Rating: 
Summary: Catch any other version
Review: I'll just say "amen" to all the other reviews that rate this lowly. I'd much rather have a version that steals songs from Pinafore and Ruddigore (Ronstadt/Kline et. al.)!
Rating:
Summary: For research only (I'd give it "No Star" if I could...)
Review: I'm researching various productions of PIRATES, and you reallydon't want to see this one unless, like me, you have to. It has allthe signs of a bad BBC job--lip sych sound with the wrong audio ambience, over-the-hill juveniles without charm, and performers giving about 45% effort. END
Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre at best--but it has its moments.
Review: Okay. Here goes:Ruth is pretty much perfect for her role, because--next to being old and ugly--she's funny and her voice shows her age. Major General Stanley is ideal, good timing and a nice delivery of his song. Mabel is not young enough, and-curiously--at the end of both finales she never sings the top part above every one else. Other than that, she sings nicely. Frederick! My Gawd, he's like 45! And not attracive at all! And tubby! So with all of the female chorus singing of his beauty all of the time, you'll be in disbelief. And his singing is only okay at that. Peter Allen as the Pirate King is--well--let's say "effeminate and unattractive" to put it nicely. The Police Sergeant and his men are unfunny and unmemorable--except for the (*gasp*) midget police officer. The sets are amateurish and disappointing. The choreography is a tad on the ridiculous side. And moments such as the "Paradox" number are just bland, because they want it to be funny, but are not even trying. The whole moment with the guns pointed at him and the nods--not funny! The jaunty steps on the refrain make it mildly entertaining. But there is one small moment that makes this video worth owning:"Climbing Over Rocky Mountain," the female chorus entrance number, is absolutely CHARMING! The staging and the singing and everything all come together and make it a perfect moment. Yeah, so basically avoid this, unless you want to see an adequate Ruth and Major-General and a charming ladies chorus' entrance all bunched up against a lowsey production on the whole.
Rating:
Summary: Mediocre at best--but it has its moments.
Review: Okay. Here goes: Ruth is pretty much perfect for her role, because--next to being old and ugly--she's funny and her voice shows her age. Major General Stanley is ideal, good timing and a nice delivery of his song. Mabel is not young enough, and-curiously--at the end of both finales she never sings the top part above every one else. Other than that, she sings nicely. Frederick! My Gawd, he's like 45! And not attracive at all! And tubby! So with all of the female chorus singing of his beauty all of the time, you'll be in disbelief. And his singing is only okay at that. Peter Allen as the Pirate King is--well--let's say "effeminate and unattractive" to put it nicely. The Police Sergeant and his men are unfunny and unmemorable--except for the (*gasp*) midget police officer. The sets are amateurish and disappointing. The choreography is a tad on the ridiculous side. And moments such as the "Paradox" number are just bland, because they want it to be funny, but are not even trying. The whole moment with the guns pointed at him and the nods--not funny! The jaunty steps on the refrain make it mildly entertaining. But there is one small moment that makes this video worth owning:"Climbing Over Rocky Mountain," the female chorus entrance number, is absolutely CHARMING! The staging and the singing and everything all come together and make it a perfect moment. Yeah, so basically avoid this, unless you want to see an adequate Ruth and Major-General and a charming ladies chorus' entrance all bunched up against a lowsey production on the whole.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful
Review: This movie is a bit strong for someone who only casually likes classic movies, plays or operas. Make sure you truely like that sort of thing first. This is a love story between a pirate and a major's daughter. This movie is full of intrigue and battles with a strong dash of romance. The costumes are beautiful, very theatrical. If this sounds a bit strong, try "The Pirate Movie" a 1980s spiff on the movie. Very funny and more upbeat songs.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: This movie is a bit strong for someone who only casually likes classic movies, plays or operas. Make sure you truely like that sort of thing first. This is a love story between a pirate and a major's daughter. This movie is full of intrigue and battles with a strong dash of romance. The costumes are beautiful, very theatrical. If this sounds a bit strong, try "The Pirate Movie" a 1980s spiff on the movie. Very funny and more upbeat songs.
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