Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Stephen Vincent Benet's short story "The Sobbin' Women" served as the basis for Stanley Donen's beloved 1954 MGM musical about seven brothers living on a remote Oregon ranch circa 1850 who attempt to solve the woman shortage problem--after one brother (the late Howard Keel) brings home a new wife (Jane Powell)--by making a raid on a nearby town and kidnapping six lovelies (including statuesque Julie Newmar, billed here as Julie Newmeyer). After an avalanche blocks any rescue attempts from the town folk until after the spring thaw, the initially furious Powell ensures that the captors and captives remain on best behavior while getting to know one another. The charming songs by Johnny Mercer and Gene de Paul include the favorites "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" (a decidedly pre-feminist love song), "The Sobbin' Women," and "Wonderful, Wonderful Day," and the choreography by Michael Kidd is topnotch (especially during a dance-off between the town boys and the brothers). Nominated for four Oscars (including Best Picture), and winning for Music, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers makes its third appearance on DVD in a wonderful 50th anniversary double-disc "special edition" containing both the theatrical CinemaScope release and a "flat" alternate version (which actually plays better on television). DVD extras include commentary by Donen, the 42-minute behind-the-scenes documentary "Sobbin' Women: The Making of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," archival newsreel footage, and a vintage short featuring a medley of great MGM tunes. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman) [Blu-ray Review—June 12, 2018—Warner, 2 discs, 102 min., G, Blu-ray: $29.95—Making its Blu-ray debut, 1954’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers features an excellent transfer and DTS-HD 5.1 audio. Extras include an alternate widescreen version of the film, audio commentary by director Stanley Donen, a 'Sobbin’ Women' making-of featurette hosted by star Howard Keel (44 min.), the 1954 vintage short 'MGM Jubilee Overture' (10 min.), a 'Radio City Music Hall' premiere (2 min.), and a 'MGM 30th Anniversary Newsreel' (2 min.). Bottom line: this classic musical sparkles on Blu-ray.]