Steven Spielberg's WEST SIDE STORY - News & Discussion Thread- Page 61

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 8:17am

I saw the film last night and it is everything the critics say it is…and then some.

”One Hand, One Heart” was my favorite number. Not a dry eye in the house. Just beautifully done and sung by Rachel and Ansel. 

There was a passion in their Balcony scene that I find now was missing from the first film. 

DeBose and Faist as Anita and Riff are forces to be reckoned with.

Zegler is a star in every sense of the word. One of the greatest film debuts in a movie musical since Streisand in Funny Girl.

One minor quibble: Rachel’s last scene didn’t land for me and it didn’t have anything to do with her acting, just it’s brevity,

Overall a modern musical film masterpiece.

I am seeing it again tomorrow.

 

 

[Lauren2]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 8:39am

How are you seeing it tomorrow? I have looked for early screenings! I need to see this movie! 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 8:45am

Lauren2 said: "How are you seeing it tomorrow? I have looked for early screenings! I need to see this movie!"

Screening tomorrow @730pm at the AMC on 34th Street

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 10:07am

SpiritualGangster said: "Musical Master said: "The fact that the End Credits Suite included a portion of the "Somewhere Ballet" took me by surprise that I was honestly getting the chills."

The inclusion of the “Somewhere Ballet” in the End Credits suite was such a pleasant surprise!"

Track 10 “Transition to Scherzo, Sherzo” is the full “Somewhere” Ballet music.  

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 10:12am

I think I'm going to spring for an imax viewing on this one.....I'm thinking the choreo will look amazing on that huge screen! 

[52889j]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 10:16am

CarlosAlberto said: "

One minor quibble: Rachel’s last scene didn’t land for me and it didn’t have anything to do with her acting, just it’s brevity,

"

Also saw last night. 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Why ON EARTH was the "you all killed him" portion of Maria's final speech cut?! That line is West Side Story and made the ending fall on its face for me.

In terms of performances, Debose and Faist are clear standouts. Debose in particular, I would say, is in heavy Oscar contention. Audience was roaring after "America."

Found Elgort to be a clear and obvious weak link. Vocals were just not there: clearly strained, thin, and devoid of emotion. 

Updated On: 12/7/21 at 10:16 AM

[Musical Master]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 10:44am

BrodyFosse123 said: "SpiritualGangster said: "Musical Master said: "The fact that the End Credits Suite included a portion of the "Somewhere Ballet" took me by surprise that I was honestly getting the chills."

The inclusion of the “Somewhere Ballet” in the End Credits suite was such a pleasant surprise!"

Track 10 “Transition to Scherzo, Sherzo” is the full “Somewhere” Ballet music.

 

"

I found that track after I posted that and again a wonderful surprise that the "Somewhere Ballet" music is actually used in the film in some capacity. Also, thanks TheOtherOne for answering the three questions I had; though maybe I should have expanded that to movie musicals in general instead of the ones that were released from 2001 and onwards.

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 12:10pm

In regards to the Somewhere Ballet instrumental section,

So thrilled to hear it and so thankful they removed the 

"And I'll take you away take you far far away out of here" section with Tony and Maria.

It has always felt kinda campy.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 12:24pm

If folks are springing for IMAX in New York, remember that Lincoln Square is the only true IMAX in the city--others are converted standard screens about 1/5th the size for the same price. This is also a movie to see in that neighborhood!

[SpiritualGangster]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 1:29pm

Musical Master said: "BrodyFosse123 said: "SpiritualGangster said: "Musical Master said: "The fact that the End Credits Suite included a portion of the "Somewhere Ballet" took me by surprise that I was honestly getting the chills."

The inclusion of the “Somewhere Ballet” in the End Credits suite was such a pleasant surprise!"

Track 10 “Transition to Scherzo, Sherzo” is the full “Somewhere” Ballet music.

I found that track after I posted that and again a wonderful surprise that the "Somewhere Ballet" music is actually used in the film in some capacity. Also, thanks TheOtherOne for answering the three questions I had; though maybe I should have expanded that to movie musicals in general instead of the ones that were released from 2001 and onwards

The Transition to Scherzo/Scherzo music is used in a very endearing sequence within the film that involves Maria. It was an excellent choice of music to use for this sequence.  I am sure once you see the film you would not be disappointed. Also, I love the adaptation of the Mambo sequence for this version! It was a highlight and taking “America” out on to the street of San Juan Hill in a full out celebration of community was just what the doctor ordered! It was just so jubilant, full of joy and might I add bittersweet as it was still topical in its depiction of the struggles the characters are fighting for in finding a better way of life in the midst of that over looming wrecking ball…

 

Updated On: 12/7/21 at 01:29 PM

[SpiritualGangster]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 1:33pm

At my screening the numbers that received the most applause were: “Quintet” and “Somewhere”

[Lauren2]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 1:35pm

Oh I looked and I didn’t see any showings for tomorrow. Is it a press event? 

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 1:42pm

There have been a number of free advance screenings through different channels. 

Here's one for tomorrow night at 34th:
https://gofobo.com/main/movie_landing/TEFUSU5PU0NPT1BXU1NOWQ%3D%3D

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 1:43pm

Lauren2 said: "Oh I looked and I didn’t see any showings for tomorrow. Is it a press event?"

The film begins regular screenings starting Thursday night Dec 9.  A day earlier than Friday Dec 10. Anything prior is exclusive and not worth jumping hurdles for.  I learned that the hard way.  I can wait 2 days.  

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 2:14pm

 

[Musicnut82]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 2:34pm

Quick question and to anyone that reads this,

As far as I know this film was NOT shot with IMAX (70mm) cameras.

Is it worth paying the extra admission cost IMAX theaters require to see a film that was shot on 35mm, 2:39.1 aspect ratio?
I mean the film projection will still be "regular size" regardless of how big the screen is, right?

From experience, in the past I did watch a none-IMAX movie in an IMAX theater and the top and bottom black gaps were quite noticeable. The Regular film format was inadequate to cover the huge IMAX screen footprint. I was like, "why did I pay the extra cost when I could have watched it in the same size at a smaller (regular sized) cinema screen?". Don't want to fall in the same marketing trap, if that's what it is.

Please apologise if my question sounds daft.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 2:51pm

No, you're right on that this movie shot in 'scope will not fill a whole IMAX screen, either the original huge near-square theaters  or the recent 1.9 multiplex models. Now that IMAX screens are regularly playing Hollywood movies every week, it's kind of just a guarantee that you're going to see it on the biggest screen in the building, that the projection and sound won't be sub-standard, etc. Which is not nothing now that so so many standard screening rooms are in absolute disrepair; I swear 30% of the DCP projectors in New York are tinted blue now from lack of upkeep. Many IMAX screens now use the proprietary dual laser projectors that do look pretty stunning. Even at true IMAX screens like Lincoln Square, this film will not get any actual celluloid release, but it will be the most pristine way to see the movie. 

 

But all that said, movies like this make me miss the Ziegfeld. 

Updated On: 12/7/21 at 02:51 PM

[Musicnut82]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 3:10pm

So you reckon it's worth watching it on IMAX due to the visual and audio clarity the new IMAX theater equipment have and not due to the screen area as it will be exactly the same no matter where you go?

I mean I don't expect for the projection to cover the entire IMAX screen canvas but if it's even slightly bigger than the reqular screen of course I would love to experience it there. If it is exactly the same then I will save the extra £15 (I am based in London) and go to a regular screen with modern projectors and audio system.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 3:17pm

If it's playing at that big Odeon BFI IMAX there I'd personally spring for it, that thing's massive! The issue is complicated because IMAX really diluted its brand by lumping new smaller theaters with the same label as the classic huge IMAX screens, but that one's the real deal. No matter where you see it, the projection should at least span the screen left to right, as big as possible, just not all the horizontal space. But right, you'll be getting the same shape/frame in any room. So it's pretty up to personal taste considering the added cost. 15 pound difference is nothing to sneeze at. 

 

Updated On: 12/7/21 at 03:17 PM

[Musicnut82]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 3:23pm

he he he, that's the one I have in mind.   That screen is huge and love it. But if that huge screen is 1/3 covered with two huge black gaps (top and bottom), will it make any difference? lol
Btw, I did ask them the same question and they haven't gotten back to me. I think I know why.

Anyway thanks for getting back to me.

 

[Huss417]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 4:04pm

My local movie theater has it playing in 2D Imax. I have never done an Imax film before so wondering with a screen so large where should I sit? Is the back row and center an ideal place?

Thanks for any advice. :)

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 4:34pm

Musicnut82 said: "he he he, that's the one I have in mind. That screen is huge and love it. But if that huge screen is 1/3 covered with two huge black gaps (top and bottom), will it make any difference? lol
Btw, I did ask them the same question and they haven't gotten back to me. I think I know why.

Anyway thanks for getting back to me.

"

For me, it's not just about the image. IMAX sound is far superior, in my opinion.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 4:59pm

Huss417 said: "My local movie theater has it playing in 2D Imax. I have never done an Imax film before so wondering with a screen so large where should I sit? Is the back row and center an ideal place?

Thanks for any advice. :)"

I suggest as far back as possible. Center is ideal but aisle is perfectly fine too. Enjoy!

[Musicnut82]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 5:27pm

It saddens me deeply to realise how little this movie  means to the general audience, at least here in the UK. I did a small survey for tickets around the most well know cinemas in London and most of the screenings (at ODEON, Vue, Cineworld) are nearly half full or 1/3 full. That's the opening weekend!!!!
Btw presales for Spiderman No Way Home is tenfold. You will be lucky to find a seat for the opening weekend.
I guess people are more interested in superhero, Star Wars or James Bond movies only. I have nothing against MARVEL movies btw, some of them I enjoy myself. And obviously I don't expect WSS to have the commercial/commotion and ticket sales number impact of those other films but come on man, seriously!? Why can't people embrace great filmmaking, regardless of the genre and type (art or blockbuster).

Sorry, I thought of venting, that's all. 

Updated On: 12/7/21 at 05:27 PM

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/7/21 at 5:32pm

Musicnut82 said: "It saddens me deeply to realise how little this movie means to the general audience, at least here in the UK. I did a small survey for tickets around the most well know cinemas in London and most of the screenings (at ODEON, Vue, Cineworld) are nearly half full or 1/3 full. That's the opening weekend!!!!
Btw presales for Spiderman No Way Home is tenfold. You will be lucky to find a seat for the opening weekend.
I guess people are more interested in superhero, Star Wars or James Bond movies only. I have nothing against MARVEL movies btw, some of them I enjoy myself, but why can't people embrace great filmmaking, regardless of the genre and type (art or blockbuster).

Sorry, I thought of venting, that's all."

Audiences can really be shallow 

Updated On: 12/7/21 at 05:32 PM