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Annie Get Your Gun Blu-ray Review

2 classic songs can’t save “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Based on the stage musical, 1950’s “Annie Get Your Gun” is a Technicolor film version directed by George Sidney. The story revolves around the real life figure of sharpshooter Annie Oakley who became a part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. The bulk of the plot involves Annie’s rise to fame, the financial hardships of the business, the competition (Pawnee Bill) and especially the star attraction of Bill’s show sharpshooter Frank Butler. The dynamic and romance between Annie and Frank is the key plot thread throughout the whole shebang. 

I think we can all safely say that the music and lyrics by Irving Berlin are the real star of “Annie Get Your Gun.” The tunes “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “Anything You Can Do” have become iconic show tunes and have had a long life outside of the musical. Although I think we can forget the super cringy number “I’m An Indian Too.” Seriously, that one is painful to watch and listen to.

Story wise, well, there’s not much of a story here. Annie Oakley deserves better than a musical filled with racial stereotypes, whitewashing, and a truly sexist ending. Surely there could have been a better story built around her life than a romance?

Betty Hutton and Howard Keel do an admirable job as the leads although Hutton is certainly as over-the-top as can be (despite being a lively screen presence). Still, it’s hard not to wonder what the movie would have been like with Judy Garland as Annie instead.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? My first reaction was “Wow.” The richness of the colors is truly stunning. One of the best transfers I have seen as of late.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a nice crisp audio experience.

Extras:
* The 2000 DVD intro by Susan Lucci
* Outtake musical numbers for “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly,” “I’m An Indian Too,” “Colonel Buffalo Bill,” and “Let’s Go West Again.”
* Audio outtakes for “Colonel Buffalo Bill,” “Let’s Go West Again” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”
* Theatrical trailer for “Annie Get Your Gun.”
* Song selection option

April 18, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Annie Get Your Gun Blu-ray Review, Annie Oakley, Betty Hutton, Buffalo Bill, Howard Keel, Musical Movie