Rating: 
Summary: What will the kids say about this movie in 2030??
Review: That's probably when the next remake is done and God only knows what it will look like. If it's as good as this 2001 remake, I'm sure the Almighty will enjoy it as much as I have. Yes. This is not the 1973 movie and there aren't any hippies. Don't you get me wrong, the '73 movie was good, but let's not be too sentamental. in the new film, orchestrations, instrumental performance and vocals are top-notch, except perhaps for Judas who can't quite seem to handle the technical parts of his score. Performers are playing to the back of a hall, not overacting. Caiphas, Pilate, Simon the Zealot, Jesus and Mary M. are all the best. This performance is far more in-your-face than the '73 movie and frankly makes a lot more sense to somebody my age (Gen Xer)--not because it lacks subtlety (it doesn't). It's just less dispassionate!
Rating: 
Summary: A Super Performance
Review: I have been a huge JCS fan ever since I saw the original moveie production. It is my dream to one day perform this rock opera, hopefully as Mary Magdalene. My dad owns the soundtrack from the London production, so I knwo the whole show by heart. When we first saw an ad for the new movie, I was excited because, even in the few minutes, I could tell that exceptional talent had been put into this particular show. We bought it and were wowed at the precision with which each and every part was delivered - except for Herod's. Usually the funniest scene, I think they tried to hard on this one, and it came off as extremely cheesy. I always fast-forward that part. Other than that, the actors and singers were amazing. Even the minor parts were right on - Annas, Simon, Peter, and especially Pilate were done flawlessly. In the other productions, these parts are obviously not worked on as hard, but each and every performer (except for Herod) did an excellent job. I was very impressed, not only by the phenomenal singing, but by the acting and facial expression. Pilate and Judas both have amazing faces which add so much more depth to their character. This may sound presuming coming from a 14-year-old, but they did a suprisingly good job.
Rating: 
Summary: An interesting concept
Review: When I first heard that there was a version of JCS set in modern times, I wasn't sure I liked the idea, but after seeing this video I am happy to say the idea was a good one. Unfortunately the casting wasn't the best. Carter's Jesus is boring, all he does is look annoyed or upset. I found the totally unemotional Ted Neeley from the movie version to be a better Jesus. Jerome Pradon, I have mixed feelings about him. His acting is the best in the film, but his voice is just not suited for the role of Judas. Rene Castle's Mary was pleasant. I had no problems with her. Pilate (actor's name escapes me) is one of the best, he's tough as nails and has a fantastic voice. Fred B. Owen as Ciaphas was rather disapointing. He has a wonderfully deep bass voice, but he doesn't seem able to maintain it. He doesn't look threatening either, rather like a big teddy bear. Michael Shaffer's Annas was brilliant. Michael has captured the character better than anyone else. Last and most certainly least, Rik Myal as Herod. He can't sing, is not funny, and is truely annoying. The music for this film is very good. It's very up to date. I recommend this video to people new to JCS (and any selfrespecting die hard JCS fan)
Rating:
Summary: I thought the video was cool, but the DVD is ultimate cool!
Review: I wrote a review for Jesus Christ Superstar VHS and I still say that Jesus Christ Superstar is a life-changing muscial. It changed my life forever, honest! Glenn Carter is an amazing Jesus, and there is no one else who could play a better Judas than Jerome Pradon! And if you prefer the original movie version, I would suggest that you see this version to compare and to just see Jerome Pradon in action as Judas--he's the reason why I got hooked in addition to clever lyrics and great music! And of course with DVD you get different, cool features: movie trailor, actor profiles and "the making of", which Superstar all includes plus some more. And also, you can pause the DVD to get nice mug shots of your favorite actors or stop the action right in the middle for a cool effect--like Glenn Carter throwing a TV! It is worth every penny!
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't come close to the classic 1973, but a fine attempt
Review: only gave it 5 stars because after all, it IS JCS. still, Glenn Carter can *hardly* hope to beat Ted Neeley's performance in the 1973. and Carl Anderson as Judas in '73 will always be the real betrayer. But, this is a great REMAKE of the awesome classic (which BTW is my fave movie and Neeley is my fave actor, so i'm bias) and the new stars play their parts well, especially carter. some notes: hosanna was very well done, as were the priest scenes. Annas and Caiaphus were superb. Gethsaname lacked something, I just can't pinpoint it. Perhaps it just lacked Ted Neeley's presence. The crucifixion wasn't done too well. the Mary/Jesus romance in this version was fantastic. Hmmm, anything else? Simon Zealotes was great in this version, and wow was the temple scene a little more racy then in '73! times change! Overall, I would recommend this film. But more as a means of comparison to the original, which is the true Jesus Christ Superstar masterpiece. See the '73 first.
Rating:
Summary: This JCS will blow you away!
Review: Unlike Ted "screamin' Jesus" Neeley, Glenn Carter's clear vocals and peaceful, not peevish presence makes you see a character that someone can care for. Gethsemane, is heartbreaking, angry, tired, and resentful. The acceptance of fate at the end is defiant and poignant. Jerome Pradon's Judas is dark and questioning, a figure that demands attention and a role in the direction they are heading and is denied it to the point of betrayal of someone ha clearly loves to save what he can. His vocals are heartrending...his mannerisms edgy and animated. Fred Johannson's Pilate is confused. A pawn worse the Judas. Tormented by prophetic dreams and longing to help but unable to stop the flow of events. His vocals are somewhere between imperious and frightened...moving. And criticisms of Rik Mayall's Herod are unfounded. Herod's number has been the plays only spot of levity in this play since it's inception. THAT is difficult to handle w/the subject matter. But Mayall makes Herod both comic and menacing. Like a poisonous snake poised to strike. A dodged swing of his cane..and well timed sarcastic & angry emphasis of words Mayall is great. Renee Castle is beautiful and affecting...the whole cast is SUPERB. Special Kudos to Michael Shaeffer's Annas...A frightening presence in any scene he stands in and when he sings he can make you shiver. Great Costumes...especially the Pharisees. The only disappointment is the choreography in the JCS/crucifixiton scene...a lot more could have been done there.
Rating:
Summary: Hey, JC, JC, you're all right by me!
Review: This musical leaves all the others in the dust! It is just oozing with amazing talent! Glenn Carter is really good as Jesus Christ, and Jerome Pradon IS Judas--he is so good! The first time I heard "Heaven on Their Minds", I sat on the couch mesmerized. You've got to see it to believe it! And, for those of you who are partial to the original movie version, you can watch this new one and compare, contrast, praise, put down--whatever! It is definetly worth your time and money!!
Rating: 
Summary: It's good, but it's not great!
Review: Having seen the newest stage show in London with Glenn Carter in the title role, I was expecting great things from this video. Unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. Carter's voice is truly magnificent, and the music is as strong as ever, but the supporting cast, I feel, rather let the side down. The set is a bit amateurish looking,the cast devoid of emotion and passion(except for Glenn) and Pilate? What's he all about? He constantly sounded like he had severe digestive problems, and really spoilt the whole thing for me. As I said, the music is as emotive as ever, but for the real essence of the power of the songs and score, go for the vastly superior movie version.
Rating:
Summary: A super video of a Superstar
Review: I'm not a religious person. All I have ever known of the Bible has come from Andrew Lloyd Webber via the great voices of his performers. This is no exception!! I had no idea what I was getting myself into buying this video. I knew three songs from the Celebration video and greatest hits CD. The rest was just as good. Glenn Carter and Jerome Pardon give first rate performances as their characters, Jesus and Judas respectively. It begins with an overview of what's going on, with Jerome Pardon's rendition of "Heaven on their Minds", in which he complains to Jesus about all the things he has let go "sour". Glenn Carter's voice is like nothing i have ever heard. He sings all the notes that past Jesuses have sung, but he goes higher into what can be described as a pleasent sounding screech (that was a compliment). He does this in all the right places too; he doesn't make us sick of it by exploiting it too much (i know it's falsetto, but he controls it and holds it so well, and doesn't make any unpleasant sounding screeches). "Gethsemane" now ranks very high on my list of favorite songs. Renee Castle has a beautiful voice. These are just three of the many cast members of JCS. Every single one of them has a great voice, and can really act. The emotion shown on their faces, whether it's Judas complaining to Jesus, Jesus asking God why he wants him to die, or Mary's confusion as to how to love Jesus, it's all convincing (looking, at least).
Rating:
Summary: glenn carter is perfect
Review: i cannot say enough good things about this film. it is simply perfect. glenn carter is absolutely riveting -- his gethsemane gives me chills every time. what a voice!! i can't get it out of my head. but the entire cast is excellent, down to the chorus. staging is paced just right, and costumes and sets updated for the new millenium -- will appeal to every generation. my 3 kids have it practically memorized. if you've never seen this show, get this tape. it has it all.
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