High Society [DVD] [2003]

Just released on DVD format, this fabulous musical remake of George Cukor's The Philadelphia Story (1940) sees Grace Kelly in her last ever film role before crossing the pond to marry into the Monaco monarchy (she even wore her actual engagement ring in the movie). Kelly plays the spoilt heiress Tracy Samantha Lord, a rather icy perfectionist (this generation would say 'control freak'), who is due to marry the stuffy George Kitteridge (John Lund) when her ex-husband C K Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby), unexpectedly turns up... Still in love with her, he puts in place a subtle plan to win back her heart. Throw in an incorrigible little sister, a playboy dad, a couple of snoops from Spy magazine, Louis Armstrong (as himself) and buckets of champagne... and now you has jazz! With a witty script and quite the line-up (it was the first time Crosby and Frank Sinatra, playing Spy magazine reporter, appeared on screen together), the romantic comedy is carried by one of Cole Porter's best - and one of his last - musical scores which includes Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Well, Did You Evah?, Now You Has Jazz, and Kelly and Crosby's moving duet True Love. Rarely are remakes a patch on the original but in this case High Society is an exception. That said, however, The Philadelphia Story - with an equally strong cast that includes Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart - is as swell a party... Like most rereleases of older movies onto DVD, what actually makes you update your video copy are the bonus features. This version includes a short documentary on 'the making of...', narrated by Celeste Holm (born 1919, who played Spy magazine photographer). Although it makes for entertaining viewing (throwing up little snippets such as how Kelly's father warned Prince Rainier of Monaco before they got married she was a crap driver), one can't help thinking that someone cruelly substituted Holm's oxygen tank with helium. Which is slightly distracting. Other special features are a nostalgic newsreel of the film's 1956 première, the original theater trailer and, rather bizarrely, 'Millionaire Droopy', a five-minute cartoon about two dogs (Spike and Droopy) battling over an inheritance, which uh... has absolutely no relevance to High Society at all. Overall verdict? Thoroughly entertaining and an absolute must for fans of classic musicals and all that jazz...

This film is a learning lesson whit th use of brilliant and talented artist. The acting and music is dazzling but the social and political themes attaches justice to the film. Considering the dates and times on balance one can argue the difficulties of specific groups obtaining such employment would of been a challenge. That said, gathering such talent in one place was a brilliant idea for the writer and those involved in the making of such project. Reason demands progress on equal terms. Because everybody has something to bring to the table. This is illustrated in the film. In this case through brilliant and talented artist.

This is a total and utter classic and definitely one of my favourites of all time - ( I am a BIG Grace Kelly fan) and Grace Kelly absolutely dazzles in this film from start to finish. The film has everything for the true escapist: glamour, humour, romance all set within the world of the fabulously rich! Grace Kelly (who once expressed a desire to be a comedienne) shows her versatility and her impeccable sense of timimg for the delivery of her lines and over-dramatic gestures. Also in this film are Bing Crosby and a very young Frank Sinatra so the songs are recognisable (for those of cetain age!!) Top of the musical bill however, is Loius Armstrong (Sachmo) who plays himself beautifully. It is a typical love story with a happy ending and I love it, love it, love it!!!

The DVD arrived promptly as promised. The picture quality was exceptional which was totally unexpected and a joy to see. The film has subtitles as promised and these worked perfectly. Five stars all round for these elements. This was the first time I've seen the film and to be honest enjoyed it more than I expected. Although the songs were all new to me, I really liked some. The storyline was okay although rather flimsy by today's standards. Overall, an enjoyable and unchallenging couple of hours.

Absolutely love this film ,not much to say but quality ,price and a Dream to watch time and time again .

Tracy Lord is getting married the only thing is the wedding is happening at her family home and her ex-husband lives right next door and he does everything he can to make her fall back in love with him. Featuring a Cole Porter score and classic songs, Who wants to be a millionaire?, Well did you evah? As well as a guest appearance by Louis Armstrong this is a wonderful light musical that will cheer you up on a dreary rainy day. Starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm. This musical has lots of singing, dancing and toe tapping tunes that will stick in your head long after the film is over.

Swift dispatch and delivery, arrived in good condition and good price, would happily recommend this seller to others

This reworking of 'The Philadelphia Story' is a cinematic bag of toffees - pure enjoyment! These days we'd call it a 'rom-com' and if you like films like 'Four weddings and a Funeral' you'll like this. All star cast, an amusing story, and some great tunes courtesy of Cole Porter. The high point is when the two gents repair to the library for a rendition of 'Did You Evah?'.

Solo es en inglés

Ich bin froh, dass ich mir diesen amerikanischen Klassiker besorgt habe, denn die deutsche Fassung wird der Botschaft, die der Film eigentlich rüberbringen soll, bei weitem nicht gerecht. Viele Pointen gehen einfach unter, Wortspielereien funktionieren nicht, der ganze z. T. bissige sozialkritische Aspekt geht verloren. Durchaus anspruchsvolle Unterhaltung für fortgeschrittene Englischsprecher.

Je l'ai regardé hier soir et j'ai encore en mémoire ces images d'un splendide kitch, une histoire d'amour hollywoodienne des années 50. Grace Kelly y est sublime, au top de sa beauté, dans un rôle léger et envoûtant avec les célébrités incontournables de l'époque : Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra et Louis Amstrong dans son propre rôle pour ne citer qu'eux... C'est presque une comédie musicale, des airs qui sont devenus des classiques avec des voix cultes. Les couleurs sont pétantes, surfaites comme j'adore dans ce genre de film que je ne me lasserai jamais de revoir. Une belle et simple histoire, entrecoupée de scènes chantées sur fond jazz, qui fini bien comme on s'y attendait, j'adore ! En fait c'est le remake de "Indiscrétions" avec Ava Gardner que je me suis promis de voir après, c'est mieux à mon sens, le meilleur pour la fin, ce soir...

Great Features but limited on what BLURay Players it will play on.

Grazie per i tempi veloci della consegna. Un film delizioso, un vero momento di piacere per questo film-comedia musicale dove s'incontrano di nuovo Grace Kelly ( perfetta, perfetta, perfetta) e Bing Crosby (cf il capolavoro"La ragazza di campagna"), ma c'è anche Frank Sinatra, e la presenza amichevole di Louis Armstrong... Dicono che questa versione non valga l'originale ("The Philadelphia story"con Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant e James Stewart") ma aldilà del paragone, il piacere di ritrovare questi attori è in sé una garanzia!