The King And I [DVD]

I loved this as a child and hadn't seen it with the original actors for years, so I saw it on Netflix and wanted a copy to share with my nieces & nephews. Made some popcorn and had a great time together. ENJOY!

I thought this was the one I grew up watching, but as luck would have it it was not. Fantastic movie all the same, and I’m looking forward to watching this with my family over and over again over the years as they grow and get older. Thank you so much for having this product available.

Enjoyed seeing my favorite movies again. Very fast service and fair prices.

It is hard to say anything original about this masterpiece of the Hollywood Studio system. But, here goes.It begins, and ends, with the spectacular Score and Book from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Although I am sure much has been said over the years that casts this inimitable pair in a more realistic light, I still find little fault in nearly anything they did. And that is coming from a Progressive Liberal who thinks "Oklahoma!", despite the complete absence of Native Americans is, still, a masterpiece.I had the good fortune to see a smaller scale but still wonderful stage version of “The King and I” in New York several years ago. Again, the music and lyrics really drive the piece, so it matters little whether it is on a small, or large stage: the musical still, well, sings is the best way I can put it. And, against the breathtaking canvas of CinemaScope this film version is one for the ages.It continues with the two leads who are perhaps two of the best that could have ever been chosen: Academy Award-winner Yul Brynner and the splendid Deborah Kerr. Brynner was really a giant of the silver screen, although unfortunately he didn’t appear in as many films as we might have wanted to him to. If he had only ever done King, with his commanding presence tempered by a heart of gold, that would have been enough. And Englishwoman Kerr did so many great American films with a perfectly straight American accent it is a relief to hear her speak and sing with her English accent and diction. It, as the saying goes, classes the joint up a bit. Am I right?Much has probably been written about whether “The King and I” is a culturally sensitive depiction of 19th Century “Siam” (today known as Cambodia) or whether it celebrates or fails to take account of the destructive power of British Imperialism. That is perhaps not important in a basic Amazon film review. Nonetheless, the film-makers tried to get much right about the Siam of the 1800s, from the brief location photography in the opening to the exquisite set piece of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” set to classic Cambodian- style, Kabuki-esque theater. The latter, alone, is worth the price of admission. And of course the costumes. Oh, man, the costumes!One final comment. If you love great music, then admire the late, great Arthur Newman’s masterful adaptation of the musical’s timeless score – listed as “orchestrations” in the credits but really much, much more than that. It won Newman – one of the titans of Hollywood film scoring – one of his several Academy Awards. The astonishing opening melody sends shivers up my spine, it is so good.Watched on Amazon Prime Video. The print and transfer seemed to be of very high quality.

Love this classic and delivery was quick!

It is a smaller picture on the screen. Doesn't allow you to watch full screen.

Excellent musical

I collect classic movies this movie was so magical and beautifully done!I recommend this movie for anyone looking for a great classic.

'Available to buy on Blu-Ray -(Sadly, the Blu-ray upgrade that i'm sure many fans of this classic musical would buy is currently only available as animport from the U.S.A and is Region 'A'I find it surprising that a film such as this was not released as multi-region both sides of the Atlantic ...shame) This a delightful and extremely popular Rogers and Hammerstein's musical which is perhaps one of their finest offeringswhich not only see's 'Yul Brynner' and 'Deborah Kerr' perform in their most memorable roles, but also offers many-a-memorable song (not forgetting the 'March of The Siamese Children') much humour tinged with a little sadness.It tells the partially true story of widow 'Anna Leonowens' travelling to 'Siam' with her young son 'Louis' to take up thepost of Teacher/Governess to the King 'Mongkut of Siam's' many, many children.'Anna' will quickly become attached to the children.We see the gradual development of mutual respect grow between the King and Anna, the King though very much in themould of his forefathers is eager to move with the times but is afraid to show weakness, however he does come to valuethe views and advice 'Anna' offers him.'Anna' in turn try's to show no fear of the Kings status but is mindful of his pride and attempts to make her advice seemlike idea's of his own.There is sadness from 'Tuptin' a wife who had been presented to him as a gift....she loves another.....'Tuptin' narrates her version of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' to act as entertainment for the Kings illustrious dinner guest, but theKing is not amused by the slavery theme....After 'Tuptin's' failed attempt to escape, the King is intent on punishment but 'Anna's' protest prevents the action, andwhat she say's to him deeply affects him.Much humour, Great Songs.....Most fans of the 50's and 60's musical presentations will no doubt have seen the film (many,many moons have past sincei last watched the film in truth) for those that haven't the film easily crosses the swathes of time and will i feel be enjoyedover and over again for many a generation to come.The Film presented as a 3-Disc Set....The Blu-Ray upgrade on Disc One for the 60 year old film i feel is pretty good, contraryto what some have suggested...i was well pleased.SPECIAL FEATURES -Disc One -'The King and I' in High Definition6 Behind The Scenes FeaturettesVintage Stage ExcerptsMusic Machine With Sing-a-LongAnna and the King TV PilotFox Movietone NewsStill GalleriesAnd More -Disc Two -'The King and I' in Standard DefinitionSongs-Only-OptionSing-a-Long : Subtitles (English)And More -Disc Three -6 Behind The Scenes FeaturettesVintage Stage ExcerptsStills and Audio from Deleted Number 'Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You ?'(Performed by Deborah Kerr and Marni Nixon)Anna and the King TV PilotFox Movietone News - including Charity Premier and Yul Brynner Oscar * Clip(Picture Below taken by myself in Hollywood Christmas 2011)

This three disc set offers both HD Transfer and SD transfers on Blu Ray and DVD respectively, as well as loads of other extras.As stated in other reviews the Blu Ray Disc is region free, the DVD's are Region 1 so will only play on a multi region player.The transfers are excellent in both sound and vision, Just as I remember seeing the film in the 1960’s with the wonderful surround sound which was such a thrill back then, now to be able to have the same surround sound an HD picture at home gives me untold pleasures.Fox have been able to go back to the original negatives and create a new cinemascope 24fps print. The colours of the Blu-Ray are as sharp and vibrant as the day the film was madeThis set is a real must have for any fan of Hollywood musicals.

I grew up on these classic movies and they remind me of weekends with my cousins at granny and grandpa. This movie in particular is special as my sister and I who spent several hours reenacting "The small house of uncle Thomas". As DVD's go, it's a box with a disk and when I put it in the machine and hit play it worked. The quality is good considering it was filmed in 1956 and has been digitised to be on a DVD. it's worth having in your collection.

UK buyers beware! This is a three disc set but only the blu ray disc is region free and can be played on a UK blu ray player. The other two discs are not region free and cannot be played on a UK player. If you're only interested in watching the movie the picture and sound quality is stunning and you won't be disappointed. If you are looking forward to watching the extras on the two additional discs you certainly will be if you are in the UK.

This film is exciting watching the children , and the women going through the Nannie clothes. We allneed something to cheer us up and I am own and watch a lot of DVD when there is nothing worthwatching on the television, and if I drop off to sleep I can rewind.