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Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Binding: DVD
Brand: Sony
DVD Layers: 1
DVD Sides: 2
EAN: 9780767827928
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
ISBN: 0767827929
Item Dimensions: 20
Label: Sony Pictures
Languages: EnglishOriginal LanguageDolby Digital 2.0 MonoEnglishSubtitledSpanishSubtitledPortugueseSubtitledGeorgianSubtitledThaiSubtitled
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
MPN: COLD22419D
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Sony Pictures
Region Code: 1
Release Date: April 04, 2000
Running Time: 103 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures
Theatrical Release Date: 1973
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Editorial Review:
Product Description: THE LONG-RUNNING '70S STAGE MUSICAL, BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, COMES TO DVD IN THIS EXHILARATING BIG-SCREEN ADAPTATION. INCLUDES THE HIT SONG DAY BY DAY. SPECIAL FEATURES: SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, PORTUGUESE, CHINESE, KOREAN AND THAI, TALENT FILES AND MUCH MORE.
Amazon.com: 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
Average Rating: 
Rating: -
wow!!! back in high school our choir sang the entire medley from this brilliant masterpiece. colorful, encased the in the trappings, good and other, of the 1970s, this piece INSPIRES the viewer / listener to find their spirit and become alive with the passion and love (for, from, by, and with) our higher power. if you can sit through this video without bouncing around, standing up and dancing with you kids (or grandkidz), then something is afoul! this is by far one of THE most magical energetic pieces of my lifetime. i give it an A+ and i highly recommend it. it you abhor anything christian or spiritual or 70's, you might not like it - even then, i'd recommend you check it out from your local public library.
Rating: -
I first saw the Godspell movie in a high school religion class in the 70's. As a kid who was raised on musicals and a recent convert to Christianity (I am Jewish), I was originally very inspired by this movie. The movie contains classic theatrics, wonderfully crafted music and inspriring performances. The characters are all fun and can be related to.
I own the original score/record album, and had enjoyed the music for many years. I thought I would fun to pick up the video so that my 10 year daughter, who is now very involved in the theater could enjoy it.
Watching this movie after 30 years was a delightful trip down memory lane. I depicts the Gospel of Matthew in modern and relevant terms (relevant to life in the 70's) that were enacted in a 70's form and fashion. The combination of these factors make this movie very interesting and educational. Dancing scenes on the roof of the Twin Trade Towers are especially inspiring. Sad too.
Some of the scenes depicting the parables are a bit dry and hard to follow. If redone, this is where a good director could do a better job of bringing out the story. Otherwise, this is a great investment for your video library (no DVD available).
Overall, this is a great movie for the family, I recommend very highly!
Rating: -
Godspell is one of the most incredible musicals ever written. It is a terrific review of the life and teachings of Jesus, but in a '60s setting! That can lead for some to be dismissive, but wasn't Jesus a radical in his day, too? Take some time to feel the emotion of His life.
Rating: -
"Godspell" is one of the more unique interpretations of the Gospels. Set in modern-day (ca. 1973) New York City, with characters dressed in costumes that resemble the characters of "Hair" more than the Bible. However, looks can be deceiving, and the movie is a fun, joyous musical journey that stays closer to the the Biblical personages than the more well-known "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Victor Garber, stars of such films and shows as "Titanic," "Legally Blonde" and "Alias," makes his film debut as Jesus, and it is a great performance. The supporting cast is magnificent, and the story does a good job of condensing the 28 chapters of Matthew into 103 minutes in fun and emotional ways. The songs are very upbeat, and have a quality to them that the viewer can't help but sing along to.
Of course, as in the Gospels, the story must come to an emotional climax, and the scenes of Jesus' torment and crucifixion are handled well, and you can't help but cry for Jesus as he dies on the cross. But while the Resurrection is not seen onscreen, the uplifting songs at the very end hint of things to come. Overall, this is a great musical film that people of all ages can enjoy, though small children may find the scenes at the end a bit too much for them.
Movie/DVD Grade: A-
Rating: -
Terrific movie with excellent music. My brothers and sisters and I grew up with this album, we knew all the words to every song. I had the song "All good gifts" sung at my wedding. I had no idea it was Victor Garber who played Jesus, he was great as were all the actors. Anyone in their 40's will appreciate this movie. Very happy with this purchase.
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