Our Town 1977 & 1989 TV versions out on DVD

So glad there's only one thread about it this time... Something I would like to see!

The 1989 version was brilliant. I saw the original cast, and the closing performance which feature Don Ameche as the Stage Manager, and Helen Hunt as Emily. I didn't realize it was taped for television.

This is my all-time favorite play, but I was really disappointed with the 2001 production.

Sidney, to answer part of your question. It felt like the most recent revival was over-directed. It was wonderful to see Paul Newman on stage, but it seemed like this production missed its mark. Something was definitely missing. This was one of the few times that this play failed to move me. I felt its PBS telecast was somewhat better than what I saw live in the theatre.

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Updated On: 4/13/07 at 09:11 PM

I absolutely love this play, and this version. The 1940 movie with William Holden is pretty good too.

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I love the 1940 film the best, because of the cast and Copeland's score. I really wish I could find a remastered version that did it justice. The current DVD release is not so very good.

The 1977 TV version is my favorite of the play.

But what's with this $59.95 price tag???

Do you actually BUY the town itself with that purchase?

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I don't really remember the '77 version, but I loved the '89 version.

"Our Town" is an easy play to schmaltz up, but Spalding Gray's presence cut through it.

I just thought the whole production was better than the Paul Newman version.

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Is this a legitimate label? Or is some small entrepenaur custom-burning them? Whatis the quality?

I have seen the 1977 vesrion - it was aired several times in the late 70s/early 80s - and it is very good. The 1989 revival was aired once here on PBS around 1990 but I recall being less impressed with that staging.

The best production I have ever seen was by Toronto's Soulpepper Theater Company in January 2006. The good news is that they are reviving it starting this May. If you are in the area, do not miss it.

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One of my most favorite plays. My favorite filmed version of the show is the 1977 production with Sada Thompson and Robby Benson. Good to know it's available on DVD. But not at that price! My least favorite production is the Newman version.

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Updated On: 4/14/07 at 03:17 PM

Have you seen the FABULOUS documentary OT: Our Town?

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As a drama teacher, I found the OT doc to be very inspiring. I highly recommend it.

Just got my copy from Amazon. Overpriced/priceless - tomato/tomahto.

Love the 1989 (this world misses Spaulding Gray). It's simple, sly, and by virtue of having a sense of humor, becomes that much more dramatic in the 2nd and 3rd acts.

In the 1977 version I can't get past the constant sound effects - God, have any glass milk bottles ever clinked more than Howie Newsome's?

Like the Showtime disc with Paul Newman.

But fave disc of all is OT - an Our Town within an Our Town.

Using pieces all as a really fascinating comparative study for high schoolers putting on the show this Spring.

Never seen the 1940 film, but I understand it changes the ending so that Emily only DREAMED she died?

Um...no thanks.