Hello, Dolly! DVD in Stores August 19, 2003

Posted/Updated: 30 August 2003 14:13

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment releases Barbra Streisand's 2nd movie, Hello, Dolly! on DVD August 19, 2003. Check the box below for complete release specs. The film transfer is from a newly restored print which screened in select theaters late last year, drawing glowing reviews from astonished viewers. Order the new DVD now. Note that this North American DVD release is completely different than that in foreign markets last year, neither sporting the same package art not the restored film transfer. One of Streisand's most beloved performances is that of the indomitable Dolly Levi in this hugely popular musical that received a Best Picture Academy Award nomination. It's turn-of-the-century Yonkers, New York, where an ambitious young widow with a penchant for matchmaking (Streisand), has an idea for the perfect match - tight-fisted, local merchant Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau) and - herself! As she tries to win his heart, we're treated to one of the musically entertaining, hilariously underhanded plots in film history. Directed by Gene Kelly, this Oscar winner for Best Sound, Music, Score, and Art Decoration/Set Decoration is among the world's most cherished films. Barbra also sings with Michael Crawford and Louis Armstrong in this lavish movie musical. The soundtrack CD was issued on Philips in 1994.

DVD Review by Mark Iskowitz

Fox certainly came through with flying colors, literally and stunning, on this highly anticipated Hello, Dolly! DVD for the U.S. and Canada. Previewing the disc, The BSMG can't help but rave about the superior quality of the film transfer and soundtrack on this DVD, the most definitive and finest Dolly home presentation ever released. In fact, with the added Intermission and accompanying music, the movie is extended by two minutes. From Barbra Streisand's initial close-up entrance kicking off "Just Leave Everything To Me," the wide color array practically jumps off the screen. Spectacular! Images are sharp and detailed without ghosting or grain, and blacks are deep and true to the original print. Speaking of blacks, the English and Spanish subtitles fit neatly in the lower black bar framing the widescreen format. Her blue eyes sparkling in every scene, Streisand's luminous complexion and magnetic personality capture your attention like never before. Even the lengthy original theatrical trailer (with some alternate shots not seen in the film) looks remarkably restored.

The DVD's Dolby Digital 3.1 soundtrack offers a pleasing enhanced stereo remix in the front channels. Rich, terrific, and clear, the music and dialogue fulfills expectations but sometimes feels compressed. Perhaps I've been spoiled by today's multi-track digital recording technology. Important to remember that back in 1969 basic stereo was still fairly new. 

One of Hello, Dolly!'s biggest and most unforgettable numbers featuring one of the largest casts ever assembled in a musical, "Before The Parade Passes By" is pure spectacle. Addictive eye candy with splendid patriotic reds, whites, and blues. This scene is the principal focus of the seven-minute featurette, which sports vibrant colors, no hint of fading. Opening with five minutes of director Gene Kelly preparing his huge cast and crew for the parade scene (with glimpses of Barbra readying herself), this is not the other more familiar featurette in which BJS speaks about the film. However, you will appreciate this rarely seen footage, which also includes some "Sunday Clothes" rehearsal moments. 

Despite its numerous pleasures, the film still has a few flaws, perhaps not reparable during the 2002 restoration. The dimly lit "Love Is Only Love" isn't quite all there, as many original black objects have deteriorated to grainy grays. Also, the film's final frame on the lakeside church evidences some damage or imperfection on the far right, as colors suddenly change and flicker. Of course, these minor blemishes by no means tarnish the Hello, Dolly! DVD's overall value (especially at only $15.00) and wonderful renewal of the enduring 34-year-old musical. 

Even if you only buy the disc to relive the frivolity and joy on the dazzlingly lit, colorful Harmonia Gardens set, you will definitely be thrilled. I've never seen waiter jackets a brighter shade of red. And, they match the crimson carpet perfectly too. In the same "Hello, Dolly!" song & dance number, Streisand is breathtaking in her glittering gold dress and matching choker. Have I overused the word "match"? Well, Barbra's character Dolly Levi is a matchmaker, and matching is what the movie's all about. Enjoy the DVD's exit music on your way out of the theater. - MJI, 7/11/03

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Joe Rosen's 1969 New York Morning Telegraph film review (excerpt):  "As a legitimate, straight singer, she (Streisand) is without peer, her loud, clear and strikingly identifiable voice of inestimable benefit to whatever she chooses to sing. But more than that, she is a complete performer. Her comedic talents are exceptional, her comprehension of material perfect. When she is on screen, Hello, Dolly! bubbles over..."

Hello, Dolly! (1969)
Release Date: August 19, 2003
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Suggested Retail Price: $14.98
Catalog Number: 2007579
UPC: 024543075790
Features:  
* Anamorphic 16x9 Widescreen Format (2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio)
* English 3.1 Dolby Surround 
* Special Features: 
   - Original 1969 Featurette
   - Theatrical Trailer (English)
   - Theatrical Trailer (Spanish)
Running Time: 148 minutes
DVD Region Code 1     Rating: G

Barbra Streisand films already released or coming soon on DVD in U.S. --

• Hello, Dolly!, FOX # 2007579
• What's Up, Doc?, WHV #1041
• Up The Sandbox, WHV#11325 
• The Main Event, WHV #17161
• Nuts, WHV #11756 
• Funny Girl, CTHE #03089 
• Funny Lady, CTHE #06676
• The Prince of Tides, CTHE #23329 
• The Owl and the Pussycat, CTHE #04751
• For Pete's Sake, CTHV #05814 
• The Way We Were, CTHV #02850  
• The Mirror Has Two Faces, CTHV #82529  

 

Copyright © 1996-2003 Mark Iskowitz. All rights reserved.
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