Product: The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection (Babes in Arms / Babes on Broadway / Girl Crazy / Strike Up the Band) (2007)
Rating: 5.0
A great pair of musical talents take you back to a simpler time
This is the long awaited boxed set of four Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musicals that includes a fifth bonus disc. The contents are as follows as described by a press release from Warner Home Video:Babes in Arms (1939)This is the first film the two did together and was adapted from the 1937 Rodgers and Hart Broadway hit of the same name. Busby Berkeley directed the film and also did the choreography. This film is being shown as it was in its initial release in 1939, complete with the minstrel numbers that might seem offensive today and a sequence involving the impersonation of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt that was cut shortly after FDR's death since MGM didn't want to appear disrespectful under the circumstances. The plot is simple - Rooney plays a kid trying to prove his musical talent and therefore decides to put on a show. Garland plays another talented youngster who decides to help him do it.DVD Special Features:Introduction by Mickey RooneyCommentary by historian John FrickeVintage Our Gang short Duel PersonalitiesClassic cartoon The Mad Maestro1939 Newsreel with Mickey and JudyAudio-only bonuses:Leo Is on the Air radio promo3 different radio shows with Rooney and GarlandTheatrical TrailerStrike up the Band (1940)This one has more of a plot than the first, plus some great music. Rooney plays self-involved musician Jimmy Conners who impresses bandleader Paul Whiteman so much that he offers him a job in New York City. However, a friend's medical emergency makes Rooney choose between his own plans and his friend's health, and he chooses his friend in the end. Rooney's character now has to come up with a way to replace the travel money. Busby Berkeley again provides the choreography and the direction in this film. Highlights include a big Busbv Berkeley production number called "Do The La Conga" and Rooney's "Drummer Boy" sequence. The film also features the Oscar-nominated song "Our Love Affair" and a rousing finale with the Gershwins' title tune.DVD Special Features:Introduction by Mickey RooneyPete Smith specialty comedy short Wedding BillsClassic cartoon Romeo in Rhythm"Do the La Conga" stereo remix versionAudio-only bonuses:Leo Is on the Air radio promoMillions for Defense radio special with Mickey and JudyAdditional radio show with Rooney and GarlandTheatrical TrailerBabes on Broadway (1941)Rooney plays Tommy Williams, a singer in a restaurant who wants a shot at Broadway. Garland plays Penny Morris, and Williams uses her interest in orphaned children to come up with the idea of "putting on a show" to send them on a vacation in the country. However, Williams really is only interested in self-promoting his talent, not the orphans. However, in the end, he learns his lesson. Musical highlights include the song "How About You', Rooney's impersonation of Carmen Miranda, and a massive Busby Berkeley finale which was featured in 1974's "That's Entertainment!".DVD Special Features:Introduction by Mickey RooneyPete Smith Specialty comedy short How to Hold Your Husband BackClassic cartoon Dance of the WeedAudio-only bonuses:Two Leo Is on the Air Radio PromosRadio Show Adaptation of Merton of the Movies with Rooney and GarlandChin Up! Cheerio! Carry On Song Demo performed by composer Burton LaneTheatrical TrailerGirl Crazy (1943)This is the strongest of the four included films. This time Norman Taurog shares direction duties with Busby Berkeley. Here Rooney plays Danny Churchill, a rich college kid that is partying more than he is studying. His father sends him to an all-male college in the middle of nowhere where he can regain his focus. However, Danny does fall for the one eligible female in the hundred mile radius of the school - the dean's granddaughter, Ginger Gray (Garland). Ginger, however, is more concerned that the college is in danger of closing than in Danny's advances. She enlists Danny's help to see that the school stays open. Songs include "Embraceable You," "Fascinating Rhythm," "Bidin' My Time," and a the Garland solo "But Not for Me." Of course there is a huge Busby Berkeley finale done to Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm", with Mickey, Judy, a large supporting cast, and Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra.DVD Special Features:Introduction by Mickey RooneyCommentary by historian John FrickeVintage short Hollywood DaredevilsClassic cartoon The Early Bird Dood ItI Got Rhythm stereo remix versionAudio-only bonus: Bronco Busters OuttakeTheatrical TrailerFinally there is a bonus disc with over three hours of extras that include:Private Screenings with Mickey Rooney - 1996 TCM special hosted by Robert OsborneThe Judy Garland Songbook- A superb collection of 21 complete, magical Judy Garland musical numbers spanning her many films from 1936-1954Mickey and Judy Trailer GalleryThe bottom line on this set is that if you are looking for "Gone with the Wind" level serious drama and you don't like great music look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for charming escapist musical entertainment, these films fit the bill. After all, they were made so that troubled audiences could get away from it all during troubled times - the pre and early World War II era. Plus it looks like Warner Home Video has continued their "Film School in a Box" tradition with this set that I have grown to like so much.