Cats: The Musical (DVD, Commemorative Edition)

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Cats" is based upon fourteen poems from "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Elliot. The theme goes like this: every year the Jellico cats pick one of their own to go to their next life. During the selection, Old Deuteronomy, the patriarch of the Jellico cats, comes to hear the stories of the cats who want to enter their next life.

John Mills gives a great performance as an older gentlemanly cat whose time is drawing nye as he gives Old Deuteronomy his interview to be reborn. But it is Elaine Page's performance as "Grizabella," the once beautiful, sexy, if not run around cat, who absolutely steals the show with Andrew Lloyd Webber's
"Memory." Though the real life Page is a much younger woman, she has the age movements of the much older Grizabella down pat. Her singing voice is unforgettable, and thus, she made "Memory" her song & the highlight of the entire show.

The is the major video release of the single most famous stage musical of all time. It was shot in Adelphi Theatre in London on Super-16 film over the course of one month. It was recorded in full stereo surround sound.

Webber also produced the film. There is a featurette on the commemorative DVD entitled, "The Making of Cats."

Anyone could see this movie since there is no violence, foul language, or overt sexuality in it. Just lots of jazz dancing, famous costumes, and a brilliant musical score that only Webber could compose. Bravo!

I was privileged years ago to see "Cats" on Broadway. Having purchased this video, I can now watch, as often as I like, the entire show again. While the scope of show is lost to the small screen and the close-ups don't allow you to see all the actions of everyone on stage, the clarity of the video in both visual and audio aspects makes up for it. My main reason for buying was to have a permanent record of Elaine Paige in costume as Grizabella singing "Memory". While this DVD was done some 17 years after "Cats" introduction on the West End in London, Ms. Paige's voice, performance, and interpretation of the song is still the " cat's meow ", pardon the pun, couldn't resist. This video is one that any musical theatre buff, Andrew Lloyd Webber fan, or TS Eliot fan should enjoy. "Memory" alone makes it worth watching as this song is timeless, moving, superbly written by Lloyd Webber, and so emotion packed that it will forever remain a standard of beautiful music and song.

I have seen this production 4 times at the National Theatre and each time I was amazed at the brilliance of each dancer and of course the music and lyrics. I have this on VHS tape but wanted to see the The Making of Cats which the Commemorative Edition shows and I wasn't disappointed.

I believe Elaine Page to be the best vocalist in the world and no one but no one can sing Memories like she can even Sara Brighton.

If you want to spend a wonderful 2 plus hours being thoroughly entertained, buy this DVD and be pulled into a magical presentation of nothing short of magical!

This DVD is absolutely EXCELLENT! The only thing better than this DVD would have been the opportunity to go to BROADWAY and see the musical CATS in person.The would have been the ultimate experience. I recommend this DVD to evryone who loves musicals,special effects, appreciation of the "arts" and of course CATS!!!! You will not be disappointed.Every timee we watch it (and I might add that would be alot of times) we see something new. Sit back, have your pop=corn ready and ENJOY!!!
P.S. Be sure to view the "making of CATS" and the other bonus material also!

CATS ONE OF THE GREATEST MUSICALS OF ALL TIME OPENED AT THE WINTER GARDEN ON OCTOBER 7 1982 --IT IS THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW IN BROADWAY HISTORY WITH AN 18 YEAR RUN--ANDREW LlOYD WEBBERS SHOW HAS BEEN FILMED AND MADE AVAILIBLE ON DVD --THIS MOVIE IS ABOUT THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF CATS BASED ON OLD POSSUMS BOOK OF PRACTICAL CATS BY T.S. ELIOT--THE COMMEMORATIVE EDITION ALSO HAS THE MAKING OF CATS AND INTERACTIVE MENUS A MUST SEE MUSICAL-THANKS SIGN DAN VETERAN U.S.ARMY U.S.M.C.