Chorus Line

I can't believe all the negative reviews I am reading for this film, but then again, I haven't seen the stage version, so I can't compare. The film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" is the quintessential backstage musical, a celebration of the lives and tribulations of the dancers who turn up by the hundreds to audition for a handful of jobs on Broadway.

The simple story goes like this: A choreographer is casting eight dancers for a new musical, and during one long and truthful day he auditions hundreds of dancers before he makes his final selection. The remaining dozen pour out their hearts and souls through song and dance, all desperate for a part, and all deserving of one. We learn about their lives, loves, fears, and sacrifices through the brilliant lyrics.

From what I understand, Richard Attenborough's film treatment of the story sticks to the outlines of the stage version, although he takes the liberty to fill in the details of the choreographer's old romance, and he leaves out some of the original songs to make room for new ones. I think it's a wonderful idea, and hey, for me, it works.

The result may not please purists who want a film record of what they saw on stage, but this is one of the most intelligent and compelling movie musicals in a long time. Everybody, at one time or another, has been on a line similar to this one--anxious to be accepted and terrified of being rejected by someone judging his or her worth.

Attenborough (Gandhi) makes the most of this dramatic tension, along with the hopefulness of all those in the audition. Best of all, he captures the vibrancy of modern dance from the free-form confusion of the opening scenes to the high-stepping kicks of the finale.

This is truly one of the most underrated films EVER, an emotional, powerful, and anxious musical definitely worth seeing. Give it a chance, it won't hurt!

Nothing can replace the broadway show, but this cast does a wonderful job! If you can look at it without comparing it to the broadway show, you find an excellent show!

"A Chorus Line" is the film version of the Broadway smash hit about a troupe of dancers (notice I didn't say young)auditioning for their chance to hit the big time on Broadway. Boy, talk about cyclical logic: from Broadway to Hollywood to Broadway to box office bomb! Unfortunately for director, Richard Attenborough nothing is quite as thrilling as being in the live audience on opening night. However, the film does have its moments. Michael Douglas heads the cast as a wary, though compassionate, Broadway choreographer who's looking for his eight hungry hopefuls. He finds them and the truth beyond the footlights in a bittersweet story that, At the time of its release, was generally reamed by the critics for its hockum, heavy-handed direction and lack of stardust magic.
TRANSFER: There's lots to celebrate here. A near flawless transfer from MGM that sparkles with a well balanced color palette that, while dated, captures the luster of 80s Technicolor. Black and contrast levels are right on. Occasionally the picture looks a tad on the soft side but fine detail is fully realized throughout. There are no digital anomalies for a smooth picture. The audio is 5.1 and provides a very nice spread over all channels.
EXTRAS: A Marvin Hamlisch retrospective that's short but refreshing and an audio commentary.
BOTTOM LINE: This is a vintage 80s lemon that squeezes more like an orange. It's not nearly as sour as the critics of its day claimed and, since the transfer is fairly rich and stunning I have to recommend this one for your DVD library, especially if you're a musical buff.