Rating: Summary: Bland and Uncolorful Broadway Production. Review: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a big disappointment. With a talen such as Donny Osmond, you'd think that it'd be good, but what comes out is a confusing and dark musical with bad sound quality and a terrible ensemble cast. As known, Osmond gives an exceptional performance, but he's the only thing that shines any light into this uncolorful piece of Broadway junk. Also...the reliogious matter and subject really turned me off. Such a goofy and unwanted way to make religion into an expensive musical.
Rating: Summary: viewer in atlanta Review: Wow! What a fantastic production - it was a hit with my children and us parents. I highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Poignant and True, an Musical for a Family... Review: What can I say about "Joseph"? Well, it's certainly a show that has been added to my personal collection-in both DVD and VHS form! I received it on DVD for Christmas, and I watched it about 4-6 times before I left to go back to school. There's just something about seeing a true story acted out like a fairytale, yet true at the same time, on the screen. I ordered the VHS to show it to my hallmates at school- they've never seen it before! I can't wait to get the VHS in my CPO! Besides the whole effect, there's just something that Mr. Osmond adds to the musical that I don't think anyone else could offer- the childlike wonder and the sparkle of maturity that comes only from distinguished actors with great experience in the theatre. I think everyone who has seen the video/DVD can agree with me that "Close Every Door" from when Joseph is in prison was written with Donny Osmond in mind- it was pure genious musical scoring by Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber. I have listened to every sample of that song from every soundtrack on Amazon.com, and none of the other Josephs sing it with the same emotion and intensity that Donny does. I agree that the Mrs. Potiphar's bedroom scene is quite risque, but so is the Elvis scene, if you look at the servant's costumes! This video is meant for the family- and though some of you might not want your children seeing such things on the TV, you have to admit that they'll see it somewhere else later that day on cable TV. My suggestion: Sit down with your children and explain WHY these costumes were used; it's better than them hearing it from anyone else, and they have to learn about it sooner or later. All in all, six out of five stars- Thank You, Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber!
Rating: Summary: Big Disappointment - Not for small children Review: I was excited to finally find this title on DVD. I'd seen the show live in Chicago years ago and loved it. We've had the soundtrack on CD (fabulous) for years and it's one of my daughter's favorites. Unfortunately, the video version of this production is significantly different than the live show and, in my opinion, the music is not nearly as good (as the show or the CD soundtrack). Even more disturbing is the addition of several scenes that make this video inappropriate for small children. I can't understand why these sexual innuendos were added, they certainly don't add anything to the story and as far as adult entertainment is concerned they're pretty lame. With just a little effort this could have been a great family video.
Rating: Summary: Something for Kids and Grown Ups To Enjoy Together Review: Adults will be less enthusiatic about this stage-to-video production than their kids, but even the most cynical will have to admit that the video is extremely well done: Osmond and company give enjoyable performances, the designs are very clever, and the music has a sing-along feel that every one will enjoy.
Rating: Summary: I fell in love Review: I got my first taste of this show while channel surfing one evening. I caught just a little bit of the song "Close Every Door to Me" and was facinated. I went online and bought the film right away. This is a great film for the whole family. Following the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers, the catchy tunes, great scenery and bright colors will keep even the youngest child interested. Donny Osmond is perfect in the role of Joseph and Joan Collins has a brief but funny cameo as Mrs. Potiphar. This is a must see for any musical fan.
Rating: Summary: A sad injustice to a sweet show Review: I saw this show on broadway as a child. I loved it. I listened to the original broadway cast album over and over and loved it. The songs were charming and smart, the message was honest and true, and the narrator was sung by one of the finest voices ever to grace the American stage. On the stage, the sets were minimalist and simple and supported the cast and story rather than overpowering or outshining them. This video production of the show sadly misses the spirit of the show and just doesn't have the best people singing it. This show was originally created to be preformed by students in schools. It was a low budget production that showed off talent and concepts, and splashy production wasn't required or desired. This video version is all splashy production, with very little substance or soul. It's glitzy and glittery and you end up thinking about how pretty it looks rather than feeling involved in the story or the music. Maria Friedman does a competent job as the narrator, although the role was written for a man and was, I believe, only changed for the female voice for performance by the immortal Laurie Beechman, who is sadly no longer with us. Maria is likeable enough, she'll do. Perhaps if I hadn't heard the role sung by the best, I wouldn't be so critical of her in comparison. Donny Osmond does a good job *acting* the role of Joseph, but doesn't sing it as well as the gentleman who I remember on Broadway. The rest of the cast is, well, *there*. I've seen the DVD twice and I can barely recall any of their faces, so I suppose they could be referred to as *forgettable*. I do have to admit I was amused by Joan Collins's cameo. As she sings all of one sentence, her voice is not at issue. I also particularly disliked that they've moved the song "any dream will do" to the beginning of the show. It was written for the end of the show, and doesn't make any sense at the beginning. It's out of context, and also I believe it was intended as an expression of angst and confusion and loss, and yet it's played as a cheerful happy song, which *really* doesn't make sense to me. This production makes me feel like Andrew Lloyd Webber has forgotten what the show is about. If there was any other version of this show available on video, I would not have bought this one.
Rating: Summary: An AMAZING show! Review: I saw JOSEPH a couple years ago and loved it so much that my mother bought the video for me for Christmas, and i have to say the video is nearly as great as the live version. I love EVERY single song. Donny is FABULOUS as Joseph. His voice is amazing and he is gorgeous. I watch this movie all of the time. I recommend if you love musicals to buy this. It is worth every penny.
Rating: Summary: Incredible performance! Review: Great interpretation of Bible story. The songs are memorable with great tunes. The dancing is lively. Donny Osmond is better looking here than I remembered him from the 'Donny and Marie Show' from way back when. My daughter loves this DVD. We played it daily for about 2 months and my daughter (6 y.o. at the time) memorized all the songs. As a Christian mother struggling to find new ways to teach my children the Bible, this is an excellent and entertaining aide.
Rating: Summary: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Review: This movie was so amazing that it blew me away. I absolutely loved it. The music and cast is fantastic. When I want to watch a beautiful musical with great songs and storylines I pop this in to the VCR. Buy It! You will love it!
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