The Pajama Game

There's a pretty good rule that books and movies and music that were smash hits when they were new have something wonderful or different about them that sets them apart from the pack. I'm not saying the rule is infallible -- "The Pina Colada Song" for example, should be wiped from human memory, but big hits are usually worth some time. This one you shouldn't miss.The Pajama Game was a smash hit when it came out in the early '50s and was a brilliant example of the Golden Age of the Broadway musical. The America of the '50s recedes from us very rapidly now, the popular culture, the music, the language and mannerisms, the food, the technology are disappearing fast from memory. We do have a window though, through films like this, productions by some of the best musical, acting and artistic talents of the day who were fully involved with their time.The stage play and the movie were primarily intended to be entertainment, but not empty entertainment. Ostensibly a comedy about love and a pajama factory, it carried a biting message about labor relations and the American economy of the time. It was a time of sharp labor conflict, but also of general optimism about the future of America - which was had won the Second World War, pulled its economy out of a long depression and was poised to become the leading world economic power. The fierce labor/management battles in the railroad, steel and coal industries were not a distant memory -- Truman tried to nationalize the coal industry in 1952 to break a strike (the Supreme Court said 'nuts' to that), but things were generally going well, unions were strong and the forecast for peace and prosperity looked great.I will simply say "don't miss this movie". For those born in the last several decades, some things may be jarring -- the cast is entirely white, the physical comedy (especially between men and women) seems a little strong, and there is a profound lack of irony -- but that's the way the popular culture was then. But the factory scenes, the houses people and mannerisms are spot on for the time. There is also a very strong atmosphere of romanticism and sexual tension -- the 1950s kind without the swear words and ass jokes. Doris Day may have been lampooned as the 'eternal virgin' by the 'sophisticated' crowd of the day, but when she swoons in the arms of John Raitt, it's a real swoon by someone that knew something about sex.John Raitt is also spectacular as the male lead. He was a leading singer of the day (father of Bonnie Raitt) and probably deserved a bigger movie career than he got. The character actors and supporting cast are all unknown today but were also at the top of their profession at the time and give first class performances. The dance numbers are also wonderful -- even for those that don't especially care for dance numbers -- although they lack the glitzy special effects and computer animation that seems obligatory in today's productions.See something different today -- see this movie.

I second a previous reviewer about the miracles Warner worked with the Blu Ray edition of The Pajama Game.It is pristine in every way.Where we differ is, I happen to believe this movie is near perfection. I do find Eddie Foy, Jr.'s 'Hinesie'grating at times, but that's about the extent of any complaints.What is with the number of negative reviews over John Raitt's performance? No, he wasn't going to putLaurence Olivier out of business, but he had presence, he acted well--not woodenly as some claimed--andhe really had chemistry with Doris Day. At least critics had enough sense not to pick on his singing, and itis marvelous. I think he had better voice quality and more vocal skill than Gordon MacRae.A highlight of the film is the 'Steam Heat' song and dance number. I find it to wear very well. I've seenPajama Game any number of times, and 'Steam Heat' remains an incredible performance. Hats off toBob Fosse, who made it possible.Jack Straw, who played 'Prez', is another fascinating and hilarious character in the movie. He must havebeen more of a musical theater performer. He did well in Don't Go Near the Water, but it was a smallrole, not worthy of his talents. In fact, no movie work after Pajama Game seems to make much use of his ability. His '7.5 Cents' contribution remains a constant delight. In character as Prez, he seemed to be the quintessential nerd before the term existed.Another one who never got enough work in films, or apparently credit for her contribution here is Carol Haney. What a totally original character and great dancer.Pajama Game is one of those musicals, which, in its film version, is great no matter how many times onehas seen it.To repeat, if all you have is the DVD, by all means get the Blu Ray. The difference between the two is quiteamazing.

Neatly packaged. Very clean and well rapped. Art work looks artificial which makes you wonder quality of dvd production.

I wish Warner Bros would do a real indepth re release, blu ray of two iconic musicals from the 50's. Pajama Game and and Damn Yankees although the latter is not as sucessful a film adaptation as Pajama Game. This new blu-ray copy probably looks as good as possible. I'm not technical enough to know if it was struck from the orginal negative or a good copy, but the sound is better than the regular DVD I have of it. So it looks good to me, sounds great, and is enormous fun with most of the original Broadway cast coming in for the film. And it looks like the cast is having a barrel of fun. Day is perfect as Babe and once again I'm reminded of how wonderful it would have been to see her do South Pacific. If you are a Day fan, you probably already have this. I think this blu-ray edition is an improvement over the previous regular DVD. If you don't know the musical at all you are in for a treat. Only extra is a cut song from the film and a trailer. But I'm betting there is more in the Warner archives. Wish some big Doris Day fan at Warner Bros. would dig in to the files and give us a loaded extras edition of this wonderful film.

Item was well packaged and protected, I still need to sit down and watch the show, I watched this show before it was really good. I would buy from seller again if seller have another good movie that I watched before. Thank you.