Rating: 
Summary: A nice peek at 'how it's done'
Review: This is a 'selected' view of the recording session for the cast album narrated by Mel Brooks. It's fun to see how the various cast members gear up and put on their character's persona to get the songs across. Know that not all the songs from the show are included.But, for those not fortunate enough to see the New York cast, this is a glimpse of what the show must have felt like. It is truly a romp. As an aside, (Mel are you reading this?) what I WISH Mel had * also * filmed was auditions, out of town rehearsals, trimming & cutting the show, getting ready for opening night, and the reading of the first reviews. That would have been a happy addition to this.
Rating:
Summary: Very nice documentary about an excellent musical
Review: This is a documentary about the making of the soundtrack. As long as you know that, then you are in for a treat. There are no costumes, very little dialogue and no dance numbers. Mel Brooks is a delight to listen to in this.
Rating:
Summary: A Gem of a Documentary
Review: This is a must see for any fan of Theatre, Brooks, Lane, or Broderick. Not only does this documentary allow the viewer to see and hear 13-14 songs beinging recorded, which is so rare in these kind of specials, but it captures the energy and overall excitement that is in the air from the first minute of film. Mel Brooks, grinning from ear to ear, hosts and fills the viewer in on what happenes between the songs being recorded. It is so obvious from the get-go that "The Producers" is a labor of love for him, and he seems to be on cloud nine the entire special. Nathan Lane, the veteran theatre and film actor, is a joy to watch as he uses his powerful voice wonderfully, often complaining that he can not hear himself when he's singing-which leads to a very funny bit with Lane mocking the sound editor. Matthew Broderick, shy as ever, has the funniest bit in the entire documentary. With a prompt from Lane, he goes into a dead-on Marlon Brando impression that has the cast in stiches (Broderick worked with Brando in the hilarious Godfather spoof "The Freshman"). All-in-all, no substitude for the show, which was incredible, but a great look at the creator, cast, crew and collaboration that gave us "The Producers"!!
Rating: 
Summary: The King of Broadway
Review: to the point - It's a long, long time since I heard a score in which every single song is a gem. Mr Brooks (The King of Broadway 2001 ) your work is great and I hope you listen to your wife and write more musicals. Every cast, song,and production can be summed up in one word : classic. Hope we Brits will see the original cast with Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane in London.
Rating:
Summary: Better Than Having A Backstage Pass!!
Review: You have basically two options. Get in a cab. Go to the airport. Pop for a round-trip ticket. Fret over the still-lax security. Get off the plane in New York. Hop a cab into the city. Get scalped for a ticket or two at $400-$600 each. OR pop for one of these incredibly bargain-priced dvds. Make the smart choice and you'll be treated to glorious sound and dazzling pictures of Nathan, Matt, Mel and the gang from the TOP TONY AWARD-Winning show of all time! You'll hear the low-down about how this comic masterpiece came to pass. You'll be a fly on the wall as the songs and comedy routines are conceptualized and produced. And you'll have an amazing experience you'll want to repeat time and time again. Get copies for your friends. They'll love you for it. Feel like a big-shot on Broadway, with a line on an unlimited number of tickets to the hottest show in America!! It's like owning points in the production... and even better than having a back-stage pass!!
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