Camelot (Broadway Version)
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Movie Reviews of Camelot (Broadway Version)
Movie Review: Well, it's not as bad as the movie version...
Summary: 3 Stars
I feel badly giving this only 3 stars but I couldn't muster up four. That said, it is better than the movie version, but has some major drawbacks.
1)The transfer is grainy. It's watchable, but again, I am surprised they didn't do a better job.
2)Whoever staged this was totally lacking in creativity. It was pretty blah.
3)Guinevere is not as bad as Vanessa Redgrave - but she's certainly no Julie Andrews. Yes, that is an unfair comparison. But it must be said. Her voice is quite lovely. Alas, she has so little emotion, it's like watching a block of wood.
4)They cut some of the best music. What is this about? "Then you may take me to the fair" and "Fie on virtue" are missing entirely, and "Lusty month of May", "What do the simple folk do?" are abridged. It's sad.
5)Does Mordred understand the words beat and tempo? Enough said.
6)Lancelot seems to make his songs go on and on... is it over yet?
On the bright side - Richard Harris - while undoubtedly too old for the role does a splendid job. He is truly an old school actor. Unfortunately he had no one of his caliber to play off of. The costuming was very nice, as well. All in all, it really wasn't so bad. It just didn't meet my expectations. If you have to own a Camelot DVD this one is better than the movie. Maybe someday they'll remake the movie version and do it right.
Movie Review: Fantastic production, a must-see! A few issues, though...
Summary: 4 Stars
When this premiered on HBO 25 years ago, it was one of the best things on TV. A classic Broadway show given a sumptuous stage-to-TV production. All the leads are superb, especially Richard Muenz and Meg Bussert. I am so happy now to own a copy of this. The production itself certainly deserves 5 or more stars. The DVD release could have been done better, however. I wish the picture quality were a little sharper. It seems there should be a better master tape of this. My other issue with the DVD is it is missing some material. During the HBO production, there were full recordings of the Overture and Entr'acte played. This was music only played against a stagnant backdrop. Yes, it is not much to look at, but the music was glorious and it is now missing. When A&E repeated the program, they kept this music but spoke over it, relegating the music to the background. A true solid DVD release of this would include both these pieces of music with no dialogue. If this were to be released again with this missing material, I would gladly buy it again! Are you listening, Acorn?Movie Review: Beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always loved the story of Camelot, and the movie. I was most fortunate to see the live play starring Richard Harris about 20+ years ago. To see the energy and emotion he used, just was beautiful. It is captured in this DVD, and I highly urge anyone that loves the story to watch it. And please, watch it with your children, or grandchildren.Movie Review: What a treasure
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a classic and it is good to be able to see the play.Movie Review: just for broadway buffs
Summary: 3 Stars
Beautiful close-ups which allow you to appreciate the fine performances of the whole cast. Richard Harris is remarkable.Lighting is warm as on the stage.However the grainy picture throughout diminishes the pleasure of watching, and the result is that you can love it only if you are a Broadway fan. Also complain the lack of subtitles. Might it have been edited better? After all it's one of the most important musicals and it deserved better care.