The King and I [DVD] [1956]

Description

Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner star in this classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. When nineteenth century English schoolteacher Anna Leonowens (Kerr) is employed by the King of Siam (Brynner) to educate his many children, she takes her son, Louis (Rex Thompson), along to live with her in the royal palace. Anna, a strong-willed woman, soon clashes with the king, who is used to having his every wish adhered to without question. However, Anna's refusal to bow to his will wins his respect and, eventually, his love. Review: Family movie - Great watch Review: 'ET CETERA, ET CETERA, ET CETERA' - ' Available to buy on Blu-Ray - (Sadly, the Blu-ray upgrade that i'm sure many fans of this classic musical would buy is currently only available as an import from the U.S.A and is Region 'A' I find it surprising that a film such as this was not released as multi-region both sides of the Atlantic ...shame) This a delightful and extremely popular Rogers and Hammerstein's musical which is perhaps one of their finest offerings which not only see's 'Yul Brynner' and 'Deborah Kerr' perform in their most memorable roles, but also offers many-a- memorable song (not forgetting the 'March of The Siamese Children') much humour tinged with a little sadness. It tells the partially true story of widow 'Anna Leonowens' travelling to 'Siam' with her young son 'Louis' to take up the post of Teacher/Governess to the King 'Mongkut of Siam's' many, many children. 'Anna' will quickly become attached to the children. We see the gradual development of mutual respect grow between the King and Anna, the King though very much in the mould of his forefathers is eager to move with the times but is afraid to show weakness, however he does come to value the views and advice 'Anna' offers him. 'Anna' in turn try's to show no fear of the Kings status but is mindful of his pride and attempts to make her advice seem like idea's of his own. There is sadness from 'Tuptin' a wife who had been presented to him as a gift....she loves another..... 'Tuptin' narrates her version of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' to act as entertainment for the Kings illustrious dinner guest, but the King is not amused by the slavery theme.... After 'Tuptin's' failed attempt to escape, the King is intent on punishment but 'Anna's' protest prevents the action, and what she say's to him deeply affects him. Much humour, Great Songs..... Most fans of the 50's and 60's musical presentations will no doubt have seen the film (many,many moons have past since i last watched the film in truth) for those that haven't the film easily crosses the swathes of time and will i feel be enjoyed over and over again for many a generation to come. The Film presented as a 3-Disc Set....The Blu-Ray upgrade on Disc One for the 60 year old film i feel is pretty good, contrary to what some have suggested...i was well pleased. SPECIAL FEATURES - Disc One - 'The King and I' in High Definition 6 Behind The Scenes Featurettes Vintage Stage Excerpts Music Machine With Sing-a-Long Anna and the King TV Pilot Fox Movietone News Still Galleries And More - Disc Two - 'The King and I' in Standard Definition Songs-Only-Option Sing-a-Long : Subtitles (English) And More - Disc Three - 6 Behind The Scenes Featurettes Vintage Stage Excerpts Stills and Audio from Deleted Number 'Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You ?' (Performed by Deborah Kerr and Marni Nixon) Anna and the King TV Pilot Fox Movietone News - including Charity Premier and Yul Brynner Oscar * Clip (Picture Below taken by myself in Hollywood Christmas 2011)