An American in Paris (Two-Disc Special Edition)

An American in Paris is "one of the greatest, most elegant, and most celebrated of M-G-M's 50s musicals" (filmsite.org). Legendary producer Arthur Freed developed the film based on George Gershwin's celebrated 1928 orchestral work, and assembled a stellar team of talents to bring forth what would become a landmark film. With Alan Jay Lerner crafting an original screenplay around the songs of George and Ira Gershwin, Vincente Minnelli directing and Gene Kelly starring (and choreographing) with newcomer Leslie Caron, the results were, and still are, unforgettable. More than two dozen Gershwin songs are used throughout the film, including such favorites as "Love Is Here to Stay," "I Got Rhythm," "'S Wonderful" and "Embraceable You." Add to this a mix of lavish sets and costumes, tremendous Technicolor cinematography, a romantic love story and a climactic show-stopping ballet, and you've got a film that easily captured six Oscar(c) wins (including Best Picture, Director and Music). An American in Paris also holds the distinction of being the first musical to win a Golden Globe(c) Award for Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical). The plot revolves around ex-GI Jerry Mulligan (Kelly), a struggling American painter in Paris, who is discovered by an influential heiress (Nina Foch) with an interest in more than Jerry's art. Jerry in turn falls for Lise (Caron), a young French girl already engaged to a cabaret singer. Jerry jokes, sings and dances with his best friend, an acerbic would-be concert pianist (Oscar Levant), and romantic complications abound.DVD Special Features:Disc 11938 MGM short: Paris on Parade1951 MGM cartoon: Symphony in SlangTheatrical trailerDisc 22002 American Masters Documentary: Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer'S Wonderful: The Making of An American in Paris, an all new documentary, produced especially for this release. A dynamic history of the making of the film, which reveals how George and Ira Gershwin's classic songs, the dazzling art of the French impressionists and the ultimate teamwork of MGM's legendary "Freed Unit" came together to create a musical masterpiece. Featuring ten new interviews, including co-stars Leslie Caron and Nina FochOuttakes: Georges Guetary performing Love Walked In and Gene Kelly performing I Got a Crush on You (audio only)Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron promotional radio interview with Dick SimmonsLove Walked In Outtake Audio Outtakes Alternate Main Title -But Not for Me Guetary -But Not for Me Levant Piano Solo -Gershwin Prelude #3 -I've Got a Crush on You -Nice Work if You Can Get It -'S Wonderful -Radio Interviews -Johnny Green-Gene Kelly -Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron