Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat [1999] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Amazon.co.uk Review

Following the successful 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 co-director 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 colours 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, non-singing cameo.

Joseph certainly isn't revolutionary musical theatre, 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 risqu&ecute; costumes. --David Horiuchi, Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-11-04

Doesnt everyone just love Joseph?! The songs are great, its really funny and up to date, and Donny Osmond is great. Do i really need to write anything else?
Its brilliant!

Wow!.......2007-10-04

Such a GREAT musical - I know the words to every song! This is a must have for all Joseph fans. (And those who aren't!)

Extremely well made considering a low budget.......2007-07-02

This musical is fanstasticand all of the songs are awesome!!!

I totally agree with the other reviewer about the most of the money being spent on the stars; but considering that the set looks fanstastic and everyone in it can really sing, even Richard Attenborough!!!

They have moderised the musical for the 21st century very well and most people seem to always go for the original ones, but Donny Osmand is the best one by far.

This is one of my favourite musicals and a must buy.

Simply Fun.......2007-07-01

Chaps, wise up. View this as a simple fun for family viewing and enjoy it. My 5 year old has worn out the vhs so badly that I have had to purchased the dvd version. The older 8 year old has reached her saturation point.
At least Donny can sing the chords and with fun...Jason 'sings?'
Maria Freudman is just superb as a narrator. How can you call her singing operatic...it is simply musical style. I am not old enough to have experienced original version, but love the light hearted nature of the piece. 4 star because there is no SUBTITLES on the DVD for sing-a-long.

Better than Jason or Phillip life on stage.

Poor Poor Joseph.......2007-06-20

Joseph is a much beloved musical and this DVD does it no justice.
I'm pretty sure the home video of your(or your kids) school production is better. Its set poorly, clearly the budget was spent on the 'stars' and it just fails to work as a film.
Even the catchy familiar songs cant save it.

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