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Godspell
| Our Price |
$ 10.19
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| Retail Value |
$ 11.99 |
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| You Save |
$ 1.80 (15%) |
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| Item Number |
422378 |
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Item Description...
Product Description
The international hit musical sensation Godspell comes to life in this exhilarating screen adaptation. An updated interpretation of the Gospel s lessons filled with unforgettable song and dance numbers Godspell is rousing entertainment in the tradition of the classic rock operas Hair Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar.John the Baptist (David Haskell) gathers a diverse band of youthful disciples to follow and learn from the teachings of Jesus (Victor Garber Titanic). They form a roving acting troupe that enacts the Parables through the street and landmarks of a brilliantly photographed contemporary New York City. High-spirited music including the smash hit song "Day By Day" from Oscar-winning lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Original Song "Colors Of The Wind" and Original Score Pocahontas 1995) and show-stopping dance routines contribute to this superb family entertainment that s been called "Funny and Beautiful...Incomparably Romantic." -Vincent Canby The New York TimesSystem Requirements:Starring: Victor Garber Katie Hanley David Haskell Merrell Jackson Joanne Jonas Robin Lamont Gilmer McCormick Jeffrey Mylett Jerry Sroka and Lynne Thigpen. Directed By: David Greene. Running Time: 103 Min. Color. This film is presented in both "Widescreen" and "Standard" formats. Copyright 2000 Columbia TriStar Home Video.Format: DVD AUDIO Genre: MISCELLANEOUS/SPECIAL INTEREST Rating: G UPC: 043396224193 Manufacturer No: 22419
Outline
Comparing Godspell to its near-contemporaries Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair is unavoidable, but Godspell has developed its own unique following. With their thrift-store-meets-circus-performer garb, the characters in David Greene's adaptation of the popular off-Broadway production may look more like the hippies in Hair than the biblical personages of Superstar. But Godspell isn't really about the "Age of Aquarius," nor does it adopt a dark or operatic tone towards its subject matter, the Gospel according to Matthew. The mood is, instead, upbeat and uplifting (at least until the crucifixion sequence). The film opens with youthful city dwellers from various walks of life dropping their activities to follow John the Baptist (David Haskell from the original New York production). They sing ("Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord") as he leads them into a fountain where they are (metaphorically) baptized. There they meet Jesus (Victor Garber). Frizzy hair and mime makeup aside, the handsome young Garber (Titanic, Annie) is convincing in his film debut. Once baptized, they follow him around various scenic New York locations, singing and acting out passages from the Scriptures. The largely unknown cast is talented and charismatic, but the film is only fitfully engaging on an emotional level because only Jesus, John, and Judas (Haskell again) emerge as distinct characters. Stephen Schwartz's pleasing pop-rock score, however, helps to smooth over the rough spots, and Robin Lamont's hit version of "Day by Day" remains a highlight. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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Item Specifications...
Record Label Sony Pictures
Format Closed-captioned / Color / DVD / Full S
Dimensions: Length: 5.4" Width: 7.5" Height: 0.7"
Weight: 0.25 lbs.
Binding DVD Video
Publisher PROVIDENT #130
ISBN 0012459275
EAN 0043396224193
UPC 043396224193
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Availability 41 units.
Availability accurate as of May 27, 2012 08:01.
Usually ships within one to two business days from Johnson City, TN.
Orders shipping to an address other than a confirmed Credit Card / Paypal Billing address may incur and additional processing delay.
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Reviews - What do our customers think?
 | Down on yourself or the world? Watch this movie! May 10, 2010 |
I saw this movie when it came out in 1973, and although I was very young, its joy and beautiful music has stayed with me for my whole life. If you haven't seen it-YOU MUST. Don't worry if you're not religious, this is a great and inspiring movie for any open minded person and might just change your mind.
The film was shot in New York City in 1972 and the twin towers of the World Trade Center(still under construction at the time) form the back drop and, at one point, the stage for this rapturous story. In one scene, the cast dances atop the dizzying heights of one of the towers, making those of us with vertigo cringe. The sight of the towers is also a little sobering, given the events in the decades since this film was shot.
Aside from the emotional lift I get from this film, it is full of rich symbolism. One example is the setting,for much of the action, of a stark, abandoned and ruined church, whose church yard has been converted into a junk yard. The cast paints a junk car, the church and each other with bright colors and symbols of hope and joy such as stars and rainbows. This reminded me of St. Francis of Assisi rebuilding the ruined church of his home town as he inspired the poor of his city from dispair to faith and hope. As the movie progresses, the group revisits the church. Each time the church is more beautifully painted, until, when the group gathers there for the last supper, it glows.
The cast is marvelous and incredibly convincing. They project joy and enthusiasm like no other cast I've ever seen.Victor Garber is absolutely the perfect Jesus. He is beautiful both spiritually and physically and his face glows with an amazing innocence. The clever use of his dark blond hair in an afro style causes a halo effect in many sunlit scenes, further enhancing his unrivaled performance. This effect, along with his beautiful skin, angelic looks, beautiful voice, sweet personality and very fine acting make him born to play the part of Jesus. Between musical interludes he relates some of the most important of the parables. Miracles are avoided in this version and prove unnecessary in telling Christ's wonderful story.
This is a version of the book of Matthew that I can identify with. The more I watch it the easier it is for me to follow the ideals of Christ. It reminds me to be the change I want to see in the world and to live each day, no matter how difficult, with joy. Just one problem-I can't find a church that lives up to the ideals I find here.
I feel that the scene of the crucifixion is a little weak compared with the rest of the movie, but the final scene, when the group carries the body of Christ back into their lives in a busy New York City, is a strong message of what is expected of the faithful.
THIS IS A MUST SEE MOVIE! | | |  | It hasn't aged well. May 2, 2010 |
Last Saturday, I watched Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell (which I had never seen before) back to back.
And unlike Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell hasn't aged well at well.
The music, costume and cinematography looks like it was set in amber, it shouts 1972.
I now know why Godspell is so often staged at schools and rep companies since unlike Jesus Christ Superstar it doesn't demands much of amateur thespians.
Jesus Christ Superstar's Judas requires some real vocal pyrotechnics, while Godspell's Judas could be played by any competent high school singer.
Godspell really looks and feels like a school project, which it was, while you can clearly tell that Jesus Christ Superstar was written for Broadway.
Godspell is essentially a bright and cheery play, it portrays a group of bright and cheery people spreading joy and love.
Very "Up With People!"
Jesus Christ Superstar, on the hand, is a dark tale, whose entire trajectory lead to betrayal by Judas and The Passion.
The reason I gave Godspell 2 star is at least almost all the dialogue is from Gospel according to St. Matthew. | | | | A Joyous, Uplifting Film Apr 26, 2010 |
(NOTE: This review may contain a spoiler, but I really don't think it matters in the case of this film.)
If religious musicals ain't your thing, then you can move on right now. Having said that...."Godspell" has been a favorite film of mine since childhood, when I would see it pop up on TV every great once in awhile and I'd be totally enraptured by it every single time. "Godspell" is the wonderful 1973 film adaptation of the popular musical based on the gospel according to St. Matthew. It doesn't really have a plot, per se, but the basics of it is that Jesus (Victor Garber, dressed here in a Superman T-shirt, clown pants & shoes, and sporting a big red afro), and his apostle John (David Haskell), recruit eight random followers from the streets of New York City, and together, dressed in playful, raggedly clothes, they sing, dance, and tell stories from the gospel, while incorporating humor, vaudeville-style performing, AND drama too, as the musical ends with Judas (also played by Haskell) betraying Jesus, and the crucifixion (although the uplifting reprise of "Day By Day" at the very end certainly implies that Jesus, through his sacrifice, has saved us). Director David Greene's outstanding use of New York City locations here is SO good, it's almost as if NYC becomes another character in the film. The pop-rock score by Stephen Schwartz is absolutely joyous and outstanding, with classic song after classic song like "Day By Day," "O Bless The Lord," "All Good Gifts," "All For The Best," "Beautiful City" (which was written specifically for the film), and many more. And David Greene's direction is so well done, the way the movie effortlessly flows together from one great scene to another.
And then there's the cast. You may not know their names, but oh, what a cast! The mostly-unknown ensemble cast that Greene put together for the film, many of whom came from the original stage production of "Godspell," are all so marvelously talented and engaging. How truly sad it is that, as of 2010, four of the ten cast members are no longer with us: David Haskell, Lynne Thigpen, Merrell Jackson and Jeffrey Mylett, all of whom passed away between 1986 and 2003. Rest in peace you four, God bless you, and thank you. Of the surviving cast members, only Victor Garber and Jerry Sroka are still performing. Robin Lamont ("Day By Day") is now a lawyer, Joanne Jonas ("Turn Back O Man") is a therapist, Katie Hanley ("By My Side") is a sculptor, and Gilmer McCormick runs a theater company. God bless you all too, and thank you for your magical, endearing work in this film.
"Godspell" didn't win any Oscars, and it wasn't even nominated for any, but it is such a special film in so many ways. The music, the performances from the cast, the New York City locales....just the sheer *joy* of it is right up there on the screen for all to see and appreciate. I promise you, "Godspell" will move you. | | | | AWESOME Apr 18, 2010 |
| This timeless classic still amazes me. The urban setting and characters appeal to both young and old. Ingenious & accurate portrayal of His last days on earth. Beautiful! | | | | Our Jesus Freaks? Apr 6, 2010 |
| Confined to the suspended world of the stage it might have been palatable, maybe even good, in it's era. But on screen it comes off more like a 90-minute promotional for cult indoctrination. Rent "Ticket to Heaven" and compare. Makes your skin crawl..... | | | Write your own review about Godspell
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