Fiddler on the Roof (Special Edition) [DVD]

"An outstanding accomplishment in every category" (Boxoffice), this lavishly produced and critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the international stage sensation tells the life-affirming story of Tevye (Topol), a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the century czarist Russia. Nominated* for eight Academy AwardsÂ(r), including Best Picture and Best Director, and featuring such classic songs as "If I Were A Rich Man," "Matchmaker" and "Sunrise, Sunset," Fiddler on the Roof is a universal story of hope, love and acceptancea "stunning, joyful and jubilant" (New York Daily News) musical masterpiece. The extra features (contained on side 2 of the disc) on Fiddler on the Roof are definitely worthy of this incredible musical. The commentary by Norman Jewison and Chaim Topol (billed here as Topol) is informative and brings a new depth to the film (although obviously recorded separately, and thus intermittently redundant). The documentary "Norman Jewison, Filmmaker" delves somewhat into the career of Jewison, but the focus is on following the production of Fiddler and the many difficulties encountered. Be prepared for a sharp contrast when you watch Jewison's modern-day recollections; these were filmed almost 30 years later. Other highlights on this disc are the full color version of "Tevye's Dream" (which can be viewed in side-by-side comparison with the one in the film); Jewison reading the stories of Sholom Aleichem over beautifully