Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Review
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Feature
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Color; Dolby; DVD; Letterboxed; Widescreen; DTS Surround Sound; NTSC
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 Donny Osmond stars in the title role of the young man sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, but who rises to power in Egypt and manages to save his family's lives, in this lively stage presentation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical. Richard Attenborough, Joan Collins and Maria Friedman also star; songs include "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door to Me," and "Go Go Go Joseph." 78 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1; Subtitles: French; "making of" documentary; biographies; production notes.
