Editorial Review:Amazon.com essential video:Following the successful 1998 video release of
Cats comes another Andrew Lloyd Webber blockbuster musical,
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and it's a savvy choice. It hasn't been represented on film before, it's short enough (78 minutes) to present without cuts, and it has the star power of former teen icon Donny Osmond, who played over 1,800 performances across North America. Rather than record a live performance,
Cats director David Mallet conceived
Joseph as a film, though one that is based strongly on codirector Steven Pimlott's 1991 London revival and relies more on camerawork than venturing beyond its stagelike sets.
Lloyd Webber's first project with lyricist Tim Rice was originally written in 1968 as a school cantata; accordingly, this film uses a framing sequence of a school recital, with an audience of clapping, singing kids and members of the faculty playing the roles. The Old Testament tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors gets a splashy, vigorous treatment with an energetic cast, Las Vegas-style glitz, and catchy, eclectic songs, including 'Any Dream Will Do,' 'Close Every Door,' the peppy 'Go, Go, Go Joseph,' and various bits of country, calypso, and Elvis. Osmond is perfect in the title role, with a strong voice and winning persona, while London stage veteran Maria Friedman performs well in the central role of the narrator. Richard Attenborough appears (and sings a little) as Jacob, and Joan Collins makes a brief, nonsinging cameo.
Joseph certainly isn't revolutionary musical theater, but if you view it as a kids' show, it's a silly good time (though there are poignant moments too). Parents should note, however, that this production might warrant a little discretion due to one suggestive scene and some risqué costumes.
--David Horiuchi
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Joseph
I had a really good experience with this order, it got to me really quickly, 4 days before it was supposed to. So all in all I had a really positive experience.
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something wonderful
Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat dvd. it is a great story done to professionalism of this cast. i have enjoyed it in many forms and love the enthusiasm of the entire cast.
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Any Dream Will Do...
This retelling of "The Coat of Many Colors" is a fanasty full of delighful music.
Set as a grade-school production, the staff of the school is featured in the various roles with the gym's stage morphing and flowing into the Pinewood 007 Studios, where the bulk of the film was shot.
Donny Osmond shows his skills in the title role, travelling from a happy boyhood in Cannan, to a tearful and scary Egyptian jail, and finally to the side of Ramses' throne as a noble Prince. The 40 year old actor is believable as both an 18 year old youth and the older, mature royal advisor.
Maria Friedman has too much fun as the Narrator. She strolls through the desert, dances with the brothers, and sips drinks in the shadow of the Sphinx. Her bouncy step and emotional face change for each number to support Joseph/Don in his plights.
With musical themes from the Roaring 20's, the Rocking 50's, the Mod 60's, the Soulful French Canteens, and the American WildWest Saloons, this movie deserves the large box of popcorn. You won't want to have to miss a thing!
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A dream of a production.
I have never enjoyed a musical production so much as I did "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat". The magic between Donny and the children was wonderful and filled me with a warmth of which I've never before experienced. And lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed Maria Friedman's performance. And, as usual, the quality of the CD was superb.
For this last I am grateful to Amazon.
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GREAT FAMILY FUN
The story-line, the music, and the cast combine to creat a wonderful experience the whole family can enjoy together.
