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Godspell

Godspell

List Price: $27.95
Your Price: $22.36
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Outstanding Film Musical
Review: This musical is nothing short of outstanding! When purchasing this video, I was not quite sure what to expect. Prior, I had picked up the movie soundtrack CD and immediately fell in love with the songs. But was the movie going to meet up with my standards for a good musical on film? The answer is a definate yes! It is quite original when compared to other rock musicals (eg. Jesus Christ Superstar), and gave me a feel of being in the front row for an awesome improvised theatre production. The music also meets up to my standards, right up there with other classics such as Tommy and Hair. Before you buy, please take into consideration that there is a "muddy" sound problem during the song 'Day By Day', which is present on ALL copies of this film that I know of, except the DVD release. Although, everything else makes up for this minor corruption, and I'm very glad to have it as a part of my movie collection. I think you will be glad, too!...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Its A Topper
Review: I watched this back in the 70's when it first came out. I was impressed by the voices and by the Ministry of Jesus. I had the Broadway soundtrack. But was unable to find the Movie Soundtract. As soon as I realized i could order the Movie i was so excited. Victor Garber portrayed Jeses with a Chrismatic Energy. I recomend this to add to anyones video collection. I wish there would have been more movies out that was as good as this one was.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: REJOICE! REJOICE!
Review: In respnse to the new off-broadway revival that just went on tour I was rushed to see how in what manor this vibrant musical was performed and jumped at this video. The opening of the film was concieved in a unique manor as all the disciples were gathered John The Baptist and as they rushed to fountatain as john belted Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord with the same might and majesty he posessed in the original production. But when Victor Garber appeared The term "Let the games begin" came to mind. Soon enough we are displayed many of the different stories in the bible or wherever with such humor, eccentricity and childlike exuberance. (Hmm maybe if the preachers told the stories like the way they do in this film I'd actually go to church.) And as for the songs. Each song throws you through one emotion after another from the free spirit of Bless the Lord to the emotionally powerful "By My Side." along topping it all off is the exciting song written for the film "Beautiful City." and finally the striking reenactment of Christ's crucifixion incorporated by the jarring guitar chord of Stephen Schwartz's score. This one is a welcome addition to my library of musicals next to Tommy, Hair and Joseph and the Amazing Techncolor Dreamcoat. If you're looking for a fun, energetic, and spiritually fulfilling experience this is your musical

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "The Bible For Non-Christians"
Review: Godspell is breathtaking. That's about all I'll say. I'm part of an amateur theater group, and we're putting on this production as we speak. Being Pagan, I used to hold little interest in religious plays, but, upon hearing the soundtrack, I was instantly enthralled. I bought the movie a few months ago, and have watched it at least three times a week since! I still can't keep my eyes from watering at the final scene. It's very powerful. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLORED DREAMCOAT have always been favorites of mine, since I love Andrew Lloyd Webber, but this musical far surpasses them both. It taught me storied from the Bible, and actually interested me, which almost nothing else has been able to do.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Godspell
Review: Godspell is nothing more than a parody of the bible

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Superb music, adequate scripts, nice DVD
Review: As someone of another faith, I still find Godspell a stirring and interesting musical. Victor Garber is so young here, and so vulnerable. So un-Jesus looking. But with a wonderful voice. (Also note an early appearance of Lynne Thigpen, a terrific performer).

The songs are great and clever, while the script is sort of weak. It's adapted from a gospel, of course, and the poetry of a lot of the words themselves is quite moving. But the words seem extra and bland next to the singing.

Another plus: they somehow managed to make New York City seem entirely empty.

The DVD transfer is pretty good, but there are no good extra features.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: 70s kitsch, yet strangely spiritual
Review: When Thornton Wilder staged "Our Town" he did it minimally -- with the belief that the less theatrically staged the play was, the more it would resonate with reality. Well, the less reverent and high-minded "Godspell" is, probably the truer it reflects the spirit of the Biblical account of Jesus' life. This version loses a fair bit in its translation from the stage -- especially because what is arguably the most important part of the Jesus story, his resurrection, is omitted from the movie version. The VHS version suffers from the age of the movie, minimally restored, which has left the soundtrack wavery in places and not as crisp. But the fantastic songs endure, the joy is palpable, the end is moving, and Victor Garber is, as always, excellent.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Message
Review: This movie is a great and fun way to learn about Jesus and the book of Mathew! With the bright costumes, wonderful and youthful cast, and great songs that you'll have stuck in your head for days, it makes and great video to add to any collection! 5 STARS!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: When you can't see it live.....
Review: This is the only way to see it! "Godspell" is a perfect example of a 70's rock musical. All of the songs are great, and I think, stand the test of time. Of course the problem with this as a movie, and with "Jesus Christ Superstar", is the stage show far surpasses the film.

I only hope that future generations will bear this in mind as they watch. These movies are poor representatives of these musicals. Don't judge the musical based on the movie. BUT if this is the only way you're going to become acquainted with it, then definitely see it. The music alone is worth it.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: What a Wonderful Movie
Review: I first saw this film in 1976, and I tried for years to get a tape of it. To me, Godspell was far superior to Jesus Christ Superstar in content and message--and as entertainment, too. The superb cast was inspiring and joyful, moving and poignant. I remember being extremely impressed with Victor Garber and David Haskell the first time I saw the film, and I still marvel at their performances today, particularly Haskell's. It once "bothered" me that the characters of John the Baptist and Judas were played by the same person, but now I see the reasoning behind that: we are all capable of good and evil. Our good deeds can be easily eclipsed by the ill which we also do. At any rate, those of you who love good modern theatre, who are willing to be inspired, and who enjoy stirring music and performances will love the film version of Godspell.


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