“The Golden Age of Musicals” features 17 fabulous, classic films from the genre’s peak era, spanning two decades from 1937 to 1957, in a five-disc DVD collector’s set, available August 9th from Film Chest Media Group.
The emergence of sound technology sparked a natural expansion, taking the musical genre from the stage to the big screen. Multiple camera angles, the ability to shoot at various locations and the use of lavish background scenery that would be impractical in a theater allowed filmed productions to outshine live performances.
Interest in musicals increased dramatically in the mid-1930s when director Busby Berkeley (Take Me Out to the Ball Game, The Gang’s All Here, For Me and My Gal) began to enhance traditional dance routines with his unique style. His creative numbers would typically begin on stage, then gradually transcend the limitations of theatrical space by filming from above, capturing dancers forming kaleidoscope-esque patterns.
As the motion picture industry grew with the development of special effects, increased quality of film technology and the introduction of color, the musical genre experienced sustained popularity for decades.
The Golden Age of Musicals boasts more than 25 hours of song, dance and comedy that will dazzle and entertain, from slapstick to romance to over-the-top opulence. Featuring the best films and biggest stars of the era, including Fred Astaire in Second Chorus, Danny Kaye in The Inspector General, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in Road to Bali, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in At War With the Army, Judy Garland in Till the Clouds Roll By and many more, The Golden Age of Musicals is a must-have collector’s set for fans new and old!
“The Golden Age of Musicals” is presented in full screen with an aspect ratio of 4 x 3 and original sound.
Available in a Five-Disc Collector’s Set DVD August 9th
