Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado

Rating:
Summary: Micado on DVD
Review: Well, the artistic and authentic value of this film may be argued indeed, but, what makes it worth watching, is the technical data of this transfer: the picture and color quality of this 1938 production is simply amazing, and the sound is very good as well. Plus - if you are a devoted G&S fan, you will want to know what treatment it has received, and if you are a benevolent fan, the somewhat ridiculous mood of this film will make you giggle healthily, but not curse and spit. In no ways Japanese, but fun nevertheless!

Rating:
Summary: What would Willie and Artie think?
Review: While it is wonderful for its preservations of Martyn Green's KoKo and Sydney Granville's Pooh Bah, I find that the rearrangement of the scenes for this movie most odd. Once you get past the interpolated opening, it is quite enjoyable. But too much of the music is missing for my taste. Still it gets more respectful treatment than poor Lehar's Merry Widow did both from Maurice Chevalier and Lana Turner (!). Martyn Green in his autobiography states they were going to make The Yeomen of the Guard and changed their minds at the last minute. Probably beacuse they couldn't imagine Kenny Baker as Colonel Fairfax. Green thought it would have made the better film. I agree (if without Baker though - who's American accent just grates). Still an invaluable record of two great Savoyards, but I suspect strictly for the fans only.