Comparing Every Version of A Star Is Born

I took a look at each version of A Star Is Born and what they say about our cultural and cinematic history.
Check out my channel for more.
Also I highly recommend Ron Haver's book if you're into production history: www.amazon.com/Star-Born-Maki...
I'm here: / bkrewind
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[@jiananlee5482]

It’s funny how Barbara won her Oscar when the film is so poorly received, and Judy was so robbed

[@MadelaineAshton]

Barbra only won the Oscar for the song, not the acting

[@Zombievoodooqueen]

Lady gaga was robbed too! She should have won.

[@seraby7151]

@@Zombievoodooqueen she won best song! That's still good! Plus lady gaga is a better singer/songwriter than actress anyway.

[@songbirdinnc]

Kristofferson gave such an honest, vulnerable performance, it won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. His character was so burned out and exhausted. The telling line was when his driver said, “Where to?” His response? “Back about ten years.” Kris has said that seeing the ending had such a profound effect on him, he stopped drinking.

[@katokamakazie5549]

Y is people saying Gaga shuda won for acting? Seriously??? Her music undeniably superb yes.. Bt her acting.... Seriously for which scene, where there was no music included are u setting ur argument on coz i missed tht when wtching the film like 50 times... My opinion she ddnt act as well as she sang in the movie and should never be compared to Ms Garland. Ever!

[@ZoraTheberge]

It’s funny how every version’s Esther/Ally is a reflection of the actress playing her.

[@alalalala57]

@Yeet W Actually no.

[@itsybitsy999]

@Sharon Jensen So did Bradley Cooper, he's sober now after struggling with alcohol addiction.

[@naywalker9182]

Makes it work

[@nanic8848]

@Yeet W giggvivvvivvigv

[@nanic8848]

@Yeet W giggvivvvivvigvg

[@captngorton7306]

I'm obsessed with Lady Gaga but Judy is PERFECT for this role. She truly knew the darkness of Hollywood and fame.

[@carterhopkins1057]

I think they all did in their own way.

[@PandaPanda-eq3fr]

Carter Hopkins-Croak you should watch the movie Judy. It is all about Judy Garland. You will understand the comment much more.

[@carterhopkins1057]

Panda Panda I’ve seen it! I’m just saying the point is that they all have gone through hardships while becoming stars

[@rosemma34]

@@carterhopkins1057 not like Judy -- she was exceptional in every way in the talent and intelligence departments

[@carterhopkins1057]

Emma Nation I didn’t say she wasn’t lol they all are lmaoo

[@jhunz23]

Did all actress all mention about “there could be 99 people in the room who don’t believe in you, & it takes 1 person to believe in you” during their all promotion?

[@g0i2023]

That is exactly what Terry Crews said on the stage of America's Got Talent 2019 season before he hit the golden buzzer for The Detroit Youth Choir.

[@puppylovegourmetbarkery2043]

Gold

[@edum.6353]

Lady Gaga has been using this motto ever since she started (I'm a fan, can confirm).

[@elleofhearts8471]

sounds like confirmation bias to me

[@BlakeGildaphish76]

"Ms. Streisand's clothes from.. . Her closet." i LOVE that!! LoL

[@carollipton4584]

That's probably THE most Streisand comment of all time!

[@Allegra11]

Miss Malibu California wow! I think you need to lie down in a darkened room for a while. Taking a remark out of context and blowing it up into something else isn’t healthy. I doubt very much ms Streisand is a paedophile or indeed supports them in any way.

[@iamcasihart]

@@Allegra11 Michael was not a pedophile. He was not.

[@Allegra11]

iamcasihart okaaaaay.....🤐

[@kerrychristensen7204]

@@Allegra11 *Clearly* I missed an interesting conversation! O.O

[@bunkertons]

Poor Judy! She was clearly talking about herself in that confession scene.

[@collinsje5]

It was too raw and powerful not to be real. Thank you, Judy Garland and George Cukor.

[@glennlaroche1524]

You're totally right--many biographies have said that it was based not only on her career, but also her troubled/failing marriage to Sid Luft.

[@haintedhouse3052]

it was hard to buy the storyline in Judys version, just because of her history.

[@haintedhouse3052]

@laura Silveria ease up laura. all I said was Judy had a lot of problems with abuse. in the storyline Norman is the one with the abuse problem, therefore it was hard for me to separate the film from reality.

[@cassieearle9196]

@@haintedhouse3052 well it was probably hard because it was originally 3 hours and they cut a lot her stuff out.

[@clairefreeman6273]

Interesting that Judy Garland did not win the Oscar for this yet Renee Zellweger won for playing Judy.

[@suzywilliams244]

Yeah, Krazy!!

[@everythingisawesome2903]

The meme turns into reality.

[@jlasf]

Judy was robbed. Grace Kelly in "The Country Girl" is forgotten. Judy Garland in "A Star is Born" is eternal.

[@luckyylol]

The jump from the third to the fourth movie in camera quality is absolutely crazy to me

[@CrisPS3HD]

Lucy Meade film to digital :0

[@kaberus7565]

I think it's just the copy used. Original film copies are often higher quality than digital.

[@davids9520]

Less than 20 years between 1 & 2. Just over 20 years between 2 & 3. 40 years between 3 & 4 ! A lot of time for technological improvement.

[@totheworkshed7915]

The 1976 Star is Born was shot on 35 mm film, but the definition shown here (in what's at most a 1080p digital scan) is just not reflective of that filmstock's true 4K+ quality. If it was remastered and scanned in 4k they'd probably look pretty close in terms of quality. Filmstock actually has a higher threshold of definition than digital, it just depends if the studio has done a proper digital scan of the negatives. 2018's Star is Born was shot in Codex ARRIRAW (2.8K) (3.4K) so because the format was shot on digital it already has a nice digital rendition here. Regardless digital films will always look "cleaner" because they don't have the variances of film stock, but most digital actually looks cheap because of this appearance, so often in post-production, they will add filters to make the digital appearance look more like "real" filmstock. Probably way too geeky info but someone might appreciate it haha.

[@The22on]

@@totheworkshed7915 As an engineer I appreciate your comment. It’s the old digital vs analogue debate. I always prefer analog - sound or video. Analog is WISIWYG. Digital always needs sweetening to make it look or sound good to the eyes and ears.

[@thecinematicmind]

I find it fascinating how each of the 4 films represent each era of cinema.

[@IvanKNIGHTFROGSROCK]

eyyyy danny! what a coincidence running into you here!

[@matthewmcalister2165]

True. I also find it fascinating that there’s more difference in time between the first and third than between the third and fourth

[@MaxEverywhereSystem]

its really interesting viewing them as one whole tetralogy imo - theres always people just like esther and norman no matter the time period, whos stories might be slightly different yet all end with them being chewed up and spit out by the industry in the same way

[@collinsje5]

FUN FACTS: The 1954 version could have easily been lost. During the video restoration, they managed to save everything except about 10 minutes of video (audio for that part survived). Decades ago, nobody thought of movies as art works to be preserved. They would just put film master prints into containers and store them in vaults. The film would sometimes disintegrate. We no longer think that way, of course. Another film that was in danger of being lost was 1964's My Fair Lady. The restoration, however, was a complete success.

[@christinahorton7320]

I had no idea.. Very cool to know!

[@scarefest2268]

Cool

[@withfootnotes]

I also heard that it was too long for the box office audience so they cut 30 minutes which left holes in the plot.

[@boltguy]

The 1954 version of 'A Star Is Born' was shown in test screenings in a196 minute version. Despite the fact that audiences were wildly enthusiastic at the screenings, director George Cukor cut the film to 182 minutes for its New York premiere. The film received rave reviews in the press, but the studio was concerned that the running time would mean fewer screenings per day and against the wishes of Cukor, they trimmed the film to 154 minutes, losing two major musical numbers and some key dramatic scenes. This was the version that went into general release and was the only version seen for almost thirty years until the 1983 restoration by Ron Haver, which restored the film to a 176 minute running time. a few years ago it was rumored that film restorer and friend of Liza Minnelli, Michael Arick had a complete print of the film, but nothing has been heard of that since. . The 'My Fair Lady' restoration was a different kettle of fish entirely. The existing 154 min standard release print of 'A Star Is Born' was not in danger of being lost as the original elements of that print had been well preserved. The restoration was primarily involved with restoring previously cut footage. The 'My Fair Lady' restoration was in order to renew and preserve deteriorating elements for the entire film and nothing to do with salvaging previously cut or lost footage.

[@withfootnotes]

boltguy Very informative! Never knew that. Thanks. Any idea where the partially restored version can be watched, if at all?

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

I've seen all 3 versions. But what stays with me is when Judy Garland says "this is MRS Norman Maine" I think it is SO powerful...it reduces me to tears. He'd given her so much, taken so much and she STILL loved him. Its about love.

[@stanmarcusgtv]

you are correct, the reviewer doesn't understand

[@sjw5797]

Even in this day and age, I would have expressed it the same way.

[@Zeverinsen]

@@stanmarcusgtv She *just* explained how it's an important difference within the context of how and when the movies were made.

[@Fran-px1oh]

I, cry every time, fool that I am.

[@devontehuntley6274]

There's four versions, unless you count those Indian remakes. You made this comment three years ago when the 2018 version was already out so which "three versions" did you see if you did mean to say three?

[@lizziewalker9374]

I think all four actresses did a wonderful job in their era, but by leaps and bounds, Judy’s version is my favorite. She is both Norman and Esther. Just that one scene with her bought me to tears. She was without a shadow of a doubt a spectacular actress.

[@eamonndeane587]

And one that deserved so much better in Life...

[@lizziewalker9374]

@@eamonndeane587 I agree. No one can deny she was the hardest working actress in Hollywood.

[@alexkmz]

I like to think that Ally's arc in the movie mirrors Gaga herself. Starting small then getting huge really fast, becoming a pop-icon with sexualized music, and now that she's become who she wants to be as an artist she can do whatever the hell she wants and be honest with herself. She still does pop stuff, but they come from more honest and real places and combine with her more country/folk music of recent albums.

[@rodrigomonsaraz2043]

I think the movie mirrors in no way Gaga's ascension. Just to be clear: nothing for or against that, it's just what I think. Gaga was not discovered by a lover. She was not told to change her hair color. She changed it herself. Sure, initially because she did not want to be confused with Amy Winehouse. But then she created a whole persona for her. More than a pseudonym even. In personal terms, I think I read that one of the things that contributed the most for her breakup with her fiancee was her focus on her career (again, no judgement whatsoever, if that was indeed true: whatever makes each person more fulfilled in life should be fine). However, in no way, she seems to be an "Ally" in that regard. And good for her. Beacuse as much as I appreciate Jackson's struggle and Ally's sweetness, a story of a woman who just "grabs" her own chance and future (like Barbra's version, like Gaga herself) is so much more compelling to me than a stroy of what feeld like a sidekick that grew bigger than the actual star.

[@alexkmz]

Rodrigo Monsaraz I...never said that it was exactly the same I said it was similar. I even laid out the basics on how I believed they were similar making no mention of her romantic relationships. You are arguing against a statement I didn’t make.

[@jayandrews3509]

you like to think but that's not the truth

[@kaiatherton]

this is why act 2 lost me. once Ally became a "Pop Star" which didn't make sense really for that to be her musical direction out of choice, unless it was pressure from her manager, Alley became to much like Gaga and we lost ally. se saw the actress, not the character.. Now Lady Gaga was WAYYYYYy better then i ever expected, but she is a new actress in terms of this level, and that nuance was more then she could handle to keep Ally forefront. and not show Gaga.

[@stefanig4834]

alexkmz no no Gaga said it herself, Ally is nothing like Gaga. Ally is someone who gave up on herself. Gaga was the fame monster.

[@Mia_M]

I do think Gaga will win an Oscar, not from her role, but from the music she wrote. The music has such depth and you feel the emotions in Bradley's and Gaga's performances, especially in I'll Never Love Again.

[@julz3tt3]

I think Bradley deserves an Oscar for his portrayal too.

[@Jevezy]

She did a good job, but the Oscar belongs to Rami Malek.

[@gisellf6693]

I heard Bradley wrote all the songs ?

[@yoyo-ji6vm]

@@Jevezy LOL Rami didn't do great even critics hate him

[@HMMAwards]

Gaga did a great service to her acting role. Writer credit of the song go to Gaga, Mark Ronson , Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt. This song won BEST ORIGINAL SONG - FEATURE FILM at the 2018 Hollywood Music In Media Awards held on 11/14/18 Here's a performance of the song at the HMMA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamQf4mie69leKc

[@PeaceFan1]

Judy's Version OF COURSE was THE BEST!!!! Judy SHOULD HAVE WON that Oscar!!! THE GREATEST BLUNDER in Oscar HISTORY!!!!

[@waynej2608]

Exactly! I wasn't even born yet, and that still pisses me off!

[@m.syauqiabdurahman2798]

The Only Time She Won Is For A Juvenile Award In Oscar For Her Perfomancr In "The Wizard Of Oz" And "Babes In Arm" .

[@SyedSaifAbbasNaqvi]

The academy was so ashamed they gave Judy the Oscar the following year. What a shame.

[@shannonmercier2809]

Yes. To me, Judy for A Star is Born.... Bette for The Rose

[@xaviotesharris891]

@@SyedSaifAbbasNaqvi No they didn't. What are you talking about? The academy did not give her an award the following year.

[@Sweetthang9]

Judy's performance of The Man that Got Away is the single best scene in any of the films. The end.

[@xaviotesharris891]

Boom. Done. Yes, hands down. The only performance on film I know of that can be compared to this scene at all is Streisand's My Man at the end of Funny Girl.

[@MontagZoso]

Yep. 100 percent.

[@suzywilliams244]

Hello!!! YES!!!

[@ladyd712]

Disagree. Barbra singing With One More Look At You and Watch Closely now is by far the best of all the movies.

[@michaelgreisinger5255]

For me it's the Born In A Trunk sequence. Then I'd put The Man That Got Away.

[@peacelovesmile6619]

I would like to add at the end of the 2018 film, we see Ally identify herself as Jackson's wife, yes, but also her hair is back to her natural color, and her voice changes during the finale, to her more original sound. I think this shows how that she is now taking control going forward in a world nowadays where the 'star machine' is real again. Also, Gaga has mentioned that Ally only truly becomes a star in the final frame of the movie. I think this is true. Great video, thank you.

[@glamourpussx4797]

Not only that, but Jackson mocks her pop songs and criticises her for not digging deep enough. It takes him dying to give her something to dig deep for.

[@desr278]

She looks and sounds just like when Jackson fell in love with her in the first place.

[@Daisy-jh9sc]

Isn’t it interesting how much that parallels with Gaga’s own career? The years of crazy costumes and stilts stopped once she had really reached stardom, I wonder what event in her life contributed to the change...

[@emiyoung4486]

desr278 yeah. She sings Edith piaf's 'la vie en rose' when Jackson first sees her, and if you remember the final scene of Ally singing with that close up and her looking into the light, it's so comparable with the final scene of the film 'la vie en rose', when Edith is singing 'je regrette rien' after her partner's death! Look! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWnbpZ1vnKt4b5I

[@halfbkdt8rsalad]

@@Daisy-jh9sc possibly her fibromyalgia diagnosis?

[@philyra2]

I definitely think Gaga was channeling Judy Garland for this one. She was so much more vulnerable and unsure of herself than Barbra's version. I especially loved her little nod to Judy when she sang a bit of "Over the Rainbow" at the beginning of the film.

[@robertsampson4561]

Except without the conspicuous consumption of all the scenery maybe.....

[@diankilborn1029]

Amy, do you think that the "nose" gesture when he tells her that he wants to take another look at her is homage to Streisand whom I understand from an interview with Lady Gaga, invited her into her home to discuss the film?

[@CigaraStCistar]

Nose commentary from Gaga was to Streisand. ... ☆ ♡

[@estherm3133]

I'm 21 and bitter about the name change

[@Rechard1107]

Last of the Esthers lol

[@littlemonster5871]

😂😂😂😂

[@happyeaster5769]

SAME

[@mikeylmt]

I dated an Esther and I love the name. Besides, old fashioned names are trendy right now! If they aren't where you live, yet, just wait.

[@firsttimecallerlongtimelis836]

There is a character named Esther in the show Barry

[@vengestac.5663]

I’m obsessed with the transatlantic accents in the first one

[@collinsje5]

Judy Garland's dressing room scene with Charles Bickford is one of the great moments in cinematic history.

[@srtopo24]

It sends chills up my spine every time I see it!

[@waynej2608]

None of the other three, as talented as they may be, come close to what Garland does here.

[@lillietuck6682]

i havent ever seen that scene until watching this video, and the small amount that they showed i was so immersed!! amazing moment!

[@xaviotesharris891]

As is her Man That Got Away among the very top musical performances ever captured on film.

[@estherpollock3746]

yeah who names someone Esther in 2018 yknow what i mean

[@TheMissoverthetop]

honestly I thought that "Norman" was a far more outdated name! Norman sounds like an old man lol, but I think "Ally" would have suited the name Esther because its more unique

[@Wensleydale96]

I know, right?! Lol!

[@amaribrown3752]

Well she wasn't born in 2018 so

[@zucchinigreen]

A Golden Girls fan. 😉

[@JMCNYC79]

Esther Pollock Wow. For a toddler your use of the internet is pretty fantastic! You know, since you were born in 2018!

[@MrPhilip2468]

There’s a movie from 1932 called “What Price Hollywood?” In a lot of ways it’s the original a star is born, it’s basically the same plot structure as the new versions, I’d definitely recommend watching it if you can find it!

[@DonKrouskop-qy8hb]

Indeed, George Cukor directed it, and thus declined when he was offered the 1937 STAR because he felt it was too similar.

[@robertholtz]

I'm truly impressed at how thoughtfully and methodically you took on this analysis. Taking on any one of these films is a major challenge in and of itself. Taking them ALL on at once, without getting lost in the weeds and pulling focus from your key narrative, is not so easy. It affirms your standout prowess as a storyteller. Moreover, as impressed as I am with what you put into this video, I'm still more impressed by what you chose to leave out. That restraint gives you the authority of a clear confident point of view, well-reasoned and worthy of intelligent discourse. Subscribed!

[@arethareereec61]

Agreed!!

[@Patricksargentmusic]

Well said

[@MissLilRedRooster]

Garland's interpretation was, in my opinion, the best, because audiences knew her personal experiences; they knew her childhood, they knew her professional struggles, and they knew how her life paralleled that plot in so many ways. She had a voice that was singular, unique, and identifiable, and in many ways, that movie was her swan song. She was raw, emotional, and connected, and was totally robbed of the Oscar for that performance.

[@nannybells]

yes!

[@user-ql4sn9rc2j]

Yes. The scene where she is getting critiqued and has nose plugs put in, that really happened to her. And her movie debut was really her; her singing about being a baby at vaudeville, that really was her. This film was her magnum opus, her heart poured out for millions to see. The fact that she didn’t get the Oscar, as Groucho marks said, was the biggest robbery in history

[@alicekotowicz5727]

I don't know though, because I think that the exact same thing could be said of Gaga's performance

[@user-ql4sn9rc2j]

gagas Esther was a secondary character. that version is more about Anderson Cooper. can't compare to the complexity garland brought @@alicekotowicz5727

[@katokamakazie5549]

@@alicekotowicz5727 plse do not compare Gaga to Lady Garland... EVER! Her singing was 👌 bt her acting NO NO No!

[@taylordowning2533]

The Judy Garland version is my favorite one. I liked the recent version as well, but imho, the 1954 version is great and it has Judy Garland....one of the best entertainers in the world. Her voice alone makes me cry, it was absolutely beautiful.

[@joshuanance]

Judy’s version is by far the best

[@michaelrecycle9838]

For what it's worth, Judy Garland's performance is one of my favourite performances, Oscar or no Oscar

[@LivvinITNick]

Judys version of the film stands out completely in the best way. It always makes me so emotional.

[@Mrsjennaferg]

Your voice is made for voice overs, podcasts, or audiobooks. I love it. So soothing.

[@whisperinggirly]

No it drives me mad. So much vocal fry. But it is typical of videos about 'top 5 things that Miley did this year' or suchlike.

[@beckigreen]

whisperinggirly Agree! It’s annoying.

[@CateJackson]

Ditto! I couldn't make it through a third of the video!

[@alihaider5190]

i love her voice.. whats her name

[@CityStick]

whisperinggirly Agreed! That drives me nuts. Like fingernails on a blackboard.

[@erinpilla]

I agree that the 2018 Grammy scene was less about a power struggle but more of substance abuse at its peak destructiveness. I disagree though that it was more about Jackson than Ally. I felt they were equally given room in the film.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

There stories were twined together but there is a greater emphasis on Jackson's addiction and backstory.

[@als9633]

Definietly feels like it was leaning more towards Jackson, which only makes sense because he was the one struggling throughout the entire movie. It also relates so much on whats going on today and before today. Substance abuse, mental illness.

[@JW-oc5ck]

I left the film disappointed there was not more about Ally and thinking it was totally all Cooper. I understand why they used the vehicle they did (barely anything is written originally and well anymore), but really it should have been called anything but ASIB.

[@allysonmessina1785]

erinpilla Agreed.

[@veronicaschwarz22]

@@atbattson 👏👏👏

[@michaelsmith3943]

Everyone is saying that Judy Garland's was the best. I completely agree.

[@suzywilliams244]

100%!

[@MsTimothyswan]

I have not seen any of the film versions of A Star Is Born. Yet - to have Janet Gaynor, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand and Lady Gaga all recognized within the same video is a real stroke of sheer genius

[@thewalrusaurus]

I like the new one a lot, but Judy's version is still untouchable

[@morley364]

I have mixed feelings on the new one, but they're completely for personal reasons rather than a quality judgement. I've been in an abusive relationship, and there were moments when Bradley Cooper's character would say something that hit way too close to home and was too similar to things my abuser said. By the time the ending came, I was desperate to have him off the screen. I do think I would have liked the movie otherwise, but that element made it impossible for me to like Cooper or feel any investment in them being together.

[@lollmylifex3]

Morley i also have mixed feelings about the new one. Though I have not been in an abusive relationship, I could imagine Jackson’s character could make a lot of people in the audience uncomfortable. Apart from what you mentioned, I specifically took issue with his first encounters with Ally. He, a complete stranger other than the fact he’s famous, goes to her dressing room, barely says anything while trying to feel her up and “get things going” when he is completely drunk and she’s sober. Then the next time when they’re in the parking lot or wherever, he laughs at her and calls her ugly??? Says her nose is huge??? Not to mention this movie was released not too long after the whole Harvey Weinstein news. To me, it was timely bc of the opioid crisis and addressed the struggles of substance abuse/addiction. While at the same time, was untimely because of the Weinstein thing.

[@chiedu90069]

@@morley364 Yeah, these aren't popular opinions, but Bradley Cooper's character made me very uncomfortable. Even the way he dragged her onto that stage. How many times are we told something is for our own good? If I'm adult, it's my choice. ******SPOILER****** And his suicide was unspeakably cruel. Letting her find him. It was all too much. James Mason's Norman is the most sympathetic for me. The Kris Kristoferson.

[@chiedu90069]

@Michael Freed LOL Save the mansplaining for someone who can't think for himself. Characters are CREATIONS. Jackson's character is boorish one imo and he doesn't have to be. Is MY opinion hard to deal with?

[@chiedu90069]

@Michael Freed Actually, you're overcompensating for not having a point of view. Lotta words. Nothing there.

[@panterloart9180]

My favourite part of the 2018 version was how realistic the relationship felt. It wasn't all romance and roses (like any other romance movie) it felt real and complex.

[@kinmanthebrave]

It felt abusive and gross. Real, yes. But gross.

[@filmgirlLisa]

Yeah. I believed he fell in love with her the moment he met her. 1954 I believed it too, but after they kept trying to convince me.

[@lyndachabane1931]

The Kris and Barbara version of A Star is Born, is in my eyes the best ever. A phenomenal performance from both. I spent 2 weeks driving around Ireland in my soft top Midget playing it over and over again. It holds so many special memories for me, a true classic.

[@MikaelleCartright]

Great job Lady. You really unpacked 4 films and gave me a desire to actually watch all of them. Thank you for your analysis...

[@shoutinghorse]

Garland's performance in the '54 film is outstanding, James Mason was also superb. Out of the three (I have yet to see this latest one) theirs are the best acted although I think Kristofferson and Streisand did good jobs they were never going to out act G & M. This latest movie should have been made nearly a decade ago and Clint Eastwood was to direct it, Beyonce had agreed to play the female lead but Eastwood took ages trying to decide who he wanted to play the male lead. The project was put on hold, Beyonce eventually pulled out and Eastwood lost interest and made a deal with Cooper to take over the movie. The plot was to be a modern twist on the Garland/Mason roles but Cooper re wrote the script. (just a bit of trivia there for you)

[@EmoBearRights]

When Judi lost at the Oscars Groucho Marx said it was the biggest robbery since a noitrious bank heist of the time.

[@johnrobinson1132]

@@EmoBearRights "....since Brinks!"

[@EmoBearRights]

Thank you BTW there's a great video series on Best Actress winners from Be Kind Rewind that dissects why Judy was robbed. I've been binging them to the annoyance of my family.

[@christopherbrown2706]

I wonder if this would've given Beyoncé the film career she wanted

[@waynej2608]

@@EmoBearRights Groucho was absolutely right! It was robbery, plain and simple. She made millions of dollars for the studio (s), and they show their appreciation by stabbing her in the back. People like Mayer. Bastards.

[@nicole9volt]

8:48 Jesus... With that short hair she looks JUST LIKE her daughter 😮

[@captngorton7306]

I thought the same

[@gracjackVEVO]

i think if judy wouldn't struggle with health she would look exactly like liza

[@kathleenmckenzie6261]

And I just noticed in this video that Liza inherited her mother's speaking voice as well. Singing, not so much.

[@danekeating5224]

You seem surprised that a child would resemble their own parent. What did you expect... Jesus.

[@KayKay114]

@@danekeating5224 people will be surprised that siblings look alike nevermind lmfao

[@bluebeazley1390]

My favourite will always be the 1976 Barbra /Kris version. The music and the song at the end of the film are sublime and otherworldly. Underrated, Barbra being misunderstood by most people, it touches the heart in a way that the others do not. How dare you subtitle it Still born!! I'm sure most young people, if they didn't know much about pop culture now, upon first listening and watching would prefer the 1976 version - ethereal and timeless.

[@agc2477]

You left out the original, "What Price Hollywood?" 1932 starring Constance Bennett.

[@notgoodatnormal]

Yes, I was thinking this also. Much lesser known, but that was what the '37 version is based on. I loved it, had the book also.

[@kevinbergin9971]

Thanks, remember seeing it on TCM and forgetting the title here.

[@harushouse]

I think Judy Garland's will always be my favourite. It always breaks my heart and especially since she was so similar to the Norman character

[@niekklaver3030]

I never really watched something from Judy Garland, but that breakout scene was so emotional and truely hit the feels. What an amazing woman

[@scarr5666]

Niek Klaver You should check out Judy's version. A true classic.

[@julz3tt3]

Yes Judy was an icon so playing that role was perfect for her and she acted so well.

[@OldWorkingMan]

You missed one. "What Price Hollywood?" is the original 'A Star is Born'. It was made in 1932 and the script for the 1937 version is nearly identical to "What Price Hollywood?"

[@Anjuli50]

And it, too, was directed by George Cukor.

[@PizzaFLIX]

@@Anjuli50 and The Executive Producer was David O. Selznick, who later produced the original '37 version for Selznick International Pictures.

[@projectkj7643]

Thank you for posting this - I watched it this past weekend and loved it! I watched the Streisand version first, years ago, and always thought it was the only one...boy was I wrong. Now, I have seen "What Price Hollywood?" and then the 1937 version and both, I found, superior to Streisand's version. Not that she and Kristofferson were bad (LOVED the music) - just didn't love it. Not in a rush to see Gaga's version...I'm good for now! Oh, crap...Garland did a version. Seriously, how many times is this movie going to be made?!!

[@mkholmes878]

SHE WON AN OSCAR 🙌🏻

[@blackpinups]

There's a prequel to A Star is Born franchise. It's called What Price Hollywood (1932). It stars Constance Bennett and Lowell Sherman.

[@Jongen.]

That's not a prequel, and something cannot be a prequel if it's made before the original from 1937. So the What Price Hollywood is a stand alone movie, with other characters, but with mostly the same plot.

[@Price_of_Fame]

The "So Far" at 11:18 made me cackle a bit. Great video!

[@Kristine_202]

Yes!!!!

[@littlemonster9689]

Same😂

[@telefan2638]

I love this kind of stuff... This was an excellent comparison of all versions of the film...!!!

[@dogstar7]

You beat me to the punch "So far" indeed Wish wish...what's that I hear? Is somebody sweeping?

[@TheMrv30]

Price_of_Fame that was hilarious !!! Gaga did her thing

[@LisaIsabelle]

Don't get me wrong, I loved Streisand while growing up and I love Gaga as an adult ..... but Judy Garland is Judy Garland and no one comes close to her.

[@eviejynx4550]

Nah

[@delishme2]

I literally can't decide. I truly love the last three equally.

[@thetrainwreck1469]

I've seen the 1954 version. To me, it was way (way) overacted and the musical score was so outdated. I love Judy Garland, but I just couldn't get into it.

[@popland1977]

The thing, there was a different acting style in film at that point, it wasn't necessarily in the vain of realism. As for the score, we are talking about a film that is over 60 years old. The Man That Got Away is still an incredible number

[@nickzegarac429]

You better believe it! Viva la Garland!

[@D1300H6A]

There is NO doubt in my mind; Miss Garland "knocked it out of the park". There is no comparison. From the song "The Man that Got Away" to the Born in the Trunk sequence, she soars like an eagle with outstanding artistic success. She should have won the Oscar for this movie; and, the Academy should have given her an Honorary Oscar in the years that followed the release of this picture.

[@sobekmania]

All the actresses did great with their respective Esther roles, but Judy undeniably stands out from all of them. Judy, factoring in her upsetting experiences with Hollywood and addiction, takes on Esther as a woman who loves singing but does feel insecure about her talent, while also managing to be both Norman and Esther onscreen. It's criminal that Judy didn't receive an Oscar for her role; Hollywood treated her horribly.

[@rossmerchant1431]

That version is operating on so many meta levels. She's essentially playing a younger version of herself against a character who is basically her present self. And there is a scene where we watch her watching herself in a film singing a slightly fictionalized version of her childhood.

[@TheRealMrSnickers]

You should be very proud of yourself, they were fantastic reviews of all the films. I nominate you for the KZbin Academy Award! Great job, seriously!!

[@theninjacat7200]

Silver ByTheOz yes, fantastic video essay. loved it!

[@diankilborn1029]

I agree Silver ByTheOz. It is serendipity in action that I stumbled upon it in my travels. I was planning to acquire each version and compare it and now, when I do...I can compare my thoughts with the lucid, concise and educational observations made in this video. Good stuff, indeed!

[@JeannetteAndreaJackson]

Totally agree Silver ByThe Oz - fantastic reviews.. loved it..Be Kind Rewind !

[@redbeard36]

I saw the restored and remastered version of the Judy Garland version which included dialogue that had been lost. It was great. What makes this movie really tragic is that Garland basically followed the Norman Mane trajectory in her real life; though the rising stars were her daughters.

[@jlf1309]

The version with Kris Kristofferson and Barbara Streisand is absolutely the best! I could watch it over and over! 👍

[@kellyrob4296]

Oh God, I’m glad someone agrees with me!!! I wrote a paragraph above about it and I was sure I’d catch hell! But, yes, IT’s So Good!! ♥️

[@raregem84]

My absolute favorite version. They both did amazing playing those roles❤️

[@k.k.782]

Still love A Star is Born with Streisand.

[@Serai3]

I like the relationship in that one the best. :)

[@karengodbold3620]

I totally agree Barbara and Kris version was the Best in My Opinion💯

[@jimmyl324]

Judy should have gotten an Oscar.Her acting was heartfelt throughout.I’m reading the book by Lorna Luft. It was a major disappointment for her family she didn’t win.

[@voozoo1606]

SHE GOT HER OSCAR FOR T W O OZ !! SADLY , IT WAS A TINY TINY TINY OSCAR !!!!!!!!!

[@judyalcatraz918]

personally my favorite is judy garlands version.it's an absolute masterpiece ..judy shows why she is one of the greatest entertainers that ever walked this earth...I will always say judy was robbed of the Oscar one of the biggest upsets in academy award history .

[@legend9948]

thank god we have the true version and not the one Jack Warner brutally butchered

[@d.e.b.b5788]

Yeah, yeah yeah. Every couple of years, another greatest entertainer is touted by the slobbering, star struck fans. We have to stop canonizing entertainers of all types, it's way out of hand. They're basically the jesters of the court, only now on a huge stage or screen. For every Judy Garland, there are a dozen equally good actresses/singers/dancers who never got 'discovered'.

[@popland1977]

In terms of stars that did get discovered, she was one of the greatest. Athletes are routinely praised, we can do the same for entertainers

[@d.e.b.b5788]

What we need to do, is praise all star teachers. No, not all of them are good. But some are spectacular, and they certainly deserve to be reminded of that. And I'm an e.r. nurse, nobody says a damn thing to me after I keep their family member from dying.

[@cindyp9]

@@d.e.b.b5788 Garland and Streisand are singers that are way better than Gaga or others today.

[@user-us5pv8zw3z]

No one can touch Judy Garland in A Star is Born. Her performance is iconic and it cemented her in the psyche of the public. Musical numbers like The Man That Got Away and Swanee have become legendary. Her raw emotion, probably pulled from her own life, in the dressing room scene brought me to tears. Streisand’s version was ok, but Kris couldn’t hold a tune to save his life. It just didn’t satisfy.

[@rossmerchant1431]

Have you listened to the live version on her Carnegie Hall concert album? Absolutely phenomenal

[@user-us5pv8zw3z]

@@rossmerchant1431 I didn’t just listen, I was there. It was a spiritual experience to say the least.

[@oogabooga2337]

@@user-us5pv8zw3zim jealous

[@endtyme1345]

There's two BEST version of this remake: the one from Judy Garland & Lady Gaga. Both showed two different generations, exhuberant personalities, musical skills and impeccable perfomances.

[@Kimteach2011]

This is a very intelligent analysis of all "A Star Is Born" films. People will argue which one they like best while I appreciate all the films for telling this story for their generation. Gaga better win an Oscar for the music while being nominated for acting and I see Bradley winning for directing or acting.

[@RealLukeWilson]

Wow, I had no idea that continually remaking this film was so relevant. I hadn’t heard of it before until the new one came out, and when I learned that it was the fourth iteration I just rolled my eyes and scoffed, thinking there’s already too many movies with the same conceptual basis (like Begin Again or Music & Lyrics) to justify another straight-up remake. But this video made me actually want to watch at least the Garland and Streisand versions, if not all of them. Thanks for making this!

[@sambenyon5]

This was a very solid video essay. The first I’ve seen of your channel. Subscribed!

[@lin2thez341]

man that dress judy wears to win "oscar" is 🔥

[@albireadingromance]

I love the 2018 movie. It was excellent.

[@no1nestandsalone387]

Albi M it made me cry so hard I was shaking. So good but so sad

[@hs6643]

@Adelaide McMillan She doesn't play herself at all. Maybe do your research before stating something like that.

[@TECfan1]

@Adelaide McMillan Um.....that's the point of a Star is Born. They're always kind of loosely about the star themselves. That's what's always made them great.

[@PerpetualArt]

No doubt that AM was a little tense in the way her comment sounded. Adelaide is right, Stephanie was basically playing herself. She did alright, but by the way people commented on the trailers, it was if she was definitely going to win best actress or something. It was a great movie, but it did follow the 76 version pretty close. I did enjoy it, but I didn't really like that she went from a rock/pop singer to a kiddy pop singer, and that part of the movie was in fact a bit boring to me. Bradley Cooper did an awesome job acting as well as singing.

[@juliencastle2953]

Adelaide McMillan: She plays a singer but an hour and a half of the film are "regular" scenes, not musical ones and in this scene she's a shy, insecure girl who's going through a lot. Yeah the concert scene etc were close to her but all the rest wasn't at all imo.

[@marterisher2335]

I’ve seen all of them multiple times ... the 76 version probably 15 times. But I REALLY liked this new version precisely because of the back stories for both principals. Looking back from the freshness of today, Streisand seems affectatious. But that could be the boldness you attribute to that time. Gaga felt natural and consistent with her back story. Cooper was a revelation!!! Amazing vocals. Loved the music too!

[@cindyp9]

Liked what you said about the 76 version. That's my era. Streisand in this movie was a role model for many of us up and coming singers. Too many women today shrink back in insecurity and they don't need to.

[@liilybuug]

i’ve watched this 3 times, it doesn’t sound like a whole lot, but i barely watch videos in general. you speak so well, and so clear, i feel like i’m really learning.

[@oldhwy80]

This was a superb presentation thank you! Loved every one of those movies. You have to watch them all to really appreciate the story and what each actor brings into it.

[@lizzibean1]

wow I haven't come across a woman doing these types of film video essays on youtube in forever! I'm so happy I did! I really liked how in depth you were and how you cited sources well- plus the descriptions of the time periods were super helpful. Good job, keep It up!

[@JW-oc5ck]

Well said, I agree!

[@gadamis]

I suggest taking a look at Contrapoints' channel.

[@thejohnlennonsongbook4700]

Yes, THIS. Agreed.

[@linaaviles430]

check out Screenprism

[@badquestion4785]

Lindsey Ellis

[@telefan2638]

I love this kind of stuff... This was an excellent comparison of all versions of the film...!!!

[@fredatipton5957]

A Star is Born-Barbara and Kris best version. Unlikely couple but worked. When it first came out I went to watch it 8 times in video and I own the DVD.

[@YatesNYC]

Freda Tipton - When I saw the Streisand version I was 12 and I thought it was the best movie I had ever seen ( I was already a huge Streisand fan by that age). After I saw the movie, I played the soundtrack until the vinyl wore out. When I saw he movie again twenty years later, it made me cringe in many different places. The music and the performances of the music is stellar but the rest of it, I am sad to say, is worthy of the ridicule it received from critics. Out of the entire cast, I think the best and most honest acting was from Kris Kristofferson.

[@Ipitydafool2005]

To me, it's Judy Garland's version that was the best. I cried during so much of it and it was so magical.

[@daviddaniel3126]

Nice review. It helps the story versions make sense to me. One note: Sam Elliot says "Music is about how the artist sees the same 12 NOTES" not octaves. An octave is the same note at a higher or lower frequency. Sam Elliot's character was saying that its how musicians deal with the limitations of 12 basic units of sound that inform their artistry. We all work from the same basic material but the expression of that material is limitless. Again, thank you. I now have more to talk about with my girlfriend, since its her favorite movie of all time.

[@loferx]

This Will be a great contender at next year's awards season. For sure Cooper will be tough competition in acting, as I believe Gaga will definetly get some Award for her composing work, and a certain nomination in acting ( I bet she wins)

[@Ltenney1]

Lo Fernandes I’m predicting like Garland & Mason and Streisand & Kristofferson before them, Gaga & Cooper will win Golden Globes for acting!

[@cynthiareynolds3432]

I used to say this or that movie or that actor is going to be nominated or win an award. I don't do that because you can't tell anymore. But there is a reason they pushed this to awards season. Plus the movie will win any fan award, that's for sure.

[@clarkyyy7857]

More please!!! Like in depth

[@fkd1963]

I saw the film. It’s good, not great. Gaga fine. Cooper boring.

[@voozoo1606]

OUCH !!!!!!!!!!@@fkd1963

[@carrierojas3277]

Great video. I recently watched the recent version and loved it. I haven’t seen the others and wondered how they compared. Thanks for this.

[@BrittanyLCF]

Love love loved your analysis on these films. Put the entire story in a new light. Definitely have a new appreciation for the history behind it all! Thank you!!! Ps, great narration. Your voice has great intonation. Two thumbs way, way up.

[@evergreenrodeo]

New fav channel!!!! I can't stop watching! binging them all!

[@chrisserafimov9034]

What a great and informative video! I watched the new "A Star Is Born" two days ago and was blown away by the way it deals with serious topics and by the perfect acting, cinematography and direction! It pays tribute to the previous movies but still manages to be unique on its own.

[@justincole7077]

Thank you for doing this...I'm so interested in seeing the others now. I love the newest one so much!

[@kristalpillay9991]

The 1937 version was always my favorite...by far, but I haven't seen the 2018 one yet. I think they should've of called her Vicky or Victoria in the new one instead of Ally, as a nod to the older movies...without having to use Esther.

[@haintedhouse3052]

i like all 4 versions, but the 1937 version has some comically dated scenes, the most obvious being Vicki Lester being able to take Norman home by just showing up in court "Yes I recognize you Miss Lester." and all is well and Norman gets to go home scott free. yeah that would happen today.

[@barbarak2836]

@@haintedhouse3052 It's "dated" because it was made almost 85 years ago.

[@Viewer92136]

There are still babies named Ester. I know a couple, and looked it up. In 2022, (2023 is not completed) it was the 203 most popular name in the USA for girls.

[@MariaVosa]

Do we want a video of that? It's like you don't know us AT ALL! Of course we do!!

[@abc92800]

MariaVosa um im still waiting for her to do more Best Actress videos... welp😜

[@mesaklalropuia1140]

Xena!?!

[@coricoo_247]

Agreed! I'm new here but really love how you built this comparison!! I'd love to see more!

[@vanessak69]

Came down here to say that. Yes, of course!

[@luisalbertomaresyanez5998]

YES!!

[@sjansenak]

I loved the 1954 version but I cried and cried at the end of the 2018 movie. I thought both of the main characters were amazing. Loved this version more.

[@davidmoreno7581]

Funny I liked 2018 even though I thought it was too long and lingered too long so that I didn't feel very emotional by the end of it. But, I did appreciate their performances the best.

[@EricCoomerMusic]

This was such a good video. When it started, I thought, “18 minutes? I’ll just watch a little bit.” But it was so excellent, I want to watch more of your videos now!

[@EricCoomerMusic]

(I’ll even forgive the whole 12 octaves instead of 12 notes thing. That’s how much I liked it!)

[@clairemercier3969]

Excellent! I truly enjoyed this video (even more so since I binge-watched the four versions last week!) Your comments are very interesting and right on. Bravo! Five stars *****.

[@amjPeace]

James Mason's performance brought me to tears.

[@duffusus02]

What a wonderful review of all four versions of this great movie. You have captured the differences without implying that one movie was better than the other and that unbias in movie reviewing is very rare. Well done again on a great presentation

[@JermaineDemetrius]

This was absolutely wonderful, thank you! HUUUUUGE fan of A Star Is Born!!

[@Colin.Smith.Pianist]

Wonderful. I appreciate your clarity, and I would love a video on the behind the scenes stories of each version!

[@davidpellegrene1133]

I love all of the versions of "A Star Is Born" but Judy Garland's was and is a masterpiece. Judy was robbed of an Oscar by Grace Kelly's performance in The Country Girl. How many remember that performance??? The New Version is wonderful with amazingly talented performers. Still, it's Judy Garland's version for me that remains the greatest version. Anyone who can do a scene where she feels completely broken because she is witnessing the person she loves most literally destroyed, and then 60 seconds later pulls herself together as the shining, professional talent that she is, takes something almost unheard of to do. It's not just one of the best scenes in this movie, but one of the best acting scenes in movie history. Of course, just my opinion. Sorry for the run-on sentence.

[@markallen4356]

Garland whom I do like generally belts out every number in the movie,it just becomes tiresome after awhile.she was already a drug addict and alcoholic by 1954 and it really shows.she never convinces she is an innocent in Hollywood the way Janet Gaynor does.

[@doxma33]

Yes, it took a lot of suspension of disbelief to see Judy as a naif, but her performance was so compelling that you have to give it to her.

[@davidpellegrene1133]

@Karen Carpenter That's true, but I have yet to see someone do it as well. Again, just my opinion. BTW, Karen Carpenter is my favorite female singer.

[@anthonyberry106]

David Pellegrene

[@davidpellegrene1133]

@@anthonyberry106 What?

[@victor_dakota7986]

Great Review. I was looking everywhere for a video that compares all four films. Thanks for uploading.

[@g0i2023]

Liked and subscribed with the little bell ticked. Because I like stuff like this. It was like sitting in a class and seeing a presentation by one of the fantastic students of a course in Cinema Appreciation. And now I want to see all 4 versions of this movie, where, before coming here, I'd never seen any of them. Thank you for posting :)

[@mosogotam]

....And you did a BEAUTIFUL job! I enjoyed every moment! Thanks!!

[@XX-gy7ue]

THE 1930'S MOVIE IS PURE , DROP-DEAD , OVER-THE-TOP CHARM AND IS ENCHANTING ! AND HAS THAT BEAUTIFUL BACKGROUND​ MUSIC , WHICH IS STUNNING !

[@tristan8562]

Wow! What a fantastic analysis. Please do more!! ✨

[@MoDOMO93]

I’ve have judys version recorded and definitely will be watching today I love your page sooo much

[@jimgoddard9746]

Love to know more behind the scenes! :-) Thank you, loved it.

[@s_lee]

The latest one is my favourite from what I've seen of the others. The actors were incredible, the soundtrack was breathtaking and I was bawling by the end

[@Riip2]

For me, the best of 1937's version is the chemistry between March and Gaynor. They're the best couple of all versions, they seems genuinely in love, and the way that he looks to her is beautiful and tender, what makes the situation more tragic: however his alcoolism, we can see that he has problems but he's a good guy, and we hope that he wins his demons and construct a new life with her. And the truth is that March remains the most handsome of Normans, more handsome than Cooper himself. Ah, and the first of all versions of the movie, "What price Hollywood", of George Cukor, was forgot in this video.

[@ButterflyColors]

This video was really good. It really helped me understand and appreciate this franchise even more.

[@MrKeenaz]

I’d like to take a moment of your time to thank you for this video you put together. I liked the latest movie and only heard of earlier ones. After watching your vid it’s made it so much more interesting. Thank you. Regards Mario, Australia.

[@AndreiGromit]

Thank you for posting this video. I enjoyed your brief analysis of the four films very much and look forward to your future posts.

[@voozoo1606]

DUDE , U SEEM TO BE VERY COOL !!! WHAT DID U THINK OF THE 1960'S MOVIE Valley Of The Dolls ?? HOW DO U COMPARE JOHN NORMAN HOWARD'S LIFE WITH KURT DONALD COBAIN'S LIFE ????????? I SEE THE 1976'S A Star Is Born AS A PREQUEL TO THE 1990'S ROCK AND ROLL LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chocolatesouljah]

Same here. I clicked subscribe with a quickness!

[@lauriestonehaskell1687]

I thought I would be more greatly compelled by Lady Gaga's singing and acting but interestingly enough I was much more drawn in by Bradley Cooper. He was really quite amazing.

[@fliontakis7838]

Agree..I thought Cooper was amazing...

[@emilyaleece]

I thought the same thing! Gaga was no doubt absolutely amazing and really showcased her talent, but I was truly captivated by Bradley. He was so raw in it

[@sillywabbit5842]

That's because gaga is entirely boring.

[@MinimumWageREI]

I was really taken by their chemistry when they were on together. Gaga was a bit empty in the scenes without Cooper, but there was a real pull when they were together.

[@missdee4927]

Gaga was good and loved her voice, but I was more compelled by Bradley Cooper too. He was amazing in the 2018 version! HIs blue eyes are so expressive. The way he looks at her in the La Vie en Rose scene. Amazing!

[@TinneOltmans]

Thank you for this amazing video, love seeing this!

[@LolaSweetheart]

I really enjoyed this! Thank you for posting :)