Gilbert & Sullivan: Broadway Theatre Archive (The Pirates of Penzance / Kline, Ronstadt, Smith, Routledge, Delacorte Theater )

This is one of those happy events that the viewer has the opportunity to share in; everybody is having a great time doing a live performance of Pirates of Penzance at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The cast, led by Kevin Kline feeds off the audience reaction and gives a spirited performance that is delightful and filled with fun.I found it a joy to join in on the festivities of this event from 1980 and can easily see why the decision was made to turn this into a movie in 1982. I've had the LaserDisc version (1983) of the movie for many years and have enjoyed the performance repeatedly during those same years. I see the DVD version of the movie is now being shipped and look forward to getting it as well.I was surprised and pleased to discover this stage version with most of the movie cast intact except for Patricia Routledge who was replaced by Angela Lansbury in the movie version. Routledge was better known as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, or Hetty Wainthropp in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. In these rolls she didn't reveal her talent as a singer so the considerable talent she displayed as Ruth came as a surprise.It is not as if this recording doesn't have some problems; the sound and lighting leave a considerable amount to be desired. If one considers the venue, the date, and the rather predictable limitations encountered in a Central Park production the quality is not really surprising.I for one found the excitement and enthusiasm generated by an appreciative audience and a spirited performance more than compensates for technical inadequacies. For the collector I believe this to be an indispensable addition to one's collection.If, on the other hand, you will have only one copy of Pirates of Penzance then this may not be your best choice. I would probably suggest the new DVD version of the movie which is available now from Amazon.com. I believe I now have four different versions of this work and if I find another one of interest I'll probably add yet another version.In summary, this is a fun and joyous performance before a live audience who enjoys the work and energizes the performers on stage. I found it a happy, fun experience!

For those who revel in polished audio and visual and the latest and greatest in those technologies, this DVD is probably just not for you. On the other hand, if you love theater - raw, live, intimate - then this is as good as it gets. Personally, I love a live show and this performance definitely hits the spot.In fairness, the DVD quality is not as rough as some would seem to suggest. I was scared I wouldn't be able to make out any words or faces based on some of the reviews. At the end of the day, it is an 80's quality video preserved on DVD. Of course, the beauty of the DVD is that you can skip to your favorite parts (which I find very handy) and it will not wear through repeated playback like a video.As to the performance itself, spectacular. I personally feel some of it drags a bit - but that is just owing to my own particular taste. I would rather laugh at the back story of Frederic's apprenticeship to pirates due to Ruth's hearing impairment, or revel with the joy it is to be a Pirate King, or most particularly dance about and laugh as the inept police do their thing than hear some of Ronstadt's/Mabel's "arias" (I was a little surprised that her voice and acting were not quite on par with my expectation). Some sections drag a bit for me (others will find them the highlight, I am sure), but the highs are absolutely enjoyable!And the individual performances must be applauded. Kline hams it up beautifully as the Pirate King. Smith conveys wonderfully his innocence and a sense of duty. Routledge does wonderfully as his maid, Ruth. And as others have highlighted, the Major General really brings out the best of his role and the audience. All that being said, I'm a sucker for the policemen. Their dancing about and general goofiness is wonderful. Their "leader" does a phenomenal job and his performance (vocally and physically) is my favorite part of the show.If you are looking for an audiovisual masterpiece, please pass. You will be horrified. If, however, you love theater and want to have a jolly good time watching others perform with all their hearts, you can't go wrong with this production. These actors are relishing in their roles and really sold the performance. Great job!

The dvd that arrived was not the version I purchased. Certainly not the Kevin Kline version that appears on this screen right now. I have had to return the dvd to the seller by airmail - at my expense - I have received NO apology, NO offer to send the correct dvd and NO return of my original outlay or return amount. I have since purchased what I hope will be the correct version from another seller.

A truly historic recording of the 1980 stage production. The picture and sound quality is below that which we have grown to expect, but that does not matter. The wonderful cast shine through the technical failings. Kevin Kline is superbly over the top. Linda Ronstadt a sublime Mabel. George Rose an excellent Major General. The Pirates are great and the policemen out of this world. Patricia Routledge displays a fine operatic voice along with her well known comic talents.Rex Smith is a perfect Federick, and the band has to be heard to be believed! If you are a G & S traditionalist you will hate it. If you require 5 channel sound you will squirm. If you have a sense of humour you will laugh so much it hurts.

I have a video of this film and wanted to buy the dvd version of it. However, this is not the version I wanted. So am very disappointed with it.

excellent. not exactly what i expected but a pleasant surprise anyway

Terrible film quality. It's a production that was filmed outside in the 80's so it's definitely not the best quality, just to warn people. HOWEVER, and this is a big however, the production, acting and singing are so good the quality of the filming is almost entirely irrelevant. Kevin Kline? Delightful. Rex Smith? Gorgeous voice. Patricia Routledge? Hilarious. Linda Ronstadt? Perfect. Even the sergeant, played by Tony Azito, was absolutely riotous and extremely entertaining (he is double jointed and looks like he's made of rubber!) lf you can look past the quality of the filming, the production is probably the best I've ever seen and is totally worth it.