Rating: 
Summary: Great Performances, but No Program Guide
Review: Unless you are a true Lloyd-Webber aficionado, it is difficult to keep track of the performers and the shows represented on this tape. While I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Webber's heat-thumping show-stopping music, I was irritated that there are no introductions or subtitles, or even a program guide to point out 1) who the singers are, 2) what number they are performing, and 3) what show the number is from. At the very end of the tape, this information is flashed by in type too tiny for even a literate ant to read. Aside from that complaint, the music for music's sake alone is exquisite. I am hoping the future editions will offer a CD in addition to this VHS tape...and one WITH a program guide.
Rating: 
Summary: Incredible to Own
Review: There's very little I can add to the WELL-DESERVED praise heaped on this outstanding gathering of music and stars. However, I would like to especially applaude Antonio Banderas in his role of Che from Evita. He is perfect. And to those who prefer Michael Crawford as the Phantom -- well, unfortunately, Michael Crawford wasn't there. Banderas was a different Phantom -- but then Gethsemane is different when Michael Ball does it than when Michael Crawford does it. Antonio Banderas is, thankfully, Antonio Banderas.
Rating:
Summary: Must celebrate daily with Webber's "Celebration"!
Review: Except for "CATS" (great in DVD) I had not been exposed to Andrew Lloyd Webber's fantastic productions and the outstanding artists singing his enchanting songs. Folks, this production is a real treat! In my opinion, bigger-than-life Michael Ball, gracefully poised and beautiful Sarah Brightman, and the one-and-only Elaine Paige (whose voice can bring the roof down with applause) are stupendous in this production celebrating Webber's birthday; in fact, this concert was a surprise for him, a "Celebration", put together by the various artists. It's a professional masterpiece. This concert has something for everyone, believe me. It's amazing to see the artists up close and listen to their talented voices, each of whom has starred in at least one of Webber's productions. My family and I must get our daily dose of this concert, even if it's just listening to a favorite song or two. Theater and opera were only recently another dimension to us; we knew it existed, but so what? Now we know what! This tape is outstanding for the opera/theater novice as well as for seasoned afficiandos. Put the tape in the machine, crank up the volume, and bask in this delightful, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping production. The "Phantom of the Opera" duet between Sarah Brightman and Antonio Banderas, with the Phantom's haunting organ music accompanied by the full orchestra, is well worth the price of this tape. So is Michael Ball's thunderous rendition of "Gesthemane" from "Jesus Christ Superstar". So also is Elaine Paige's emotional "Memory", her signature song from "CATS". This is a feel-good-about-yourself purchase. You cannot go wrong with this tape. It will become one of your favorite shows because it represents "Whistle Down the Wind", "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Evita", "Starlight Express", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "CATS", "The Phantom of the Opera", "Sunset Boulevard", "Aspects of Love", and something new with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa -- all in one glorious production. It rates more than 5 stars because it's in a league by itself!
Rating:
Summary: An evening of great music and great voices!
Review: This concert is a wonderful introduction to the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as excellent entertainment for people who are already fans. It includes performances by some of the biggest names on the musical theatre stage, (such as Elaine Paige) and also some people who are more famous for their work in Hollywood than in musicals (Glenn Close and Antonio Banderas for example). The music itself... what can I say? I have always been a huge fan of Lloyd Webber's, and the selection chosen for the concert is a wonderful mix of old and new compositions. There is something for everyone! Personally, I am a big fan of Michael Ball, who created the role of Alex in "Aspects of Love." He sings several of my very favorite songs (including, of course "Love Changes Everything"). His rendition of "Gethsemane," from "Jesus Christ Superstar" is amazing. He also duets "All I Ask of You" with Sarah Brightman. My only regret about the concert is that Michael Crawford was not featured. Antonio Banderas sang "his" songs (from "The Phantom of the Opera") and though Banderas has a great voice, I just can't get over the fact that his accent just doesn't work for the role of the Phantom... Banderas does sing several songs from "Evita," which are great. (For those that accent works perfectly!) Some of the other musicals featured are "Sunset Boulevard," "Cats," "Whistle Down the Wind," and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Overall, an excellent concert... I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Truly Remarkable
Review: Andrew Lloyd Webber is not talented. He is gifted and so are the artists performing on this tape. There is a great diversity of music from rock opera to the sublime to the dramatic. Who knew that Donny Osmond has the voice that is heard on this tape? Sarah Brightman is brilliant as usual, but especially in the beautiful "Pie Jesu." Lottie Mayer's rendition of "Whistle Down the Wind" is inspirational, especially with Webber accompanying her on the piano. He is visibly moved. Michael Ball with his signature song of "Love Changes Everything" and joined in by the entire cast is worth the price of the tape alone! There are two disappointments. Antonio Banderas was good in songs from "Evita" but he does not have the voice necessary to to perform the Phantom, both in range and power. The beautiful "The Heart Never Learns" written by Webber for Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has its weak moments, especially at the end. Te Kanawa has been criticized before for a thin voice in the upper octaves, and this is true in this song as well. All in all, this concert must not be missed by anyone who has heard and enjoyed even one of Webber's songs, and is also a primer for those who are just learning about musical theater.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I totally loved it! It was beautiful! There were only 2 things that I didn't like in the entire thing. 1. Michael Crawford wasn't there (sniff sniff) 2. Antonio Banderas singing phantom, he sounds good, but that accent is just not right. And, did everyone hear what ALW said, about a continuation of Phantom of the Opera? I'd heard rumors of that but I didn't belive them, I hope it's good.
Rating:
Summary: Michael Ball
Review: I already wrote a review on this item, but I have more to add. In my other review I ranted about Sarah Brightman, and how great she was. Yet there is another performer on this video who deserves praise as well. That performer is Michael Ball. Gethesmane is breath-taking. He has a wonderful voice and puts much emotion into all of his songs. All I Ask of You is a wonderful duet with him and Sarah Brightman. Love Changes Everything is definitely one of my favorites on this tape. Vaults of Heaven--well, his voice is great, but I personally am not fond of that song. The highlights of this video are: Sarah Brightman, Elaine Paige, and, of course, Michael Ball. One more thing: I would have given this video five stars if a certain someone had been present. (coughcoughMichaelCrawfordcoughcough) I won't go into that. (His voice is soooo wonderful. Antonio Banderas can NOT sing the Phantom.)
Rating:
Summary: My new favorite gift for my best friends
Review: I loved this video. Out of some 26 performances there were only two that I found myself fast forwarding; Bonnie Tyler's Tire Tracks and Broken Hearts and Ray Shell's Light at the End of the Tunnel. Sarah Brightman and Ben De'Ath's duet was like listening to a prayer. The biggest disappointment is that this videa does not seem to be available on CD... what a shame.
Rating:
Summary: Superstars
Review: I am a big fan of Andrew Loyd Webber music. But the song on the tape that took my breath away was Gethsemane by Michael Ball. I would really like to know if anyone has found a cd with Michael Ball singing Gethsemane if so please email me soon at KC0904@hotmail.com. Thanks
Rating:
Summary: Give me just one reason...
Review: I love almost every performance in this video. But if there is only one singer you are going to see in this video, it is Michael Ball; if there is only one song that you are going to listen to, it's his Gethsamane. This guy sings with all his heart and soul. Such devotion. And you can tell the difference it makes. I have seen Michael Crawford sang the same song in a concert on PBS, no I am sorry his performance could not compete with Michael Ball's. Somehow Mr. Crawford treated the song indifferently. And the one in the motion picture has the passion, but not the voice. Michael Ball has both.
|
