Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

Whats with the cover on this DVD?
Why do they make a DVD with cover art that does not even appear in the film? Also Ann Margrets final shot in the end is cut off! This was a great musical of the 60's with great performances and songs and the current packaging makes it look like a B film! cOLUMBIA PICTURES, get it together!

Musical that holds up well
Ann-Margret runs away with this hit 60's musical. Perfect casting at its best; it's easy to believe her as Kim, a teenager in love with Hugo (Bobby Rydell) who also swoons over Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson), a thinly veiled version of Elvis. Although it's hard to imagine the hysteria that Elvis generated when he was drafted, it is not important to be aware of that to enjoy the take-off this musical provides. Paul Lynde and Dick Van Dyke turn in solid performances; Maureen Stapleton provides the hilarious comic relief as the mother from hell. Janet Leigh does a great job as Van Dyke's love interest, however, her singing is somewhat of a weak link (but her dancing more than makes up for it!). Many reviews bash the movie for being too different from the stage production; although it is different in some ways, it more than stands on its own. The camera work, staging, choreography, and performances are all top-notch. A nice piece of nostalgia that still provides great entertainment today.

Hello Again, Birdie
More than 40 years after first viewing in theatres,this is still a delightful escape with a trip down memory lane. Music and lyrics are classics. Ann-Margret and Janet Leigh display dancing and singing talent that is often forgotten, with excellent support work from Dick Van Dyke, Paul Lynde, Bobby Rydell and Maureen Stapleton. The times certainly changed after this period of adolescence, but Bye Bye Birdie took us back to an age of naivety where nothing bad was ever going to happen to us. Good social comment of the time.