Being a dancer, well, former dancer, I loved seeing this film when it originally came out. Felt it was a little short and still concentrated heavily on MGM. Not wanting to take out the fact that MGM WAS the greatest producer of musicals in Hollywood, but there were some others just as good and memorable from other studios. Glad it is now on DVD, and watching the extras (very poorly put together BTW)I can see that in it's original form, this film would have rated a 10 from me. Kelly says that the film originally ran well over 2 hours and is now down to just over 90 minutes. There must have also been problems in securing rights from different studios, as a lot seem to be poorly represented (20th) or not at all (Columbia). My only other complaint, and would have given more time for others, is that they almost show the entire number to represent a dancer or film. Some of the clips in That's Entertainment we a little too short, but there could have been a happy medium. I would have given up looking at the Jets for that length of time if I could have seen other BDWY to HWYD transfers as Hello, Dolly! / Mame / Grease / Guys and Dolls and especially a rarely seen film like Where's Charlie? But all in all, when the music stops and the dance is over, the fiddler has been paid and the memories linger.
20 Reviews
a great history of dancing in the movies!
gtb26334 April 2000
this film is a must see for lovers of musicals. It's amazing how far film has come in such a short time. Great scenes from the best of the MGM musicals with narration from some of the greatest stars of those movies. Very informative and gives you a good overview of how the times affected the types of movies that were made. Wonderful music! Incredible dancing! Great fun!
Hollywood talent in the form of dance
TheLittleSongbird2 September 2014
Those who love dance of any kind and classic film will be thrilled with That's Dancing! Some segments are too short and some of the narration I agree is obtrusive(especially for the 42nd Street number)- there could have been much less of the talking over scenes- and not always necessary(the opinion on break-dancing, went on for a little too long and it did ramble a bit). The hosting is mixed, Gene Kelly is very engaging and informative and while he's not always easy to understand Mikhail Baryshnikov also says things of good value but didn't get a huge amount out of Liza Minelli. That's Dancing! is still splendid stuff though, it's skilfully filmed and the editing of the footage is done slickly and not awkwardly. The music of course is outstanding and of good variety, good that it showed more than one style or genre rather than just one without skimming the surface, and the dancing even better, especially in the Busby Berkeley, Nicholas Brothers, Flashdance, West Side Story and Fred and Ginger numbers. The scenes featured feature some deserved classics like Pick Yourself Up, Night and Day, Forty-Second Street(pretty much anything with Busby Berkeley's involvement in fact), Broadway Rhythm and If Only I Had a Brain/We're Off to See the Wizard(in an extended scene cut from the film), as well as the ballet sequence from The Red Shoes and the scene from Yankee Doodle Dandy. And of all the stars featured the ones that stood out were Fred and Ginger(obviously, it would be a crime really to miss them out), Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, Shirley Temple and Bojangles Robinson, Eleanor Powell, Ann Miller and the Nicholas Brothers tap-dance(the Wizard of Oz extended cut scene was charming though if too long, you can understand why it was cut). In conclusion, a very good documentary with the best stuff splendid. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Very Enjoyable and Entertaining!!
jessicaf3 November 2002
A wonderful documentary about dance and some of the greatest dance film stars ever. Ive recently seen it and enjoyed it!But must say that I thought the dancing from the 70's and 80's wasn't a 'spectacular' as the dance numbers from the 30's and 40's. I rate it a 8/10 stars. ********
dance film doc
SnoopyStyle2 November 2021
This Hollywood documentary celebrates dancing in the movies. This starts with an older bundled Gene Kelly presenting a troupe of New York City break dancers. It's cheesy but endearing cheese. He points out the obvious point (which I never considered) that the movement of dance wasn't never captured in the art of the whole human history until the invention of the moving pictures. The start is mostly dancing girls doing bad dances and showing a bit of leg. Then the movie goes through various big sign posts starting with Busby Berkeley and his extravaganza of beautiful babes. There is a very young cute Sammy Davis Jr. Transitioning into his modern self. That's probably my favorite cut. Mikhail Baryshnikov has a section with ballet. It's a lot of movie clips. It becomes a highlight reel but that's fine.
Great Stuff From The Classic Masters
ccthemovieman-18 June 2006
Here's an outstanding collection of some of the great dance numbers from the early 1930s to the mid 1980s.
From the early years, I've always found it fun to marvel at the talent of Ruby Keeler, Eleanor Powell, Fred Astaire, Bill Robinson, Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly, etc. Here they all are on one tape! What a great tribute to these great entertainers and perhaps it can turn people on to watching some of these great musicals of the past.
I'm also always awed at those great sets on the Busby Berkley extravaganzas. They were incredible. The more you like tap dancing, which I do, the better this tape (or disc, now that it's out on DVD) will look to you, but there are other forms of dance featured in here, too.
From the early years, I've always found it fun to marvel at the talent of Ruby Keeler, Eleanor Powell, Fred Astaire, Bill Robinson, Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly, etc. Here they all are on one tape! What a great tribute to these great entertainers and perhaps it can turn people on to watching some of these great musicals of the past.
I'm also always awed at those great sets on the Busby Berkley extravaganzas. They were incredible. The more you like tap dancing, which I do, the better this tape (or disc, now that it's out on DVD) will look to you, but there are other forms of dance featured in here, too.
Taking the movie musical beyond the walls of MGM.
mark.waltz7 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, there is an "Invitation to Dance" here, and unlike the "That's Entertainment" films of the mid 1970's, other Hollywood studios get to be honored, most notably Warner Brothers with its world of Busby Berkley and the plethora of movie versions of Broadway musicals which made their way out in abundance between the late 1940's and late 1970's. Gene Kelly continues his presence in the series here, still made by MGM, but not stuck in one place. Liza Minnelli returns from the first film, not quite the major film star after her disappointments after "Cabaret", but still hoofing as much as she could through her concerts and Broadway shows.
To get a modern audience into the theater, this was promoted with clips of "West Side Story", "Fame", "Flashdance" and even a Michael Jackson music video. A disco theme was added to the finale credits as well, but the pleasure comes with the old-fashioned title song over the credits which features clips from movies dating back to the flickers era. The film moves at a steady pace but it seems greatly abridged considering the first two movies. Some detractors call this "That's Entertainment 2 1/2" after the success of the fourth entry in the series, but to get the opportunity to celebrate Hollywood history is phenomenal. When this came out, it was acclaimed for its inclusion of a Ray Bolger number cut from "The Wizard of Oz" which in retrospect looks out of place when tossed back into the film.
One thing this did for me in the mid 1980's after seeing this in the theater was the desire to see as many of these films as I could on the big screen. Some of them look even more impressive in a movie theater than they do on home video, and being restored to their original glory through modern technology has paid a great tribute to the original creators.
To get a modern audience into the theater, this was promoted with clips of "West Side Story", "Fame", "Flashdance" and even a Michael Jackson music video. A disco theme was added to the finale credits as well, but the pleasure comes with the old-fashioned title song over the credits which features clips from movies dating back to the flickers era. The film moves at a steady pace but it seems greatly abridged considering the first two movies. Some detractors call this "That's Entertainment 2 1/2" after the success of the fourth entry in the series, but to get the opportunity to celebrate Hollywood history is phenomenal. When this came out, it was acclaimed for its inclusion of a Ray Bolger number cut from "The Wizard of Oz" which in retrospect looks out of place when tossed back into the film.
One thing this did for me in the mid 1980's after seeing this in the theater was the desire to see as many of these films as I could on the big screen. Some of them look even more impressive in a movie theater than they do on home video, and being restored to their original glory through modern technology has paid a great tribute to the original creators.
That's Spectacular!!!!!
dataconflossmoor1 March 2008
This movie is a collaboration of copious dance scores that takes you through the entire historical duration of Hollywood producing movies!! "That's Dancing" is, without a doubt, one of the most entertaining films that I have ever seen!! Hosted by Gene Kelly, he itemizes the complete scope of dancing brilliance throughout all of movie and television history!! Gene Kelly is a legend on his own right! Other greats such as Elenor Powell, Ann Miller, John Travolta, Donald O'Connor, and, of course, the ultimate dancing dream team of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had dance routines which were depicted in this film.. Besides the all time classics, this film takes you through the myriad of talented dancers that Hollywood has manufactured with an utterly boastful showmanship!! This film ran the gambit from classical dance, to ballet, to tap dancing, to disco, and so much more!! This does include Busby Berkeley, he became a legend with his choreography in the 1930's, so much so that dance ensembles were never looked at the same way ever since!! The free expression of dancing represents a titillation with the audience, as well as with the performers who have nonchalantly made intricate dance numbers look like a total breeze.. The glamor, the fabulous moments of fame, and the recognition of raw physical talent, all bring on an exuberance that only professional dancing can provide!! There is a free flowing addiction to dancing which has consistently energized the silver screen!! Show business has always had the auspicious reputation to perennially cultivate a plethora of fame and applause as necessary affinities in it's industry for purposes of brandishing their high profile acting and dancing performances!! I for one, viewed this film "That's Dancing" with a pleasantly candid recognition of how dancing talent in Hollywood is one of the critical components to arousing the moviegoer's interest!! This compendium of dance numbers enhances the entire genre of flippant, yet intense talent in the existing cinema of yesteryear, as well as today!! Films like "Singin in the Rain" and "Swing Time" have scores that evoke an unprecedented amount of professional dancing talent!! Modern break dancing (Especially, very modern for 1985) illustrated how the legend of dancing prevails in present movie making times as well!! It is so wonderful to see this film, I can see it time and time again and never be bored!! I feel that the movie "That's Dancing"t is one of the best films I have ever seen, however, in making this film, I realize that it cannot receive critical acclaim, as it is just a matter of a snippet here and a snippet there... In so reminiscing about the remarkable dancing talent which Hollywood has provided it's movie viewers throughout history, it just simply astounds me!! I definitely recommend seeing this film!! I give it five stars, and, a totally perfect ten!!
Worthy documentary
gridoon20244 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
One advantage this enterprise has over the "That's Entertainment" films is that, although it was also produced by MGM, it doesn't focus exclusively on the work of that studio, which means we get to see dance on films made by other studios as well. The first part, hosted by Gene Kelly, is the most fascinating for me: some nice info on the early stages of the movie musical, a vintage promotional short, plus footage from a couple of Busby Berkeley films: the production numbers from "Dames", in particular, are some of the most amazing spectacles I have ever seen, and I am now thinking of buying a DVD box set of Berkeley films on the strength of these clips alone! The section hosted by Mikhail Baryshnikov is also interesting, as it contains rare archival footage of famous ballet (and not only) dancers. By the time we get to the (expected) MGM celebration, the clips are starting to feel like too much of the same thing (Fred Astaire was a phenomenal dancer, but isn't it a little excessive to include 6 numbers with him in a 100-minute film?). The film gets re-energized near the end, with clips from "Saturday Night Fever", "Fame" and "Flashdance" (giving the awesome Marine Jahan the credit she didn't get in the film itself). The very last clip certainly has to count as a cult moment: Gene Kelly "meets" Michael Jackson! *** out of 4.
Dance, dance, and more dance.
roadlt14 February 2000
Jack Haley, Jr. was a driving force behind this film and That's Entertainment, which was released a decade earlier. As the title states, That's Dancing focuses on just that. Compared to That's Entertainment, it takes itself a bit more seriously as a documentary but is highly entertaining. It explores the early history of dance on film including brief footage of Isadora Duncan, and, like TE, showcases great numbers from the 1930's-50's with performances by Fred Astaire, Elanor Powell, Bill "Bojangles' Robinson, Gene Kelly, and the great Nicholas Brothers. TD also devotes a segment to Busby Burkley's signature work of the 1930's and a section on ballet in the movies. None of the footage overlaps with TE which make this a nice companion piece. TD takes things a step further with dance sequences from the 60-80's, including break dancing. The newer eras show dancing that is grittier, earthier, and in some cases, uglier. In a sense, the attempt to be more contemporary makes That's Dancing less likeable than That's Entertainment. However, it's not the movie's fault that newer dances are uglier; it's the civilization's.
great scenes, but not well-presented
didi-528 November 2008
'That's Dancing' followed the first two instalments of 'That's Entertainment', but this time opens the net a bit wider to include material recorded elsewhere than MGM. Using the definition of dance at its widest, we get some really early stuff, a section on ballet (fascinating, but Baryshnikov was not the greatest communicator in the world as a presenter and it is a shame he fronts this segment), and finish up to date with the disco fever of John Travolta and moon-walking of Michael Jackson.
Along the way you'll see most of the usual suspects - 42nd Street, Fred and Ginger, Gene, and many more. But they are cobbled together with no rhyme or reason, and, as in the second 'That's Entertainment' in particular, the presenters talk over many of the clips. Better to let us see and admire without commentary. Recommended for musical fans and curious dance aficionados (but those looking for modern dance need really to look elsewhere).
Along the way you'll see most of the usual suspects - 42nd Street, Fred and Ginger, Gene, and many more. But they are cobbled together with no rhyme or reason, and, as in the second 'That's Entertainment' in particular, the presenters talk over many of the clips. Better to let us see and admire without commentary. Recommended for musical fans and curious dance aficionados (but those looking for modern dance need really to look elsewhere).
Incredible Dancing, Brain Dead Narration
cadmandu31 December 2005
I can't add a whole lot of critical commentary to what's already written here, so let me say why I enjoyed this film. Would have gotten 10 stars if there hadn't been a lot of stupid narration. After you hear Liza Minelli's monologue, you'll know how she got her career; born to the right people.
Anyhoo . . . FANTASTIC dancing, and great clips, even if as others have said they are not necessarily the best of the performers. I was born in 48 so a lot of this was news to me. Shirley Temple dancing with her black partner (Bo Jangles somebody) alone was worth the price of admission. An interview with Busby Berkeley on set. Anne Miller doing her thing (remember her from Mulholland Drive?) A clip from the Wizard of Oz, which was edited out, of Ray Bolger dancing up a storm. On and on.
These people don't dance . . . they float, they fly, they defy gravity and all of Newton's laws. It's a sight to behold. Fred Astaire didn't have legs, he had springs. Some people did walk out of the theatre after a few minutes, but I'll tell you, I sat there with my mouth hanging open most of this flick.
Anyhoo . . . FANTASTIC dancing, and great clips, even if as others have said they are not necessarily the best of the performers. I was born in 48 so a lot of this was news to me. Shirley Temple dancing with her black partner (Bo Jangles somebody) alone was worth the price of admission. An interview with Busby Berkeley on set. Anne Miller doing her thing (remember her from Mulholland Drive?) A clip from the Wizard of Oz, which was edited out, of Ray Bolger dancing up a storm. On and on.
These people don't dance . . . they float, they fly, they defy gravity and all of Newton's laws. It's a sight to behold. Fred Astaire didn't have legs, he had springs. Some people did walk out of the theatre after a few minutes, but I'll tell you, I sat there with my mouth hanging open most of this flick.
All They Wanna Do Is Dance-Dance-Dance!
StrictlyConfidential29 June 2020
FYI - "That's Dancing!" was originally released back in 1985.
This documentary presentation offers the viewer a wide array of film clips from dozens of Hollywood musicals that span for close to 60 years of movieland history.
From tap-dancing, to ballroom minuets, to ballet, to disco, and to break-dancing - This movie has got it all.
IMO - The absolute highlight of this look down "Memory Lane" at dancing in the movies was watching the elaborately-staged Busby Berkeley numbers from the 1930s.
This documentary presentation offers the viewer a wide array of film clips from dozens of Hollywood musicals that span for close to 60 years of movieland history.
From tap-dancing, to ballroom minuets, to ballet, to disco, and to break-dancing - This movie has got it all.
IMO - The absolute highlight of this look down "Memory Lane" at dancing in the movies was watching the elaborately-staged Busby Berkeley numbers from the 1930s.
Great clips, poor presentation.
Sylvester12 September 2004
When voting for this film, it is necessary to distinguish between the wonderful clips, which are the work of others, and the way in which they are presented, which is the work of the producer and director of "That's Dancing".
The majority of clips are excellent, although they do not always represent the stars' best work, presumably because certain excerpts had been used before or were not available for copyright or other reasons. For example the Nicholas Brothers' routine in "Orchestra Wives" is infinitely better than their appearance here.
The same cannot be said for the presentation. One expects to have to watch various presenters spouting a certain amount of bland dialogue, but do they really have to keep up the commentaries during the dances? Some are fairly unintrusive, but others, such as the one which punctuates "42nd Street", completely ruin the routines.
Film clips - 9, presentation -4.
The majority of clips are excellent, although they do not always represent the stars' best work, presumably because certain excerpts had been used before or were not available for copyright or other reasons. For example the Nicholas Brothers' routine in "Orchestra Wives" is infinitely better than their appearance here.
The same cannot be said for the presentation. One expects to have to watch various presenters spouting a certain amount of bland dialogue, but do they really have to keep up the commentaries during the dances? Some are fairly unintrusive, but others, such as the one which punctuates "42nd Street", completely ruin the routines.
Film clips - 9, presentation -4.
Worth watching, but not up to my expectations.
mountainkath7 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This movie tried really hard, but it just wasn't up to the standard set by the three That's Entertainment movies.
I just watched those three movies and did not notice any repetitions between those movies and this one. This movie did finally highlight one of the best dances ever filmed: the Gene Kelly/Donald O'Connor dance to Moses Supposes from Singin' In The Rain. And, most importantly, they didn't edit the dance! Unlike some reviewers, I didn't mind the narration over the dances. I also enjoyed hearing Gene Kelly's thoughts on the new style of dance (well, new when this was filmed).
I'm happy I finally saw this compilation, but I'm not sure it's one I will watch again.
I just watched those three movies and did not notice any repetitions between those movies and this one. This movie did finally highlight one of the best dances ever filmed: the Gene Kelly/Donald O'Connor dance to Moses Supposes from Singin' In The Rain. And, most importantly, they didn't edit the dance! Unlike some reviewers, I didn't mind the narration over the dances. I also enjoyed hearing Gene Kelly's thoughts on the new style of dance (well, new when this was filmed).
I'm happy I finally saw this compilation, but I'm not sure it's one I will watch again.
That's Dancing - The Best Of The Best.
happipuppi139 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is a really good movie / documentary, that celebrates the craft and art of dancing as it has been presented on the screen in so many great motion pictures and short subjects.
Hosts Ray Bolger, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Liza Minelli, Gene Kelly and Sammy Davis Jr., cover everything from the beining on up to breakdancing in 1984.
The Berkeley years, various stylists, ballet, the many wonderful years of the movie musicals, Broadway, and as mentioned, modern (1980s) dance.
This film, the final chapter in the "That's Entertainment" series, fills in all the phases which preceded the dancing in Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Flashdance, and Michael Jackson's ground breaking music videos.
There are six performances by the incredible Fred Astaire, the Berkeley Dancers in "Lullaby of Broadway" and Gold Diggers of 1935.
Wonderful to see Shirley Temple and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in "The Little Rebel", Gene Kelley and Donald O'Connor in "Singin' in the Rain", James Cagney in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and Cyd Charisse in the underappreciated "Silk Stockings". A lot more to see here as well.
Having grown up seeing the full set of "That's Entertainment" movies and television's, "That's Hollywood" (narrated by Tom Bosley) , there was no way in the Spring of 1985 that I was going to miss this at my local theater. I was 16 then.
In terms of our resident hosts, I knew all of these names from seeing their films on TV and they do a great job of informing us and introducing each segment. WHen I saw this, of course, all were still with us. (As of this review, Liza Minelli is still present).
Who better than they to be the presenters here?
As the final piece of the "That's Entertainment" movie ensemble, it's essentrial for anyone who loves the golden ers of Hollywood (1928 to 1964 or may be curious of the era after, that being late 1960s, the 1970's to 1984.
It was great to see on the big screen but just as great on the small screen too. It's an easy call - 10 Stars for covering the best of the best. (END)
Hosts Ray Bolger, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Liza Minelli, Gene Kelly and Sammy Davis Jr., cover everything from the beining on up to breakdancing in 1984.
The Berkeley years, various stylists, ballet, the many wonderful years of the movie musicals, Broadway, and as mentioned, modern (1980s) dance.
This film, the final chapter in the "That's Entertainment" series, fills in all the phases which preceded the dancing in Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Flashdance, and Michael Jackson's ground breaking music videos.
There are six performances by the incredible Fred Astaire, the Berkeley Dancers in "Lullaby of Broadway" and Gold Diggers of 1935.
Wonderful to see Shirley Temple and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in "The Little Rebel", Gene Kelley and Donald O'Connor in "Singin' in the Rain", James Cagney in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and Cyd Charisse in the underappreciated "Silk Stockings". A lot more to see here as well.
Having grown up seeing the full set of "That's Entertainment" movies and television's, "That's Hollywood" (narrated by Tom Bosley) , there was no way in the Spring of 1985 that I was going to miss this at my local theater. I was 16 then.
In terms of our resident hosts, I knew all of these names from seeing their films on TV and they do a great job of informing us and introducing each segment. WHen I saw this, of course, all were still with us. (As of this review, Liza Minelli is still present).
Who better than they to be the presenters here?
As the final piece of the "That's Entertainment" movie ensemble, it's essentrial for anyone who loves the golden ers of Hollywood (1928 to 1964 or may be curious of the era after, that being late 1960s, the 1970's to 1984.
It was great to see on the big screen but just as great on the small screen too. It's an easy call - 10 Stars for covering the best of the best. (END)
Michael Jackson choreography/dance genius
denisrs7 January 2001
This movie, made in 1985, is good research on dance history.
But it has only a little about Michael Jackson, who was already then acknowledged as choreography/dance genius by many specialists, as well as by artists like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Now his achievements highly praised by Michael Flattley and Marcel Marceau. Not to mention that everything you see on the TV is influenced by Jackson's choreography.
But what his accomplishments in dance and culture were indeed?
Well, Michael Joseph Jackson, born in 1958, since 1963 became leading singer in his family Jackson 5 group. Already since late 60s, he has choreographed all group performances. Then his choreography was almost a copy from such great artists as James Brown and Jacky Wilson.
But since early 70s, Michael became create his own choreography. In 1974, this generated a dance called *Robot*. Robotic-similar stage movements were first demonstrated during Jackson 5 TV-performance of their hit Dancing Machine.
Millions of kids around America became "robots". It was one of the strongest push of the street dance popularity and which born later "break dance".
In early 80s, Michael came up with a choreography for his Billie Jean song performance from Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time (53 million copies sold worldwide to date). It contained an element, called "popping", or a backwards movement. Initially, it appeared once in the Tx-Bailey film in 50s. But though there was backwards movement too, it was far not similar to Michael Jackson's *Moonwalk* performance in 1983. And then it absolutely had no any impact neither to choreography, nor to street dance, nor to simple film spectators.
Michael Jackson's *Moonwalk* not only made the biggest sensation but also was another the biggest catalyst for break dance culture development.
Since then, Michael greatly developed his choreography and dance genius. In 1995, Michael Jackson presented his *Skywalk*, the greatest choreography-of-movements discovering in past decade. This time it was walk forwards, but in a rusty manner. It was like quickly changing static poses. A mime thing. This could be seen at his HIStory On Films Volume II video.
His latest choreography milestone is the half-hour minifilm Ghosts, premiered on Cannes Film Festival in 1997. It got Bob Fosse Award for the outstanding choreography.
Denis Raphael Solyahoff, analytic contents provider for MJFCs' SCREAM International Project
But it has only a little about Michael Jackson, who was already then acknowledged as choreography/dance genius by many specialists, as well as by artists like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Now his achievements highly praised by Michael Flattley and Marcel Marceau. Not to mention that everything you see on the TV is influenced by Jackson's choreography.
But what his accomplishments in dance and culture were indeed?
Well, Michael Joseph Jackson, born in 1958, since 1963 became leading singer in his family Jackson 5 group. Already since late 60s, he has choreographed all group performances. Then his choreography was almost a copy from such great artists as James Brown and Jacky Wilson.
But since early 70s, Michael became create his own choreography. In 1974, this generated a dance called *Robot*. Robotic-similar stage movements were first demonstrated during Jackson 5 TV-performance of their hit Dancing Machine.
Millions of kids around America became "robots". It was one of the strongest push of the street dance popularity and which born later "break dance".
In early 80s, Michael came up with a choreography for his Billie Jean song performance from Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time (53 million copies sold worldwide to date). It contained an element, called "popping", or a backwards movement. Initially, it appeared once in the Tx-Bailey film in 50s. But though there was backwards movement too, it was far not similar to Michael Jackson's *Moonwalk* performance in 1983. And then it absolutely had no any impact neither to choreography, nor to street dance, nor to simple film spectators.
Michael Jackson's *Moonwalk* not only made the biggest sensation but also was another the biggest catalyst for break dance culture development.
Since then, Michael greatly developed his choreography and dance genius. In 1995, Michael Jackson presented his *Skywalk*, the greatest choreography-of-movements discovering in past decade. This time it was walk forwards, but in a rusty manner. It was like quickly changing static poses. A mime thing. This could be seen at his HIStory On Films Volume II video.
His latest choreography milestone is the half-hour minifilm Ghosts, premiered on Cannes Film Festival in 1997. It got Bob Fosse Award for the outstanding choreography.
Denis Raphael Solyahoff, analytic contents provider for MJFCs' SCREAM International Project
Not a 'greatest hits' compilation but still worth-watching
jamesrupert201415 August 2023
The film is a collection of clips of some of Hollywood's great dancing sequences (mostly from MGM musicals but other studios are represented) and features generally interesting commentaries from some of the stars. The dance footage is great but, as many of most memorable numbers had already been show-cased in the 'That's Entertainment' series, viewers may be disappointed by what is not shown (i.a. 'Singing in the Rain', 'Dancing Cheek to Cheek'). The lengthy opening montage contains a lot of interesting quick clips that disappointingly are not expanded on later in the film (was that Sally Rand and did she have nothing on under those fans?). As always, I was captivated by the gorgeous Cyd Charisse and have boosted my rating one point accordingly.
From a formula passed its prime...
moonspinner5527 October 2007
Famous dancing stars Mikhail Baryshnikov, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis, Jr., Ray Bolger and Gene Kelly host this tepid retrospective on classic dance numbers from musical films (most of them made at M-G-M), a trend begun in 1974 with the song-oriented "That's Entertainment!" Spotlighting the high-energy dance sequences from Hollywood's chestnuts must have seemed like a no-brainer, but what isn't discussed is why today's dance films have proved to be no threat to the masters. It's a piqued, juiceless formula capped with cold charisma. Our hosts (and hostess Minnelli, who never danced in an M-G-M film and is here only by proxy) have very little light to shed on the history of dancing cinema, and it all quickly congeals into a moist-eyed, redundant piece of anemic nostalgia. *1/2 from ****
Just so-so
preppy-314 November 2005
Documentary showing clips of dancing from old Hollywood movies up to the present...well, 1985 actually. Also there are the stars introducing the clips and talking about them.
Sounds interesting but isn't. For starters I remember seeing some of these clips from the two "That's Entertainment" movies from the 1970s so it comes off as somewhat repetitious. Some of the clips they show aren't all that good and do we really have to hear the stars talking during the dance numbers? It's not terrible--just nothing special.
I was one of the few people who saw it in a theatre in 1985. I remember people walking out! Nothing offensive about this--they were probably just bored. If you're a dancer or dance enthusiast you might like this. Otherwise use caution.
Sounds interesting but isn't. For starters I remember seeing some of these clips from the two "That's Entertainment" movies from the 1970s so it comes off as somewhat repetitious. Some of the clips they show aren't all that good and do we really have to hear the stars talking during the dance numbers? It's not terrible--just nothing special.
I was one of the few people who saw it in a theatre in 1985. I remember people walking out! Nothing offensive about this--they were probably just bored. If you're a dancer or dance enthusiast you might like this. Otherwise use caution.
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