantasy than a regular musical. The last 20 minuets or so of the movie is all ballet. Leslie Caron is young a graceful in her very first film. Directed by Vincent Manelli , with Oscar Levant as Kelly's friend and the music provided by the Gershwin brothers it is a great film. Gene Kelly help with directing portions of the Movie. Kelly as always is very talented at everything he works on.Kelly is an American Painter living in Paris, trying to sell is art on the street, like so many other painters. He catches the interest a wealthy American woman, who is looking for more than just a painter. Caron is a young french girl, who is engaged to Georges Guétary a friend of Kelly. Gene Kelly discovered Caron while watching a french ballet. She did not speak much English when the movie started, but was a great dancer and her part was mostly dancing. This is a great movie and fun to watch

Brilliant color and images (from standard DVD edition) using blu-ray player with up-conversion capability --- Was blown away by the visual impact of this remastered edition of a 60 year old classic. There are, of course, limits to what can be achieved technically. However, considering that many films from this era were still framed in B&W, the visual results are truly impressive. Sound was also very good, as delivered through separate amplifier and speakers. Gene Kelly and George Gershwin are likely acquired tastes - not palatable to all. I've grown to appreciate Kelly over the years, and though not a student of dance, can admire his remarkable skills and dexterity. Even in seemingly mundane scenes - straightening a room or walking down a flight of steps - grace and rhythm shine through. As a comedic actor Kelly's first rate - perfect delivering lines loaded with understatement, sarcasm or oddly juxtaposed words. ("That's, uh, quite a dress you almost have on.") In serious dramatic scenes, however, he's miscast. The plot - a variation of "boy meets girl and falls head-over-heels" - is comedic and simplistic, serving mainly to convey the production's more outstanding attributes of song, dance and superb choreography. Having enjoyed several of Kelly's other films, this one rates as the overall favorite based on (1) the amount and variety of dancing, (2) the Gershwin musical score, and (3) the incredible lighting and other cinematic effects. (My favorite Kelly scene appears in "Singing in the Rain".)

The best musical ever made. Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant at his most brilliant; Nina Foch as smug and arrogant as ever; Alan Jay Lerner and Gershwin; and Vincent Minelli all are magnificent. The ballet at the end is the most masterful ever filmed. The top the top.

Still entertaining after all these years.
What a classic. This was not a bluray copy, but non the less, the restoration was well done.
I believe more care is being taken in the release of these old films.
Be prepared to be entertained-again.

product is defective, opened beyond the 30 day return policy. Big disappointment to sit down with popcorn to watch an old favorite,to find that there is no sound! Bought a 2nd one, same defective problem. Don't buy this from Amazon.
The second purchase was the same DID NOT PLAY --- BAD DEAL & CAN'T GET REIMBURSED FOR LOSS

They plant some interesting story seeds early in the movie that are never allowed to bloom. Specifically, Milo (the wealthy heiress) and the aging piano prodigy dude. The actors are good and have some edge, not typical musical mush. I wanted to know what happened to them.

Very poor sound quality. Had to put sound to highest level to hear dialog. When music came on it blasted my ears. Very frustrating.