Search - That's Entertainment, Pt. 2 on DVD

Great Clips, Lousy Organization, Rotten Editing

Gary F. Taylor | Biloxi, MS USA | 06/25/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Like its predecessor, THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT II offers two hours of film clips from memorable MGM movies featuring the likes of Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, and Doris Day. Unlike its predecessor, which organized the film clips into thematic sequences introduced by different MGM stars, THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT just throws the clips out willynilly without much rhyme or reason--and saddles narrators Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly with some of the clunkiest, corniest material imaginable. In consequence, it lacks the cohesion and the excitement of the original.But it still has its charms. Many of the individual clips are knock-outs: Ethel Waters performing "Taking a Chance on Love" from CABIN IN THE SKY, Bobby Van doing the famous "hop dance" from SMALL TOWN GIRL, Judy Garland belting out "I Got Rythmn" from GIRL CRAZY. In addition to such musical treats, the film also offers a look at the Marx Brothers with the famous "State Room Scene" from A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, a sequence of famous lines from famous films (such as Garbo's "I want to be alone"), and an extended tribute to Spenser Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. Most viewers will probably feel the film drags due to the uneven way in which the scenes are introduced and edited together, but just about every one will find plenty to enjoy. Recommended with reservations."

Not as good as part one or three but the most unique!

R. Christian | Palm Springs, CA | 10/28/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There are some gems in this 1976 edition of "That's Entertainment", but seeing Fred and Gene trying to dance and clown was hard for me to watch. Although they were energetic and supreme in their craft in their heyday, they are obviously trying too hard to be entertaining within the context of introducing the clips. It was heartwarming, but somehow painful to watch them TRYING to be great again. I would have much preferred them to simply introduce the clips in dignified fashion... and surprise... that's exactly what the producers did in "That's Entertainment part 3" in 1994. It worked as beautifully as it did in the first edition. Both 1 and 3 also concentrated on MUSICAL numbers, and part 2 does not... it seemed to mock the old musical style more than present it. Having said that, there are some real gems here... so I gave it only 3 stars. Part 1 and 3 are 5 star movies."

Has no peer

Henning Sebastian Jahre | Oslo, Norway | 03/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This sequel to the 50th Anniversary compilation from 1974, is a treat. Some critics dissected Gene Kelly on the account he was producing is own memorial service... Morbid indeed... It is a flawless, wonderful compilation. Many studios have tried to copy the excellense of these films, but they don`t have the legacy nor the artistery so if u wanna c revisit history of the Hollywood that was.... check out this compilation-series..."

DVD Box set Please!

C. Waid | Sydney, NSW Australia | 06/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"when are the powers that be going to get their act together and issue this great series in a deluxe box set-the three TE films as well as That's Dancing. As long as they give it the treatment it deserves, and re-master it properly."