Jesus Christ Superstar (UK)

When Andrew Lloyd-Webber first showed the world his new rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, on Broadway in October 1972, it took the vocal talents of Ian Gillan to ensure that the show was a huge success. By 1980 it had become the longest running musical in the West End (and is still the 5th longest running ever - with three more of Lloyd-Webber`s musicals above it), and has toured in 15 countries around the world. Now the latest production has been remade for video, and it certainly doesn`t disappoint.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera based on the last seven days of Christ. Glenn Carter`s portrayal of Jesus is faultless, and he shows an amazing vocal range and quality. He is ably supported by Jerome Pradon as Judas, Renee Castle as Mary Magdalene, Fred Johanson as Pilate, and Rick Mayall features as King Herod - although it must be said that to single out any member of the cast is unfair to the rest, as there is not one single weak performance. All the actors are accomplished live performers, but they make the transfer to film well - and anyone who saw the recent tour will probably recognise many of the faces, as the majority of actors on the video featured as both principals and supporting artists.

Cinematically, the 16:9 anamorphic transfer is excellent. There aren`t too many extremes of light and dark to test the hardware, but the colours are rich and vibrant, the whites suitably white and the darks suitably dark, and the definition is superb - from the intensity of the light cross behind the crucifiction to the light shining off Pilate`s breastplate. The video is set around an extended version of the recent stage tour, and while it doesn`t have the same `film-like` feel as the recent remake of Evita, it doesn`t suffer from the same limitations as `Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat`, and you don`t feel restricted by the action.

The DD5.1 soundtrack is an absolute dream. Maybe I`m biased, because I`m a huge fan of the show, but the orchestration is superb, and the transfer to surround sound does Lloyd-Webber`s score justice. Most of the vocals come straight from the centre of the soundstage, and remain clear all the way through. You feel at times like you`re sat with the actors with the orchestra all around you - and when the crowd are singing `Jesus Christ Superstar` during `This Jesus Must Die`, you actually feel like you`re in the room and the crowd are baying outside the walls. Immersive music at it`s best!

Not too many extras on this disk, but the overall package doesn`t suffer because of it. There`s an interesting `Making Of...` featuring interviews with cast and crew, and there`s also the usual scene access and trailers. Not overly generous, especially compared to the likes of Terminator 2 special edition (next on my purchase list!), but not too measly by any standards.

Overall, you may guess that I like it! I`m a huge fan of the show, and this DVD is a must for fans of music and musicals alike. There`s something in it for everyone, though: it tells a superb story through superb music; the performances of everyone involved are faultless; and the audio and video are both technically excellent. All in all, well worth the money!

SMP, 16Feb01

Jesus Christ Superstar is a superb decipation of the original production. Glenn Carters harmonious vioce really sends goosebumps to your legs, especially with his breath taking remdition of Gesthemane
The whole cast are superb in this and there are no faults with any of their performances - though Glenn Carter totally stole the show.
A recommended hit for any musical lovers. :D :D :D :) :) :D :D :D