Rating: 
Summary: An edgy, dark, uncompromising masterpiece.
Review: WARNING! It takes a little time to get used to this version (Norman Jewison's version has always been a favourite of mine) but once you get over the sudden change in tone of this JCS to the 70's film, you are plunged headfirst into a deeply emotive and provocative masterpiece. This stage version (shot specially at Pinewood Studious, UK) was commissioned by Andrew Lloyd Webber to be the definitive Superstar after he saw director Gale Edwards take on the rock opera while it was on tour in Dublin. "I've waited 30 years for this" he told the audience after the performance, so impressed was he by the radical new take on his legendary version of the Passion. The singers/actors are all superb. Glenn Carter gives Jesus a desperate, bewildered edge as events spin out of his control with everybody, Apostles included, interpreting his message for their own selfish and political ends. The only one who understands, and tries to alter the tragic course of events is Judas, expertly played by Jerome Pradon. But even he cannot save his friend, and the betrayal of Jesus is all the more poignant as the struggle between responsibility and duty becomes increasingly blurred. The betrayal scene itself is heartbreaking to watch. Visually, the film is exceptional, a real treat for the eyes (and ears). But younger viewers might find the last 30 minutes or so, especially the "Superstar" sequence itself, frightening. The supporting cast are fine, sometimes slipping into OTT dramatics when they should really be playing it down here and there. The only real quibble in this production. The music score has also been brought up to date for the millenium. Not so 70's and camp, more surging and powerful. A very contemporary arrangement. Everything you could possibly hope for is here, and in spades, but this is a very dark production and again, younger children might find it a little too much. Top marks for the sensational "Superstar" sequence though! A stunning, violent, dangerous, moving rendition of the classic song that will be burned into your memory for weeks to come. There really is nothing more to say except that this is the definitive and greatest version available. Buy it, because you're missing out on something incredible if you don't.
Rating: 
Summary: The best version of JCS so far!
Review: This is basically a filming of the most recent stage production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most controversial (and in my opinion greatest) musical. But this definitely has a wonderful "feature film" quality to it due to the brilliant directing, editing, and production values. I really think this could have been an even more amazing film if the director was given a bigger budget and allowed to do some exterior location shots. As is, it's still a terrific accomplishment.This is heads and shoulders above the 1970s movie version which really didn't take as many creative chances as it could have based on the source material. Setting the Jesus story in modern times opens this up to wonderful "what if" interpretations and arguably makes it more relevant to today's youth. And despite the initial shock of seeing the present-day setting, the story remains relatively faithful to the traditional biblical tale, with the usual creative license that is a given when the epic story is condensed into a two-hour dramatic re-telling. This version was daring in many respects: the religious leaders (Pharisees and the Sanhedrin) are shown wearing costumes which look like Christian priestly garb -- with black collars instead of the familiar white. Jesus is shown as much more human than is usually depicted while still having some sense of the divine (such as His prediction of his betrayal and death.) I would have liked to have seen a more balanced depiction of the duality of Jesus' human/deity nature, but the original Tim Rice text leans the character on the "more human than God" side, which will obviously upset fundamentalists, but which makes the "Agony in the Garden" scene the powerful character highlight it's supposed to be. (I still think that scene hasn't been captured as effectively as it could -- one of the few moments when I questioned the director's staging choices.) The cast was fine, and despite the occasional over-acting it still played well for me. Carter was a fine Jesus, although if he'd grown a beard (even a goatee) the illusion would have been greater and made us picture him even more as Jesus. I though some of his high notes sounded a bit weak, but that's just me. Judas was terrific. Pilate's first scene was wonderful but towards he went too over-the-top for my tastes. I was disappointed in Herod, but I loved the subtle reaction shots of Jesus during that scene. Again, this is a stage production captured on video, not a tradional movie. With that in mind, this is still a top-notch experience. Check it out.
Rating: 
Summary: This Musical should not have be Revisited
Review: Jesus Christ Superstar is somewhat of a period piece. The style of the music reflects the time period in which it was written. To try to revive it in the 21st Century, it just does not work. 1973 was the perfect time to make JCS into a movie. The style of rock mixed with opera was a fad during the 1970's. Although the music stands the test of time and is still AMAZING, this movie trys to throw a contemporary twist on Superstar and it ends up blowing up in everyone's face. Herod is portrayed as a Frank Sinatra look-alike in a tuxedo, while the Jewish mob is portrayed as a LA street gang. Through this Broadway version, the original setting of "Isreal in 4 BC" is lost. There is no sign of Jesus' real homeland. Glenn Carter is a mediocre Jesus and does not show the turmoil and emotion of the character as Ted Neeley did in the 1973 movie version. Plus Ted Neeley could sing circles around Glenn Carter. Wow Ted Neeley was phenominal. Skip this version and buy the old version instead. Some musicals should be not be revived and Jesus Christ Superstar is one of them.
Rating:
Summary: All the actors are superb.
Review: This version totally hit my expectations. Although Glenn Carter may not be my ideal Jesus, he does a good job of giving life to songs that have been dulled by other singers, in particular "Gethesmane". Jerome Pradon is a great Judas, with very fine acting talent and rather fitting singing. Others complain that he squeaks a lot, and I noticed that in "Judas' Death", but then again, he's supposed to be dying. Of course his voice will sound worse. Fred Johanson was a fine Pilate, I really liked how he sung "Pilate's Dream," with the "they seemed....TO HATE THIS MAN!" and I like his singing a lot in "Pilate and Christ." "Cluttering UP" sounded better then when it wasn't sung louder. Although, his performance in "Trial Before Pilate" was good, it just didn't seem as likable as the 1996 recording. Renee Castle was an excellent Mary Magdalene, surpassing every previous one. All of the lesser parts were also well done, notably Peter. I loved the setting of "This Jesus Must Die." This is an excellent show, and I highly recommend it to Christians and non-Christians alike.
Rating: 
Summary: Jesus Christ Never Existed.
Review: 'Jesus Christ Superstar - Broadway' is a famous film some people have seen or at least heard about. Most people fail to realize all of that doesn't matter because Jesus Christ never existed!! Jesus Christ is a mythological figure the church has exploited for hundreds of years and now the film industry has for almost a hundred years. There is absolutely no archeological or historical evidence that Jesus Christ existed. Even if he did exist, it would be highly unlikely he would have received that kind of punishment.
It is a shame that con artists like these filmmakers are using this mythological figure to make millions of dollars. People have to start swaying away from the manipulations of the church and the filmmaking industry and start looking at the hard facts. Jesus Christ and his crucifixion never happened.
Rating:
Summary: All I can say is..........
Review: ........The 1973 movie version of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley was MUCH better than this bland version. Trust me, it is!!
Rating: 
Summary: Good Jesus, good Pilate, BAD Judas!
Review: For what it was it was a pretty good remake of the 1973 classic. This movie was ment to show Jesus Christ Superstar would be like on the stage. It wasn't epic but it was still pretty enjoyable, until Jerome Pardon as Judas is on. Then its unlistonable. Don't get me wrong he acted really well. But he can't sing at all. He was god awful. I love JCS. But this updated remake is okay at best. Buy it if you are a diehard Superstar fan.
Rating:
Summary: Whoa !!! Glad I have this one!
Review: I've been a fan of JCS since I saw the live stage version as a child in Boston (a very long time ago). I am one of the "die hard" fans that loved the screen version from the 70's, wearing out three VHS tapes of it. This version, however, grabbed me by the throat and demanded my attention. This latest version of JCS is no slouch by any means. This latest version is modernized and updated for the modern times, and is far more gritty and realistic when compared with the 1970's version.
The use of a stage as the main set of the video actually works quite well. Costumes are spectacular, as is the camera and lighting work. The story line is more clearly defined as an examination of the relationship between Jesus (Glenn Carter), Judas (Jerome Pradon), and Mary (Renee Castle), and the dynamics involved. The Romans, particularly Pilate (Fred Johanson), are far more frightening characters, as is Herod (Rik Mayall). The Romans are no longer portrayed as innocent bystanders in this version, and the Trial before Pilate is far more violent (Carter in reality is injured during the production of this scene). While not anywhere near the violent level of "The Passion of the Christ," you may wish to consider whether this one is appropriate for younger viewers.
If you like the 1973 video version of JCS, you'll love this one.
Rating:
Summary: Pradon steals the show!
Review: The new re-working of "Jesus Christ Superstar" is not without its flaws. Because the cast is made up almost entirely of stage actors, techniques designed to be visible to a back-row audience seem over-acted when filmed in closeup. Glenn Carter as Jesus is not as charismatic as he could be, and after multiple viewings, I'm still not quite sure what to make of Rik Mayell's performance as King Herod.
However, Michael Shaeffer and Frederick B. Owens make an excellent dark duo. The apostles are energetic and talented. Tony Vincent's "Simon Zealotes" is a standout. Carter has a good voice, which is put to good use in songs like "Gethsemane."
And then, there is Jerome Pradon.
When I first saw "Jesus Christ Superstar," I was skeptical of Pradon's performance as Judas, largely because of his high notes, and the fact that he was not hitting them. I was disappointed and wished a stronger singer, like Tony Vincent, had been given the role instead. It wasn't until someone directed me to the Paris revival recording of "Les Miserables" (Pradon played Marius) that I realized that Pradon CAN hit those notes. It's Judas who can't. This seems very appropriate, as it stacks up as yet another thing Jesus has that Judas does not - the respect of large numbers of people, good looks, a beautiful woman, etc. At the end of the show, during the song "Superstar," we see Judas as he would have liked to be, singing almost pitch-perfect as he mocks Jesus.
Aside from this smart singing choice, Pradon is absolutely fascinating to watch. He plays the part superbly, putting his facial expressions to excellent use, and utilizing his entire body as Judas descends into madness. Though "Jesus Christ Superstar" is truly about the fall of Judas Iscariot, many production try to place the focus on Jesus. However, every time Pradon is onscreen, he rightfully steals the show back to where its focal point should be.
Rating:
Summary: Great acting except Jesus
Review: Jerome Pradon's Judas may not be the best choice for singing, but for raw emotion I have not seen his equal. I get completely drawn into his story. Jerome Pradon's voice may shake, but it does so with passion. He is amazing. You may not choose this version for audio, but for vidio, it's amazing. Sadly, the guy playing Jesus doesn't seem to be able to act his way out of a wet paper bag until the very end of the movie, when Christ is dragging the cross and is then cruxified. At that point he seems to realize he's supposed to be acting and actually does a good job. The rest of the time, he wanders around the stage trying to look cute (I get the image of a puppy). I love the movie as a whole, and it's much more timeless than the 1973 version. Ultimately I WOULD recommend this to anyone interested in the story, and not just the music.
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