'Singin' in the Rain' is a glorious feeling: Kenneth Turan on DVD - Los Angeles Times
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‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is a glorious feeling: Kenneth Turan on DVD

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How ultimate is the new Ultimate Collector’s Edition of”Singin’ in the Rain”? There is even a full-size umbrella included in the package.

And not just an umbrella. There are reproductions of theatrical posters and a quite handsome 48-page hardcover book on the making of the film.

This new Blu-ray and DVD package does not stint on the filmed extras, either. There is a new documentary on the picture, an earlier look at the legendary Arthur Freed Unit that turned out all the great MGM musicals, even a musical number outtake of “You Are My Lucky Star.”

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But if you are a fan of this 60-year-old classic -- and if you love musicals, how could you not be? -- it’s not the extras that draw you to the new edition. It’s the chance to see this great film in the best audio and visual shape it’s ever been in.

It’s a chance, above all, to see Gene Kelly (who co-directed with Stanley Donen), Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds go through splendid musical numbers like “Make Em Laugh,” “Fit as a Fiddle,” “Good Morning” and, of course, the title song.

Maybe that umbrella will come in handy after all.

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