Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre, but still worth checking out.
Review: I have been looking high and low for this DVD and I was exhilarated when I found it. I had to have it specially ordered because the store I went to did not have it in stock. And yes, it was worth it. To those of you unfamiliar with the plot of Jesus Christ Superstar (JCS), well... that sounds quite implausible, but still... if you have no idea what the story of Jesus Christ is, all you have to do is read the Bible, or head out to watch Passion of the Christ. JCS chronicles the last few days, or perhaps hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life, through the point of view of the betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Yes, this is what makes the storyline somewhat distinct from other movies/plays based on the story of Jesus. Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical sees Jesus through the eyes of Judas, and explores Judas's character, while at the same time, helping the audience to speculate why Judas would betray someone he loved so much. The cast here is outstanding. Glenn Carter is superb as Jesus, partly because he bears some resemblance to his character. Renee Castle is a great singer, though her voice is a little feeble and is reminiscent of Brandy. Jerome Pradon gets the thumbs-up for his performance as Judas. His interpretation of Judas's character shows us a man who is torn between his love for Jesus and his wisdom. Although Jerome is hardly a great singer, he is an outstanding actor. And his great performance is what makes the film so enjoyable. Rik Mayall is wonderful as King Herod. He has the right mischievous air, coupled with the malice he exudes. Indeed, it is the cast that holds this performance together. The musical itself, to me, is hardly as strong as what Andrew Lloyd Webber could have offered. The music has not enough lilts to engross viewers. I would not classify this musical as one of the greatest in the world for this reason. Such a great story deserves a stronger musical score to bring forth its greatness.
Rating: 
Summary: preferred the 70s
Review: I'm sorry I may be the minority who preferred the 70s version, maybe I'm getting old and sentimental. To me, the singing seems jarring and over acting, especially "see my tongue I can hardly talk", and the Gothic makeup weren't to my liking. And a blue-eyed Jesus ? I know this is acting, but at least infuse some reality for believers of the Christian faith. Thanks.
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing Talent....
Review: This version is the best I have seen. It was inspiring and just plain amazing. Glenn Carter as Jesus was powerful beyond words and was supported by a very talented cast. Jerome Pradon was wonderful as Judas. Renee Castle is beautiful and a wonderful surprise by Tony Vincent as Simon Zealot. Surprise meaning that this young man has an extrordinary voice and I would have loved to have heard more of it.
Rating:
Summary: This is not a review...but a speech about this great movie..
Review: ...and also about the actor who played Judas. Hey everyone! It's me again, the girl who the review entitled "Perfect" don't worry I will always believe that. I, was eight years old when I saw the 1973 version of the movie, I had no choice cause the musical "Tommy" was coming on shortly after. Although due to misfortunes, I only got to hear two songs "Herod's Song" and "Peter's Denial". Let's move forward, about 5 or 6 years. I was becoming an ALW buff, after seeing both "CATS and "Joseph" well I already told you how skeptic I was about this one and where I got it, so let's skip to the day I watched it. Shall we? My mind was racing, my heart was thumping the moment I saw graffti on the walls, I automatically knew I could get use to this. So I did, now I am 14 and a big JCS fan I love watching it as does my twin who is also a big ALW fan. On Easter, I felt miserable pratically dragging my feet around my house. I asked mom, if in church I could write down notes about Pas. Chris's sermon and JCS, and she said it was okay. That's what changed my mind about going to the chapel that very morning. One movie, one little movie!! Funny Moment: In church, we were singing a hymn and all the sudden when they started talking about the crucifixion Krystle (my twin) looked at me, and we both started laughing or giggling (I think it was laughter). I'm sorry, I got a little bit off track. Now, Jerome Pradon who is said to be about in his early 30's during this filming process, well I have a little crush on him. He seems to have some kind of charm, my sister Krystle who was at her "time" (ladies, we all know what I mean by that) was cramping and was grumpy all day long. So, I thought the movie would cheer her up, so after I watched "American Idol" I putted the tape in. She kept saying that she wanted to stop it before "The Temple (She's scared of it). Well, during "Heaven On Their Minds" the second Judas smiled Krystle began grinning ear to ear. Then, I told her when we had to stop it again, she then changed her mind and said after the song "I Don't Know How To Love Him" just cause she wanted to see the semi blooper. SHARP EYE WARNING: Look when Mary leans over Jesus's body, he then opens his eyes and raises his eyebrows, her dress is too big! Meaning, he can her (coughing) developers. Me and Krystle argued, then when the song ended she saw Judas smiling and blew a kiss to him, I knew she wanted to watch it just a little bit longer so after the song "Blood Money" (Sorry, I can't curse when I'm typing), we stopped the tape. When people ask me why I like Judas, I say this much: I like him, cause he is drop-dead gorgeous, terrific singer, and is not afraid to show his emotions. Now, I have to talk about one scene that I liked. Shortly after the song "Superstar" Judas letted out a scream of pain, then we realized Jesus at the paticular moment was screaming. Awww, they felt each other's presence. In a word to sum up the casting of Judas and the movie itself: Perfect! Toodles.
Rating:
Summary: Best version both musically and visually
Review: Short and simple. The first video was great but there is NO comparison! ALL the actors have and unbelievable about of passion and power. The 1st version was flat and unfeeling. I have rarely experienced such powerful acting, and the signing is just as awesome. Love Pilate and Judas and Magdalene and Harod and and and! All
Rating:
Summary: Who is Jesus Christ?
Review: I just finished watching this DVD rental, and find myself online to buy a copy. It is worth adding to your collection for viewing and reviewing. Not being Christian...my only annual "observance" of Easter is to pull out my original London cast recording of this masterpiece (on an album!) and listen to the Passion Play. I thank Webber/Rice who gave me a version of this ages-old story which became accessible and profoundly moving. This production was at first off-putting with the updated costumes and set (mucking up a classic!) but quickly I got past that, and into the statement this theme was offering. Although this film has a theatrical feel, the characters of Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene are skillfully portrayed by the actors. True emotional angst comes through which is heart-rending. The musical pieces are true to the classic, yet fresh and new. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Mary singing "Can We Start Again Please", which I had heard before, but did not associate with this play, as it is not in the London album. I am once again moved and humbled by the frailty, the fear and loneliness, yet the utter faith and understanding of the man, Jesus of Nazareth.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect!
Review: I saw this movie in the movie store Suncoast, well I was kind of skeptic cause I hate blood and gore. Mean being 14, I thought this was the perfect way to expose me to the story of Jesus, what it would of been like in modern times. The first half, with the songs such as "Everything's Alright and "Simon Zealotes I absolutey adored. Okay, maybe I adored Simon! My favortie songs/scenes were kind of hard to choose but I chose "Jesus Must Die and "The Last Supper". We all hate to admit it, but Judas is kind of pitchy but he make's it work. Especially, during the number "Heaven On Their Minds". No it's not true, Jesus never had sexual feelings towards Mary M., but this is what make's it insterting the fact that he to was a human and not just the son of God. I hear the term, OVEREACTING alot in the reviews, okay I will admit some of the Apostle's were kind of dramatic during the Last Supper, but it was an intense moment they had a very very hard time accepting the fact that Jesus would die, and Judas betrayed him. Little kids, shouldn't watch this but teens let's say 13-100 should most defintely watch it. I, who am 14 love it cause I have the NR version of it. Oh, I like this a little bit better then the 1970's version. Which has, more violence then this one has by a mile in my opinon. Down below, are five reasons you should watch this. Read them carefully:
1. Acting: Glenn Carter, is a great portrayl of Jesus Of Nazereth and Jerome Pardon plays Judas almost as well Tony Vincent played him on Broadway. Renee Castle is the best pick for the role of Mary M, she actually show's her emotions. Fianlly, Tony Vincent the goregoeus boy-toy who play's Simon, cute and a great actor. Need I say more?
2. MUSIC: Perfect songs, perfect vocals, perfect orchesta, perfect Ensemble, perfect EVERTHING!
3. Jesus Must Die: Hehe, okay don't take it the wrong way it's not the fact that I wanted Jesus to die. It's the fact, that I looove the song "Jesus Must Die" okay mostly rule number because the Leiber and Stroller singer Fred Owens play's Catiphas in it!
4. Weapons: BB Guns, in a bible story! Whoo-hoo!
5. Neat Soundtrack: Again about the music: The soundtrack rocks!!! A good thing to listen to in the car, if you don't have the movie.
There I'm done, it's a true fact that this is better then 1970's one, cause of those five reasons! Never forget them! And you'll agree with me. Ciao!
Rating:
Summary: On Steroids
Review: It is absolutely true that the preformances are over-the-top, but it completely works because of this musical's use of contrasting "light and dark". It just serves to deepen the contrast. This show is flawlessly casted...I have tried but I can't think of anything I don't like about it. I give it six stars. The rock n roll arrangements are full of very subtle embellishments, and I hear something different everytime I watch.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting new take, but vocal talent from 1973 is better.
Review: I can't help but compare this to the 1973 version, as well as the tour I saw in the mid 90's. As far as the acting & direction goes, I really think this version at least matches(if not surpasses) the others that I've seen. In particular is the dynamic between Judas & Jesus. I also appreciated the whole design, even if a few of the costumes were a bit over the top for me. (Pilate = M. Bison?) I felt that his version made Judas seem a bit more mean spirited, & seemed to suggest a different outcome for him as well. In the 1973 version & the tour I saw Judas performed "Superstar" in flashy, white outfits while this version has him in a devilishly red one. This Jesus also seems to be in less control of things around him, though that's just this version's interpretation. As far as the vocal talent goes, the following stood out as good or bad: * Judas did not have the same range that Carl Anderson had in the 1973 film & in the 90's tour when I saw him. Not bad, but certainly not the best renditions I've heard. * Jesus also lacked the range of Ted Neeley in both the 1973 & 90's tour. While I've heard people complain about Neeley's high notes, I'd say this this Jesus often felt quite flat to me. * Mary was great, though I've not heard a bad rendition of her parts. * Caiphas(sp?) had some great, low tones but I was unimpressed with him attempts at anything else. * Pilate was much different from any other performance I've heard, but I liked it quite a bit. Finally, my favorite part of this DVD was actually the "making of" feature because it actually has Weber & Rice talking about JCS!
Rating: 
Summary: A Brand New Twist
Review: Although i have seen the classic version of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' but this one captures my interest. I can't take away of comparing the classic and the modern version of this hit broadway turned movie spectacle. Unlike the classic one, this is more of a fast pace, some scenes are full of intensity, colors are vibrant and the singing comes into full swing. Of course, singing was well orchestrated and the sound is as hip as the sound of today's genre. The version from the classic movie was given new life and new twist to the rhythm and essence of the songs rendered but I have to say that the original one will always be the best because the gems are still there and you really are used to listening to it. In fairness to this modern version, a breakthrough film making was done giving a 'live' portraits of a broadway, in terms of cinematography and acting performances of the stars. Although the actors of this version are full of intensity and emotion, there are some instances that they overdo their emotions which is not appropiate anymore to their lines that they were saying or singing...just observed the scene where Judas and Mary Magdalene confrontation and the intervention of Jesus and also the Last Supper...you will be the critic of this. Over all, the film has done some adjustments and giving new twist to the classic broadway hit but at the end the viewers will decide which version favored to their taste after all, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is a movie where anybody and everybody can relate to it...just be an open-minded person, that's the imprtant attitude to watch this film.
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