Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific (2001)

TV has taken up the slack in keeping the musical (dead on the big screen) in front of audiences. This 2001 adaptation of the smash 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway show, drawn from James Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific, is an admirable case in point. The production was a labor of love for Glenn Close, who is clearly too old to play "cockeyed optimist" Nellie Forbush but who throws herself wholeheartedly into the role. Nellie is among the American forces waiting for World War II to arrive on an isolated Pacific island; she clicks with a mysterious French planter (Rade Sherbedgia), while a Navy officer (Harry Connick Jr.) falls under the spell of a Tonkinese girl and the tropical breezes of Bali Ha'i--that mystical place "where the sky meets the sea."

In many ways more satisfying than the uneven 1958 film version, this South Pacific is too casual at times, and some of the glorious songs are pared back. Don't look for Sherbedgia to belt out "Some Enchanted Evening" in the basso profundo of previous handlers of the role. His modest but not-unpleasing voice comes out in more of a seductive purr than a wall-shaking boom, which is not a bad thing. Best of all is Glenn Close, who brings a welcome gravity to the proceedings, and lustily sings the classic "A Wonderful Guy" as though she had been waiting her whole life to play the part. --Robert Horton Amazon.com

NOT THE ORIGINAL!!!

HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED, I would not have ordered if I had known it was not the original movie. Parts were missing that I wanted to see & hear. I had planned on a presentation using the song "You've go to be carefully taught." Also the "Happy Talk" was not in this movie at all. September 27, 2008

Movie

This movie is ok, shortened but still enjoyable. I prefer the original movie or the new Broadway play! September 3, 2008

new South Pacific with old time feel

I loved this movie. If you like musicals I think you'll like it also. It is well written, has catchy songs and good acting. I watched it on cable and then had to buy it for my collection. August 9, 2008

A evening in Paradise

The scenery alone is worth watching this wonderful story! A great musical set in paradise with a fabulous cast. The rich baritone voice of Rade will give you chill bumps. You never get tired of this story....I've watched it many times since I bought the DVD. A perfect example of the creative genius of Rodgers and Hammerstein. May 20, 2008

A big disappointment; don't buy this DVD

I had hoped that this version of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein hit musical, South Pacific, would do justice to the music. I had originally purchased the 1978 movie on DVD starring Mitzi Gaynor and could not believe how bad the quality of the color was and I consequently returned it for a refund. (It stated it had been partially restored--very misleading.) Glen Close was one of the producers and I cannot imagine what she could have been thinking with the casting of this version of South Pacific. The main characters cannot sing or act and do not do justice to the beautiful songs--their voices are too weak, maybe Ms. Close didn't want to have her voice over-shadowed since she was the big star. This version of South Pacific is a tremendous dissapointment and should never have been released. I am waiting for a total and professional restoration of the 1978 movie with it digitally remastered; if you love the music of South Pacific, I suggest you do the same. April 30, 2008

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