Rating: 
Summary: A Beautiful Telivision Revival...
Review: This is the notorious 1997 Wonderful World of Disney production of Rodgers and Hammerstien's telivision fairy tale. It was originaly produced for telivision in 1957 and starred Julie Andrews in the title role, with John Cypher as the Prince. (This version is now confined to the private libraries of museums around the U.S. as it was not saved on videotape, and was broadcast live. The cast recording still survives, however.) It was remade in 1965, and starred Leslie Ann Warren and Stuart Damon in the roles of Cinderella and the Prince. (This version is not currently in circulation, but it may appear as a re-release video in the future. You may still find it in rental stores, and in libraries. It is not rare.) A NetWorks Productions theatre tour is currently in it's run, and may possibly make it to Broadway. It stars Eartha Kitt in the role of the Godmother, and it is definately worth a look.This version was broadcast in 1997, on the Wonderful World of Disney on ABC. It was produced, in part, by Whitney Houston, and the script was redone to suite the tastes of the new generation. It stars Brandi Norwood in the title role, and Whitney Houston in the role of the Godmother. Poalo Montalbon, a Broadway actor, plays the Prince, and Jason Alexander is his Harold. Whoopi Goldberg and Victor Garber are the royal pair. (Bernadette Peters appears as the stepmother, also.) A note on the casting. Houston and Disney felt that a multi-cultural cast would be needed to encourage children of all backgrounds to find it within themselves to follow their dreams. This is the underlying message withing that notorious and so-called "politicaly correct" casting. There are many winning qualities to this production, and it includes the talented cast. Brandi Norwood is a hipper, more pop-suited Cinderella than Julie Andrews or Leslie Ann Warren. Her voice is not Broadway material, to be completely honest. It is, however, a singing voice notheless. Her acting is efficient, and she will likely catch the eyes of the younger generation of little girls. (Some reviewers forget her appearances in the telivision show "Moesha" when stating that Brandi is not an actress.) Paolo Montalbon is an incredible Prince. He is handsome, and his high-baritone make him a worthy Prince. He is a worthy successor to John Cypher, and a worthy replacement to Stuart Damon. (He currently plays the Prince in the touring production.) Bernadette Peter's sassy ways are a delicious treat for a stepmother. She is cruel, but only to the extent of being selfish. Her character is not overdone, as it was in the previous versions. Whoopi Goldberg and Victor Garber are an excellent pair. They are hilarious, and have that feeling of a family that was lacking in the 1965 production. They are kind and loving, and want to care for their child in any way possible. It is a very nice performance to have. The script was redone completely. It retains the feel of the Julie Andrews version, but it is more modern, more up-to-date, and more encouraging. The godmother does not give Cinderella her wish just to be nice. She makes it come true to show Cinderella that she has the power to fulfill her own dreams - without the magic. There is more humor here, as is there more pain, but in the end you have a wholesome feeling. There are three additional songs in this production. "The Sweetest Sounds" appears in the first scene. It is a duet for Cinderella and the Prince. It is a very lovely melody, done justice enough by Mantalbon's clear voice, but intertwined with the pop-sound of Brandi's. The other song "Falling in Love With Love" (originaly from "Boys From Syracuse") was not written by Rodgers and Hammerstien, but Rodgers and Hart. (The same Richard Rodgers, though.) Here, it is a song for Bernadette Peters, who would not have gotten to show off her flowing voice otherwise. The last song is "There's Music In You." It is a newer, more poppy version than the original, with changes in lyrics. The song is the ending song for Whitney Houston to close the film with. It is encouraging, and upliftin, even if it isn't truly a Broadway sound. The solo "Loneliness of Evening" does not appear in this version, as it did in the 1965 version. (For some, thankfuly!) The duet for the Queen and King, "Boys and Girls Like You and Me" from the stage version does not appear either. But niether are a complete loss. For those who remain faithful to the Leslie Ann Warren version, this version will not seem very nice. But remember this, this is a musical more for the children. It is more for the children than it is for adults. When you were children in 1965 or later, the music and story was able to touch you heart and show you the magic within you. Think about the children of 1997 and later on. This version was created for them, and whether or not it complies to the standards that you see fit, these children of the new generation will have the chance to be touched by this version of the classic musical as you were when you were children. Overall, this version is aimed at touching the your heart, and showing you that music exhists within everyon, and that you can fulfill your dreams if you believe in yourself. The casts does a very nice job. The sets and costumes are sumptious. The special effects do a lot for a 50 year old musical, and the script is nicely done. If you try to enjoy it, you will. This is a wonderful addition to your library!
Rating:
Summary: What are you afraid of?
Review: Lets forget for a moment that there are white, black and Asian people in this movie and look at it for what it is. Brandy's voice was too wraspy for the role of Cinderella. She lost that "Sweet" quality because she always sounded like her voice was hoarse. But she's a very pretty young girl and looked the part. And her voice wasn't terrible. Sometimes it sounded very nice. Palo Montalban who played the Prince is a very handsome man, who has a very strong, clear voice that was perfectly in tune to be Prince Charming. Jason Alexander was very cute and funny as the Prince's manservant, and the stepsisters where hilariously horrible and awkward. For those who say its too politically correct by making it so "feminist" and so on. What would you prefer? To have Cinderella some weak little ditz who can't think for herself and can only win the guy with sex appeal and magic? Yeah thats a much better message to send young girls than, believe in yourself and impossible things can happen if you make them come true yourself. A lot of the people I saw who rated this movie low, mostly complained about the intermixing of races. If you are rating a movie poorly because you think its too politically correct, don't go outside, don't go shopping, to movies, don't watch tv or open your windows. In fact, you may need toss out your radios. Wouldn't want to hear whites, blacks and asians all singing together as one group would you? What was so horrible about the mixing of races? Woopie Goldberg is known for her comedy, the stepsisters were absolutely hilarious, and who hasn't seen a home where someone had a son or daughter who was black, and a son or daughter who was white? If you haven't heard of inter-racial marriages, then you haven't left the 1930's have you? By the way I'm white and my boyfriend is Asian. So its not that far fetched of an idea.
Rating: 
Summary: A Great T.V. Version of the Classic Musical Play!
Review: Disney did a great job bringing the play back to the t.v. with a new twist. They have all the original music, and a few new songs. You all know the story of the little cinder girl who went to the ball, fell in love with the prince, lost her slipper, and he found her because of it so I won't go into detail on the story line. But the special effects are great for being made for T.V. You won't want to miss this! Buy it today!
Rating:
Summary: great stuff
Review: I thought this movie was very cool. My daughters love it. I've read other reviews on Amazon and have to comment on one thing...Brandy is very good as Cinderella. I don't know why some others have trashed her. Her acting and her singing are sweet and lovely, just as Cinderella should be, AND she's gorgeous. I do have to agree with them on another point, though...Paolo Mantalban was fantastic as the Prince!
Rating:
Summary: Favorite Video
Review: My daughters are 2-1/2 and 5 and they both love this video. It is also my favorite of all their videos. Most children's videos these days have at least one scary or traumatic part. Cinderella does not. It is appropriate and thoroughly enjoyable for all ages. Paolo Montalban was wonderful. When he looks at Cinderella coming down the steps it makes you instantly believe in love at first sight. The step sisters were extremely funny. My daughters cheer everytime at the end when they are locked out of the wedding. Bernadette Peters and Jason Alexander were also excellent. The rest of the cast totally overshadowed Brandy, who was supposed to be the star. Her lack of experience really shows, but the rest of the production was so wonderful you really don't care.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: One of the best musicals that I have ever seen, and seeing as the actors are all ones that can be recocnized from the current time makes the movie all the more enchanting. In fact, I think I'll go watch it again right now!
Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Movies Ever
Review: I have a huge complaint for everyone who said that Brandy and Whitney Houston were bad actresses for this movie. I don't know what you listend to and watched, but if you watched this movie then you are completely wrong! Brandy's voice is simply beautiful and Whitney has an awesome voice and CAN act also! You have no right to say that about Brandy and Whitney, you're probably jealous! Go get a hearing aid and a pair of glasses and get it straight! THIS MOVIE IS THE BEST AND RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN MUSICALS ROCK!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Movie!
Review: When I saw this movie, I loved it... that's why I bought it. I mean, Brandy was such an awesome Cinderella and Whitney was amazing! I think the 2 evil step-sisters identified with their character extremely well. I think this is one of the best movies I have seen. I loved it!
Rating: 
Summary: Can someone help me?
Review: I've never seen the 1997 version of Cinderella but was browsing the net searching for the early version with Lesley Anne Warren and Stuart Damon. This original version brings back many happy memories of my childhood (never missed it!) and I would like to find a copy to share the experience with my own three little girls now. I can't seem to find it through a search -- does anyone know where I might be able to get a copy of it? Would appreciate any help, thanks! Jan
Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Classic with Modern Themes
Review: Thanks to my daughter (who is not quite 3) I have an excuse to watch this video over and over again. She loves to dance to it and even knows the words to most of the songs (move over Barney!) As a lover of musicals myself, I was thrilled to see such a delightful remake with some modern sensibilities added. In this version, Cinderella (although still a meek girl) is not quite so helpless & accepting of her rotten circumstance. Here, Cinderella eventually leaves her stepmother's home on her own accord BEFORE the price slips on the shoe & "saves" her. The reoccuring theme in this production is "don't just sit around waiting for your dreams to come true . . . do something to make them happen." Good casting! As Cinderella, Brandy's sweet singing voice is a great match for Rodger's and Hammerstein's music & lyrics. Although, Brandy could never make it in a theatrical production, as she would need to project her voice to back row of the theatre, not just 5 feet to the camera. Bernadette Peters as the step-mother is to nobody's surprise, PERFECT. Whoopi Goldberg as the queen is definitely one of the highlights of this production. As a matter of fact, Bernadette and Whoopi lend a theatrical style to the production that none of the other cast members are quite capable of. The two step-sisters are each unique and very funny. Jason Alexander as the prince's "yes man" is the right fellow to deliver some good one-liners. Paolo Montalban is handsome and charming (as a prince should be) and has a lovely singing voice. Victor Garber as the king is also just fine. The only casting decision that I think could have been better was that of Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother. Whitney is one the executive producers of Cinderella and I am sure was probably an invaluable force in getting this film made, but her "diva" creation of this character doesn't quite make up for her bad acting. The costumes are dynamite. The set is colorful, doll-like & quaint . . . right out of a "fairytale" if you will. The dance sequences are big & showy & a lot of fun to watch. Lastly, my little girl is biracial, so I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a black Cinderella (we already have the Walt Disney animated classic with the white Cinerella). Yet, even better is that this is not the "black" production of Cinderella. This is a kingdom that has no racial barriers . . . wow!
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