The Producers

( 21 )

Overview

After transforming his first motion picture into a smash Broadway musical, Mel Brooks brings the story of two would-be theatrical moguls turned con men back to the screen in this musical comedy. Max Bialystock Nathan Lane was once one of Broadway's most successful producers, but a string of flops has thrown his career into a tailspin, and now he struggles to raise the cash to stage new shows by playing gigolo to lonely old ladies. While going over his books, accountant Leo Bloom Matthew Broderick notices that ...
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More About This Product

Overview

After transforming his first motion picture into a smash Broadway musical, Mel Brooks brings the story of two would-be theatrical moguls turned con men back to the screen in this musical comedy. Max Bialystock Nathan Lane was once one of Broadway's most successful producers, but a string of flops has thrown his career into a tailspin, and now he struggles to raise the cash to stage new shows by playing gigolo to lonely old ladies. While going over his books, accountant Leo Bloom Matthew Broderick notices that Bialystock raised more money than he spent for one show, and points out that if one raised enough money for a show that closed in one night, you could make more off a flop than a hit. This strikes Bialystock as a brilliant scheme, and he decides to give it a try, persuading Bloom to join him in staging the world's greatest flop. After discovering a truly vile script -- "Springtime for Hitler," a musical set in the Third Reich written by neo-Nazi pigeon fancier Franz Liebkind Will Ferrell -- and giving a key role to the secretary Ulla Uma Thurman, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with only a tenuous understanding of the English language, Bialystock and Bloom are certain they have the disaster they need for their plan to work. But the scheme unexpectedly goes wrong when "Springtime for Hitler" becomes a "so bad it's good" hit. Mel Brooks co-wrote the screenplay for The Producers as well as producing it, but directorial chores were handed over to Susan Stroman, who also directed the Broadway show; Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick also repeated their roles from the Broadway production.
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Special Features

Deleted scenes including never-before-seen musical numbers; Outtakes; Analysis of a scene "I Wanna Be a Producer"; Feature commentary with director Susan Stroman
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Ed Hulse
This movie version of a celebrated Broadway musical -- itself adapted by Mel Brooks from his revered 1968 feature film -- arrives on screen shouldering impossible expectations. Fortunately, The Producers is a hilarious romp, thanks in large part to the inspired teaming of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, the twosome who made the original Broadway production shine. Lane portrays the larger-than-life but down-at-the-heels Broadway impresario Max Bialystock, who raises money for his shows by romancing wealthy old widows. Broderick is Leo Bloom, the timid, neurotic accountant who conjures up a plan to make a fortune by producing a guaranteed flop. The ensuing Bloom-Bialystock partnership conjures up what has to be a surefire disaster: the musical comedy Springtime for Hitler. Through uproarious interpretations of their own, Lane and Broderick are able to reinvent beloved characters firmly etched by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder in the original film. Also reprising their stage roles are Gary Beach (as the flamboyant director Roger DeBris) and Roger Bart (as his "common law " assistant Carmen Ghia). Film stars Uma Thurman and Will Ferrell take key supporting roles; the ever-game Thurman reveals heretofore unsuspected musical talent as the sexy Swedish secretary Ulla. Director Susan Stroman, the mastermind behind the stage version, follows the Brooks script closely, opening it up just slightly by using authentic New York City locations as backdrops for a few of the over-the-top musical numbers. Overcoming the burden of comparison to the earlier versions, the new Producers succeeds firmly on its own merits. And with the DVD release, we now have the permanent pleasure of Lane's and Broderick's dazzling performances.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 5/16/2006
  • UPC: 025192843723
  • Original Release: 2005

    • Rating:

  • Source: Universal Studios
  • Region Code: 1
  • Presentation: Wide Screen
  • Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
  • Language: Français
  • Time: 2:15:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 3,943

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Nathan Lane Max Bialystock
Matthew Broderick Leopold Bloom
Uma Thurman Ulla
Will Ferrell Franz Liebkind
Gary Beach Roger De Bris
Roger Bart Carmen Ghia
Eileen Essell Hold Me-Touch Me
David Huddleston Judge
Michael McKean Prison Trustee
Debra Monk Lick Me-Bite Me
Andrea Martin Kiss Me-Feel Me
Jon Lovitz Mr. Marks
Susann Fletcher
Technical Credits
Susan Stroman Director, Choreography
John Bailey Cinematographer
Lon Bender Sound/Sound Designer
Mel Brooks Score Composer, Songwriter, Producer, Screenwriter
Mark Friedberg Production Designer
Amy Herman Co-producer
Sam Hoffman Asst. Director
William Ivey Long Costumes/Costume Designer, Executive Producer
Tod A. Maitland Sound/Sound Designer
Thomas Meehan Screenwriter
Charles Minsky Cinematographer
Peter Rogness Art Director
Tara Jayne Rubin Casting
Jonathan Sanger Producer
Robin Wagner Set Decoration/Design
Steve Weisberg Editor
Leah Zappy Associate Producer
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Scene Index

Disc #1 -- The Producers
1. "Opening Night" [3:30]
2. Hold Me/Touch Me [5:14]
3. Creative Accounting [9:13]
4. "We Can Do It!" [4:39]
5. "I Wanna Be a Producer" [6:38]
6. Revolting Stench of Self-Esteem [3:17]
7. Finding the Flop [3:15]
8. "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" [9:02]
9. "Keep it Gay" [11:26]
10. "When You Got It, Flaunt It" [9:07]
11. "Along Came Bialy" [6:20]
12. "That Face" [7:59]
13. Open Auditions [4:47]
14. Break a Leg [4:06]
15. "Springtime for Hitler" [2:04]
16. All Fired Up [8:04]
17. "Betrayed" [9:36]
18. "'Til Him" [6:01]
19. "Prisoners of Love" [7:06]
20. End Titles [4:38]
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Menu

Disc #1 -- The Producers
   Play
   Chapters
   Bonus
      Deleted Scenes
         "King of Broadway"
         Hid and Seek
         "I Wanna Be a Producer"
         "In Old Bavaria"
         "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop (Reprise)"
         "Along Came Bialy" (With Vignettes)
         "That Face (Reprise)"
         Astor Bar
         Play All
      Outtakes
      Analysis of a Scene: "I Wanna Be a Producer"
      Feature Commentary With Director Susan Stroman
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 21 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(8)

4 Star

(8)

3 Star

(4)

2 Star

(1)

1 Star

(0)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 21 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    The Producers is brilliant!

    I felt like I was watching an old musical. One of the best numbers is "I Wanna Be a Producer", when Leo Bloom dances with his "Girls In Pearls", and they dive into the fantasy world of his mind. The costumes are absolutely wonderful, especially the "Pearl Girls", scenes are intimate and lush. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick are just electric together, making me laugh every time they pull a face. Gary Beach and Roger Bart are hysterical. Will Ferral with a German accent, playing a Neo-Nazi obsessed with sending messeges to his escaped Nazi buddies in Argentina, and clearing the Führer's name is probably the best role he's ever done. Get the widescreen if at all possible, so you can enjoy it in the best way possible.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Wonderful

    A wonderful film adaptation of the Tony Award winning musical (Lane and Broderick were of the original Broadway cast). Has definitely become a favorite in my collection.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    AMAZING

    I thought that the movie would stray far from the Broadway version, which most movies tend to do based on other things, but this movie was almost exact, right down to the dialogue! Amazing and hilarious....definately a must-see!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Not As Good As I Hoped

    Having not seen the Broadway production or the original film version, I didn't know what to expect. But I have to say, I wasn't too impressed by "The Producers", mainly due to its cast of characters. Leo and Max are unlikeable and rarely funny. After all, it's hard to like a wimpy doormat and a sleazy has-been. I also wasn't impressed by the movie's protrayal of women - both old and young - as brainless sex toys. The only truly funny characters were the two gay guys and Will Ferrell. Also, the songs aren't very memorable. In other words, "The Producers" only deserves only 2 stars.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great movie, but too many cut scenes/numbers

    I really enjoyed "The Producers" and found it very enjoyable and entertaining. Love Nathan Lane, but did think that Matthew Broderick did not always come across as well. Dissappointed that they cut some of the numbers, though am glad to see them in the deleted scenes section. Would love to see a director's cut with all the deleted scenes back in the movie. I felt that the movie kept very true to the stage production, which made it very enjoyable for me. Definitely a must have for the person who enjoys musicals.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Excellent production but way overdone

    This is definitely a Broadway on DVD type of film. Who knew Mathew Broderick could sing? Nathan Lane is always a riot, but I think you will find that the outtakes are the funniest part of this movie and will hold your attention a lot longer. Never being a big fan of the Broadway Hit being brought to a movie venue, that doesn't mean this film doesn't grab the feeling of what one feels about the magic of the olden days of Hollywood. Huge production sets and big numbers make this film a great film for those who are into musicals. I myself have loved very few musicals on film while I love them on Broadway, go figure! The acting is done as if the main two actors are on Broadway and that doesn't translate well into film. I am certain this would be an excellent show to see on stage but it didn't cut the mustard for any of us watching the film. Uma Thurman does the best on film job, playing a subtle and campy seductress. If dazzling production numbers, sparkling costumes, over the top acting and the feel of Broadway on film delight you, you will enjoy this. If not, wait until the show comes to your town and see it that way.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Not as great as the original - but close!

    I still prefer the original film directed by Mel Brooks, mainly because musicals generally don't do much for me. Yet the story with its hilarious plot twist comes shining through. I wish some scenes from the first film had been included, especially the one in which the two producers are celebrating in a bar across the street from the theatre until they hear the remarks of the audience coming in during intermission. The omission of that scene irked me. Still, the cast (including the animatronic pigeons) is wonderful and the story will have you on the floor. I just wonder how different this film may have been had Mel Brooks directed it. (I presume he was unavailable because his wife was terminally ill.)

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Broadway to the Big Screen

    I was able to see Nathan and Matthew on Broadway and was looking forward to the movie. Seeing The Producers on film pales in comparison to seeing it on Broadway. But, if you weren't able to see them at the time, this is the next best thing.

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    Posted June 4, 2010

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    Posted July 26, 2009

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 21 Customer Reviews