West Side Story is one of the great films of the 20th century. The attention to detail and quality garnered multiple Academy Award wins. Throughout the ages, the dominant home video format enjoyed a presentation of this classic story. The most notable release was the 40th anniversary DVD release, which included several bonus material, not just on the discs themselves, but physical bonus materials, including a scrapbook. That's always a treat. So I was disappointed when I upgraded my DVD for the Blu-ray edition with no physical bonus material to speak of. Oh well.

As much a part of American musical history as any other work, WEST SIDE STORY moved very comfortable from the 1957 Broadway stage to this 1961 cinematic version of Leonard Bernstein’s immortal masterwork for the stage. Though there are still issues of the original Broadway cast recording (Carol Lawrence, Larry Kirk, George Chakiris, et al) this DVD includes the actual film complete with a perfectly presented overture and entr’acte and the tuning performance by a cast of fine dancers an actors. Ernest Lehman transitioned the play into a movie based on Arthur Laurents’ book in turn based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the choreography and direction is by Jerome Robbins with Robert Wise. Very briefly, West Side Story is the adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet". The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs- the white Jets led by Riff (Russ Tamblyn) and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo (George Chakiris). Their hatred escalates to a point where neither can coexist with any form of understanding. But when Riff's best friend (and former Jet) Tony (Richard Beymer) and Bernardo's younger sister Maria (Natalie Wood) meet at a dance, no one can do anything to stop their love. Maria and Tony begin meeting in secret, planning to run away. Then the Sharks and Jets plan a rumble under the highway - whoever wins gains control of the streets. Maria sends Tony to stop it, hoping it can end the violence. It goes terribly wrong, and before the lovers know what's happened, tragedy strikes and doesn't stop until the climactic and heartbreaking ending. One important ‘character’ is the voice of Marni Nixon who provided Natalie Woods’ singing: sadly Marni, known for so many offstage vocals, died in 2016 – one of the finest singing actresses and backup voices for famous actors the ever lived. The choreography, photography, set design, lighting, dancing and acting are first class. An evergreen favorite that will always be popular.

Another fabulous film from Robert Wise, who's done horror (The Haunting) to a big budget film version of a certain tv series (Star Trek). Vibrant colors and tremendous sound highlight this Blu-Ray presentation of West Side Story!

Do not miss this film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. The singing and dancing are all first rate. Musical score, both music and lyrics, are unsurpassed.

This movie is the best natalie wood is the best ever the way she sings. You fall in love. If you love a great love story/musical this is it.