Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 3: DVD Review (2008)

A peppy yet uneven collection of nine films, some digitally remastered, all making their debut on DVD.

Included are 1955’s “Hit the Deck,” with Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds and Ann Miller hitting the high notes; 1954’s “Deep in My Heart,” with Gene Kelly and his brother Fred in their only screen appearance together; and 1954’s “Kismet,” in which Vincente Minnelli attempted to capture on film the 1953 Broadway musical version of Edward Knoblock’s play.

His movie is so overheated, it nearly combusts, with Ann Blyth, Howard Keel, Vic Damone and Dolores Gray giving it their all and testing our endurance in the process.

Two additional Jane Powell movies are found in 1950’s “Nancy Goes to Rio” and “Two Weeks in Love,” with Busby Berkeley staging the latter.

Rounding out the set are four Eleanor Powell films--“Broadway Melody of 1936,” in which 15-year-old Judy Garland sings “Dear Mr. Gable,” and “Broadway Melody of 1938,” with Powell as a shoe-snapping horse trainer.

Powell also stars in 1936’s “Born to Dance,” which is a fitting since she taps herself into a frenzy, and 1941’s “Lady Be Good,” in which Powell is paired opposite Robert Young and Ann Sothern--and nearly steals the show.

Grade: B+