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List Price: $19.98 | | Label: Warner Home Video
Salesrank: 6917
Released: August 8, 2000 |
| Our Price: $12.89 |
| Used Price: $11.94 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
THE COTTON BLOSSOM, OWNED BY THE HAWK FAMILY, IS THE SHOW BOATWHERE EVERYONE COMES FOR GREAT MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT DOWN SOUTH.JULIE LAVERNE AND HER HUSBAND ARE THE STARS OF THE SHOW.
Description of Show Boat:
The show that first defined the Broadway musical has never come to the screen intact, despite three tries. But take this splashy 1951 MGM extravaganza on its own terms, and it boggles the eyes. Not to mention the ears: The Kern-Hammerstein score includes some staples of the American songbook, such as "Make Believe," "After the Ball," and "Can't Help Lovin' That Man." Perhaps a riverboat gambler is almost too-easy casting for Howard Keel, and Kathryn Grayson is overly twittery, which may be why the film's middle sags when they take center stage. But any time the uncannily beautiful Ava Gardner smolders, a lush tragic undertone takes over (even if the most interesting parts of her story seem to take place offscreen). The physical production is extraordinary: the busy riverside setting, the outrageous color design, and best of all an "Old Man River" (sung by William Warfield) staged in the mists of morning. -- Robert Horton
Show Boat Reviews:
Show boat 
2009-09-20 - Good story. The singing by William Warfield was the best version of Olde Man River I ever heard and that includes Paul Robeson. The acting was excellent. I do prefer the story of the 1937 version with Irene Dunne & Allen Jones (Jack's} father.
It's not just good - it's GREAT
2009-06-13 - This is a movie musical I never tire of watching and listening to ... great cast and great songs and production numbers. Had the VHS video tape version for years until it got damaged and I replaced it with this DVD version. I'm an old fart at 80 so my main musical tastes are the big band era, easy listening from the 30s and 40s and Broadway musicals. In this musical, which I rate right up there with "The Jolson Story", William Warfield gives the best rendition of "Old Man River" you'll ever hear. Then there's "Only Make Believe", "Why Do I Love You", "My Bill", "Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine", "Old Man River", "Life Upon The Wicked Stage" etc. Gotta go now. Just talked myself into watching it again.
Favorite Musical
2009-05-19 - Showboat has always been my favorite musical movie with its drama and beautiful music. The video quality is very good considering the age of the movie. It is full screen on a flat panel TV but you can tell that it has been stretched. Kathryn Garyson's beautiful voice hits high notes that are incredible as are the dance routines of Marge and Gower Champion. Ava Gardner gives a remarkable performance as Julie but I have read that she did not actually do the singing. No credit was given to the actual singer but I have also read that it was someone whose name is unrecognizeable. When William Warfield sings Ol Man River, it sends chills up my back, just astounding. I first saw this movie as an early teenager when my favorite genre was westerns and was so impressed with the story and beautiful music that I bought the soundtrack on 78 rpm records. I now have the soundtrack on at least three different CD's including the older version from the 1930's but this version is far superior for its vocal performances.
Showboat DVD 
2009-04-06 - Showboat was ordered and paid for by credit card, but HAS NEVER BEEN RECEIVED.
PLEASE check into this for me and respond or cancel the order and the charge.
Thank you,
Eliza Thorne
As of this date I have NOT received either the Showboat DVD or any correspondence regarding the purchase.
Please check into this and get back to me...or CANCERL HE ORDER AND THE CREDIT CARD CHARGE.
THANK YOU
Eliza Thorne
carolynwhite999@yahoo.com
2009-03-23 - This is a very good quality video of the ShowBoat production. We enjoy it very much. Story is entertaining and the music is superb.
