Description

The first Broadway revival in nearly 50 years of the musical comedymasterpiece by composer Cole Porter and book writers Sam and Bella Spewack not onlyenchanted critics and delighted audiences, but went on to triumph as one of the biggestprize winners of the 2000 season. Taking its inspiration from Shakespeare, this hilarious romp recounts the backstage and on-stage antics of two feuding romances during an out-of-town tryout for a musical adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. Sparkling with 18 classic Cole Porter songs including "Another Op'nin', Another Show," "Wunderbar," "So in Love," "Always True to You in My Fashion," "Too Darn Hot," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" this is Broadway musical comedy at its irresistible best. Directed by Michael Blakemore, this Tony winner for "Best Revival" stars Brent Barrett, Rachel York (Victor/Victoria), Nancy Anderson and Michael Berresse as the squabbling couples whose offstage disputes entangle them with a pair of song-and-dance gangsters and a pompous U.S. army general. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Sit down and listen up...
'Kiss Me Kate', Winner of 5 Tony Awards, 6 Drama Desk Awards and 4 Outer Critics Awards including Best Musical Revival, is a wonderful production with breathtaking performances from a stellar cast including Brent Barrett and Rachel York. What I want to clear up is the criticism of the DVD. I have to disagree with everything negative said - the sound is fine and a pleasant balance of orchestra and vocal with a crisp clarity.

Secondly, the DVD is widescreen and captures a lot of the onstage 'business'. Indeed the cameras do follow the main action, but never misses anything. It has been filmed by people who both appreciate the performance, the art and the intention of Michael Blakemore. Since he directed it and then adapted 'Kiss Me Kate' for television, surely he of all people knows what needs to be filmed?

Always, the performance has an 'on stage' feel and I urge you to ignore the exaggerated views of others here. Sound is good, video is good, DVD menu is good and I guarantee that you'll be as enthusiastic about the DVD as I was today after watching it. Maybe the others need to appreciate that this is a stage 'adaptation' as stated on the DVD case.

Somewhat dissapointed
As a person who absolutely LOVES musical theater and saw the 1999 Revival of Kiss Me, Kate of Broadway with Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marin Mazzie I was dissapointed with this production. While the music and the dancing are spectacular I have a few qualms about the actual filming and some of the cast memebers.

1. Hattie: should have been someone else. The woman who plays her in the DVD was not as spectacular as Adriane Lenox who played Hattie in the 1999 Broadway Revival. There are moments when she just ISN'T on key, and it's grating on the nerves.

2. Lois Lane/Bianca: She's so much fun in the DVD, but now as fun as Amy Spanger was. I did enjoy that Bill Calhoun was played by the same person (Michael Berresse).

Overall, the performance is superb, but the DVD needs help. No extras, no subtitles, none of the things that set DVD's apart from video.

Should have been so much better
I've seen a production of the original script (college), the movie version, the Broadway revival, and this version when it was first shown on PBS. While the performers were adequate, something about the pacing of this performance cast a pall over the show. The director opted to have characters draw out sequences that would have played better up to speed (Act I finale) and let other characters toss their lines away so quietly and so quickly that I wouldn't have known what was said had I not been so familiar with the show (Bill Calhoun). I tend to collect as many Broadway and movie musicals as I can, but this effort will not become part of it. If you have never seen a version of the show before, you should find it mildly entertaining, otherwise see the older movie version.

Great play, okay production, crummy recording
This is a Japanese TV (NHK Network) taping of an American musical performed in the UK. The British supporting players and chorus generally nail their American accents, but the characters' Americanness feels forced at spots. On the positive side, you still get Cole Porter's fantastic songs in a far more complete form than the 1950s film version provided, and the script holds up surprisingly well after all these years.

In other words, this stage production has its good and bad points. However, the taping for television is mediocre.

This is the second NHK Network recording of a musical I've seen (the other was the Broadway "Victor/Victoria"). In both cases there were very poor decisions as to choice of camera angles, when to switch from long shots to closeups, and editing in general. To be fair, NHK's target audience is not American, so it may just be a matter of differing tastes and aesthetics between East and West. Either way, I didn't much enjoy this telecast.

Too Darn Hot!
A worry I always have with filmed stage shows (as well as modern movie musicals in general) is that very few directors these days seem to be able to direct the filming of a choreographed dance routine. Worried about a static camera, they jump around and, worse still, give us close-ups of the dancers' faces. Looking back to the MGM and Warner musicals of the Golden Age, one can see that letting the dancers and choreographer do thier stuff and filming it with the minimum amount of technical flourish is the way it should be done. I am pleased to say that this filmed stage production of 'Kiss Me, Kate' mostly gets it right and shows off the staging both of the dances and the frantic dramatic action to it's best advantage.
Brent Barrett and Rachel York are absolutley fantastic in the leading roles, as are all of the principals (in particular Michael Berresse as Bill Calhoun, who fleshes out his character beyond the typically under written 'romantic lead'). Barrett plays one of Broadway's most complicated and demanding male roles with confidence and great emotion when required. York sings like an angel, screams like a banshee and pulls faces that could stop a clock as well as get the audience rolling in the aisles. Speaking of audiences, one way in which this production suffers is the seeming lack of an audience. Although there are laughs at the jokes there is no applause after the numbers. This seems a ridiculous omission, particularly considering the theatrical nature of the piece.
The re-written role of Harrison Howell, changing him from a boring cattle-baron to an agressive military man, jars as does the bizarre inclusion of a song for the character - 'From This Moment On'. The scene in the show involving Howell being mocked and eventually put to sleep, surely must rank as one of Broadway's most perfectly crafted and witty set-pieces. The re-written version on this DVD pales in comparison.
Cole Porter's best score is well served both vocally and visually (although I believe 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare' is wasted) and the set and costumes are beautiful. I feel that the lighting is lacking in places, creating some gloomy scenes particulary in the 'Shrew' sequences which surely should be vibrant to the point of tackiness. The direction and performance during the 'Shrew' parts of the show are a real highlight - showing that Shakespeare can be fun - particularly when accompanied by a Cole Porter score!
Unless you're mad about gimmicky 3-D camera angles or a sanitized version of the show that avoids the B-word, avoid the Howard Keel, Katherine Grayson film and invest in this infinitely superior version of one of Broadway's gems. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Don't Be Fooled by the Low Budget
Despite the fact that this movie is yet another retelling of gangland life during the Prohibition era, the smart performances by the four leads raise this low-budget film above the standard B-movie fare. In particular, it is interesting to see a young Rachel York of recent "Lucy" and "Kiss Me, Kate" fame turn what could have been a stereotypical gun moll/nightclub singer portrayal into a multi-dimensional and heartfelt performance of a 20-something woman whose experiences have made her much older than her years.

While the screenplay lacks depth, the actors do not. The fluid direction and crisp camera work also put this movie on a par with more expensive mainstream ventures. The story won't really tell you anything new about the psyches of killers like the Cole brothers or Dutch Schultz. But the actors who portray them - Christopher Bradley, Jeff Griggs, and Bruce Nozick - give it their all. Their performances are earnest. They do not play caricatures.

If you enjoy discovering surprisingly good acting in less than perfect films, "Killer Instinct" is worth the view. An added bonus is that you get to hear Rachel York sing. She has a terrific voice and she stylizes beautifully. She is the strongest selling point for seeing this film.

Don't Let the Low Budget Fool You
This may be a low-budget film that tells the story once again of warring gangster mobs of the 1930s, but there are some smart performances that make this worth watching. Most notably is an affecting turn by a young Rachel York as the nightclub singer Lotte. Now a big name on Broadway who has most recently received critical acclaim for the CBS movie, "Lucy," and the PBS Great Performance of the revival of "Kiss Me, Kate," York is a talent of great range and beauty. As Lotte she avoids the stereotypical blond moll interpretation and gives us a performance with real depth and dimension. She outshines all of her male co-stars, whose characters are more thinly drawn; but they, too, rise above a script that could have been deadly in the hands of lesser actors or a weaker director.

It's an interesting take, plus you get to hear Rachel York sing. What a voice. I'd recommend this movie for her songs alone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Avoid!
Imagine La Femme Nikita becoming Le Monsieur Nikita, and getting the b movie treatment (with a capital B) from none other than the king of cheap film-making Menahem Golan, and you get some idea about Dead Center.
It is not about disappointments, since I knew what I was letting myself into when I watched it, but then again B movies are an interesting genre in themselves and can be quite entertaining in a sort of 'empty your mind and just go with the flow' way..But there is a difference between B and A as in Awful. But then again Golan is as I mentioned renowned for making cheap films without any artistic value whatsoever. This is done with three easy steps,
Firstly, get bad actors whose abilities and talents will not cause De Niro or Pacino any sleepless nights.
Secondly, use the same screenplay from other movies and just if possible change the names and locations.
And thirdly,just throw your lot in the video market hoping that the attraction of the Ramboesque ideals and values are still alive and kicking with some viewers.
Dead Center has all these elements and more..it is simply too boring for words,(with the exception of the gorgeous and sexy Rachel York who is a good actress and singer in her own right, and whose talent is totally wasted here).
The ending of the film is probably the lamest and most ridiculous one I have ever seen (with the sole exception of a Brazilian film called Giselle where everyone sleeps with everyone else and when the filmmakers got stuck they ended their movie just suddenly and with no prior warning or background with a nuclear holocaust).
So I strongly advise you to avoid this film at all costs, not that I hope many will be interested anyway.. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

MIXED FEELINGS
First off, I've never been much of a fan of John Ritter, (he played Jack Tripper on that inspidid sit-com show THREE'S COMPANY) but this movie isn't soley about him. But anyhow, I thought that the first story in this antholgy was pretty good and the third one. No of course the acting wasn't exactly top notch, but for this type of movie, it'll have to do.

Now if you've read the previous reviews, there is no point in my waisting time in describing the strange but funny stories on this video.

Well, all I can say its better than THE HOWLING
Well, the plot is lame. I never really understood it. But the realtor, that stupid john ritter guy( three's company was a bad show by the way) showed this young couple houses in this weird neighborhood. the first story was dull about the husband getting revenge on his cheating wife--the second with the evil monkey was funny yet strangely suspenseful at parts,and the last one was probably the best-about this guy, Sean, who saw preminitions of when the "granny killer" (a weirdo wearing an old lady mask) is going to strike. so he visits a psychologist to tell her whats going on and you find out shes the next victim and he came there to save her or some crap. but this OH SO THRILLING UNEXPECTED CHANGE OF EVENTS happens when she thinks sean is the killer. OOOOOOOHHHHHH SPOOKY,EH? well sean was kind of hot so i managed to get through that part unharmed. and the ending is kind of funny. all in all, i must say it is better than THE HOWLING...but that's not saying much. NEVER EVER RENT THE HOWLING. what a masterpiece that was....

funny and scary
I think this movie was good even though it seemed like there were no actors with acting experience. It was funny...People with a GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR would enjoy watching this movie.

Horrible story...bad acting.
This was a horrible movie overall, and I think the only thing that made it even halfway watchable was John Ritter, who was funny, in a supposed scary movie. The 3 stories in the film consist of a cheating wife who gets nixed by her husband, a killer crazy monkey, and a kid who sees thru a killer's victim's eyes, if that makes sense. Anyhow, the third story was the only entertaining one, the first one had so many plot holes, I laughed the entire time...the second one was just moronic, I mean, come on, killer monkey?! The third story was half decent, with some halfway decent acting. Jasmine, played by Shonda Farr, made the movie complete, just because she's so beautiful and you can't help but keep your eyes glued on her, and all of that really helps pull you into the last story, where she becomes one of the victims. This is one I would stay away from altogether, because the good elements hardly outweigh the bad, and the stories are so ridiculously written, you'll laugh more than you scream.

Why aren't there more horror movies like this?
This is one of the best horror anthology movies that I have seen in a long time. In my opinion it is also better, than most episodes of: "Tales from the Crypt," or "The [New] Outer Limits." The movie stars John Ritter (in a part that seems tailor-made for his nice guy persona) as a real estate agent desperate to sell a house to a young couple. He has reason to be desperate; the company he works for has one hell of an incentive plan. In the interest of full disclosure, he begins to tell the violent histories that befall each house, and why it is now available at such a low price range. The wrap around segment and the first story (about a husband who catches his wife in the act of cheating on him, and the terrible fate suffered by his wife and her lover) are the real standouts in this movie. And the performances by all the actors are excellent, who seem in on the tongue in cheek style of the movie and are just going along for the ride. My favorite part of the movie is the beginning sequence where we see the food chain in action (bird eats worm, cat eats bird, cat gets hit by car, dog eats cat). This is one of those films that put most big-budget Hollywood movie to shame. You can tell from start to finish, that the people who made this movie really cared about what they were doing. And, their labor of love is one of the best horror movies I've seen in a long time. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This movie caught my attention
Caught this movie on late at night, while watching saturday night live. I stopped watching that I kept watching this movie. I liked it a lot Tony, playing rich boy Michael was very handsome and Lynn Whitfield playing the detective who has to keep him alive was excellent. The movie actually had a lot of funny parts as well as a little to much action and violence as is the norm for many movies made at this time. Definetly worth watching and the ending is very satisfying. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fans of Julie Andrews will delight in this 1995 videotaping of the stage musical Victor/Victoria, based on the 1982 movie of the same name. The plot has been kept intact: an out-of-work British soprano (Julie Andrews) in Paris falls in with a down-on-his-luck gay man (Tony Roberts), who gets the idea to present Victoria as the world's greatest female impersonator, Victor. The plan is a phenomenal success until a Chicago mobster on vacation (Michael Nouri) sees Victor in a nightclub and falls in love--and refuses to believe that Victor is a man. Due to the needs of the stage, the musical doesn't have the snap, crackle, and propulsive drive of the movie, which is a sprightly romp; to make up for this, the story has been expanded (some might say padded) with extensive dance numbers and new songs by HenryMancini and Leslie Bricusse, with additional musical material by Frank Wildhorn. While Roberts and Nouri don't quite have the charisma of Robert Preston and James Garner, who played their roles in the movie, they're seasoned stage performers and make the most of things--Nouri in particular has a strong singing voice, which may surprise people who only know him from his movie career. And Julie Andrews is Julie Andrews; at this point in her career, you either love her or you don't. Victor/Victoria isn't going to change anyone's mind, but Andrews knows her audience and knows how to give them what they want. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (34)

AN EXCELLENT PRESERVATION OF A WONDERFUL NIGHT
On December 2, 1995, I was lucky enough to be in New York City and saw "Victor-Victoria" on Broadway. The excitement and anticipation of seeing Julie Andrews on Broadway was so great-- I'll never forget that. We would have applauded and cheered like mad if Julie had merely appeared on stage and read from the phone book. Naturally, I was thrilled when the Broadway production was released on video. The show is excellently presented in wide-screen format. I'm still in awe of Robin Wagner's wonderful set designs-- one of the production's best assets. Andrews is well supported by Tony Roberts as Toddy. Michael Nouri is super sexy as King Marchan, and Gregory Jhbara is endearingly sweet as his gay bodyguard. Rachael York is extremely funny, but, in retrospect, the best she can do in the role of Norma is give a carbon-copy of Lesley Ann Warren's inspired performance in the 1982 film. Despite what some have said, the Broadway production does flow and move well, with just as much sparkle and bounce as the 1982 film (in some cases, perhaps more). These are professional actors. They know what they're doing, and they give their very best. Let's face it: either you like Julie Andrews (with all her amazing stamina and energy; thankfully captured here before her devastating 1997 throat surgery) and "Victor-Victoria" or you don't. Not much more needs to be said. Having this video in my collection is like having my wonderful night in New York City over and over again. A real treat-- if you were "there" or not.

A "Must Have" for Julie Andrews Fans
This video of the stage production of "Victor/Victoria" preserves what is likely to be the last Broadway performance of a living legend of the musical theater - Julie Andrews. Complications from vocal chord surgery performed not long after Dame Andrews left this production damaged her singing voice, probably permanently. The opportunity to see her in this historic Broadway performance should therefore not be missed by any of her fans.

The show isn't perfect. It gets off to a bit of a slow start with a moody opening number, "Paris By Night," then it takes a while for the story to unfold. There is a bit more exposition than is necessary, and the show really doesn't get into full swing until Julie and company's notable "Le Jazz Hot." From that point on, however, "Victor/Victoria" accelerates, and the laughs come quickly and often.

The energy boost is thanks in large part to the comic genius of Drama Desk Award Winner Rachel York as the dizzy blond gangster moll, Norma Cassidy. She takes the Oscar-winning role created in the 1982 movie version by Lesley Ann Warren and makes it her own. She finds the vulnerable core underneath the crass exterior and turns Norma into a lovable lunatic. Her timing is perfection, and the unexpected little twists in her delivery and physicality delight at every turn. She almost steals the show, but not quite. What she does accomplish, however, is to give Ms. Andrews a venerable foil. When the two of them are onstage together, the chemistry is electric. They have a tango toward the end of the first act that is one of the funniest pieces of choreography ever staged.

All the dance numbers are stellar, in fact. Credit goes to Rob Marshall, who has now become famous for his direction of the Academy Award winning movie adaptation of "Chicago." Every bit of choreography sizzles as the audience watches and wonders just which dancers are men and which are women.

While Michael Nouri as Victor/Victoria's love interest, King Marchand, may be considered the weak link in this cast (he just doesn't have the befuddled charisma that James Garner had in the movie), he sings and acts well enough to carry his share of the load. Tony Roberts is wonderfully droll as Victor's gay mentor, Toddy, and Greg Jbara is quite likeable as King's bodyguard, Squash. He offers up more than one surprise during the course of the evening.

By the time the last laugh is had, the audience is on its feet cheering for a landmark performance by one of the musical theater's all time greats. This reviewer has to agree with Ms. Andrews' own comments about Victor/Victoria. The entire show, and in particular cast member Rachel York, were egregiously overlooked by the Tony's.

IGNORE the other reviews.........
First of all, this is an EXCELLENT brodayway show! It cannot be just like the 1982 movie because people wouldn't go and see it. The acting is pretty good and most people dissed Julie Andrews on her acting, but remember she was older in this production and I thought she did an excellent job. The rest of the cast, Tony Roberts, Rachel York, and Michel Nouri do an excellent job. Bravo to Rachel York for doing an Excellent job playing Norma! There is more songs and dance then the 1982 movie and they do leave out the "Shady Dame from Saville" that was the only thing that I thought they should have put in the this production. All in all, one heck of a show! IT made me laugh, until I was almost crying! If you in Doubt, don't be. It is good and I suggest it to everyone! Also, you will the the intro Julie Andrews does before the show starts and at intermission!

A really fun show, luckily preserved
I was lucky enough, in 1995 to not only see "Victor/Victoria," but to get backstage to meet the lovely and truely gracious Ms. Andrews.

While the show has it's problems, it's not nearly the disaster critics made it out to be. Thirteen years after the huge success of the film, Ms. Andrews re-creates her role for the stage (how many other actresses can play the same role, convincingly, 13 years later.) While Michael Nouri, in my opinion, is no match for James Garner, Tony Roberts is a delightful Toddy and Rachael York makes Norma her own. Lesley Ann Warren was BRILLIANT in the film version, Ms. York is equally as stunning in this production and was ROBBED of not only a Tony nomination, but the award itself.

A must-have for all Broadway collectors, the shows flaws (primarily the book) can be easily overlooked due to the fabulous performances, brilliant technical achievements (sets being the most obvious) and terrific production values.

Get it now!

VICTOR/VICTORIA 1995 BROADWAY PRODUCTION
I HAD THE CHANCE TO VIEW THIS WONDERFULL PLAY LAST NIGHT. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE PROFORMANCE THAT MS. ANDREWS DID IN THIS PLAY. I HAVE NEVER SEEN HERE LIVE BEFORE SHE WAS EXCELLENT IN THIS. THIS VIDEO OF HER PROFORMANCE IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES MS. ANDREWS AND WHO HAS NEVER SEEN HER BEFORE LIVE ON STAGE. ... Read more