Why on earth can't BMG manage to integrate these extended versions into the main body of the soundtrack recording? Others have done it: look at the excellent work that Rhino have done with their MGM back-catalogue and (as pointed out by other reveiwers) the earlier R&H soundtracks from Angel.
Fans of the "Holywood" Musical Comedy want something that is a true momento of the movie experience and now that CDs have lifted the restrictions on playing times, that is what we expect (...and, indeed are being given by other companies). ...and that should include play-in, entr'acte and exit music.
So, if I were allowed to award stars for the performances on this CD it would be 5*. But no stars for BMG who have missed another opportunity and make me suspicious of cynical and thoughtless marketing. The good news is that they appear to be pursuing a policy of issuing "Collectors' Editions" every five years and so maybe they will do the decent thing next time.
And, while I'm in the mood, the "South Pacific" soundtrack is the only one of the "Big 5" R&H that has had no makeover, so to speak. No guesses as to who publishes that one!
Very disappointing, shame on you Sony/BMG!!
