Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)We should be thankful for what we get on this DVD, so by all means, get it. By doing so, hopefully you'll encourage similar Broadway DVDs to be released in the future. (By the way, also consider getting "The Best of Broadway Musicals: Original Cast Performances from the Ed Sullivan Show," which captures some great 1950s-1960s performances.)
However, I have to agree with those who say this set is lopsided, even considering that the producers didn't have the rights to release other footage from the Tonys.
The saddest thing about some of the footage is that, while it claims to capture "sung" performances, in fact a few of the numbers are lip-synched. These include two of the numbers that I was most looking forward to seeing: Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd and Robert Preston in The Music Man. While it's great to see these performers in action, the lip-synching makes it an artificial experience.
But enough caveats. These aside, there's still plenty to enjoy.
The great John Raitt sings a definitive "Hey There" from The Pajama Game a couple of decades after its original run. He sounds just as exciting as ever. The song is shortened, but again, let's be thankful for what we have. And there's also a scene from 42nd Street with pre-"Law and Order" Jerry Orbach singing his heart out.
Some of the most enjoyable segments are in the DVD's "bonus extras" section. For example, in what seems the oldest segment on the DVD, the utterly charming Barbara Harris performs a number from The Apple Tree, a 1960s musical that is now essentially forgotten by all but fervent show fans. And to watch those ever-young old troopers Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller singing and dancing in Sugar Babies is a joy.
So, tap your way to Amazon's checkout and get this DVD in your hands ASAP!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Broadway's Lost Treasures (2003)
Joel Grey, Carol Channing, John Raitt, Patti LuPone, Yul Brynner, Zero Mostel--these greats are among the original-cast performers featured in this unique filmed compendium of Broadway showstoppers. Seen only once in their original Tony Award® telecasts (1967–1986), these 22 knock-out performances come with new introductions by some of the featured performers, including Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, and Chita Rivera. BONUS: Both DVD and VHS formats feature five extra performances not seen on PBS!
Program includes: BROADWAY DIVAS Vivian Blaine, "Adelaide's Lament," Guys and Dolls Patti LuPone, "A New Argentina," Evita Angela Lansbury, "Worst Pies in London," Sweeney Todd Carol Channing, "Before the Parade Passes By," Hello, Dolly! Julie Andrews, "Send in the Clowns," A Little Night Music
LEADING MEN Zero Mostel, "If I Were a Rich Man," Fiddler on the Roof Yul Brynner, "Shall We Dance," The King and I John Raitt, "Hey There," The Pajama Game Robert Preston, "Trouble," The Music Man Paul Lynde, "Kids," Bye Bye Birdie
DANCIN' Joel Grey, "Willkommen," Cabaret Tommy Tune, Twiggy, "Chasin' the Clouds Away," My One and Only Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, "All That Jazz," "Nowadays," Chicago Jerry Orbach, "Lullaby of Broadway," 42nd Street
RECORD BREAKERS Andrea McArdle, cast, "Tomorrow," Annie Cast, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," Annie Betty Buckley and cast, "Jellicle Songs," "Memory," Cats
BONUS PERFORMANCES! Both DVD and VHS formats include five additional performances not seen on the PBS pledge-special broadcasts. Ann Miller, Mickey Rooney, "McHugh Medley," Sugar Babies Patti LuPone, "Buenos Aires," Evita Barbara Harris, "Movie Star Gorgeous," The Apple Tree Bonnie Franklin, "Applause," Applause Dorothy Loudon and cast, "Easy Street," "Tomorrow" (reprise), Annie
Click here for more information about Broadway's Lost Treasures (2003)
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