Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2000)

Following the successful 1998 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 codirector 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 colors 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, nonsinging cameo.

Joseph certainly isn't revolutionary musical theater, 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 risqué costumes. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com essential video

Astoundingly Good Production!

Few productions deserve five stars, but this one is excellent. The sets, costumes, choreography, editing and musical numbers were wonderful. I, too, believe the "Mrs. Potipher" scene was too intense for children and, if I recall the story, Joseph fled. Still, parents can deal with it. This is great for children and adults and the production values off the chart. I wish it would appear in Blu-Ray!

January 6, 2009

Amazing

This DVD is really great and I loved all the music. I have a friend who is performing this in his home town. So it was great to be able to see the part that he is playing and then I have something to talk to him about. When ever I feel down, I like to put in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and play it and I feel so much better. Donny Osmond is great in it too. I especially liked the narrator in this. She did a wonderful part. You really have to see this. Especially if you like musicals. January 6, 2009

FRESH !!!!!

DONNY OSMOND BRINGS HIS TALENTS TO THIS DVD. RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH BRINGS A DEPTH TO HIS ROLL AS JACOB. JOAN COLLINS IS SUPBERB AS PONTIFER'S WIFE. CAST IS EXTREMELY TALENTED. CHECK OUT PHAROAH'S AS THE KING. DVD IS WORTH A REPEAT PERFORMANCE. December 28, 2008

Fun for the whole family.

The classic tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors as envisioned by one of the leading innovators of musical theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber. With music by Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice (Aladdin and The Lion King), the songs are so catchy you will be singing them for days afterward. The entire movie is one long operetta-style musical (aka. No stopping for just talking.) The songs range from ballad to rock-n-roll to Calypso. Wonderful costumes, phenominal acting and great sets make for a fantastic visual extravaganza. No CGI here. This is all live. Osmond conjours up a superb portrayal of Joseph, Jacob's most beloved son, all the way from his youth through to adulthood. With a star-studded cast this movie is one to keep for the next generation and the next. Dream on, Joseph; dream on! December 13, 2008

As Amazing as Claimed

I saw the musical on Broadway several years ago, and I have to say that the film does an excellent job of capturing the engery of a live performance. The cast is superb, the music is still fresh, the jokes are still funny, and the layers of reality are done exttremely well. I recently viewed this and Joseph: King of Dreams back-to-back, and there is no doubt that this is the far better retelling of the story.
This mucical is appropriate for even small children, but it is not a children's show.
I would recommend this to just about everyone. November 25, 2008

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