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Cole Porter's masterwork Kiss Me, Kate was revived in a splashy production that played on Broadway in 1999 then in London, where this version was filmed in front of a live audience in 2002.Broadway veterans Brent Barrett and Rachel York play pompous Fred Graham and feisty Lilli Vanessi, respectively, the couple whose roles in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew mirror their offstage feud. The play-within-a-play format is reflected in a score that has both contemporary '50s songs ("Too Darn Hot") and Bard-inspired stage songs ("I've Come to Wive It Wealthily in Padua").Other songs such as "Wunderbar," "So in Love," "Why Can't You Behave?," "Always True to You (In My Fashion)," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" are among Porter's best-loved melodies and wittiest lyrics.Nancy Anderson and Michael Berresse (the lone principal still remaining from the original Broadway cast) sing and dance up a storm as the secondary couple Lois and Bill, and Teddy Kempner and Jack Chissick steal scenes as the gangsters.Recommended for fans of musicals, though it's not the most family-friendly choice due to gender conflicts and stereotyping. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Sit down and listen up...
'Kiss Me Kate', Winner of 5 Tony Awards, 6 Drama Desk Awards and 4 Outer Critics Awards including Best Musical Revival, is a wonderful production with breathtaking performances from a stellar cast including Brent Barrett and Rachel York. What I want to clear up is the criticism of the DVD. I have to disagree with everything negative said - the sound is fine and a pleasant balance of orchestra and vocal with a crisp clarity.

Secondly, the DVD is widescreen and captures a lot of the onstage 'business'. Indeed the cameras do follow the main action, but never misses anything. It has been filmed by people who both appreciate the performance, the art and the intention of Michael Blakemore. Since he directed it and then adapted 'Kiss Me Kate' for television, surely he of all people knows what needs to be filmed?

Always, the performance has an 'on stage' feel and I urge you to ignore the exaggerated views of others here. Sound is good, video is good, DVD menu is good and I guarantee that you'll be as enthusiastic about the DVD as I was today after watching it. Maybe the others need to appreciate that this is a stage 'adaptation' as stated on the DVD case.

Somewhat dissapointed
As a person who absolutely LOVES musical theater and saw the 1999 Revival of Kiss Me, Kate of Broadway with Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marin Mazzie I was dissapointed with this production. While the music and the dancing are spectacular I have a few qualms about the actual filming and some of the cast memebers.

1. Hattie: should have been someone else. The woman who plays her in the DVD was not as spectacular as Adriane Lenox who played Hattie in the 1999 Broadway Revival. There are moments when she just ISN'T on key, and it's grating on the nerves.

2. Lois Lane/Bianca: She's so much fun in the DVD, but now as fun as Amy Spanger was. I did enjoy that Bill Calhoun was played by the same person (Michael Berresse).

Overall, the performance is superb, but the DVD needs help. No extras, no subtitles, none of the things that set DVD's apart from video.

Should have been so much better
I've seen a production of the original script (college), the movie version, the Broadway revival, and this version when it was first shown on PBS. While the performers were adequate, something about the pacing of this performance cast a pall over the show. The director opted to have characters draw out sequences that would have played better up to speed (Act I finale) and let other characters toss their lines away so quietly and so quickly that I wouldn't have known what was said had I not been so familiar with the show (Bill Calhoun). I tend to collect as many Broadway and movie musicals as I can, but this effort will not become part of it. If you have never seen a version of the show before, you should find it mildly entertaining, otherwise see the older movie version.

Great play, okay production, crummy recording
This is a Japanese TV (NHK Network) taping of an American musical performed in the UK. The British supporting players and chorus generally nail their American accents, but the characters' Americanness feels forced at spots. On the positive side, you still get Cole Porter's fantastic songs in a far more complete form than the 1950s film version provided, and the script holds up surprisingly well after all these years.

In other words, this stage production has its good and bad points. However, the taping for television is mediocre.

This is the second NHK Network recording of a musical I've seen (the other was the Broadway "Victor/Victoria"). In both cases there were very poor decisions as to choice of camera angles, when to switch from long shots to closeups, and editing in general. To be fair, NHK's target audience is not American, so it may just be a matter of differing tastes and aesthetics between East and West. Either way, I didn't much enjoy this telecast.

Too Darn Hot!
A worry I always have with filmed stage shows (as well as modern movie musicals in general) is that very few directors these days seem to be able to direct the filming of a choreographed dance routine. Worried about a static camera, they jump around and, worse still, give us close-ups of the dancers' faces. Looking back to the MGM and Warner musicals of the Golden Age, one can see that letting the dancers and choreographer do thier stuff and filming it with the minimum amount of technical flourish is the way it should be done. I am pleased to say that this filmed stage production of 'Kiss Me, Kate' mostly gets it right and shows off the staging both of the dances and the frantic dramatic action to it's best advantage.
Brent Barrett and Rachel York are absolutley fantastic in the leading roles, as are all of the principals (in particular Michael Berresse as Bill Calhoun, who fleshes out his character beyond the typically under written 'romantic lead'). Barrett plays one of Broadway's most complicated and demanding male roles with confidence and great emotion when required. York sings like an angel, screams like a banshee and pulls faces that could stop a clock as well as get the audience rolling in the aisles. Speaking of audiences, one way in which this production suffers is the seeming lack of an audience. Although there are laughs at the jokes there is no applause after the numbers. This seems a ridiculous omission, particularly considering the theatrical nature of the piece.
The re-written role of Harrison Howell, changing him from a boring cattle-baron to an agressive military man, jars as does the bizarre inclusion of a song for the character - 'From This Moment On'. The scene in the show involving Howell being mocked and eventually put to sleep, surely must rank as one of Broadway's most perfectly crafted and witty set-pieces. The re-written version on this DVD pales in comparison.
Cole Porter's best score is well served both vocally and visually (although I believe 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare' is wasted) and the set and costumes are beautiful. I feel that the lighting is lacking in places, creating some gloomy scenes particulary in the 'Shrew' sequences which surely should be vibrant to the point of tackiness. The direction and performance during the 'Shrew' parts of the show are a real highlight - showing that Shakespeare can be fun - particularly when accompanied by a Cole Porter score!
Unless you're mad about gimmicky 3-D camera angles or a sanitized version of the show that avoids the B-word, avoid the Howard Keel, Katherine Grayson film and invest in this infinitely superior version of one of Broadway's gems. ... Read more

Description

One of the world's most talented and best-loved performers, Julie Andrews reaches new heights in the most challenging role of her career as a woman pretending to be a man impersonating a woman! Filmed on the Broadway stage in 1995 (and based on the 1982 film), the immenselypopular Victor/Victoria is a warm, funny, wildly energetic look at the nature of love, gender perceptions and the battle of the sexes. Written and directed by Blake Edwards, with an unforgettable score by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, Victor/Victoria tells the story of an out-of-work singer whose life changes when she meets the flamboyant Toddy (Tony Roberts). With his help, she becomes "Victor," an overnight singing sensation in the nightclubs of Paris. But success becomes hilariously complicated when she meets the love of her life, King Marchan, a macho Chicago gangster (Michael Nouri). Adding her two cents to the couple's troubles is Marchan's ex-girlfriend, the ditzy Norma Cassidy (Rachel York). From the electrifying excitement of "Le Jazz Hot" to the contemplative "Crazy World," from the humor of "Chicago, Illinois" to the touching "Almost a Love Song," this truly classic musical has it all.146 minutes. Filmed in High-Definition video. 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

AN EXCELLENT PRESERVATION OF A WONDERFUL NIGHT
On December 2, 1995, I was lucky enough to be in New York City and saw "Victor-Victoria" on Broadway. The excitement and anticipation of seeing Julie Andrews on Broadway was so great-- I'll never forget that. We would have applauded and cheered like mad if Julie had merely appeared on stage and read from the phone book. Naturally, I was thrilled when the Broadway production was released on video. The show is excellently presented in wide-screen format. I'm still in awe of Robin Wagner's wonderful set designs-- one of the production's best assets. Andrews is well supported by Tony Roberts as Toddy. Michael Nouri is super sexy as King Marchan, and Gregory Jhbara is endearingly sweet as his gay bodyguard. Rachael York is extremely funny, but, in retrospect, the best she can do in the role of Norma is give a carbon-copy of Lesley Ann Warren's inspired performance in the 1982 film. Despite what some have said, the Broadway production does flow and move well, with just as much sparkle and bounce as the 1982 film (in some cases, perhaps more). These are professional actors. They know what they're doing, and they give their very best. Let's face it: either you like Julie Andrews (with all her amazing stamina and energy; thankfully captured here before her devastating 1997 throat surgery) and "Victor-Victoria" or you don't. Not much more needs to be said. Having this video in my collection is like having my wonderful night in New York City over and over again. A real treat-- if you were "there" or not.

A "Must Have" for Julie Andrews Fans
This video of the stage production of "Victor/Victoria" preserves what is likely to be the last Broadway performance of a living legend of the musical theater - Julie Andrews. Complications from vocal chord surgery performed not long after Dame Andrews left this production damaged her singing voice, probably permanently. The opportunity to see her in this historic Broadway performance should therefore not be missed by any of her fans.

The show isn't perfect. It gets off to a bit of a slow start with a moody opening number, "Paris By Night," then it takes a while for the story to unfold. There is a bit more exposition than is necessary, and the show really doesn't get into full swing until Julie and company's notable "Le Jazz Hot." From that point on, however, "Victor/Victoria" accelerates, and the laughs come quickly and often.

The energy boost is thanks in large part to the comic genius of Drama Desk Award Winner Rachel York as the dizzy blond gangster moll, Norma Cassidy. She takes the Oscar-winning role created in the 1982 movie version by Lesley Ann Warren and makes it her own. She finds the vulnerable core underneath the crass exterior and turns Norma into a lovable lunatic. Her timing is perfection, and the unexpected little twists in her delivery and physicality delight at every turn. She almost steals the show, but not quite. What she does accomplish, however, is to give Ms. Andrews a venerable foil. When the two of them are onstage together, the chemistry is electric. They have a tango toward the end of the first act that is one of the funniest pieces of choreography ever staged.

All the dance numbers are stellar, in fact. Credit goes to Rob Marshall, who has now become famous for his direction of the Academy Award winning movie adaptation of "Chicago." Every bit of choreography sizzles as the audience watches and wonders just which dancers are men and which are women.

While Michael Nouri as Victor/Victoria's love interest, King Marchand, may be considered the weak link in this cast (he just doesn't have the befuddled charisma that James Garner had in the movie), he sings and acts well enough to carry his share of the load. Tony Roberts is wonderfully droll as Victor's gay mentor, Toddy, and Greg Jbara is quite likeable as King's bodyguard, Squash. He offers up more than one surprise during the course of the evening.

By the time the last laugh is had, the audience is on its feet cheering for a landmark performance by one of the musical theater's all time greats. This reviewer has to agree with Ms. Andrews' own comments about Victor/Victoria. The entire show, and in particular cast member Rachel York, were egregiously overlooked by the Tony's.

IGNORE the other reviews.........
First of all, this is an EXCELLENT brodayway show! It cannot be just like the 1982 movie because people wouldn't go and see it. The acting is pretty good and most people dissed Julie Andrews on her acting, but remember she was older in this production and I thought she did an excellent job. The rest of the cast, Tony Roberts, Rachel York, and Michel Nouri do an excellent job. Bravo to Rachel York for doing an Excellent job playing Norma! There is more songs and dance then the 1982 movie and they do leave out the "Shady Dame from Saville" that was the only thing that I thought they should have put in the this production. All in all, one heck of a show! IT made me laugh, until I was almost crying! If you in Doubt, don't be. It is good and I suggest it to everyone! Also, you will the the intro Julie Andrews does before the show starts and at intermission!

A really fun show, luckily preserved
I was lucky enough, in 1995 to not only see "Victor/Victoria," but to get backstage to meet the lovely and truely gracious Ms. Andrews.

While the show has it's problems, it's not nearly the disaster critics made it out to be. Thirteen years after the huge success of the film, Ms. Andrews re-creates her role for the stage (how many other actresses can play the same role, convincingly, 13 years later.) While Michael Nouri, in my opinion, is no match for James Garner, Tony Roberts is a delightful Toddy and Rachael York makes Norma her own. Lesley Ann Warren was BRILLIANT in the film version, Ms. York is equally as stunning in this production and was ROBBED of not only a Tony nomination, but the award itself.

A must-have for all Broadway collectors, the shows flaws (primarily the book) can be easily overlooked due to the fabulous performances, brilliant technical achievements (sets being the most obvious) and terrific production values.

Get it now!

VICTOR/VICTORIA 1995 BROADWAY PRODUCTION
I HAD THE CHANCE TO VIEW THIS WONDERFULL PLAY LAST NIGHT. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE PROFORMANCE THAT MS. ANDREWS DID IN THIS PLAY. I HAVE NEVER SEEN HERE LIVE BEFORE SHE WAS EXCELLENT IN THIS. THIS VIDEO OF HER PROFORMANCE IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES MS. ANDREWS AND WHO HAS NEVER SEEN HER BEFORE LIVE ON STAGE. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Cherry Falls + Terror Tract + DVD = Hilarious!!
One word....WOW! These movies are absolutely hilarious! I am sure they were meant to be serious horror movies but you cannot help but laugh at them. Cherry Falls is just great! Brittney Murphy, Jay Mohr...do ya need any one else?? Right there makes a great movie! And Terror Tract...JOHN RITTER! That's all ya need!! No one else. If the movie was 90 minutes of John Ritter staring at the screen I would buy it. John Ritter is amazing!!
Buy these movies! The first time I saw them I knew I had to add these movies to my DVD collection!!! Take my word for it, you will love them and watch them over and over.

Skip Cherry Falls....
...I had read a positive review about Cherry Falls in Entertainment Weekly, but found it to be run-of-the-mill as far as horror and below par as far as humor (although STILL funnier than "Scary Movie"). I think this was released in theaters (it has an MPAA rating), but it feels like a cable TV movie. It's not BAD, but you've been down this road before. Uneven style (hard to tell what is supposed to be funny and what is supposed to be scary). Two stars for this title.

Terror Tract, on the other hand, makes up for the weaknesses in Cherry Falls. Although John Ritter is generally a turn-off to me in movies, his segues are brief and this film will suck you in and keep you (and I gotta admit, John Ritter as a cheesy real estate agent is perfect casting!). More laugh-out-loud humor in this than Cherry Falls (which isn't much), but the stories are fairly interesting. Reminded me of Creepshow from time to time. The only problem I had was that I was looking for some moral to the three stories presented, in a sort of "Twilight Zone" kind of way (i.e., What was the point of the evil monkey? Where was it from? Why was it evil?). 4 stars for this title....

...which averages out to 3 stars for the DVD.

Is it Scarry movie 4 ?
It's dawson creek meeting scary movie. I was wondering if this movie was a horror or a comedy. The acting is so bad, the killer is laughable in his/her disguisement.The dialogue is ridiculous.My opinion is : it's not derisive enough to be a great comedy and not serious enough to make you scared ! So what is it ? It's like the director wanted to make a comedy but his sense of humour wasn't good enough.Also it's so predictible. I knew who was the killer as soon as all the characters have been introduced (there is not enough possibilities indeed).SKIP THIS ONE !

A new slant on horror.
I managed to catch "Cherry Falls" on USA when it aired on Halloween 2001. I thought it was great. A horror film that throws the rules completely out the window. We need more scary movies like this. Here's a quick synopsis: A killer is stalking and killing the teenagers of Cherry Falls, Virginia. The common link between them all? They were all virgins. The students of CFHS decide the only way to live to stay off the hit list is to lose their innocence. Cool notion, huh? The performances were great. Brittany Murphy was awesome in this completely underrated role. Michael Biehn ("The Terminator," TV's "Adeventure, Inc."), as the town sheriff, gave a convincing performance of a good guy trying to right a wronged past. Candy Clark ("American Graffiti") does a good turn as Brittany Murphy's mom. For those of you who like trivia, look for Jesse Bradford ("Swimfan") and Clementine Ford (Cybill Shepherd's daughter, "Bring It On"). They have small parts. This DVD is not uncut as I had hoped, but it is worth the buy for the double feature. Check it out. You just might see something you like.

Stick to Scream
I bought this film as an impulse buy, as the shop I was buying it from had one of those two for one buys. The DVD I bought doesn't have Terror Tract on it, so I can't comment on that. I dunno why I keep watching "teen flicks", although so far, I enjoyed most of them. This wasn't one of my faves though. Too predictable, and I had a list of who I thought was the killer - and the person who was the killer was on the list. Normally I'm hopeless at guessing who the killers are. I wasn't keen on this film, mainly cos it was too much like Scream, I Know What You Did, etc. There wasn't enough suspense, or anything making me jump out my skin. And the director's different angle on the teen flick films - the victims are all virgins. Big wow! I'm safe :) The best bit was the last 15 minutes, and even that shocked me - an axe through the head, ouch!
Brittany Murphy was very good in this film, played the part brilliantly, and she's not your average, blonde, big tits American high school lead in these films. Spookily, she reminds me of a younger Angelina Jolie! She's got the looks off to a T.
Look for out the dad, played by Michael Biehn, who starred as the "good guy" in the first Terminator. Looks so different, but the eyes are the same.
Watching the 10 minutes of extras, which weren't even that good, was a bit boring and the directors and everyone else, kept describing the film as "humorous". Uh, I'm sorry, but where? Maybe I'm just too thick to notice the humour. It's a horror movie, I'm not exactly looking for humour in it :)
I wouldn't say I would watch this film again. Maybe again sometime. But if you want a scary teen flick, stick to the Scream triology. ... Read more