9/10
Spellbinding! Almost a 10! Better Than Part II !
16 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This came out in 1994 and was a Turner Production. It beats part II by a mile for several reasons, and I can honestly say that I would never have seen it, but luckily, it was the third disc in the Blu-Ray release of all three films. Missing from all three is the "Easter egg" surprise of the extended scarecrow dance from "The Wizard of Oz", but you probably own this already on your DVD of that movie. This is far better than part II which always had a "patchwork quilt" feel to it. Here, there are many stars introducing, including perhaps the last time Gene Kelly appeared on camera in a movie segment. Most "clips" are shown uncut, which is a vast improvement. On the Blu-ray, you can play them conveniently like on a juke-box. So many Easter eggs here. Uncut scenes. Outtakes. The same song sung by different artists in different films. Joan Crawford in blackface (both horrid and scary). Candid commentary by Lena Horne. Very little repetition for the most part. "Hosts" you didn't know were still around in 1994! Finally, a scene from "Brigadoon". Minuses: Different scenes from movies already seen in the other two editions. Like part II, almost an "infomercial" at times, but it does make me want to buy or see some old movies I have long overlooked. Also, you have to admire the physical conditioning of Cyd Charisse, Ann Miller and Doris Day. Wow! When watching both previous parts, I found myself, occasionally, looking at the "elapsed film time" and yawning. Parts of this one are so spellbinding that 15 minutes goes by in an instant. Very well "cut" with fewer abrupt musical breaks. Well,I guess in 18 years, sound editing technology has improved! Better than part II and almost as good as part I. Maybe better?
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