TCM Spotlight - Esther Williams, Vol. 1 (Bathing Beauty / Easy to Wed / On an Island with You / Neptune's Daughter / Dangerous When Wet) Reviews

• Finally Esther is Surfacing......

  
  By A4SF7Z3L5YJ1Y on 2007-07-17
  Finally we get to see Esther Williams flicks in radiant colors and updated sound! Not that the DVD transfers are perfect, Criterion-league: there are specks and scratches from time to time, and blacks tend to bleed, particularly in the early ones (e.g. Bathing Beauty). But what a pleasure it is to have this joyful entertainement back, put together with care and intelligence. There's bonus material galore, though not all of it dealing with the star.
  
  Included in the Bathing Beauty disc is a substantial interview Ms. Williams did with Robert Osborne for Turner Classic Movies. Ms. Williams comes across as somebody who has always been level headed, with a realistic view of life, aware of alternatives and skeptical of show-biz, always marveled at her good fortune (wondering when it would end), with the self-assurance gained from awareness of her personal worth. Nothing delusional there: underneath the Hollywood glamour, throughout her career and beyond, she has retained the mindset and integrity of a committed, champion athlete, i.e., it's the hard work, constancy and achievement that count, not the glitz or the noise (she was slated to participate in the 1940 Olympics had WWII not interfered). All these personal qualities come across in her films, and probably made her a star, unique in her genre. Before, during and after, there was no other. Though she was a fine craftsman and learned her trade well as an actress, she really only played one character, Esther Williams. Audiences flocked to "Esther Williams movies," with all fantasy such would entail (of course, production values count). It is difficult not to feel that she'd be a great friend to have. During the interview Robert Osborne can barely contain his delight.
  
  Suspend disbelief, just enjoy. I hope we don't have to wait as long for Volume 2, which would include Million Dollar Mermaid and Easy to Love.
  
  For fans, I would also recommend reading her down-to-earth autobiography.
  
  

• The best part of this release? "Volume 1" in the title. YES!

  
  By A1K9IW99EFBZ52 on 2007-07-15
  Seriously...when I think of actors / actresses who are L-O-N-G overdue for the DVD treatment, Esther Williams is at the top of the list. Kudos to TCM for putting 5 of Ms. Williams' amazing films...including my all-time favorite "On An Island With You"...in an affordable box set. I'm sure Volume 2 will be greeted with equal enthusiasm by her fans and I know I'll pre-order it the minute it's available.
  
  So what's the big deal? Aside from the legendary aquatics and the intricately choreographed numbers, the films of Esther Williams are key examples of "They Don't Make Movies Like That Anymore" movies. They don't, and they can't, because the world is really a different place. The simplicity and innocence and sweetness are qualities that exist in a readically different form in 2007.
  
  If your idea of cinematic romance is Tom Cruise telling Renée Zellweger that she "completes" him, or Renée telling Tom that he "had her at hello," these might not be the right films for you. They're more geniune, more honest, and warmer. They represent the absolute best that MGM had to offer.
  
  While "On An Island With You" may not be Ms. Williams' signature film, it has all of the elements that made her films great. Ricardo Montalban, dressed in full navy uniform, strumming a guitar under a tropical tree and crooning the opening theme as Esther swims in a shady lagoon? Genius! The four-way, star-crossed lovers subplot featuring Williams, Montalban, Peter Lawford and Cyd Charisse? The Montalban / Charisse dance number? Jimmy Durante and Xavier Cugat? What's NOT to like in this movie?
  
  The other four films are just as good, but "Island" is a personal favorite.
  
  Thanks to TCM. Can't wait to see which films are included in Volume 2.
  
  

• Music, water, & comedy combine in a great film collection

  
  By A2E3F04ZK7FG66 on 2007-06-30
  These films are something like underwater Busby Berkeley films, so if you like the MGM musicals of the 40's and 50's, and/or you like Busby Berkeley's work you'll likely appreciate this collection. I rate this set as five stars for those people who appreciate the light-hearted romantic comedy and music of these types of films. If you are looking for gut-wrenching drama or film noir and are not open to these kinds of films, look elsewhere. Also, if you like the comedy of Red Skelton or Lucille Ball, they both show up in some great comic performances in a couple of these films.
  
  Bathing Beauty (1944)
  Costars Red Skelton in a comedy about a songwriter who enrolls in a women's college to win back his estranged swimming-teacher wife. Highlights include music from both Harry James and his Music Makers and Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra, Skelton in a pink tutu doing unforgivable things to Tchaikovsky and a spectacular, trendsetting `chlorine-and-chorine' finale.
  Special Features:
  Robert Osborne hosts "TCM's Private Screenings with Esther Williams"
  Oscar-nominated Short "Main Street Today"
  Academy Award-winning cartoon "Mouse Trouble"
  Theatrical trailer
  Subtitles: English (feature film only)
  
  Easy To Wed (1946)
  This is a remake of the 1930's screwball comedy Libeled Lady, although outside of the skeleton of the plot the comparisons are few. Particularly funny is Van Johnson afloat with a baleful spaniel who knows a lot more about duck hunting than he does, and a drunken scene featuring the antics of Lucille Ball. Actually, Lucy steals the show in more than a few scenes here. When the local paper runs an untrue story claiming an heiress (Esther Williams) is a husband stealer, she prepares to sue for libel. So an employee of the newspaper (Keenan Wynn) comes up with a plan to improve the paper's chances in court: He'll arrange a sham wedding between his fiancée (Lucille Ball) and another newsroom employee (Van Johnson), send said employee to woo the heiress, and thus have a real husband-stealing story.
  Special Features:
  Oscar-nominated Pete Smith Specialty comedy short "Sure Cures"
  Classic cartoon "The Unwelcome Guest"
  Theatrical trailers of "Easy to Wed" and "Libeled Lady"
  Subtitles: English (feature film only)
  
  On an Island with You (1948)
  This musical comedy feature moonlight swims, swaying palms, Technicolor sunsets and...cannibals. Esther Williams, Peter Lawford, Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse get the swimming, swaying and sunsets and Jimmy Durante, of course, gets the cannibals. Williams is a swimming movie star pursued by two handsome suitors on the set of her latest film. Features Xavier Cugat and his orchestra playing some lovely songs.
  Special Features:
  Vintage Romance of Celluloid series short "Personalities"
  Classic cartoon "The Bear and the Hare"
  Theatrical trailer
  Subtitles: English (feature film only)
  
  Neptune's Daughter (1949)
  Betty Barrett (Betty Garrett) mistakes Jack Spratt (Red Skelton) for the South American polo team captain José O'Rourke (Ricardo Montalban), and relentlessly pursues him. Meanwhile, the real O'Rourke pursues Betty's sister Eve (Esther Williams). The resulting mistaken identities and romantic complications turn into a great mix of slapstick and flirtatious fun. Garrett and Skelton's comedy is particularly appealing. The film features songs by Frank Loesser including Baby, It's Cold Outside, winner of the 1949 Best Song Oscar. The film has a happy ending and culminates in a stupendous water ballet.
  Special Features:
  Outtake musical number "I Want My Money Back"
  Esther Williams cameo sequence from 1951's "Callaway Went Thataway"
  Oscar-Nominated Pete Smith Specialty comedy "short Water Trix"
  Oscar-nominated cartoon "Hatch Up Your Troubles"
  Theatrical trailers of this movie and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"
  Subtitles: English (feature film only)
  
  Dangerous When Wet (1953)
  This film has Williams playing Katy, a farm girl from a health-obsessed family who finds romance with Williams' future real-life husband Fernando Lamas while training to swim across the English Channel. In the film's key sequence, Williams swims along with cartoon stars Tom and Jerry.
  Special Features:
  Outtake musical number "C'est La Guerre"
  Pete Smith Specialty comedy short "This Is a Living?"
  Classic cartoon "Name to Come"
  Esther Williams musicals trailer gallery
  Subtitles: English (feature film only)
  
  The descriptions of the special features are from a press release from Warner Home Video.
  
  

• Finally, Esther makes the dive into DVD

  
  By A1LHQE1L68AXNT on 2007-04-27
  For years I've been waiting for this Esther Williams DVD collection and hallelujah they have finally arrived. These five films from 1944 to 1953 are among the best, but hopefully the remainer of her aquatic musicals will soon follow. BATHING BEAUTY is among the top of my favorites list thanks to Red Skelton, Xavier Cugat, Harry James with vocalist Helen Forrest, Hammond orgaist Ethel Smith's Tico-Tico and Esther's spectacular flaming water fountains swim finale. I gave a five star rating just because it contains five very entertaining musicals. Hopefully the picture and sound quality will give justice for this rating.
  
  

• ESTHER WILLIAMS! Just in time for the Summer...looks like another winner from Warner!

  
  By A30NVSLEMRKEW1 on 2007-07-01
  I am going to be broke this Summer, and it's going to be Warner Home Video's fault. Every week they seem to be releasing something I've been waiting for to arrive on DVD.
  
  Esther Williams was one of the most successful screen performers for several years in the '40s and early '50s, and it's no wonder. She was gorgeous, had a wry screen personality, a nice singing voice, and..oh yeah, she swam a bit.
  
  This collection looks outstanding, and it's nice to see that Warner has included their usual cache of vintage extras, including those neat radio promos they have been using lately.
  
  Aside from Esther's spectacular aquatics in BATHING BEAUTY and NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER, there are many other wonderful aspects to these films. Red Skelton is hysterically funny in BB and ND, Cugat is always entertaining as well, and who can resist Tom & Jerry in DANGEROUS WHEN WET. Beautifully done. There are also some great songs here, particularly the Frank Loesser score for NEPTUNE'S, and the Arthur Schwartz/Johnny Mercer tunes in DANGEROUS WHEN WET are all terrific....and let's not forget Charlotte Greenwood's star turn in the AIN'T NATURE GRAND number. Most importantly, there's Miss Williams, who was quite a knockout in every way.
  
  I'm particularly happy to see that the packaging says Volume One. While every film here is a winner (my personal favorites are NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER and DANGEROUS WHEN WET), I would assume Warner could give us another 2 sets of Esther's best, but for the moment I remain most grateful for this first volume. Viva Esther!
  
  
• Instant Entertainment...Just add water
  By ADYDC01HIMOW1 on 2007-06-07
  I am so glad The Esther Williams collection is finally being released. She was the most beautiful star at MGM, if not in all of Hollywood. What a great selection of films too. "Easy To Wed" features a comical, but gorgeous Lucille Ball. "On An Island With You" is a personal favorite and Esther is at her most beautiful here. I am hopeful TCM will release a second volume to this collection and include Esther's 1956 drama "The Unguarded Moment". In it, she plays a high school music teacher who is being stalked by a young John Saxon. "Thrill Of A Romance", "This Time For Keeps" "Easy To Love" and "Jupier's Darling" would complete the set nicely. Miss Williams proves she is a star both in and out of water!
  
  
• Esther Williams is an inspiration from my youth!
  By A1VMPAM10EUQ8L on 2007-08-19
  Talk about bringing back memories...I've waited many years to be able to see her swim again! What Ginger Rogers does to the dance floor Esther Williams brings life and glamor to water. When her movies were finally released on DVD I just had to have them. As a child she was a tremendous encouragement to me to become a swimmer. I encourage parents with young children to have these DVD's around for safe watching but more. They can watch and know you can accomplish beauty, grace, love and have fun without morality issues. She is a first class lady. What a joy to have them now to view when I just want to sit back, laugh and enjoy wholesome entertainment. These DVD's are still inspiring!!!!!!
  Crystal Clear
  
  
• My mom loved it! So where's Vol.2?
  By A28B47KE7UJDZH on 2008-07-25
  I bought this set as a gift for my mom a few months ago and she absolutely loves it! She grew up in the era when these movies were originally in the theatres and saw many of them for the first time on the big screen. She says Esther Williams is one of her all-time favourite stars.
  
  I can vaguely remember watching some of these as a kid back when they sometimes used to show this kind of thing on TV, and being amazed at the elaborate and colourful watershow spectacles. But sadly, now in our "wonderful" 100+ channel universe these type of movies are no longer broadcast, and instead we are subjected to the latest inane reality show or American Idol clone, or re-runs of "classics" like "Friends" or "Seinfeld". (*gags in disgust*) Heck, even the late-late-show movies where one could sometimes still find these kind of movies have now been replaced with nothing but useless waste-of-time infomercials. But now thanks to the miracle of DVDs, at last my mom can watch the type of show she's been longing to see again.
  
  She has now watched the whole set and loved them all. She said that "Neptune's Daughter" is one of the funniest movies she has ever seen. Now she is ready for the next set (she was really excited when I pointed out to her that the first set says "Vol.1" on it), but I keep checking back here and so far there's nothing.
  
  Come on Warner Home Video, there are people out here waiting, and there's money for you just waiting to be made. Get cracking with the release of Vol.2!
  
  
• Theres only one Esther!
  By A2CDRV7P5QRV61 on 2008-05-22
  What a joy to see these Esther Williams movies again, some were almost forgotten.The collection includes not just the spectacular, but the comedy side of Esther. I loved them all, and cannot wait for vol 2.
  
  
• When will other's follow?
  By A1I6RSKNKYM803 on 2008-02-16
  I desperately hope that the next volume will contain at least PAGAN LOVE SONG, THIS TIME FOR KEEPS, EASY TO LOVE, TEXAS CARNIVAL, DUCHESS OF IDAHO, JUPITER'S DARLING and FIESTA. Why not releasing all of Esther Williams' films from MGM? Her skilled, warmhearted and spectacular performances would be worth a complete edition, not only for collectors!
  
  
• Enjoyable
  By AB335SMHLZNVZ on 2007-10-17
  I've always enjoyed Esther Williams swimming films so much. I was so happy to see that TCM put them out on DVD. Perfect to add to your classic movie collection. Beautiful films. Great Films for the whole family.
  
  
• Where are the Rockettes?
  By A2WYHVNGQ4LRTR on 2007-10-01
  Watching this set brought back so many memories from my childhood. Once every year we used to meet my grandparents in New York City and we'd all go out to dinner and a show at Radio City Music Hall. It was exciting for me, a lad of the age of 5 years through 12 or so, to experience New York this way, and everytime we went it seemed that there was an Esther Williams flick. This set of DVDs really has it all, right down to the cartoons and the shorts that they used to show! The transfers are great and I am eagerly awaiting volume two. Maybe they will send the Rockettes along with it!!
  
  
• Thoroughly Enjoyable!!!
  By A1MXVGUD2M1VCB on 2007-09-24
  I remember going to the movies & seeing these Esther Williams movies. I enjoyed watching the DVDs just as much as I did watching the movies all those years ago in the theater. Now, where is Volume II?
  
  
• Esther Williams Volume 1
  By A11CVYD2YN1FPM on 2007-09-13
  For any fan that loved watching her swim to wonderful music - and the light heartedness that went with her movies - the enjoyable cast, music, lighthearted storylines, and happy endings...this volume is for them!
  
  
• Not disappointed
  By A3FFBM115QM21I on 2007-09-01
  I really liked Esther Williams when her movies came on the late late show when I was a kid...These movies to me don't disappoint...I hadn't seen the one which was her first movie called "Bathing Beauty" with Red Skeleton. I really liked it...They even had an interviewed her about her life.... The extras were good as well...Overall I was very pleased with my purchase.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Great Old Fashioned Entertainment
  By A3UZ4MDD9S6DMW on 2007-08-23
  Very good quality video and some pretty good story lines. If you are looking for something a bit different your will enjoy these fine old films.
  
  
• About Time
  By A2SSAUUIX9A08D on 2007-08-20
  It is about time these Fantastic Esther Williams Movies are finally on DVD. They are a joy to watch. These movies besides showing Esther Williams at her swimming and acting best also have some of Hollywoods greatest as her costars. Swimming with Tom and Jerry is a great scene. And Singing Baby it's Cold Outside with Ricardo Montalban is a classic. These movies are worth buying.
  
  
• FINALLY !!!!
  By A1ACD3OUCOVCOT on 2007-08-12
  I have been waiting YEARS for these movies!!! This Esther Williams, VOL 1 and the Doris Day, VOL 2 are perhaps the best collections yet. Our family has enjoyed horrible VCR copies of these movies for years - it's wonderful to watch them in such beautiful condition. I cannot possibly disect each of the 5 movies - If you are reading this then you obviously have seen enough Esther movies to know fun when you see it. Yes, it's not Shakespeare - but they are fun movies with memorable songs and swim sequences. You will be very glad you spent the money on this one.
  
  
• Enjoy the swim
  By A1D9T3K1UA6VJD on 2007-07-28
  Finally Esther on DVD. These films are long overdue. All five titles have something special to enjoy. Some of the story lines are a little inane, but you don't view these films for plot/story. You see them for pure entertainment of the zenith. Great fun for EVERYBODY in the family, although I'm afraid teens today would rather see some horror or special effects flick. MGM really knew how to make em' in the "old days". Of the titles released in this volume, I think NEPTUNES DAUGHTER and ON AN ISLAND WITH YOU are my favorites, but the others are wonderful as well. Can't wait for the next volume. Hope it comes soon. If it's a package of five titles again, I would include DUCHESS OF IDAHO; MILLION DOLLAR MERMAID; EASY TO LOVE; THRILL OF A ROMANCE and the underated and my all time favorite SKIRTS AHOY where she joins the WACS with Vivian Blaine. This is a real goodie with a good story line and some (as always) fine swimming with a special treat with some MGM guest stars towards the end and a charming number with two little children. Come on Warners, get this on DVD fast.
  
  
• Esther Williams
  By ASBLPA1JKJ2PJ on 2008-06-13
  I must confess I bought these dvd's without ever watching an Esther Williams movie. I thought I would take a chance and I am so glad that I did. These movies are fun and light-hearted, and Esther is absolutely stunning. After watching these movies, I became an instant fan and am now anxiously awaiting another volume!! These movies will not disappoint. Perfect for a lazy weekend--highly recommend!!
  
  
• Esther Williams-One-of-a-KInd
  By A1XQ239UF9FD26 on 2008-01-12
  Esther Williams was a one-of-a-kind talent. Watching these movies brought back many happy memories. The technicolor is fabulous. These pictures were good old fashion entertainment. Wait until you see Ricardo Montalban
  dance! The animation underwater sequence with Tom & Jerry in "Dangerous When Wet" would make the Little Mermaid take lessons.
  Get this series and take your kids away from video games and show them something a family can enjoy.
  
  
• Glorious Technicolor!
  By A3NX4X0E3JQ4JS on 2008-01-07
  Esther Williams will not go down in history as a great actor, but who cares? These film were made strictly for entertainment and they qualify as well as any that came from MGM's golden era of splashy (no pun intended) screen spectacles. One thing that Ms. Williams should be noted for is her visual impression, which was way ahead of her time. Although her general style (hair, makeup, dress) is consistent with the age, she is extremely well-tanned and toned, as most show-biz women are today. The contrast between her and others in a given scene is glaring when standing next to them. She is also unbelievably well-poised and alluring compared with some of the more famous and acclaimed stars in the same scenes.
  
  Sequences not to be missed include Red Skelton in some of the best side-splitting hilarity witnessed on screen, and Ethel Waters demonstrating what you can do with a Hammond Organ if you have ten fingers on each hand (seemingly). Running throughout most of these five films are wonderful Latin rhythms and melodies provided by Xavier Cougat and his fantastic orchestra, with wildly athletic dancing from Cyd Charise, Ricardo Mantalbon, and others. There is some swimming, too, but not enough. What there is of it is grand and beautiful, as only MGM did well and often during those years. This is the best possible documentation of the birth of Synchronized Swimming!
  
  Did I mention the color? Well, this cannot be overlooked because the digital transfers are excellent, for the most part, and while Technicolor prints are not always accurate and steady, the colors are truly a feast for the eyes compared with modern films. I do not recommend using the latest DLP technology to view Technicolor films because the rich, saturated colors are not as deep as will be seen on (old-fashioned) LCD projectors and monitors. These films are bright and well balanced and even a well-worn LCD unit will give the intended heart-melting dazzle better than a glaring DLP projector. In a couple of scenes, you will even get to see the monster cameras they used to get that color.
  
  The sound is probably as good as could be, given the recording technology of the time, and while it won't blow you away like the picture, it's not bad. Almost everything about these films is lush, beautiful, and spectacular. The digitization does justice to red cheeks and lips, blue eyes and skies, and the water makes me want to dive in!
  
  
• Great - except it was missing a movie....
  By A3UYNCXWZHKTKM on 2009-05-21
  The movies are great except that one of the movies is on two discs. Dangerous When Wet is on its own dvd as well as being on the dvd for "Easy to Wed."
  
  
• Great old movies!
  By ADSPW1C0TA8EO on 2008-01-12
  This particular actress and her movies are hard to find. This is a great set with all the major films included. Worth the money. Quality reproduction by Turner Classic Movies.
  
  
• At Last
  By A1WPYUGMCPGLG9 on 2008-01-05
  After years of waiting its finally here!! I discovered Esther Williams when her autobiography came out and immediately fell in love with her story and from then on have been trying to catch her films where I can...waiting up late at night hoping that TCM will play them and now here are five of her films in one collection. All wonderfully transferred to DVD...you don't lose a moment of her wonderful acting, amazing swimming or handsome co-stars. Five movies from Hollywood's hay-day...Hollywood now could learn a thing or two from these people.
  
  
• A classic about a Classic!!!
  By A1I7RTI7ZMH0NT on 2008-01-03
  This group of films is a classic about a classic leading lady. Some great movies and well put together.
  
  
• Ester Williams Collector Series
  By A186PY2BT49K1M on 2008-01-02
  This was a gift to my mother who is a long time fan of Ester Williams and a former water ballet person herself. A great gift and the transaction was a smooth one.
  
  
• Traveling Down Nostalgia Lane
  By A7VDNMZSN1R5H on 2007-12-26
  As a little girl in the 1950s, I dreamed of becoming another Esther Williams. What fun it was to watch all five of these Esther Williams classics and travel down Nostalgia Lane! Not only were the movies great, but the special features were also quite interesting. One in particular was an interview with Esther Williams in which she told many behind-the-scenes stories of what it was like to be a star at MGM.
  
  This set of five films put onto DVDs was definitely worth every penny. It is a quality purchase.
  
  
  
  
• ESTHER WILLIAMS DVD SET
  By A2W18VPSKN7EX0 on 2007-12-24
  The ESTHER WILLIAMS DVD set is fantatic. She's beautiful and the stories are sweet and clean. I could watch her swim more, though! Perhaps they feature this in some of her other productions... Highly recommended for nostalgia and just good entertainment.
  
  
• Esther Williams movie collection
  By AV7B2PSEA4GWL on 2007-10-22
  These were all very good movies - beautiful people and scenery and music. And, how can you ever resist a movie that has Jimmie Durante in it!! Excellent buy to get all four - Bathing Beauty, Easy to Wed, On and Island with You (my favorite) and Dangerous When Wet.
  
  

• TCM Spotlight: Esther Williams, Vol. 2 (Thrill of a Romance / Fiesta / This Time for Keeps / Pagan Love Song / Million Dollar Mermaid / Easy to Love)
• The Million Dollar Mermaid: An Autobiography
• The Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection (On the Town / Anchors Aweigh / Take Me out to the Ball Game)
• Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 3 (Hit the Deck/Deep in My Heart/Kismet/Nancy Goes to Rio/Two Weeks with Love/Broadway Melody of 1936/Broadway Melody of 1938/Born to Dance/Lady Be Good)
• Take Me Out to the Ball Game