UHD Review A Few Words About While we wait for a few words about...™ West Side Story (2021) -- in 4k UHD (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

For those follow, I've just viewed the new West Side Story, and it's brilliant film-making. So far, my Best Picture of 2021, which would be historically interesting, along with a possibility of Ms Moreno receiving a nod for Best Supporting for a different character in the same conceptual film.

Is it better than the 1961 version?

I believe that it is.

Huge kudos to Mr. Spielberg & company.

I suggest that anyone who has the capability seeing it in Dolby Atmos.

And do what you can to see it on a huge screen.

RAH

 

[Wayne_j]

I'm seeing this tonight, I hope I agree with your take on this movie. Unfortunately there are no Atmos equipped theaters in my area.

 

[Charles Smith]

I am about to partake.

From a musical standpoint, I can say that the short excerpts I just listened to (just on computer, not in a good setting) are possibly as beautiful as those of any musical film adaptation I know.

 

[Robert Harris]

I am about to partake.

From a musical standpoint, I can say that the short excerpts I just listened to (just on computer, not in a good setting) are possibly as beautiful as those of any musical film adaptation I know.

The film is huge. Every dollar of budget shows on screen.

 

[dukiejosh54]

I'm really looking forward to this movie, I have listened to the soundtrack several times and it's gorgeous. Can't wait to see it on the big screen.

 

[TravisR]

And do what you can to see it on a huge screen.

I'll be doing just that on Saturday afternoon.

 

[Stu Rosen]

It's really quite a lovely movie, with, surprisingly, a life of its own. I'm not sure I'm ready to proclaim it best picture of 2021 (especially when I'm going to see Licorice Pizza tomorrow), but can understand why someone might be there already.

And the Atmos is essential.

 

[Robert Crawford]

For those follow, I've just viewed the new West Side Story, and it's brilliant film-making. So far, my Best Picture of 2021, which would be historically interesting, along with a possibility of Ms Moreno receiving a nod for Best Supporting for a different character in the same conceptual film.

Is it better than the 1961 version?

I believe that it is.

Huge kudos to Mr. Spielberg & company.

I suggest that anyone who has the capability seeing it in Dolby Atmos.

And do what you can to see it on a huge screen.

RAH

I just got back from my showing at GDX screen with Dolby Atmos. I was impressed as to how well it holds up against the 1961 movie. Furthermore, there are many aspects of this movie that I like better than the 1961 movie. Spielberg and company did alright.

 

[benbess]

Laughed. Cried. Almost certainly my favorite movie of 2021. One of Spielberg's best.

 

[Thomas T]

I liked it well enough but honestly, I thought it was a pale imitation of the original. Justin Peck bungles Jerome Robbins stunning choreography (the dance at the gym isn't as thrilling as the 1961 version) and while I appreciate Spielberg's attempt at inclusivity, it's just too PC laundered. The tomboy (Anybodys) of the original is now a proud and open transgender ..... in 1957??? Ansel Elgort is a weak singer and his vocal on the beautiful Maria is flat. Jimmy Bryant (who dubbed Richard Beymer in the 1961 film) made the song soar! I could go on but why? Everyone will make up their own minds.

 

[Brian Husar]

Seeing it tomorrow, Harkins Estrella Falls theater in Goodyear Arizona at their Cine 1 XL theater. 80 ft widescreen and Dolby Atmos. Best theater in the valley in Arizona. Can’t wait.

 

[Robert Harris]

Seeing it tomorrow, Harkins Estrella Falls theater in Goodyear Arizona at their Cine 1 XL theater. 80 ft widescreen and Dolby Atmos. Best theater in the valley in Arizona. Can’t wait.

Jealous.

 

[ahollis]

Sunday afternoon is when I will get to see this much talked about movie in a Dolby Theatre. It’s my to go to theatre for any film that is epic in nature. I actually prefer a Dolby Theatre over an IMAX.

 

[cinemiracle]

It's really quite a lovely movie, with, surprisingly, a life of its own. I'm not sure I'm ready to proclaim it best picture of 2021 (especially when I'm going to see Licorice Pizza tomorrow), but can understand why someone might be there already.

And the Atmos is essential.

I have to agree-it is too early to acclaim WSS as the Best film of the year. For me it is (so far) THE POWER OF THE DOG (Australia). The Japanese film DRIVE MY CAR was a 3 hour masterpiece.It has won 33 awards so far. Won Best Film from the NYC critics awards whereas WSS only won best cinematography..

 

[JPCinema]

I saw at Lincoln Square in Imax today. The first 2/3ds of the the film was inventive and many times brilliant. Then it went off the rails for me in the last third of the film......oh well.

 

[Powell&Pressburger]

Was this shot on film or digital?

 

[Mark-P]

Was this shot on film or digital?

Spielberg shoots all his movies on film. The one exception being TinTin which was 100% cgi.

 

[RobertMG]

Box Office results do not determine winners or losers but this was a huge disappointment so far only 10 million at the Box Office. The American public seems to rejecting the current ranks of filmmakers. Bet this film does better on home vid! Or is it covid has destroyed theaters and they never will recover?

 

[Malcolm R]

Theaters have been doing fine with other films. It seems like the public is just not in the mood for musicals lately. There's still a chance this may have legs through the holiday season, but personally I wouldn't hold my breath.

At this point the opening will be even less than In the Heights.

 

[bretw1967]

Went to see West Side Story last night - I enjoyed it a lot, with some caveats. Here's my review:
A significant update to West Side Story, not simply a remake, but a re-thought, deeper dive into the characters and motivations which drive them. Steven Spielberg shows himself to again be a master craftsman in his first full-length musical film, with stunning cinematography, thoughtful script re-writes, song recasting, and glorious choreography. It's easily the equal of the original film, although I would hesitate to say that it was better. Strong points include nearly the entire cast, with highlights being Mike Faist as a jittery, wounded Riff, Ariana DeBose as a strong, sympathetic Anita, David Alvarez as the proud, brutal pugilist Bernardo, and Rachel Zegler as a more grounded, strong-willed Maria; but I feel like Ansel Elgort is still the weakest link as Tony; the screenwriters try mightily to give him a solid backstory, but Elgort just isn't up to the level of his co-stars in conveying the pain and grief the others do - he comes across more as a blank-faced Brando wannabe. Also, the updating of some of the characters comes across more as "stunt" casting than necessity requires, and draws attention away from the main story; giving a strange, anachronistic bent to the proceedings - you can feel the author straining to update the old tropes for a modern audience.
But the joyful dancing, spectacular fight sequences, and imaginative canny camera work by cinematographer Janusz Kaminskimake make this an enthralling experience - Spielberg and choreographer Justin Peck create a gritty, muscular world which feels far more grounded than the comparatively stagey 1961 original - it's still odd to see characters break into song and dance, but with such great songs, and such astounding dancing, it was easy to let go and just admire the craft and skill of it all. Clearly a labor of love by all involved - it shows in every frame.