Showing posts with label dvd musical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dvd musical. Show all posts

Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Broadway) (Snap Case) (1982) Review

Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Broadway) (Snap Case) (1982)
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Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Broadway) (Snap Case) (1982) ReviewI have been watching this 1982 production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" for almost twenty years on videotape, so releasing it on DVD would be greatly appreciated. The cast features three of the original stars of the 1979 Broadway production: Angela Lansbury in her Tony Award winning role as Mrs. Lovett, Edmund Lyndeck as Judge Turpin, and Ken Jennings as Tobias Ragg. Well, you can also add to this list Cris Groenendaal and Betsy Joslyn, who play the young lovers Anthony Hope and Johanna, since they were members of the original company. Len Cariou had been replaced in the title role by George Hearn, who was still two years away from winning the Tony Award for his performance in "La Cage aux Folles." On Broadway Hearn played opposite Dorothy Louden before teaming up with Lansbury for the show's touring company and eventually this Showtime production of the musical.
Stephen Sondheim has said that if people insist on putting "Sweeney Todd" into a category it would be black comic operetta, which is as good a way as any of defining its uniqueness. If you are going to have a barber who slits the throats of his customer team up with a woman who bakes the corpses into meat pies, then black comedy would be the way to go. But what makes "Sweeney Todd" so marvelous is that it mixes the dark comedy with chilling horror. For the most part the comedy is carried by Lansbury's Mrs. Lovett, starting with "The Worst Pies in Lond," while Hearn's Todd provides the chills, beginning with the hauntingly beautiful "My Friends," sung to his razors. Of course, it is "A Little Priest" that brings these two elements together, but while it is no doubt the show's signature piece it is not the supreme dramatic moment. That comes right before that glorious end to Act I when Hearn signs "Epiphany," which for me remains the song I would most like to be able to do on Broadway, although I can forget about matching Hearn's tour-de-force performance.
When you consider that the last three songs of Act I are "Pretty Women," "Epiphany," and "A Little Priest," it is difficult to imagine a show having a stronger ending before Intermission. There is a sense in which Act II does not measure up, but that is become the bloody climax to "Sweeney Todd" rests more on action than songs. I can still remember watching it for the first time, in live performance fortunately, and thinking that they were reaching the point where things were going too far and the tragedy was about to become too complete. The only real complaint about this video production is that unlike the original cast album or what you are subjected to in live performance, the steam whistle that accompanies each slash across a victim's throat does not make your nervous system explode.Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Broadway) (Snap Case) (1982) OverviewTimes are hard in 1846 London and one must make do. So Nellie Lovett adds something extra to the meat pies she peddles on Fleet Street. The secret ingredient: freshly murdered victims of her partner in crime, barber Sweeney Todd. Composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim refashions a macabre tale into a musical masterwork in this dazzling performance of the 1979 Broadway hit originally staged by Harold Prince. In her Tony-winning role (one of eight the show earned, including Best Musical), Angela Lansbury plays Nellie. George Hearn turns his stage role of twisted Sweeney into an Emmy-winning triumph. The score coils around itself in ever-tightening spirals. The lines ripple with black humor and madness. Enter Sweeney's tonsorial parlor. Attend the tale.

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Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert (1995) Review

Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert (1995)
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Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert (1995) ReviewWords fail me when I try to describe this video. Les Miz is a glorious play, what with the genius of Boublil & Schonberg. I didn't think I would much enjoy this video because of its lack of actual set & acting and also the few short pieces cut. But it still blew me away. Best of all was the cast. It truly was the definitive edition.
Colm Wilkinson is just the perfect Valjean. His voice has such emotion & resonance to it. And he has such a strong presence as an actor.
Philip Quast was another excellent performer. I've once heard his voice described as "flinty" and I think that that's a good word for it. He really portrays Javert with such coldness, he makes the character quite vivid.
Ruthie Henshall's Fantine is one of those rare performances in musical theatre which simply cannot be surpassed. Henshall's voice is so stirring, heartbreaking, reverberating, deep, chilling, and beautiful. Her "I Dreamed a Dream" is excellent!
Michael Ball's Marius needs to introduction. He's THE Marius, what else is there to say? His voice so, so powerful and he sings with such heart. His "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables" is truly captivating.
Michael Maguire's Enjolras is often criticised. Yes, this wasn't the best performance he probably could have given and he did miss a few notes. But he still has a great voice. People argue that Anthony Warlow is a better Enjolras. While I agree that Warlow has the vocal edge, there's something in Maguire's performance that makes him so much like Enjolras and just so perfect for the part.
Judy Kuhn's Cosette was the one performance which I can say is good but not great. She didn't strike me the first time I heard her, though she has grown on me. She does have a lovely voice, but I just don't go for the whole "ringing soprano" thing. In fact, almost all Cosettes & Christines and the like in general just annoy me. I think Kuhn sounded better as Pocahontas.
Hannah Chick's little Cosette was SO adorable! She didn't miss a note during "Castle On A Cloud" which she just sang so sweetly. At the same time, she didn't seem to overact the sweetness, which I've seen all too many Cosettes do. And the way she kept singing after the stage light explosion was very professional.
And Adam Searles, gotta Love him. Similar to Maguire, I have heard Gavroches with better voices that Searles but he just has the part of Gavroche down so well. He just has the perfect street-wise, smart-aleck attitude perfectly.
I was shocked as to how many people disliked Lea Salonga's Eponine. Even more shocking was how people insisted that Frances Ruffelle was much better. I think Salonga was THE most phenomenal singer of the night. To me, Ruffelle sounds terrible! Many have called Salonga too "bitter" or "angry" but Eponine is a bitter, angry character! Salonga sings with such force, and at other times (e.g. "A Little Fall of Rain") with such sad sweetness. Her "On My Own" was so excellent that watching it is an intense experience. I could barely tear my eyes from the screen the first time I saw her sing it. I think there is no question that she's THE definitive Eponine. 'Course that's just my opinion.
All in all, this was the greatest performance of Les Miz I have ever seen!Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert (1995) OverviewThe 10th anniversary of the international musical sensation Les Misérables is celebrated in this 1995 concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The all-star cast features Colm Wilkinson (Valjean), Ruthie Henshall (Fantine), Michael Ball (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Lea Salonga (Eponine), Philip Quast (Javert), and Alun Armstrong (Thenardier).Favorite songs from the Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg score include "Who Am I?", "I Dreamed a Dream," "Master of the House," "One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "Bring Him Home."

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South Pacific: In Concert From Carnegie Hall (2006) Review

South Pacific: In Concert From Carnegie Hall (2006)
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South Pacific: In Concert From Carnegie Hall (2006) ReviewWhat superlatives are left to describe this concert? This is a truly exhilirating, incandescent performance filled with an all too rare quality, passion. The New York Times review described it best as "near complete rapture." For those who belittle the idea of Reba McEntire in a Broadway musical, take a look at this first before passing unjustified comments. It doesn't matter if she's a country singer, an opera singer or a rap singer, or if she is older than what Nellie Forbush should be. Anyone who can perform with this level of passion and conviction deserves unstinting praise. What a pity it was a one-night only performance. At least we have this DVD as a permanent keepsake. Brian Stokes Mitchell is in equally fine form as Emile de Becque, the French plantation owner, who deservedly brings the house down (and the concert itself to an almost minute-long standstill) with his moving rendition of "This Nearly Was Mine." It may only be a concert performance, without costumes or sets, but it puts many fully staged musicals to shame. All the supporting cast are equally commendable. My one tiny criticism is that the voice coach should have taught the children to sing "Dites Moi" with a more "neutral" accent. The children are supposed to be French Polynesian, children of "a cultured Frenchman." However, they sound more American than Nellie Forbush.
The picture quality on this DVD is absolutely gorgeous. When you consider that it was practically a last minute decision to film the concert at all, the camera crew, sound crew and all the technicians involved did a truly remarkable job. One of the finest live performance recordings I've had the pleasure to watch. The picture is presented in its original 1.78:1 widescreen (enhanced for widescreen TV) with razor sharp images, vibrant, natural colors & perfect black levels. Two soundtracks are provided, one in 2.0 Dolby Stereo and the other in 5.1 Dolby Surround. Rich, sumptuous sound throughout. This is a performace to treasure for years to come. Already I've watched it through thrice, two occasions back-to-back. It always has me singing and whistling along from start to finish. Guaranteed to raise a smile on even the dreariest day. A deliriously joyful DVD. There are no extras but I don't begrudge the lack one bit. This will be my favorite DVD for many months to come.South Pacific: In Concert From Carnegie Hall (2006) OverviewBroadway, like everyone, loves Reba McEntire. The redheaded Oklahoma firebrand took on the one-night-only concert role of Nellie Forbush on June 9, 2005-the role Mary Martin immortalized in the 1949 Rodgers & Hammerstein classic South Pacific-and the rialto's toughest critics, led by The New York Times' Ben Brantley, instantly surrendered. "Open-voiced and open-faced, she was born to play Nellie," Brantley wrote of the Carnegie Hall benefit performance, adding that the entire production was performed "in a state of nearly unconditional rapture. It was one of those nights when cynicism didn't stand a chance." Happily that enchanted evening can be shared with fans everywhere when "SOUTH PACIFIC" IN CONCERT FROM CARNEGIE HALL comes to DVD. Completing the luxury casting are Broadway and Hollywood icons Brian Stokes Mitchell and Alec Baldwin, as, respectively, French planter Emile de Becque and wise guy sailor Luther Billis. The performance also aired on Thirteen/WNE! T New York's GREAT PERFORMANCES on PBS in April/May.

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Stormy Weather (1943) Review

Stormy Weather (1943)
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Stormy Weather (1943) ReviewVaguely based on the life of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson himself, STORMY WEATHER offers the story of a WWI vet who falls in love with a singer--and under her influence goes into show business, only to find that their careers draw them in different directions. As a story, it is pretty slim stuff... but as a collection of musical turns by some of the early 1940s best black talent, it simply can't be beat.
Robinson was, of course, one of the truly great dancers of his era. Made late in his career, this film doesn't really manage to capture the scope of his talents, but he remains a constant joy to watch. A very young and remarkably beautiful Lena Horne also offers several enjoyable songs, including one that she would go on to perform with increasing sophistocation and ultimately make entirely her own: the title tune "Stormy Weather." In addition to Calloway and Horne, STORMY WEATHER offers great performances by such under-filmed artists as Cab Calloway, Katherine Dunham, Fats Waller (performing his signature tune, "Ain't Misbehaving"), the brillant Nicholas Brothers, and Ada Brown, as well as the popular comic actor Dooley Wilson. Expect nothing from the story, but you won't be disappointed by this rare glimpse at some truly remarkable talents.Stormy Weather (1943) Overview

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Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert Review

Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert
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Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert ReviewIf you only buy one Les Mis CD then BUY THIS ONE!! Granted it is not the complete version (ok so you'll have to go buy that one too) but just the raw talent of the performers on this recording is amazing.
Philip Quast has one of the most powerful voices that I have ever heard and it fits perfectly with Javert's character. "Stars" is my favorite song mainly for that reason.
Colm Wilkinson of course is the best Valjean out there. Sometimes his little rips at the end of a sustained note are annoying but his performance of "Bring Him Home" is the best.
And finally Lea Salonga is simply perfect as Eponine. She has a powerful yet very sweet voice that conveys Eponine's sadness without sounding whiny. Her performance of "On My Own" is nothing short of FANTASTIC and is giving Quast's performance of "Stars" a run for its money in my mind. Lea Salonga is quickly becoming one of my favorite singers and this recording is what first got my attention about her.
Overall, this recording is the best Les Mis recording out there. To get the whole story buy the Complete Symphonic Recording but for just pure enjoyment in listening, you MUST get this one!Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert OverviewLive in concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Cast recording. Publisher: AMZ-Omaha 1996 Format: Audio CD, 2 discs, 19 tracks ISBN: 766927332623

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Musicals Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection (1949) Review

Musicals Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection (1949)
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Musicals Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection (1949) Review1947Fabulous Dorseys, TheTommy DorseyJimmy DorseyPaul Whiteman
1947Calendar GirlJane Frazee William MarshallVictor McLaglen
1941SunnyAnna Neagle Ray BolgerEdward Everett Horton
1944Swing HostessMartha Tilton Iris Adrian Charles Collins
1930DixianaBebe DanielsBert WheelerRobert Wolsey
1934PalookaJimmy Durante Lupe VelezStuart Erwin
1929Glorifying the American GirlEddie CantorRudy Vallee Noah Beery Jr.
1933Check and Double CheckDuke Ellington Freeman F Gosden Charles J Correll
1939Paradise in HarlemMamie Smith Frank L Wilson Norman Astwood
1946Duke is Tops, TheLena HorneRalph CooperLaurence Criney
1947Reet, Petite and Gone Louis JordanJune Richmond Milton Wood
1948Killer DillerNat King Cole Johnny Miller Oscar Moore
1945Delightfully Dangerous Jane Powell Ralph Bellamy Arthur Treacher
1942Private BuckarooAndrews Sisters Shemp HowardDonald O'Connor
1943Stage Door CanteenKenny Baker Tallulah BankheadEdgar Bergen
1943Career Girl Frances LangfordEdward Norris Iris Adrian
1941Second Chorus Fred AstairePaulette GoddardArtie Shaw
1944TrocaderoRosemary Lane Johnny DownsRalph Morgan
1946People Are FunnyJack HaleyRudy ValeeArt Linkletter
1946Doll Face Dennis O'Keefe Perry ComoVivian Blaine
1929Great Gabbo, TheEric Von Stroheim Betty Compson Donald Douglas
1936Dancing Pirate, TheFrank MorganCharles CollinsSteffi Duna
1941Road Show Adolph Menjou Carole Landis John Hubbard
1943Hi Diddle Diddle Adolphe Menjou Martha ScottDennis O'Keefe
1956Rock, Rock, Rock Tuesday WeldChuck Berry Valerie Harper
1934King Kelly of the USA Edgar Kennedy Guy Robertson Irene Ware
1955Rock N' Roll RevueDuke Ellington Nat King Cole Lionel Hampton
1955Rhythm and Blues Revue Nat King Cole Sarah VaughnCount Basie
1946Till the Clouds Roll By Judy GarlandFrank Sinatra Dinah Shore
1941All-American Co-EdJohnny DownsFrances LangfordNoah Beery Jr.
1947Hi Di HoCab CallowayIda James Jeni Le Gon
1946Breakfast in Hollywood Bonita GranvilleBeulah Bondi Zasu Pitts
Soundies Festival Ethel WatersEddy GreenDusty Fletcher
Soundies Cavalcade Lena HorneTeddy WilsonDusty Fletcher
1930Reaching For The Moon Douglas Fairbanks Bebe DanielsEdward Everett Horton
1951Mr Imperium Lana Turner Ezio PinzaDebbie Reynolds
1951Royal Wedding Fred AstaireJane Powell Peter Lawford
1957Pied Piper of Hamelin, TheVan Johnson Jim BackusClaude Rains
1962Wild Guitar Arch Hall Jr. Nancy CzarArch Hall Sr.
1941Murder With Music Nellie Hill Alston Bob Dillard
1952Jack And The Beanstalk Bud AbbottLou CostelloBuddy Baer
1946Road To Hollywood, TheBing Crosby Bud Pollard Marion Sayers
1936Big Show, TheGene AutrySmiley Burnette Kay Hughes
1962Black TightsCyd CharisseMaurice Chevalier Moira Shearer
1941FiestaAnne AyarsJorge Negrete Armida
1941Let's Go Collegiate Gale StormFrankie Darro Marcia Mae Jones
1940Up in the Air Frankie Darro Marjorie Reynolds Mantan Moreland
1944Minstrel ManGladys George Benny FieldsAlan Dinehart
1937Rhythm in the CloudsPatricia Ellis Warren Hull William Newell
1936Sitting on the Moon Grace Bradley Roger Pryor William NewellMusicals Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection (1949) OverviewRediscover the magic of Fred Astaire in Second Chorus and Royal Wedding. Marvel at the incredible dance moves of Cyd Charisse and Jane Powell in Black Tights and Delightfully Dangerous. Relive the magic of jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, The Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie and Sarah Vaughn. Sit back and enjoy the songs of all time greats like Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, Eartha Kitt, Perry Como, Judy Garland and Dinah Shore. The Classic Musicals 50-MoviePack brings an incomparable world of song, dance and orchestration to life in a collection that offers countless hours of entertainment.

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Les Miserables: The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall (1995) Review

Les Miserables: The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall (1995)
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Les Miserables: The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall (1995) ReviewThis new edition of the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert (taped in 1995 at the Royal Albert Hall in London) is a welcome new edition for any person who found the original concert enjoyable and thrilling. The 2-DVD set comes in a good quality hard case with new artwork. The performances continue to be mostly excellent and one really does not miss the staging too much. There are several new positive additions to this edition. First is the wide-screen presentation of the concert. It was painfully obvious at certain points during the original release (especially the bigger numbers) that you were missing some of the singers on the sides. The new wide-screen presentation opens up the experience so you can watch the concert as it was originally taped. The second positive aspect of this issue is that the whole concert is on one side of one disk, which makes it much more convenient to watch. The third is the inclusion of the "Stage By Stage" Documentary from the late 80s tracking the recording of the Complete Symphonic Recording as a supplement on the second disk. Finally, for those who want to, you can follow along with new (optional) on-screen lyrics.
However, this edition is not without its disappointments. The first and by far the biggest disappointment is how it's only presented in stereo and not Dolby Digital 5.1 or better. Not having a digital audio option in 2008 is ridiculous and I would have greatly put up with changing disks if it meant having a better quality performance. The second disappointment is the deletion of parts of the concert previously available, which include part of "Little People" and the speeches by the creative talent behind the show at the end of the concert before the encore. Even if space was limited on the first disk, these deletions could have easily been put on the second disk as supplementary material.
So, while the concert itself continues to be quite enjoyable and there are some new additions that makes it a must have for any Les Miserable fan, there are some basic disappointments that keep this edition from being perfect.

Les Miserables: The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall (1995) OverviewA performance of Les Miserables by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, for a 10th Anniversary Concert celebration.

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