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Review: If you're considering buying this My Fair Lady DVD, the chances are that you are already familiar with this fabulous film and don't need a synopsis. However, for those who aren't: This Lerner & Loewe musical is based on Shaw's Pygmalion and is the story of Eliza, a common flower girl, who, wanting more out of life, enlists the services of a professor of phonetics to train her to talk like a lady. Professor Higgins takes up the challenge, planning to pass her off as a duchess at an embassy ball. But the results are not as either anticipates ... Now for the important bit: As I said, you're probably already familiar with the film, having seen it on countless bank holiday TV broadcasts. So, why buy the DVD? The answer is simple: Firstly, it has been restored to full-colour wide-screen splendour ... and the difference compared to standard terrestrial broadcast is significant. If you have an interest in set/stage design, the full view of the marvellous interiors is breath-taking; Higgins' library, Mrs Higgins' stunning white Macintosh-style conservatory and breakfast room, and if costumes are your passion, the Cecil Beaton dresses in the ascot scene are dazzling. All need to be seen in full restored wide-screen splendour to be fully appreciated. Secondly, the extras make this DVD well worth having. The documentary is slightly dated, but well worth seeing; the commentaries are a little dry but interesting enough; but the rare opportunity to see Audrey Hepburn singing her own songs makes this DVD a must-have. It's common knowledge that Audrey Hepburn's voice was dubbed by Marni Nixon, but if you've ever wondered why, this DVD allows you to judge for yourself whether the decision was right or not. Although some vocal weaknesses are evident, her lively rendition of 'Wouldn't it be Loverly' is delightful ... and I'm personally glad that these recordings have not been lost, but are available for all to enjoy. Buy this DVD now and sing along to your heart's content! |
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