Rating: 
Summary: not what i expected
Review: where can you find the one i want, the one with sammy davis jr, now that's porgy and bess at it's best....
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful, Wonderful .....!!!
Review: This Video involved my whole being from beging to end.I have seen it many times and I love it more with each viewing.
Rating:
Summary: This video was disappointing and not what I expected.
Review: Where in the world is the original Gershwin musical "Porgie and Bess"? This movie starred Sidney Portier, Dorothy Dandridge, Pearl Bailey, Sammy Davis Jr., Leslie Uggums, etc. It is a precious, cultural classic and cannot be compared to the 1986 disappointing effort.
Rating: 
Summary: Music was average, Production was marginal and distracting
Review: We found the video to be a poor production and hardly enjoyable. I recognized it wasn't the musical production with Sidney Portier when I ordered it but was expecting something as good. The most unfortunate aspect of this version is that 90% of the voices were over-dubbed (and very badly at that)despite the songs being "lip synched" by the original performers.
Rating: 
Summary: Has darker emotional aspects than the movie version
Review: This version was shown on PBS and is truer to the original as seen by Gershwin. It delves deeper into the drug aspect hence my comment that it is darker emotionally. If you want an upbeat version, be sure to see the movie version with Sidney Poitier. The music in this version is thrilling as they use opera singers with the range necessary to reach all of the notes.
Rating:
Summary: Porgy and Bess--Not What You Expected
Review: This version of Porgy and Bess is NOT the one that circulated in movie theatres and included well known stars such as Sammy Davis Jr.It is long, and contains other music than you were expecting, but is faithful to the original Gershwin. We're still looking for the other version.
Rating:
Summary: Original Porgy and Bess
Review: The original 1950's Porgy and Bess was the very first musical I ever saw, and it was fantastic. I have now tried without success to get a copy of this original film. I have the Glyndebourne DVD, but it is not in my opinion as good as the original. I really would like to find out if there are any copies of the 1950's film available, can you help? please.
Rating:
Summary: Great cast!
Review: Taking into account that Gershwin composed this work when apartheid prevailed in the country (and right before his death), one can easily admit that it was a great boldness (maybe madness) at that time.
It is in many ways similar to verismo opera. Form the overture on; one predicts that it is on an impossible love.
My first encounter with this opera was due to the love duet "Bess you is my woman now" expressing fidelity, trust and sacrifice in an unprecedented way. That's why no other duet could be compared to this one (even the most passionate ones of my beloved Puccini).
The most underestimated scene of the opera in general is "I loves you Porgy" in which Bess begs Porgy not to let to her cruel lover. (Only a fool could be impartial to this request!). This aria was perfectly sung by Cyntia Haymon's touching voice. (But take my advice and listen to Sarah Vaughan's interpretation).
The ending depends on ones expectations. Would Porgy ever see Bess again? In my opinion, Porgy would keep searching Bess desperately.
In general, it's a great opportunity to watch this prominent cast. Spirituals are very impressive.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning -- times 3, musically, visually, dramatically
Review: This is an exceptionally powerful opera presentation. Visually and dramatically it is riveting. Musically it is mesmerizing. I can't say enough about it and unfortunately my words fail me, but I was so moved I had to put something down here to alert potential buyers to please do buy it and treasure it.
The human truths told in this story are deep wide (not for the squeamish) and clearly relevant and recognizable for our world today. Musically it is irresistable with its rich and lilting melodies and "fascinatin' rhythms".
The cast is excellent in every way. Their voices are powerful and beautiful and they project their characters with honesty and craft. The direction and photography puts you in the story powerfully and unforgetably. This is a WOW performance of a constantly delicious score.
Rating:
Summary: Lackluster
Review: While the singing is lovely and the music, in general, is well performed -- the dramatic content of this production is severely lacking. I've never seen such a low-key bunch of mourners in my life! The ensemble looks embarrassed to be singing. In fact, everyone in this production seems to be trying to avoid the obvious -- IT'S AN OPERA! They all look like they are trying to pretend that they are speaking rather than singing. The emotions are small and this production falls far short of the mark. Gershwin's musical and emotional masterpiece presented musically, but without emotion. Sad.
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