Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyably unique
Review: I saw a community stage production of "Joseph" several years ago and loved it. I can't remember all the differences between the stage version I saw and the video version, but I did enjoy both.I have to count myself as a fan of Maria Friedman as the Narrator. Maybe it's because I'm not a belter, or maybe it's because I'm not a die-hard Joseph fan who is familiar with a certain "sound," but taking her voice for what it is, I found it fantastic. Donny was suprisingly buff, although when he first came onscreen, I thought he was Michael Jackson. I got used to the hair eventually. The Costume Controversy... well, I was taken aback at first, but if you've ever read the Bible, you'd be pretty surprised at how graphic THAT can be. I thought Donny's voice was quite pleasant and expressive, although I prefer a singer to hold out the ends of phrases a bit more than he did. He chops phrases off at the end, which I found distracting. The Baker and the Butler got amazingly on my nerves. I found them highly creepy. The Pharoah is my new crush. I think all men should wear that eye makeup all the time. The Brothers were OK, but I really loved the ...what was she called? The dancer? That was a great scene. Were her stockings running? The "rap" bit with the Brothers was also cute. I also appreciated setting it as a school cantata, although like many other reviewers, I found the children at times obnoxious and the bipping back and forth from story to reality a trifle jarring. But I loved the "Curtain call" at the end. Donny looks FAR finer with short hair than with long, and can he wear a suit!
Rating: 
Summary: Conceptually flawed
Review: I don't think any one ever tried to pass off _Joeseph_ as a really great show. It is light, superficial entertainment that an entire family can enjoy, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, when a production of such a show is as ludicrous as this one, there is a problem. First there is the Assembly within a show concept. Throughught the movie There are these little pericriol school children who get up and clap after big production numbers as if to say to us the viewers: "That was supposed to be impressive." Sometimes, such as during "Close Every Door To Me" they just start singing along holding candles that apparently fell out of the sky (like most of the plot and story). Other parts of the movie are just cheesey. The director tried to maintain most of the elements of the recent stage production, which didn't transfer well to film. The performances, with the exception of Osmand's, play to the back of the auditorium, not the camera that is right in their face. Thus, everyone looks phony. If they wanted to preserve the elements of the stage production, they should have just videotaped a live performance of the stage production. There are some good things about this movie. Osmand is a pretty good Joeseph. He brings the right level of fun and wholesomeness to the role without overacting, looking fake, or appearing maudlin. Many of the musical numbers are generally entertaining, and the cast is very good vocally. The score isn't great, but its gimicky production numbers and pop ballads fit the show well. This show tries to be family fun, and on many levels it is. It is definately appropriate for the whole family, and younger people (I'd say jr. high on down for girls, 5th grade on down for boys) will find it enjoyable. Some parents may find it cute and most will find it tolerable. However, the bottom line is it isn't that good. As a family bonding expierience it works, other than that it just doesn't.
Rating:
Summary: Not the original cast
Review: I was disappointed to find that so much of the prime cast was replaced by "stars". Who's brilliant idea was that anyway? I'd rather have a copy of the real thing. I'm glad I saw it before I bought it.
Rating:
Summary: A great musical for everyone.
Review: I had never seen Joseph before renting this DVD, but I went out and bought it the next day. The music is great, the story well told, and the cast outstanding. It's great for kids because they can easily follow the story and the sets are neat. I also don't understand any criticism towards Maria Friedman. She has a great voice and helps keep the storyline moving. Get this DVD and you'll find yourself singing the songs all day long.
Rating:
Summary: Go, Go, Go Buy This!
Review: This is my ABSOLUTE favorite movie in my collection, surpassing Pretty Woman, Forrest Gump, Star Wars, and Austin Powers. I can't complain about ANYTHING with "Joseph..." besides I don't get to watch it enough! I loved how great the sound quality, image quality, acting, costumes, sets, music, and everything else I can't remember right now were. Not a single complaint. I guarantee that If you love theater, you'll love this show. A great investment at ANY cost.
Rating:
Summary: Back to the Bible!
Review: This is such a wonderful, uplifting adaptation of Joseph's story! While it isn't 100% true to the Biblical version, it is charmingly creative and manages to hit all of the high points in the most clever ways. In fact after daily viewings, I found myself searching for my Bible which I haven't read in years.
Rating: 
Summary: Good for children...
Review: In the 1980's, our church school put together a production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and had a lot of fun doing it. The songs are easy for children to learn and the words tell the Bible story. You could use the video as a teaching tool. If you're watching the video for entertainment and not over 40, you won't get some of the more subtle original detail. For example, in the orginal, the Pharoh was dressed like Elvis Pressly in his famous white bell-bottomed suit covered with rhinestones--you know--the Pharoh as the "King." When I saw this perfomed live in the 1970's the crowd went nuts when "Elvis" sprang onto the stage. Of course, most of those present knew who Elvis was and many had seen him perform live. Donny Osmond has a nice voice, and the back-up singers are great, but I found this version a bit of a letdown.
Rating: 
Summary: A terribly inaccruate version of the story, not worth it...
Review: This movie is not worth the cash it takes to get it, a terribleshowing of the original story -- it almost makes fun of it. It doesall people in it injustice. If your looking for something that gets the bang for for buck, this isn't it.
Rating:
Summary: GIVE DONNY OSMOND A BREAK!
Review: This video was fabulous! But my main reason for writing this review is to tell people who are having concerns about the video because of Donny Osmond, GET A LIFE! Donny is no longer a 15 year old teen idol. Some people who still see him that way need to get out of the 70's. He has grown up into a fine performer. Give him a break. Everyone in the video was fantastic and it is definitely a must see.
Rating:
Summary: As amazing as the title says
Review: Making a video film of this musical is a painstaking task, but the Really Useful Company have really done a very good job making this film. They have really preserved the magic of the stage show while condensing it to fit the small screen. The star of this video is, of course, Donny Osmond, who, though he may be too old for the part of Joseph, preserves the youth in the role. He sings exceptionally well, and one can imagine the emotioin he puts into "Close Every Door." For those who haven't seen or heard Maria Friedman, her Narrator is truly a treat for both the ears and eyes. She is an excellent actress, and her portrayal is youthful and energetic. Robert Torti as the Elvisesque Pharaoh gives a powerful portrayal, and he is better here than he was on the US cast recording. The Elvis impersonation turns out well, and he is very comical. As for the supporting cast, they come out very well indeed, with Joan Collins very seductive as Mrs. Potiphar. If this is a PG-13 scene, it isn't as it doesn't do any harm. The sets and costumes, which owe a certain debt to cartoons, only add to the viewing pleasure as they reinforce how child-like this show is as nursery rhymes. The children are not bad also, behaving themselves extremely well while having fun in this show. Overall, alongside THE SOUND OF MUSIC, this turns out to be an excellent family musical that can be viewed by everyone, and a video that is sure to find a happy home in any musical library.
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