Cheap Hollywood Screen Tests, Take 2 (DVD) (Edith Becker (II)) Price

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Customer Reviews of Hollywood Screen Tests, Take 2

Lots Of Stars - Not Many Shiners
This relatively brief series of vintage screen tests of the stars from the sixties is satisfying on the first take, but I cannot imagine watching it twice, other than to share it. Sean Connery looks darn good in his first test (did he ever not?) and can actually act. But, his test for "The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness" just looks weird as Sean playing a half white/half Japanese man. Mia Farrow can't exactly sing in her test for "The Sound Of Music", but she has the skills to land herself in Peyton Place; a much more appropriate place for her. Christopher Plummer shows up singing "Edelweiss" in his real voice only to be dubbed by someone else - there's not much difference. A good deal of the DVD goes to the large search for the actors for the Von Trapp family. There are a few surprises there (Kim Darby?). There's a large section on Batman and Robin and I really don't understand the importance of these tests as they are for TV and not major films. However, it's interesting to see them all nervously try out. James Coburn is an absolute riot in his test alongside Raquel Welch. Her talents are obvious, but he just dances around, arms flailing like a smiling geek, and he was considered a woman's man! Another real shocker is not that Mitzi Gaynor nailed "South Pacific", but that she overdubbed so many other film scores, like "My Fair Lady" and several others. She almost sang for Julie Andrews on the "Sound Of Music". That would have been a travesty! In summary, there are some interesting anecdotes and unknown secrets, but there are so many stars out there that a tight screen test overview would be nearly impossible. I guess that's why "Hollywood Screen Tests, Take II" was released. Note: For pre-1970's hard-core movie buffs only and there are no extras.

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Good, Especially DOLLY Shots
This DVD is a good show, interesting to watch. Obviously, everyone will have different reasons for purchasing it. Some will look forward to seeing some screen tests over others.

I bought the DVD for the HELLO DOLLY screen tests and costume shots. I was amazed that this footage was not used on the newly released Fox DOLLY DVD! Extremely rare Streisand costume and wig tests and screen tests for the supporting roles are the highlight here. All of the DOLLY footage is in excellent condition. Danny Lockin's audition is very charming and it's obvious why director Gene Kelly chose him. You can even hear Kelly off screen reading with Lockin. Also interesting is Sandy Duncan's audition.

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A bit disappointing...
I bought SCREENTEST TAKE 1 for the Batman screentests. What was here was nice to see one time, but were obviously edited and incomplete. Also, there is unnecessary narration over the parts of it that were shown. ... Would I purchase a DVD of a Stones concert if it had a narrator commenting how good Jagger looks or how well the band held up over the years? I think not. CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS DVD EXCEPT FOR A CASUAL VIEW. Not worth the money, nor suitable for a permanent DVD library/collection/archive because of the above mentioned problems.