Rating: 
Summary: one of the best movie/musicals of all time
Review: It took me almost two years (and a recent viewing of the new JCS movie) to fully appreciate the masterpiece that is Jesus Christ Superstar, the 1973 film. Told entirely through catchy, rock opera music, it tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ, but is hardly a literal interpretation and consists mostly of the drama between Judas and Jesus. The point of the film is to show the bible in a new way- that everyone, even Jesus's closest disciples helped contribute to the death of Jesus through their inescapable humanism. Filmed in the Jerusalem desert, the production is wonderful. It's as if the best singers, film makers, dancers, musicians, and songwriters (Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice) came together for this one movie. Carl Anderson stars as Judas and is arguably the best performer to ever perform the role. Ted Neeley is fantastic too even though it takes a while to "get" the strenghth in his underacting. Norman Jewison, who's experience and creativity as director shines through with every scene, takes the musical to another level, using a brilliantly conceptual theme that is introduced at the very beginning of the film. The locations are beautiful and fit perfectly within the context of the story. The film has great music, the ideas it tries to get across are poignant, and it is much, much better than the new film in its directing, acting, choreograpphy, and singing.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Jesus Christ Superstar is an incredible movie with an extremely effective cast. The music is superb; even the songs you don't like at first really grow on you. Other songs are immediately powerful. I'm not religious but I know the movie follows the Bible story accurately, at least for the most part, although most of the characters have a twist, especially King Herod. Obviously it's a modernised version of the Bible story, hence the army tanks, afros and bellbottoms. As well, the movie is told from the point of view of Judas, who is made into a sympathetic character and is brilliantly acted by Carl Anderson. Jesus, who is played by Ted Neeley, seems a bit wimpy, but since that was probably the intention, he is so sympathetic that he makes you want to cry, especially in his Gethsemane song where he asks God why he should die. Other impressive members of the cast include Bob Bingham who plays a wicked Caiaphas, and whose voice is deep and intimidating; Yvonne Elliman, who does an excellent Mary Magdalene (who has a relationship with Jesus in the movie); Joshua Mostel, who plays a hilariously mean King Herod; and especially Barry Dennen, whose Pontius Pilate is so intense and sympathetic that he really steals the show, at least the end of it. The movie has scenes of incredible power and beauty. My family would watch this movie at Easter when I was young, but all I remembered from it until I watched it again recentely were a few songs and some disturbing scenes (especially the lepers, although it's just people in ragged black robes). Thus, the movie probably shouldn't have a G-rating. See this movie, but maybe hold off on showing it to young children.
Rating:
Summary: awesome
Review: OK, granted this musical was done in the early 70's and therefore has some 70's overtones, but the acting and singing are magnificent. The relationship between Judas and Jesus is powerful, and Ted Neeley stares right into your soul. I first saw this movie when I was about 7 years old and it left a lasting, positive influence on me regarding Christ.
Rating: 
Summary: A groovy Jesus?
Review: Slightly irreverent, slightly surreal, "Jesus Christ Superstar" remains unique amongst film depictions of the Christ story. First off, it's clearly a product of 1973. The fashion statements, music, choreography, catch phrases ("what's the buzz"), hairdos, and cinematography all scream early 1970s. For those unfamiliar with 1970s culture, prepare to feel slightly disoriented. This film belongs to a time when freeze frame, double exposure, and rack focus could be called "effects". Secondly, Judas Iscariot plays a central role here. He dramatically questions Jesus and sings "he's just a man" and, in the big finale, "Do you think you're what they say you are?" Jesus is not seen performing miracles (though they're mentioned in various songs); when confronted with a pack of lepers he's depicted as helpless and pleads "there are too many of you!" and they engulf him. Third, and most important, there is little or no emphasis on the resurrection in the film. We don't see the disciples looking upon his stigmata or spreading the word, ala St.Paul, about "Christ is Risen". We see Jesus on the cross uttering some of the famous final phrases (one is very badly altered to "Father, why have you forgotten me?"), and then slumping over. Not only that, Jesus' mother doesn't appear anywhere. She isn't even mentioned. So, many things traditionally associated with Christianity are entirely left out of the movie. This raises a rather big "why?" Just what was the point of the movie and the Broadway musical that preceded it? If it was to inspire Christians then someone didn't do their homework. But maybe someone had something else in mind. The film's title "Jesus Christ Superstar" probably contains a clue. Surrounding Jesus with lavish musical numbers (lavish for the time, that is), juxtaposing ostentatiously dressed dancers and singers 1970s-style with shots of Jesus carrying the cross sends mixed messages. Is Christ being claimed as a "Superstar" in an irreverant or a glorifying manner? Should viewers laugh tongue-in-cheek or be in awe of the film's final scene? Strangely, either response makes sense. The film can be viewed as an attempt at a modern and popularized tribute or as a statement about the commericialization of religion. Nonetheless, the questioning atmosphere and the big diversions from traditional Christianity suggest that the movie/musical were not necessarily intended for the Inspirational section. But the movie contains no absolutely definitive statements on its position toward its subject matter.
That said, the movie contains some great music and some stunning shots of the Israeli landscape (though the choice of scenery makes the story look as though it's happening in the middle of nowhere and the cast always seems too small for the wide shots). The "whipping song" contains a particularly intense guitar riff. The actor who portrays Pilate puts on a stunning performance (the clever use of a clear bowl when he washes his hands makes his famous statement even more pointed). And lastly, the King Herod scene is tremendously funny, though also bordering on the absurdly surreal.
Overall, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is an entertaining movie. It's dated and silly in places, but moving in others. Prepare for a strange ride.
Rating:
Summary: Good Singing, Bad Acting
Review: The singing is magnificent, for the most part. However, as good as the singing is, the acting is just as bad.Ted Nealy (Christ) has a magnificent voice, and his rendering of "Gethsemane" is as good a piece of rock singing as there is recorded. However, his acting is almost non-existent. His facial expressions are wooden, even during the gut-wrenching moments vocally. Carl Anderson (Judas) is a strong vocalist, and a bit better actor than Nealy. However, still a bit weak in the acting vein. Probably the best actor of the crew is Barry Dennen (Pilate) who also has probably the strongest single moment vocally, at the end of "The Trial" piece. His screeching at that point is quite superb. Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdelene) is also possessed of a strong voice, but little range as an actress. The only exception to all of the above would be Josh Mostel (Herod) who possess neither voice nor acting skills. He is just plain embarrassing in what should be a highlight of the film. Interesting touches throughout - Roman soldiers in modern military garb, tanks in the 1st century desert, etc. - make this interesting visually. Again, the music is mostly superb, and the acting mostly sub-par. See it once, for reference, then get the CD and enjoy the music over and over.
Rating:
Summary: Region 2 DVD Review
Review: This morning I stole some time away from my 3 kids and my husband, curled up on my bed and enjoyed one of my Christmas presents, the special edition version of Superstar. First I watched the interview with Tim Rice. Wonderful. Interesting, intelligent, thoughtful... I'll watch it again, soon.
And then I watched the movie with the commentary by Jewison and Ted Neely. When I finished it, I was in tears. Very moving stuff. Apparently Carl Anderson (the actor who plays Judas Iscariot) passed away just a month before the commentary was taped, so the wound of his loss was still very fresh...
I must point out that MOST NORMAL people will not react the way I did, so don't avoid it just because you think it will be a downer. In regards to JCSuperstar, I don't fall under the 'most normal people' category. It's been a part of my life since I was in gradeschool. Z Channel in Los Angeles (anyone remember that?) showed it and that was the first time I was able to see it, having only been 6 when it hit the theatres. Then I got the album and listened to it ad nauseum, singing along at the top of my lungs. I bought the cd as soon as it was produced, I've seen it on stage 3 times, with different casts. The best and closest thing to a religious experience for me (a devout athiest) was at the Universal Amphitheatre with Neely & Anderson, and Dennis DeYoung as Pilate. Wow!
Anyway, to hear Neely whisper "I miss you Carl" into the mic is just so personal and so heartwrenching to me. I didn't know he'd died until I watched the dvd this morning (raising 3 small kids in Italy, I don't get much time to catch up on what's happening in the world).
Oh, and it's interesting to listen to Neely's comments about everyone in the production. I mean, it's been 32 years and here he is pointing out the names of people in the scene and catching Jewison up on what everybody's been up to lately. It seems that Neely has kept up with many of the people in the cast, the project obviously being still such a significant part of his life, while the director has moved on to other things and so is understandably a bit clueless when it comes to the lives of the actors who crossed his path 3 decades ago. I also found it interesting to hear Neely point out his future (and still current) wife in the chorus with obvious pride and love. I was left with a strong sense of respect and affection for him as a person who obviously hasn't "gone Hollywood".
I highly recommend this dvd to anyone who's a fan. I'm sorry to see that the region 1 disc is lacking in comparison...
Rating:
Summary: A movie with a message... but what?
Review: Those of us who had grown up with the soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar anxiously awaited the film adaptation. The results were a mixed bag of soaring successes and thudding flops.
Musically, the film butchered and bleached the soundtrack. Luckily, the film partly made up for this travesty visually. The desert locations were aptly sunny and chalky. Costumes were spare and evocative -- a purple toga for Pilate, purple T-shirts and green cargo pants for the soldiers, black vulture-like costumes for the priests (perhaps a tad dehumanizing?) and simple monochrome peasant garb for Jesus and the Apostles. Ted Neely inhabited the role of Jesus (and has ever since, on the touring circuit) and Carl Anderson was utterly remarkable as a doubting, conflicted Judas. Yvonne Elliman ably reprised her Broadway and cast album role as Mary Magdalene, though her whining delivery does get on my nerves.
Director Norman Jewison tries to use the film to comment on contemporary issues. Roman soldiers tote automatic weapons; the sellers in the Temple hawk weapons, women and weed. The film starts and ends the on an Israeli tour bus that carries the actors. This is fun, though it's not easy to understand what if any message is being delivered with this image. The actors all arrive on the bus in wild celebration. All but Jesus get back on the bus at the end, the mood having turned somber and guilty-ridden, as though the actors had participated in a lurid act. What this might mean is lost on me.
As in the cast recording, there is no resurrection, only a long shot of a sunset. But if you look closely, a shepherd crosses the screen leading a herd of sheep. Perhaps Jewison is hinting at a new beginning and a new direction, perhaps a subtle reference to the Church after the death of Christ. Perhaps he is hinting that for believers there is more to Christ than meets the eye -- unlike for the cast, which is saddened but not reformed by their experience. But then again, perhaps not.
Rating: 
Summary: "...and now the film"
Review: Though it may seem dated, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is still a film worth checking out. Ever since its origin as a concept recording, the subject and how it was presented caused its controversy for the time. The film may not be what everyone expected, but it is visually incredible. The sunsets over the Israeli deserts are awesome. The music, though not groundbreaking, is still some of the best work Andrew Lloyd Webber has written, as well as the lyrics of Tim Rice. The performances are incredible, notably Carl Anderson as Judas and Ted Neely as Jesus. Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) and Barry Dennen (Pilate) are the original actors of the concept album and Broadway adaptation of the rock opera. Scenes worth relishing: Heaven on Their Minds; The Last Supper; Gethsemane; and the title song. For early 70s nostalgia, the choreography in "Simon Zealotes" is fun. An added bonus on the DVD presentation is the dubbed French soundtrack. If I'm not mistaken, the singers are the same ones who performed in the Paris, France stage production of the early 70s. View with an open mind and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Most powerful movie ever produced!
Review: Too many people miss the point. This movie was not made as a literal portrayal of Jesus' last days...it was (and remains) a figurative interpretation of the last days of one who would inspire a new branch of religion. From the opening moments of the movie when Carl Anderson (Judas) sings ("...my mind is clearer now, at last, all too well, I can see, what we all, soon will be...") through Ted Neely (Christ) during "Gethsemane" ("Allright! I'll die, just watch me die!") the viewer is mesmerized by some of the most powerful music, lyrics, and staging ever written and performed. This particular sequence (when Jesus is climbing the mountain, fairly crying out for God's explanation of things to come ~ "Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain") still brings tears to my eyes and I've seen this movie at least 100 times! The movie was shot on location in Israel a few years after the 6 day war, and during the Vietnam war. These realities are not lost on the writers, and evidence of their beliefs and opinions are sprinkled throughout the movie (the tanks coming over the horizon and the F-16's flying over Judas' head were a nice touch). Their religious convictions are displayed in such moments as when the priests are on the scaffolding ("He is dangerous") and the crowd extols Jesus below ("Haysanna, hosannah, sanna sanna ho, sanna hey sanna hosanna; hey JC, JC won't you die for me...") watch Jesus' face at that moment.... Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdelene) does a fine job of balancing the angst of Judas with the over-arching compassion of Jesus, and Barry Dennen (Pilate) captures a high point when he washes his hands of Jesus' plight. Bob Bingham's (Caiphas) bass rattles your soul with his deep melodic tonality. While the acting is certainly not on par with the great actors of our times, one has to take that with a grain of salt. I was 7 when I first saw it and I still watch this movie at least once per year (can you guess which day? :) By far this is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice at their best.
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