Amazon.co.uk Review
After years of rumours, it turns out that Tim Burton was the perfect visionary to film Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Stephen Sondheim's Broadway masterpiece, and the result is a macabre and moving musical movie as enthralling as anything Burton has ever done. The show's mix of gothic horror, Grand Guignol, very dark humor, and witty and beautiful music never was the stuff of traditional musical comedy, but it's a powerful work, and perhaps the richest of the late 20th century. In the movie, Burton's frequent collaborator, Johnny Depp, plays Todd, a wronged man whose lust for revenge drives him to murder (an 19th-century legend who has been traced to a real-life barber). Helena Bonham Carter, another Burton mainstay, is Mrs. Lovett, the barber's partner-in-unspeakable-crime. It's no surprise that Depp is an excellent choice to convey Todd's brooding intensity and volcanic rage, but he can also sing a score that is so challenging it has often played in opera houses (though not with the same style as the Broadway original, Len Cariou, and he occasionally lapses into pop style). Bonham Carter is small of voice and lacks the humour of the original Broadway Lovett, Angela Lansbury, but she sings on pitch, in rhythm, and in character at the same time, which is no small feat for a Sondheim show. Aficionados will regret the loss of certain musical passages--"The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" is just an instrumental overture and the chorus is gone altogether, among others, but the reassuring presence of orchestrator Jonathan Tunick and conductor Paul Gemignani ensures that the music feels right and sounds great. And the film's depiction of a Victorian London hellhole, with cinematography by Dariusz Wolski and costumes by Colleen Atwood, also looks and feels right.
The excellent cast is filled out by Alan Rickman as the villainous Judge Turpin, Timothy Spall as his seedy Beadle, Sacha Baron Cohen as a rival barber, Jamie Campbell Bower as the young lover Anthony, Jayne Wisener as his object of affection, and Ed Sanders as the young Toby. For fans of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp who don't think they like musicals, Sweeney Todd should be a revelation (though not for the squeamish, as the gore is intense and completely appropriate). For fans of Broadway and Sondheim, it's hard to imagine getting a better adaptation than this. The fact that there's no newly composed Oscar-bait song sung by a Josh Groban-type over the end credits only makes it better. --David Horiuchi
Customer Reviews:
Certainly, have a stab at this!.......2008-03-15
This is the best cinematic musical that I have ever seen (beating Moulin Rouge which is really high up on my list.) From the set design to the costume design to the actors and the music and the humor and tragedy, there is absolutely no way you can't watch this movie.
Firstly, in my opinion the music is simply genius. I can't get the songs out of my head, they are that good and memorable, so of course I have bought the soundtrack. I rarely like every single song on an album, and Sweeney todd is the first at which I have loved every single song.
The acting is excellent- Johnny Depp does a fantastic job of playing Sweeney Todd. From just his expressions you can see what pain Sweeney is going through, and that in my opinion is clearly a sign of a goodd actor. Helena Bonham Carter does a great job of playing Mrs Lovett, and shows how her love for Sweeney Todd, despite being unrequited, she still does everything she can for him. Overall the standard of acting is high.
I was worried that the singing may have been the downfall of this movie, but all of the actors (despite only one of them being professionally trained) was really commendable. (Depp and Bonham Carter have really cool singing voices!)
Adapting this musical from the stage to movie was from what I know, a difficult tranfser, but I think Burton did a great job of it.
I can't fault Sweeney Todd at all, and would certainly recommend it to everyone. I'm looking forward to seeing what extras are going to be on the DVD.
This film, no dout, have changed my opion on musicals!.......2008-03-05
Well not really, but what I mean is I hate that hIGHsCHOOLmUSICAL rubbish (so much that is doesn't even deserve a capital at the beginning). But This brings my love of horror films, Burton & Depp films and good songs together in one magnificent work of art!!
Johnny has really done a fabulous job as the demon barber as well as looking considerably cute, you can believe that he's evil (if that makes any sense!). The songs are great, but you'd look weird if you walked around shopping centers singing along to epiphany on your ipod, but still great songs! I'd recommend it to anyone, well, apart from my little 2 yr old 2nd cousin, she might find it a bit too scary!
Johnny Depp excels as Sweeney Todd.......2008-03-05
Once again Johnny Depp made this movie, I cannot imagine any one else who could portray the dark broodiness of Sweeney Todd better than Johnny.
The songs, choreography and overall mood of this movie was extremely well done.
Gritty, down to earth, harsh and bleak. London as it would have been back then.
Go see it, you won't be disappointed.
Bloody Amazing.......2008-03-04
[Forgive the pun]
I saw this in cinema and I absolutely loved it, I wanted to see it again even before the credits were rolling.
The songs were all amazing [although "Green Finch and Linnett Bird" couldn't really be classed as amazing] I rushed out and bough the excellent soundtrack which i'm listening to even as I write this, and have been doing for weeks.
The only problem with the film was Anthony who irritated me no end, but I can put up with it for the rest of the amazing film!
Buy it, I know I will be, it won't disappoint!
Burton at his finest.......2008-03-04
I cannot say anything bad about this film. It is a masterpiece, there's no question about that and it is possibly one of Burton's finest films yet and a remarkable performance by Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.
I usually find it quite difficult to get into film adaptations of musicals but this one blew me away.
This is essential viewing for any film lover, Depp or Burton fan.
The best film of 2008 yet.
Customer Reviews:
styled!.......2008-01-08
i love any films or books that are set centuries ago and this story is no different. i have always been interested in the legend of sweeney todd so when this came on tv i devoured it. i wasn't disappointed, ray winstone as ever is brilliant in his portrayal of the deranged sweeney todd because while we hate him for his crimes, we also feel sorry for him. This is a brilliant adaptation, sumputuously filmed and i'm glad i own a copy!watch it!!!
Sweeney Todd The Directors Cut.......2006-02-22
Ray Winstone at his best yet again, a faultless portrayal of the Demon Barber, BUT my one crititism and the reason that I bought the dvd was the Directors Cut description. However, The Directors Cut is EXACTLY as the transmitted version and I feel cheated. so if you saw the TV edition then the Directors Cut just does not deliver, there are NO extras what so ever, but if you like Ray Winstone as I do then buy it.
Winstone does it again.......2006-02-20
Ray Winstone does another wonderful job at taking you into the life of his character. Set in 18th century London Sweeny Todd is a respected Barber, but little do the people around him know the real Mr Todd. The relationship that Todd forms with Mrs Lovett proves to be symbiotic. The constant need both Todd and Lovett rely upon, pulls them to their demise.
superb sweeney todd.......2006-02-13
this is one of the best dramas i`ve ever seen. Ray Winstone plays the deranged serial killer with a menace reminiscent of his character in scum. The 18th century setting is perfect as the gloomy surroundings provide a great backdrop for the murderous activities going on in sweeney todd`s barber shop. The journey sweeney todd takes from a man seemingly disgruntled at the injustices in society to someone who can`t stop killing his customers is entralling but not for the faint hearted.
Amazon.co.uk Review
After years of rumours, it turns out that Tim Burton was the perfect visionary to film Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Stephen Sondheim's Broadway masterpiece, and the result is a macabre and moving musical movie as enthralling as anything Burton has ever done. The show's mix of gothic horror, Grand Guignol, very dark humor, and witty and beautiful music never was the stuff of traditional musical comedy, but it's a powerful work, and perhaps the richest of the late 20th century. In the movie, Burton's frequent collaborator, Johnny Depp, plays Todd, a wronged man whose lust for revenge drives him to murder (an 19th-century legend who has been traced to a real-life barber). Helena Bonham Carter, another Burton mainstay, is Mrs. Lovett, the barber's partner-in-unspeakable-crime. It's no surprise that Depp is an excellent choice to convey Todd's brooding intensity and volcanic rage, but he can also sing a score that is so challenging it has often played in opera houses (though not with the same style as the Broadway original, Len Cariou, and he occasionally lapses into pop style). Bonham Carter is small of voice and lacks the humour of the original Broadway Lovett, Angela Lansbury, but she sings on pitch, in rhythm, and in character at the same time, which is no small feat for a Sondheim show. Aficionados will regret the loss of certain musical passages--"The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" is just an instrumental overture and the chorus is gone altogether, among others, but the reassuring presence of orchestrator Jonathan Tunick and conductor Paul Gemignani ensures that the music feels right and sounds great. And the film's depiction of a Victorian London hellhole, with cinematography by Dariusz Wolski and costumes by Colleen Atwood, also looks and feels right.
The excellent cast is filled out by Alan Rickman as the villainous Judge Turpin, Timothy Spall as his seedy Beadle, Sacha Baron Cohen as a rival barber, Jamie Campbell Bower as the young lover Anthony, Jayne Wisener as his object of affection, and Ed Sanders as the young Toby. For fans of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp who don't think they like musicals, Sweeney Todd should be a revelation (though not for the squeamish, as the gore is intense and completely appropriate). For fans of Broadway and Sondheim, it's hard to imagine getting a better adaptation than this. The fact that there's no newly composed Oscar-bait song sung by a Josh Groban-type over the end credits only makes it better. --David Horiuchi
Customer Reviews:
No Place Like London!.......2008-02-12
Buy this DVD for the moving performance and the magnificent voice of George Hearn in the title role, as well as for the classic comic romp of Angela Lansbury, whose voice and splendid diction are also thoroughly suited to the complexities of the music. In "Sweeney Todd," Sondheim is at his most melodious. Although it is hard to choose my favorite among songs such as "No Place Like London," and "Not While I'm Around," the third ensemble of "Johanna," in which the hauntingly beautiful melody stands in sharp contrast to the ghastly action onstage, ranks high.
Almost all the voices are equal to Sondheim's brilliant score, which belongs in the pantheon of grand opera. The exception is the girl playing Johanna, whose shrill soprano voice is forced to such an extent that it goes sharp; thus one loses not only the thread of the melody, but also the lilting beauty of the "Green Finch and Linnet Bird" song. As one who loves the audio CD, in which soprano Sarah Rice floats effortlessly through the aria, I was severely disappointed.
Fortunately, the rest of the cast is splendid: especially the Beggar Woman, Anthony the Sailor, and the boy Toby (The DVD edition has more or less toned down the extent of Judge Turpin's perversions, which are blatant in Edmund Lyndeck's incredible version of "Johanna" in the audio CD.). Unfortunately the DVD does not provide the cast list on or inside the box, so I shall have to go back to the end of the disc and see who's in it besides the stars.
Nevertheless, the stars are shining brightly in this dark comic opera over a London that seems more like Paris of the Grand Guignol, the horror spectacle which once sent shivers down the spines of Parisian theatre goers. Even though the horror of the plot is unlikely to thrill the jaded modern audience, the performance of George Hearn certainly will.
WONDERFUL!!!.......2007-12-11
Lansbury at her best and funniest.The whole production is well worth watching from beginning to end. I have seen many stage productions of this musical and this outshines them all.
Great show, great performances by Hearn and Lansbury.......2007-07-27
Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is Stephen Sondheim's telling of a barber driven mad. His wife and child were taken from him by a corrupt judge. He was transported, but he managed years later to return to London. He takes his revenge on humanity by slitting the throats of those he shaves. He's fortunate in meeting Mrs. Lovett, who makes a poor living making and selling awful meat pies, the main ingredient of which is cat. Now with Sweeney providing a constant source of fresh meat, her pies become best sellers. Sweeney finds his daughter, but retribution is inevitable.
Sondheim brings together some major themes in telling this story. It's a big production for a big score and story. Angela Lansbury and George Hearn as Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd command the stage. It's not an opera, but is sung through with little dialogue.
The play was filmed while the show played Los Angeles. We're viewing a stage production, but the direction, camera work and editing give an excellent feel of immediacy.
For me, Sondheim has always seemed to be over-intellectual with too much of an air of the alienated high school loner about him, but he has created some excellent, original shows. And he knows how to put together magnificent set pieces, critical to a show, which are stunning by themselves. In Sweeney there's a long number called "Johanna." His daughter is singing from a nunnery where the judge has placed her. The sailor who met her and who fell in love with her is singing. And Sweeney is singing. All singing of longing, with a beautiful, melodic theme...and while Sweeney is singing he's slitting the throats of his customers. It's a powerful moment. Check out the "Someone in a Tree" number from Pacific Overtures or "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs" from Follies. These are works of an extraordinarily gifted composer.
The DVD is full frame, as it was broadcast on television, and is in excellent condition.
arrrrgh!.......2007-06-24
i bought the video of this on ebay a few years ago and it cost me over a hundred pounds! imagine my horror when i saw it here for under a tenner! AND ON DVD! arrrrgh!
a great show. you will enjoy it. angela lansbury rocks.
Oh my give me a piece of pie.......2006-03-31
The story of the unexpected return of a convict barber Benjamin Barker alias Sweeney Todd (George Hearn) that is a cut above the average barber and his relationship to a talented meet pie baker Mrs. Nellie Lovett (Angela Lansbury.)
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by Hugh Wheeler; Based on a version of "Sweeney Todd" by Christopher Bond.
The intrigued in this program made for TV is not as much the story line but how it is executed. There are some great Stephen Sondheim musical pieces and excellent actors such as Edmund Lyndeck who plays Judge Turpin, the judge that falsely convicted Benjamin Barker. You feel that you are in a live audience and find your self shouting out don't do that to those intending to be well groomed.
Customer Reviews:
Perhaps THE ultimate recording of the Sondheim masterpiece..........2007-11-08
...which the '82 tour cast DVD (Lansbury/Hearn) can't be because of the horrendous performance by Betsy Joslyn in the role of Johanna.
This production, starring the amazing George Hearn as Sweeney and the fabulous Patti LuPone as Nellie Lovett, has an amazing ensemble of supporting players. Stanford Olsen is funny as Pirelli, while Timothy Nolen makes for a highly dangerous Judge Turpin. Lisa Vroman is perhaps the BEST performer in the role of Johanna whom I've heard so far, her performance is outstanding especially during the demanding KISS ME QUARTET, which is about the most brilliant moment in the show.
Lonny Price's staging works mostly very well (especially for a concert version), but his camera direction is sometimes a bit too zoomy and fast-paced. That doesn't distract much, however.
This concert version is a great way how to be introduced to Sondheim's intriguing music. Afterwards, be sure to seek out the SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and INTO THE WOODS DVDs - both great!
And if you really get to like Sondheim, seek out other jewells - A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, COMPANY, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE etc. etc. You won't be sorry.
Sweeney Todd........THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET .......2007-11-05
I only have two concert DVDs and this is, by far, the BEST!! George Hearn is the perfect 'Sweeney' and Patti LePone is the very funny, although sinister, Mrs. Lovett. The other cast members make this a memorible DVD especially Neil Patrick Harris as Toby. This should keep any fan busy until Tim Burton's version
I recommend this DVD to complement anyone's Sweeney Todd collection as it delivers everything that you have come to expect from the tragic tale of the DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET!
SWING YOUR RAZOR HIGH SWEENEY!!!
Attend The Tale Of Sweeney Todd.......2006-10-06
This Stephen Sondheim classic gets its concert performance in 2001 starring Patti LuPone and George Hearn. Sweeney Todd is one of Sondheim's most alluring pieces and this DVD is a fantastic account of this remarkable show. Performances are strong (though LuPone's London accent is very nasal) and there is some fantastic work from the supporting cast. Lisa Vroman sings beautifully and there is a great performance from Neil Patrick Harris (the guy from 'How I Met Your Mother). The Japanese-esque costumes befit a concert performance where character costumes may have looked quite odd. Mix in a remarkable orchestra and you have a real delight worth watching over and over.
The DVD has interviews with the company as bonus features and the liner notes in the sleeve are informative and interesting. If you love musical theatre, or indeed if you love music, this comes highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
3* only for the Nostalgia...Poor Quality and Sound & music,will drive u nuts........2008-01-08
The copy i bought came from the USA region 0...but i must warn you the quality and sound is really that bad...But its a classic, Tod Slaughter comes across as totally insane by anyones standards, its now obviously very dated but it doesn't matter, its good to own it.Listen out for the Dick van Dyke cockney accents,, (very Mid Atlantic) Gawd blimmey guv ya tumbled me gyame....Johnny Depp need not worry, as he's acting is not that different.
UK DVD:
- Tess Of The D'Urbervilles [1998]
- The Bridges Of Madison County [1995]
- The Chorus [2004]
- The Counterfeiters [2007]
- The Crucible [1997]
- The English Patient (Special Edition) [1996]
- The Flying Scotsman [2007]
- The Godfather Trilogy (5 Disc Box Set)
- The Lake House [2006]
- The Motorcycle Diaries [2004]
UK DVD List
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