The Pirates of Penzance (DVD, 2010)

I enjoyed this particular performance when it was first done and broadcast on HBO in the early days of cable tv. I am a big Angela Lansbury fan and she is wonderful as Ruth! Kevin Kline is sublime as the bumbling Pirate King and Rex Smith shows off his natural vocal talents as Frederick. Linda Ronstadt has a dear clean performance as Mable. I have been looking for a copy of this specific cast performance for years and I finally found it! If you are not a fan of opera, I recommend anything by Sirs Gilbert and Sullivan. Pirates of Penzance is their most popular work to date and is a prime example of comedic opera. I would recommend this to anyone who has little exposure to opera. It is a light way to be introduced to something both old and new. If you have never seen this, take the chance on it and I promise, you will not be disappointed.

I loved it on Broadway in the early 80s. This DVD version is for the most faithful to the stage version with the opening up of scenes not destructive as is sometimes the case. Kevin Kline shines as the Pirate King. Angela Lansbury is a charming Ruth. The rest of the cast is good as well if one doesn't expect a Major-General of Martyn Green standard. In one of the lesser roles Tony Azito is outstanding as the Chief Constable. I could only wish for a Blu-Ray version.

I LOVE musicals... This one is old so its kind of hilarious and cheesy, but definitly a classic! Good after a cpuple drinks! lol

I have been waiting for this 1982 movie to be converted to DVD for 28 years, and it is finally here! The re-mastering is brilliant! The color is true and very clear. Rex Smith and Linda Ronstadt are great as the young couple of lovers in the Gilbert and Sullivan farce. Kevin Kline and Angela Landsbury round out the cast, a delightful cast I might add.

The orchestra seems to be synthesized, but is still great, and the whole movie is done on a theatrical set with campy colored plants, ships, and castles. Be sure to pick up a copy of this DVD at any price even if you are not a Gilbert and Sullivan fan. It is great fun and high camp!