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[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

From the Turner Classic Movies website :

West Side Story(1961)

The first order of business in bringing West Side Story to the screen was casting. This was left largely to Robert Wise, who had been chosen as co-director primarily for his work with film actors (stage choreographer-director Jerome Robbins would handle the musical sequences). ( Read more... )

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[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

Restoring West Side Story for its 50th Anniversary


Classic musical West Side Story will be back on the big screen from 16 September, celebrating its 50th anniversary in an all-new restoration from Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) Studios.

Starring Natalie Wood, Russ Tamblyn and George Chakiris, West Side Story went on to win 10 Academy Awards and explores the rivalry between two teenage street gangs – white working class Jets and Puerto Rican Sharks. When a member of the Jets falls in love with the sister of the Sharks’ leader, things look hopeful at first, but rapidly go downhill.

West Side Story was the first of three musicals that acclaimed filmmaker Robert Wise directed in the large format Panavision 70 and Todd-AO processes. It was shot in 65mm for intended theatrical projection in 70mm and six-track stereo sound. A 35mm reduction negative was also produced to allow the film to be shown more widely.
( Read more... )