Steven Spielberg's WEST SIDE STORY - News & Discussion Thread- Page 57

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/1/21 at 8:21pm

MichelleCraig said: "sng wrote:any words on the vinyl release? The soundtrack comes out in a few days but I don't see any information on vinyl, I really hope they release it

Believe it or not, I’ve read (you can Google it) that Adele’s new album, 30, has severely taxed the vinyl record manufacturers as 500,000 copies of 30 have been ordered on vinyl."

Yeah, they’ve been upfront that they pressed 500,000 copies. While it no doubt played a part in some delays, I do think the blame placed solely on her is a little heavy handed. For instance, both Metallica and the David Bowie estate dropped huge box-sets recently. If one does the math, each is probably around 500,000 pieces (or more) of vinyl per each artist’s box set initial pressing. But since those estates didn’t do the math for people, it’s easy to just blame her completely. But regardless of the cause, the delays are real. I’ve heard by the time an artist turns over their final master, it takes about 8 months to get the first vinyl pressings ready for distribution. 

[SpiritualGangster]

Posted: 12/1/21 at 9:04pm

This film has received such strong and positive word of mouth I don’t have a doubt it will get Oscar nominations. How many and in which categories and most importantly if it will win any is really anybody’s guess

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 1:20am

CarlosAlberto said: "Theatre Fan3 said: "smallvillefan16 said: "Jordan Levinson said: ""Tonight" sounds absolutely stunning. To say I can't wait for next weekend would be an understatement."

Yeah, it's stunning if you take out Ansel's attempt at singing. It's right up there with Gerard Butler and Russell Crowe. It's lifeless, off key and sounds like he's bored AF.

I do not understand how they could not manage to find someone, heck ANYONE, who could actually sing and carry the melody. Hell, i'd have even taken Justin Bieber who could probably sing the song better... which is saying a lot."

I guess everybody is entitled to their own opinion but to make comparisons to Gerard Butler and Russell Crowe is really stretching it. And to infer that Justin Bieber could have probably done a better job is as "eye roll" inducing as inferring that Nick Jonas was the highlight of the Les Miz concert.

And you win second prize for the most ridiculously over-the-top and out-of-touch post of the day. Nick Friggin' Jonas?!?!?!? Seriously?!?!?!?

Go have a seat with smallville16 in the corner.

"

I'm not sure how you interperted my comment but judging by your comment I think you obviously did not "get it"  but then you seem to have a tendency to rush to make judgements on other peoples posts that don't seem to align perfectly with yours.  If anybody needs to take a "time out" and go sit in the corner it is you!!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 6:46am

Question: why do you all find the need to explain yourselves?  Just move on.  Some will get your point, many won’t.  That’s life.  Just walk away if one person wants to argue.  

[SpiritualGangster]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 7:26am

I was reading through the digital press kit last night and was pleasantly surprised that Peter Gennaro received credit for his contribution to the original choreography. He was never credited for this in the original production or the film. 

 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 8:08am

SpiritualGangster said: "I was reading through the digital press kit last night and was pleasantly surprised that Peter Gennaro received credit for his contribution to the original choreography. He was never credited for this in the original production or the film.”

If you look back at ALL the original credits and indeed Peter Gennaro was ALWAYS credited as co-choreographer.  That he wasn’t singled out and mentioned regarding his contribution is another story, but he is indeed fully credited as co-choreographer in the 1957 Broadway production.  He isn’t on the 1961 film adaptation.  

[SpiritualGangster]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 8:26am

BrodyFosse123 said: "SpiritualGangster said: "I was reading through the digital press kit last night and was pleasantly surprised that Peter Gennaro received credit for his contribution to the original choreography. He was never credited for this in the original production or the film.”

If you look back at ALL the original credits and indeed Peter Gennaro was ALWAYS credited as co-choreographer. That he wasn’t singled out and mentioned regarding his contribution is another story, but he is indeed fully credited as co-choreographer in the 1957 Broadway production. He isn’t on the 1961 film adaptation. "

Oh ok. I  was under the impression he had an agreement with Robbins in where he assisted but forfeited credit. Thanks for the clarification. 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 9:11am

Review embargo is over, so the reviews are coming out now.

https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/west-side-story-review-steven-spielberg-ansel-elgort-rachel-zegler-1235122664/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/dec/02/west-side-story-review-steven-spielberg

 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 9:46am

'West Side Story' review: Spielberg does decent job with classic (nypost.com)

West Side Story Review - IGN

West Side Story Review: Steven Spielberg’s Musical Is Revelatory Riff | IndieWire

West Side Story review: Steven Spielberg pulls off the near-impossible in glowing remake | EW.com

West Side Story (2021) Review | Movie - Empire (empireonline.com)

West Side Story, review: Spielberg's magnificent remake is his finest film in 20 years (telegraph.co.uk)

'West Side Story' review: Steven Spielberg revamps an American classic (usatoday.com)

Review | ‘West Side Story’ shines despite draggy screenplay | amNewYork (amny.com)

Review: ‘West Side Story’ Is A Charming, Infectious Love Letter To The Musicals Of Yore (forbes.com)

[OhBoy17]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 10:51am

I'm excited to see this on the big screen, especially after these reviews.

I'm a little confused by earlier comments about Ansel's voice. I've listened to an early release of the soundtrack and I think he sounds marvelous. Quite possibly my favorite Tony on a recording. And FAR better than the comparisons to Crowe and Butler. But to each their own.

[Alex Kulak2]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 11:01am

smallvillefan16 said: "Jordan Levinson said: ""Tonight" sounds absolutely stunning. To say I can't wait for next weekend would be an understatement."

Yeah, it's stunning if you take out Ansel's attempt at singing. It's right up there with Gerard Butler and Russell Crowe. It's lifeless, off key and sounds like he's bored AF.

I do not understand how they could not manage to find someone, heck ANYONE, who could actually sing and carry the melody. Hell, i'd have even taken Justin Bieber who could probably sing the song better... which is saying a lot."

Ansel's not a bad singer, but Rachel Zegler is such an incredible singer that she makes him a bad singer by comparison.

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 11:35am

Rotten Tomatoes score is current at 92% ... the original '61 version was 93% so it's not impossible that this could end up surpassing that.  I just checked advance ticket sales for the IMAX screening I purchased tickets for yesterday for December 10th and my tickets are still the only seats sold ... that surprises me.  Obviously the pre-sales (at least in my location) are not crashing the ticketing system the way SPIDERMAN: NO WAY HOME did when they went on sale.

I know it will never happen but but I think MISS SAIGON would be a film version that I would like to see Spielberg tackle.

[UrNotAMachine]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:03pm

Theatre Fan3 said: " I know it will never happen but but I think MISS SAIGON would be a film version that I would like to see Spielberg tackle."

We won't be seeing a Miss Saigon adaptation without substantial re-writes, and even then the show's problematic reputation is likely more trouble than its worth. Danny Boyle was supposed to take it on at one point, but I'm pretty sure those plans are scrapped. The pro-shot from 2016 is probably the closest we'll get. No great loss, in my opinion.

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:03pm

Theatre Fan3 said: "I know it will never happen but but I think MISS SAIGON would be a film version that I would like to see Spielberg tackle."

I've been saying that the MISS SAIGON film is the movie musical I wanted to see Speilberg make since I first heard he wanted to someday make a musical. Was actually a little sad when this WEST SIDE was announced as I fear it means my Saigon dream now won't come true!

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:09pm

Boy has he come a long way!  Congratulations David!!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:10pm

I'm not surprised that presales are not off the chart.  I think this will be a slow burn type of box office - musical theater peeps getting in to see it, and then spreading word of mouth.  Is it going to be a financial juggernaut? Doubtful, IMO.  The masses just aren't as connected to musical theater as they once seemed to be.  

 

(Presales in my community are also close to nothing.)

And Rotten Tomatoes is already up to 94%.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:31pm

I'm a little confused by earlier comments about Ansel's voice. I've listened to an early release of the soundtrack and I think he sounds marvelous. Quite possibly my favorite Tony on a recording. And FAR better than the comparisons to Crowe and Butler. But to each their own."

I've seen the film and he shines, from singing to acting, he is absolutely incredible. Not as incredible as Mike Faist (huge stand out for me) but Ansel sounds heavenly singing" Maria". And he's very handsome which is always helpful.  

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:39pm

I agree this will likely be a slow born, propelled by great reviews, good word-of-mouth, the kind of movie you can see with your family at the holidays, and eventually award nominations. 

Interestingly, I just went through Spirlberg’s filmography on Wikipedia and every movie he’s made since 1974’s The Sugarland Express has made more (I think Wikipedia uses world box office) than it’s budget. Of course, in some cases the margins are so thin (i.e. 97’s Amistad) the movie likely didn’t turn a profit once theaters took their cut, etc… At least until they hit VHS/DVD (and now streaming) release and licensing to premium cable (i.e. HBO, etc.)  

So I have no doubt it’ll turn a profit. Whether, it’ll be a smash hit remains to be seem, but I’m hopeful. 

[Kad]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:43pm

Presales are really only a good indicator for films with really enthusiastic and large built-in fanbases (Marvel films, Star Wars, etc). West Side Story isn't that.

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:46pm

Very interesting reading from the reviews that Tony is an ex convict now. Initially I thought "Why?" and some of these reviewers feel similar, but then honestly, his moment in the rumble where he stabs Bernardo- it has to make sense that our leading man who sings rapturous romantic Bernstein music does this. I think this is a smart way that that choice doesn't feel exclusively for shakespearian plotting.

These story elements in the original show never bother me cause I always see West Side Story as its own dreamy tragic shakespearian tone poem in its own world. That's why the Jerome Robbins choreography always feels necessary cause it defines the rules of our ballet inspired gang world we're watching.

I'm really curious to see how Spielberg balances the fantastical element with the gritty. It sounds so far like he does it with aplomb.

 

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 12:58pm

This is gonna sound so eyerolly basic but I think they would have guaranteed box office if they actually had decided to release this on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. 

The day of Christmas movie go ers with their whole family is still a market.

Honestly I think that's why Disney's Into the Woods didn't flop cause they secured that day and they brought in really phenomenal box office day one. It didn't have great word of mouth unfortunately cause Sondheim is still niche to people (read the number of why didn't it end after happily ever after? audience reviews) but securing that spot made them have a really fantastic recoup.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 2:09pm

Kad said: "Presales are really only a good indicator for films with really enthusiastic and large built-in fanbases (Marvel films, Star Wars, etc). West Side Story isn't that."

Not to mention WSS will likely skew older, and those crowds probably don't care about pre-sales. Besides, it's not like anyone has to worry about spoilers with this one.

rattleNwoolypenguin said: "This is gonna sound so eyerolly basic but I think they would have guaranteed box office if they actually had decided to release this on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day."

The original release date was December 18, 2020. Who can remember that far back, but there could have been another major release on Christmas that they were trying to avoid. I think it's actually smart to release a week earlier this year, or else they'd be lost in the Spider-Man wake.

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 2:36pm

Rachel Zegler just won her first award. She won Best Actress at the National Board of Review Awards 

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 2:39pm

Globefan said: "Rachel Zegler just won her first award. She won Best Actress at the National Board of Review Awards"

A star has truly been born.

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 2:42pm

BCfitasafiddle said: "Globefan said: "Rachel Zegler just won her first award. She won Best Actress at the National Board of Review Awards"

A star has truly been born."

Now you sent me to watch her cover of Shallow