That's Entertainment! - Trilogy Giftset (DVD, 2004, 4-Disc Trilogy Giftset)

This four-DVD boxed set of the That's Entertainment documentaries is a must-buy for all fans of classic movies and musicals. Don't be turned off by the term "documentary," because these films are like no documentaries you've ever seen before. They're not Ken Burns, and they're not some boring programs you'd expect to see on PBS in the middle of the night. These movies are fun, enjoyable, and, well, entertaining. The three That's Entertainment films and the bonus DVD are filled with the most memorable moments from M-G-M's movie musicals.

Released in 1974, That's Entertainment was shot on the M-G-M (now Sony) lot in Culver City, California (much of which still looks the same today!), and is hosted by the stars of the musicals, including Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli (for her parents, Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli), and Mickey Rooney. You'll see scenes from around the studio and the back lot, which was demolished and sold for housing immediately after this film was made.

This documentary is great as an introduction for those who want to learn more about movie musicals and the legendary performers who starred in them. It's also fun for those who have seen this movies before but want to relive the best moments. You'll see everything from Broadway Melody of 1929, the first musical to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, to Easter Parade, to An American in Paris. And you'll get to watch clips of every time the Nacio Herb Brown-Arthur Freed classic "Singin' in the Rain" was sung in an M-G-M picture. Who knew Ukelele Ike, Jimmy Durante, and Judy Garland gave their renditions before Gene Kelly ever picked up an umbrella?

That's Entertainment II is hosted by Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, who both became interested in continuing the work begun with the first documentary. The production value of the new material is below the level of the first film, but the musical clips shown are top-rate, as are the scenes in the third film and bonus DVD.

That's Entertainment takes its name and musical theme from the song "That's Entertainment" in The Band Wagon, one of M-G-M's best musicals, starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Watching this movie made me get interested in the genre of movie musicals. Since seeing That's Entertainment, I've watched more movie musicals than I can count. I've written reviews and guides concerning many of these films and their stars, especially Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly, and Fred Astaire. To take a gander at them, please click on the link above to see all reviews by me, tivoli1228. Thanks, and enjoy this great That's Entertainment boxed set.