Easter Parade: Special Edition

Perhaps because this 1948 MGM musical represents the sole pairing of two giants, Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, and boasts a collection of songs by Irving Berlin, it's always received rather reverential treatment. The unhappy fact is that compared to other films from the studio's Arthur Freed factory, it's not top-drawer. The plot, about a hoofer hiring a neophyte after his longtime partner decides to go solo, is so feeble that it's practically nonexistent, the dialogue lacks wit and charm, and Charles Walters' direction is flaccid. Nor does the supporting cast bring much to the party: Peter Lawford barely registers, Ann Miller's tap routines get tiresome, and Jules Munshin lays an egg as an officious waiter. Even Berlin's contributions are mostly second-rate--with the obvious exception of the title tune (which, however, is disposed of rather cavalierly at the close). Still, it's enjoyable to watch Astaire and Garland in their prime, especially in the justly famous duet “A Couple of Swells,” which finds them dressed as hobos. Boasting a beautiful new digital transfer, DVD extras on this double-disc set include a thoughtful, enthusiastic audio commentary by Astaire's daughter Ava and Garland biographer John Fricke, a new “making-of” documentary, the PBS American Masters profile of Garland, an outtake of Garland performing the unused “Mr. Monotony,” a gallery of Garland theatrical trailers, and some audio-only radio promos. Easter Parade is far from the best of the MGM musicals, but it has its moments, and the bountiful extras featured here make this a winner, overall. Recommended. (F. Swietek)