Sondheim DVD Help

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 9:19am

So AG has been disgustingly indecisive...

I want to buy some Sondheim DVDs, but I don't know if the 6 DVD set is worth the price. If anyone has it, can you tell me what you think? Also, if the 6 DVD collection isn't worth it, which of the 6 are worth it?

I'm decided on:
Into the Woods
Sunday in the Park with George
Sweeney Todd in Concert

Any suggestions will help my horrible decision making skills.

[bta212]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 9:47am

Have you seen the shows, or will the DVD's be your exposure to them?

If I have seen the show, I don't really find the DVD's very satisfying; the action is too static, and I don't like being told when to look at a certain character or bit of staging.

If you have never seen the shows, then I think they are all worthwhile in order to fully comprehend the action and staging, which so informs the lyrics.

The only sondheim DVD I watch regularly (I own them all) is the "Follies in Concert" DVD from 1986. Everyone acknowledges the great flaw in this disc--the concert itself is, ironically, incomplete--but what's there is thrilling and the behind-the-scenes footage is priceless. If you were unsure whether you wanted to work with Stritch, this will convince you that you don't!

Also, if you have only one Sweeney Todd disc, I would go for Angela over Patti--it's the definitive performance and far more satisfying, IMHO.

Updated On: 1/23/05 at 09:47 AM

[zoran912]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 10:34am

Hey Sweetie,

I have to 6-DVD Set and I love it. I've watched everything except Follies in Concert. It's all so amazing. As a warning, let me say that Passion will break your heart. Better grab a tissue box before you commence viewing.

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 10:55am

I think I'll just go with the 6 DVD Set. I know I'll eventually want them all...

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

AG

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 11:26am

I have almost all of the 6 Disc set and a few others (Putting it Together, Sweeney with Angela, Company Documentary). I love them all for various reasons.

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 11:31am

GOV! Where have you been!?

I'm just gonna splurge on the 6 DVDs. I can't wait until they arrive

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 11:35am

Hiding in the shadows, listening to Follies.

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 11:36am

That's probably the best way to lurk, with Sondheim blaring.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 12:15pm

I was struggling with this just around Christmas. But at Barnes and Noble, one DVD was around thirty dollars. I bought the collection and LOVE IT! I was very pleasantly suprised with Passion, I absolutely adored it! What a great show. Anyways, I haven't watched Follies yet, but with the weather like it is, I may pop it in my computer soon.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 2:20pm

The 6 DVD set couldn't be MORE worth it!

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 1/23/05 at 4:11pm

I have the same struggle almost every day of my life. It's so expensive! I know it's worth it but... ugh.
Plus, I already have Sunday in the Park which is breathtaking.

[gcal]

Posted: 1/24/05 at 1:53pm

Someone stole my icon...