Hey just a note to say ClassicMovieStore have increased their catalogue range now to include Tv Shows on DVD. The note we have here from them says they will mainly be covering classic tv shows, lots of 1970's through to the 90's tv comedy and classic BBC comedy. Check the link to find classics like Porridge, Soldier Soldier and The Sweeney, plus loads more. What with Christmas around the corner its worth checking the out as they are UK based and you won't have any channel island delays as so many other DVD internet retailers have.

Fiddler on the Roof.

This week a look at a few classic musicals on dvd. We start off with the film Fiddler on the Roof. This all time classic musical, based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem, is set in pre-revolutionary Russia and centres on the life of Tevye (Topol), a milkman who is trying to keep his family's traditions in place while marrying off his three older daughters. Yet, Russia is in a time of change and the daughters want to make their own matches, breaking free of many of the ties forced on them by Judaism. Tevye--who expresses his desire for sameness in the opening number, "Tradition"--is trying to keep everyone, and everything, together.Tevye represents the common man--but it does it incredibaly, and the resulting film is a stunning work of art. The music is excellent (it won Oscars for the scoring and the sound), with plenty of familiar songs such as "Sunrise, Sunset" and "If I Were a Rich Man," (manic minor!) which you'll be humming long after the movie is over. Music is by Isaac Stern's violin is very beautiful (I think he did all the music for fiddler on the roof). And despite the serious subject matter, the film is quite comedic in parts; it also well deserves the Oscar it won for cinematography. For more info on this film check the IMBD.

Singin' in the Rain.

Many years before the Hollywood film industry became famous for megabudget disaster and science fiction spectaculars, the studios of Southern California were famous for their musicals. Singin in the Rain was one of the all time greatest classic musicals. Indeed, this 1952 MGM picture is the American musical that consistently ranks among the 10 best movies ever made. Ot not only has stars like Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and a sprightly Debbie Reynolds; it's also an affectionately funny insider spoof about the film industry's uneasy change from silent pictures to "talkies". Kelly plays star Don Lockwood, whose leading lady Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) has a screechy voice hilariously ill-suited to the new 'sound' technology (and her glamorous screen image). Among the musical highlights: O'Connor's knockout "Make 'Em Laugh"; the big "Broadway Melody" production number; and, best of all, that charming little title ditty in which Kelly makes movie magic on a drenched set with nothing but a few puddles, a lamppost, and an umbrella. For more info on this movie check the IMDB here.

Next week we will be looking at the classics High Society starring Bing Crosby and the classic film Top Hat starring Fred Astaire.

We have just hear that online super store for classic films on dvd classicmoviestore is continuing its £79.97 offer on the Laure and Hardy 21 DVD set from Universal. This set is normally £199.99 so this is a super bargain for any fan. I think it has about 116 films, shorts and documentaries on it.

Charlie Chaplin Ultimate Collection

This week we have just got in THE ultimate Charlie Chaplin Complete Box Set of all his films. This set sells at a RRP of £144 and we are doing it for £69.97, so grab one while you can. Contains the following eight films: The Great Dictator, Modern Times, the classic 'The Gold Rush', Limelight, The Kid, Monsieur Verdoux, The Circus, City Lights. Posted FREE in the UK too, its a bargain.

Something for easter

This week we have just recieved some new dvds in the office from classic movie store. Firstly there is a World War 2 DVD Boxset of 8 discs for just £16.97, and for all you rail fans a 6 dvd Steam Railways DVD set. Images are below.

When Classic Film remakes go wrong.

In 2001 “Ocean’s Eleven” was a very popular hit with American audiences. It was remade from the 1960 film that starred the “Rat Pack” of Frank Sinatra., and the gang that was frequently invited to the White House for dinner by the President. It did not hurt the gang’s status that his brother in law was actor Peter Lawford either. This remake followed the same story line of robbing casinos, but George Clooney does a much better job as an intriguing heist man, and mature women find him extremely sexy, and very classy. The movie keeps the light humor, but uses new technology to rob and thieve their way into cash, with slick style.

There have been hundreds of movies remade from the early 1920s to today in the 21st century. It bears true that not all of the remakes were any better than the original, and most are lying somewhere in a dusty Hollywood vault, and decaying with time. However, there are a few that have gained a lot of popularity and critical acclaim, and need to be noted as a few outstanding remakes today.

“The Thing” in 1951 left people a little scared from the theaters just like “The Blob” did later in 1958. “The Thing” was based on a short story in the early 1950s, but in the 1982 remake it was a cult hit. Starring Kurt Russell and a group of scientists that are running from a monster that can change forms, it is not as campy in dialogue, and the monster is much more believable in form because of neat special effects. The movie never slows down, and the audience does not loose interest in the dialogue.

As with classics, the remakes of them depend a lot on the lead actor to make them better. It does not all necessarily depend just on special effects. One of the best actors around, and usually not placed as a lead role in many films, is Jeff Goldblum. He brings to the screen a human factor that the original did not, compassion for his character’s helplessness. The dialogue is touching and sensitive, and leaves the audience with sadness. Also, in “The Fly” unbelievable special effects of transforming Goldblum into a fly, when an experiment has gone wrong, make the movie a true classic remake too.

Old Classic Films on DVD

These pages are maintained for traditional fans of Hollywood’s Golden era, and the great Classic Films. We have has been in existence since 1995, and is one of the most frequented places of its kind on the Web to find classic films on dvd.

Here you will find hundreds of images, a comprehensive bibliography, and some engaging and informative articles on movies and filmmaking. I have incorporated links to many of the best classic film sites on the Web. I encourage you to return often, the blog is being updated on a regular basis.

If you would like to comment or post a link please feel free to email me.