The film rightly became an instant classic which won ten Oscars and brought some of the greatest numbers in the era of the modern musical to a global audience. Everything gels, from Jerome Robbins' superlative choreography (he retains a director's credit with Robert Wise, although anxious studio bosses removed him from the film when costs started to mount), to Ernest Lehman's taught screenplay, some of Sondheim's most accessible early lyrics, and passionate, raw performances from the gang members and the lovers.

For many of the cast, including Richard Beymer as Tony and Natalie Wood as Maria, the film represents a creative climax which wouldn't be surpassed during the remainder of their distinguished careers. Rita Moreno is an outstanding Anita, even with her songs disappointingly dubbed, and George Chakiris' sinewy, arrogant Bernardo is magnetic. The whole thing still thrums with a youthful, dramatic energy that even a modern equivalent like Moulin Rouge can't match.

On the DVD: West Side Story thoroughly merits the attention to detail in this handsome Collector's Edition. The anamorphic (16:9) widescreen format reproduces the original cinema presentation, brilliantly serving the city panoramas and balletic fight scenes, as well as the softness of the love duets, while a newly processed Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track brings Bernstein's score up as if the notes were still drying on the page. Extras abound. A "Remembering" documentary features significant contributions from director Robert Wise, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn and Rita Moreno. Die-hard fans will lap up the various galleries, comparisons, the original intermission music and even a complete copy of Ernest Lehman's screenplay. --Piers Ford

And there is a movie for us. "West Side Story" is a classic on too many levels to describe here. Everything from the music to the choreography to the actors to...
One big plus is even if the story line is a classic they did not try to duplicate 'Romeo & Juliet" with modern clothing. The movie still maintains the feel and action of the play.

Just on the chance that you missed this movie the first time around, based on the Romeo and Juliet play that has been updated, it is the story of two people (Tony and Maria) from adverse backgrounds who fall in love. They must cope with their new feelings. And to complicit things they have trouble from their families and society. Will thy overcome these things or will fait and circumstance thwart their efforts and tragedy arise?
I could write a book on what makes this movie great but it is best that you watch and judge for yourself.


Superb Music and Dancing   June 17, 2004
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

'West Side Story' stars Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer as the doomed lovers in the modern day version of the Romeo and Juliet tragedy, set to music and dance in the heart of New York's docklands.
The advice, 'Stick to your own kind, Maria', haunts me, as I was much too young to cope with the ending when I first saw it at the cinema. However it remains a great favourite nevertheless! Superb dancing and music, right from the start with the opening song 'Jets'.


i LOVE to be in america!!!   May 22, 2004
 0 out of 2 found this review helpful

As a teenager acting in the show of West Side Story I found that this film is the best of the rest. Watching the film before producing the play was very helpful as the acting was superb and the music was amazing. The play is one of the best around and the script is just magical. I have to say though, the music and songs were the most enjoyable. I will never forget the play and the joy of being in the musical. The best in the business. Buy it.