If big band era sounds, glittering production numbers or Robert De Niro or Liza Minnelli are among your favorites than New York, New York (1977) is probably a DVD for you. Martin Scorsese went for glitz and glamour in a story that's more showy than heartfelt. The film also starred Lionel Stander, Barry Primus and Mary Kay Place.

Jimmy (De Niro) is an egotistical saxophone player; Francine (Minnelli) is a hot nightclub singer. At first meeting they're like two dry sticks ignoring a fire in the forest. They  have everything in common and can't keep their hands off each other. Jimmy moves up from one band to another and he and Francine take to the road with the band.

Jealousy, boredom,  or who knows why - but the romance is low notes on the relation scale. Maybe it's because Jimmy gets a little too physical with Francine, or that her career is taking off faster than his. Jimmy soon proposes, but only after Francine tells him how she wants it. They marry but when Francine learns she's pregnant, Jimmy is anything but happy.

While both De Niro and Minnelli are good actors, this film lacked a good script. The dialogue written by screenwriters Earl Mac Rauch and Mardik Martin is awful. Some of the words Jimmy and Francine say to each other are just not words people would say. Often the lead stars appear to be really struggling to get their lines out.

I have to admit I did get tired of all of those lavish musical numbers with Liza Minnelli in the third act as well. They really felt like "something to throw in and take up time."

Anyone who has seen this film knows New York, New York was more about the music by Kander and Ebb, set designs by Boris Leven and costumes by Theadora Van Runkle than the plot. For anyone who has not seen the film or is a fan of  1940s or 50s musicals, will find enough in this DVD to take a  gander. The music is great throughout. Robert De Niro's saxophone solos were dubbed by Georgie Auld but De Niro is very convincing that he's really playing it.

If nothing else, the signature tune "New York, New York" by Kander and Ebb and belted by Minnelli, still is something to hear. What a voice! The 30th Anniversary 2-disc special edition has lots of good bonus features.

Special Features

Disc One

• Martin Scorsese Introduction to New York New York

• Martin Scorsese & Film Critic Carrie Rickey audio commentary - he talks about the tone he wanted for the film

• Alternate takes/Deleted Scenes

Disc Two

• The New York New York Stories Part One

• The New York New York Stories Part Two

• Liza on New York New York

• Commentary on selected scenes by Laszlo Kovacs, ASC

Director:  Martin Scorsese

Writers: Earl Mac Rauch & Mardik Martin (screenplay), Earl Mac Rauch (story)

Cast: Liza Minnelli, Robert De Niro, Lionel Stander, Barry Primus, Mary Kay Place

Run Time: 163 Minutes

Rating: Not rated - suggested for 13 and older

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 3.5 our of 5 stars

DVD Release Date:  12/04/2007

Studio: United Artists -original film/ MGM Home Entertainment-DVD

Format: Color - Widescreen

Photo credits: MGM Home Entertainment