Home :: DVD :: Musicals & Performing Arts :: Broadway  

Ballet & Dance
Biography
Broadway

Classical
Documentary
General
Instructional
Jazz
Musicals
Opera
World Music
Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)

Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)

List Price: $19.99
Your Price: $17.99
Product Info Reviews

<< 1 2 3 4 >>

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I love the Tenchi Family
Review: My friend recommended me this serial last year. This serial is one of my favourrite anime in my life. Fortunately I was born in Japan. I've seen countless anime since I could remember. I love all of the Tenchi Family. Specially Tench's grandpa that have an important key. And we, Japanese love the Japonaiserie atmosphere that this serial has in.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I'm No Fan . . .
Review: of Julie Andrews (with the exception of "The Sound of Music"). But I think she is terrific in this Broadway production on video -- especially when she hauls off and slugs someone! Granted, there are no great songs, but the production numbers are very good and I did laugh a lot. One of the things that makes it so appealing to me is that it comes the closest so far to capturing a live performance of a Broadway musical, especially with the multi-tiered sets used during the "comedy of errors" in the hotel. There is a lack of center channel information but it allowed my front right and left speakers to do their good work. I rented, but intend to buy. That says it!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: AN EXCELLENT PRESERVATION OF A WONDERFUL NIGHT
Review: On December 2, 1995, I was lucky enough to be in New York City and saw "Victor-Victoria" on Broadway. The excitement and anticipation of seeing Julie Andrews on Broadway was so great-- I'll never forget that. We would have applauded and cheered like mad if Julie had merely appeared on stage and read from the phone book. Naturally, I was thrilled when the Broadway production was released on video. The show is excellently presented in wide-screen format. I'm still in awe of Robin Wagner's wonderful set designs-- one of the production's best assets. Andrews is well supported by Tony Roberts as Toddy. Michael Nouri is super sexy as King Marchan, and Gregory Jhbara is endearingly sweet as his gay bodyguard. Rachael York is extremely funny, but, in retrospect, the best she can do in the role of Norma is give a carbon-copy of Lesley Ann Warren's inspired performance in the 1982 film. Despite what some have said, the Broadway production does flow and move well, with just as much sparkle and bounce as the 1982 film (in some cases, perhaps more). These are professional actors. They know what they're doing, and they give their very best. Let's face it: either you like Julie Andrews (with all her amazing stamina and energy; thankfully captured here before her devastating 1997 throat surgery) and "Victor-Victoria" or you don't. Not much more needs to be said. Having this video in my collection is like having my wonderful night in New York City over and over again. A real treat-- if you were "there" or not.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: AN EXCELLENT PRESERVATION OF A WONDERFUL NIGHT
Review: On December 2, 1995, I was lucky enough to be in New York City and saw "Victor-Victoria" on Broadway. The excitement and anticipation of seeing Julie Andrews on Broadway was so great-- I'll never forget that. We would have applauded and cheered like mad if Julie had merely appeared on stage and read from the phone book. Naturally, I was thrilled when the Broadway production was released on video. The show is excellently presented in wide-screen format. I'm still in awe of Robin Wagner's wonderful set designs-- one of the production's best assets. Andrews is well supported by Tony Roberts as Toddy. Michael Nouri is super sexy as King Marchan, and Gregory Jhbara is endearingly sweet as his gay bodyguard. Rachael York is extremely funny, but, in retrospect, the best she can do in the role of Norma is give a carbon-copy of Lesley Ann Warren's inspired performance in the 1982 film. Despite what some have said, the Broadway production does flow and move well, with just as much sparkle and bounce as the 1982 film (in some cases, perhaps more). These are professional actors. They know what they're doing, and they give their very best. Let's face it: either you like Julie Andrews (with all her amazing stamina and energy; thankfully captured here before her devastating 1997 throat surgery) and "Victor-Victoria" or you don't. Not much more needs to be said. Having this video in my collection is like having my wonderful night in New York City over and over again. A real treat-- if you were "there" or not.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: A Disappointing Showing from A Talented Group of Artists
Review: One viewing of this show will make you understand why it wasn't nominated for any Tony awards other than a token nod for Ms. Andrews. The characters are highly unbelievable, the acting is shaky and one-dimensional and the musical numbers are mostly unimpressive.

In many scenes, the actors seem to be simply reciting their lines, with no idea as to why they are saying what they are saying. Even Julie Andrews, so enjoyable in other roles, appears to be simply going through the motions (and she sings every song as though she were still in Camelot). The show also suffers from a poor script, with predictable, inane dialogue and entire scenes which add little or nothing to the plot.

Perhaps the stage version just tried too hard to imitate the film version. The only reason to buy this is if you are a fan of any of the creative talents involved. There are many other musicals available on video that are much higher quality. Buy one of those, instead, and rent Victor/Victoria at your local video store...if you really must see it.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Impressive Filming of a Flawed Show
Review: The stage version of "V/V" is inferior to the film. Among the problems: Rachel York---a terrific talent who deserved better---was clearly encouraged to imitate Lesley Ann Warren's performance from the film rather than create a character on her own, and the new songs are mediocre or worse. But fans of Julie Andrews will no doubt enjoy it, and Blake Edwards (in his stage directing debut) excels in the comedy sequences (the sequence in the second act which has many of the characters sneaking in and out of hotel bedrooms without being detected is classic Edwards). Very smooth filming of the show---the hi def transfer looks great. Note that the filming occured early in the show's Broadway run, and Edwards continued to make major changes to the show in the months following the opening. For example, Edwards cut the "Louis Says" number that opens the second act (the number was not replaced) and brought back the balloon act that was used during the show's Midwest tryouts but dropped prior to the Broadway opening. The DVD has "Louis Says" but no balloon act.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: See The Film Version First
Review: There are good performances in this Broadway show, but I couldn't help but to compare it to the film version. Tony Roberts' is good as Toddy, and the actress who plays King Marchand's gun moll steals scenes whenever she's onstage. One of the best songs is done by an actress who plays a French flower girl. Julie Andrews is also fine here; this was filmed before the unfortunate loss of her singing voice. The Broadway show is not as much manic fun as the film was. Some scenes that were in the film do not appear in the musical. Overall, this is not a bad time at the theater.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: See The Film Version First
Review: There are good performances in this Broadway show, but I couldn't help but to compare it to the film version. Tony Roberts' is good as Toddy, and the actress who plays King Marchand's gun moll steals scenes whenever she's onstage. One of the best songs is done by an actress who plays a French flower girl. Julie Andrews is also fine here; this was filmed before the unfortunate loss of her singing voice. The Broadway show is not as much manic fun as the film was. Some scenes that were in the film do not appear in the musical. Overall, this is not a bad time at the theater.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: FANTASTIC, CREATES THE STANDARD FOR BROADWAY DVD'S!
Review: This fantastic DVD sets the standard for all Broadway DVD presentations!

Filmed at the Marquis Theatre, VICTOR/VICTORIA was filmed for Japanese television broadcast by NHK. This remarkable transfer boasts a dynamic 5.1 sound mix and a flawless picture.

Starring the entire original cast led by Julie Andrews, Tony Roberts, Michael Nouri, Rachel York, Gregory Jbara and Tara O'Brien, it is one of the most delightful musicals ever written.

This will probably be Andrews' last musical role; after completing her run and handing over the role to Liza Minnelli, she was admitted to hospital with throat problems. During the run she was frequently out with the flu or vocal problems.
Similarly, Liza Minnelli was frequently out with vocal problems relating to the show. Raquel Welch stepped in and closed with the show. VICTOR/VICTORIA ran for almost three years on Broadway.

This classic, old-fashioned musical will be a God-send to die-hard Broadway and musical theatre fans. Buy it today!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A super production, marvelously produced!
Review: This gem of a video is wonderful in every way possible. Of course, Julie Andrews reprises her earlier movie role as noone else possibly could. In this staged version, she is surrounded by a sumptuous company which brings the show to life marvelously.

The show is worth watching and owning even for those already familiar with the 1982 movie, as the music has been supplemented and the plot altered for stage performance. Victor/Victoria is really something new altogether here.

The plot sparkles with with and beauty, and with social import as well. The pro-gay stance of the movie has only been deepened for the theatre.

We are sorry to report this may be the last singing we will get from Julie Andrews' voice, but what a way to go!


<< 1 2 3 4 >>

© 2004, ReviewFocus or its affiliates