Product: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
As amazing as the title says
Making a video film of this musical is a painstaking task, but the Really Useful Company have really done a very good job making this film. They have really preserved the magic of the stage show while condensing it to fit the small screen. The star of this video is, of course, Donny Osmond, who, though he may be too old for the part of Joseph, preserves the youth in the role. He sings exceptionally well, and one can imagine the emotioin he puts into "Close Every Door." For those who haven't seen or heard Maria Friedman, her Narrator is truly a treat for both the ears and eyes. She is an excellent actress, and her portrayal is youthful and energetic. Robert Torti as the Elvisesque Pharaoh gives a powerful portrayal, and he is better here than he was on the US cast recording. The Elvis impersonation turns out well, and he is very comical. As for the supporting cast, they come out very well indeed, with Joan Collins very seductive as Mrs. Potiphar. If this is a PG-13 scene, it isn't as it doesn't do any harm. The sets and costumes, which owe a certain debt to cartoons, only add to the viewing pleasure as they reinforce how child-like this show is as nursery rhymes. The children are not bad also, behaving themselves extremely well while having fun in this show. Overall, alongside THE SOUND OF MUSIC, this turns out to be an excellent family musical that can be viewed by everyone, and a video that is sure to find a happy home in any musical library.