Sweeney Todd in Concert | 
 enlarge | Director: Lonny Price
Actors: George Hearn, Patti Lupone, Neil Patrick Harris, Timothy Nolen, Davis Gaines
Studio: Image Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $24.99
Buy New: $10.98
You Save: $14.01 (56%)
New (33) Used (10) Collectible (1) from $10.98
Rating:  55 reviews
Sales Rank: 11341
Format: Color, Dolby, Dts Surround Sound, Dvd-video, Full Screen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 150 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: IMED1529D
UPC: 014381152920
EAN: 0014381152920
ASIN: B0000648Y0
Theatrical Release Date: October 31, 2001
Release Date: May 14, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: New factory sealed
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra's 2001 concert production of Stephen Sondheim's witty shocker is musically superb and (even without scenery) theatrically effective. The performers are in costume and use a few essential props such as Todd's razor, but more than these details the quality of their singing and acting makes this production stand out. It looks like a final seal of approval at the end when Sondheim comes out, smiling, to take a bow. Sweeney Todd evokes a special balance of horror and comedy because injustice, revenge, and cannibalism are the subjects of its grisly humor, balanced with moments of romantic idealism. George Hearn in the title role and Patti LuPone as the enterprising, utterly amoral pie seller Mrs. Lovett are both brilliant, with an excellent supporting cast. Members of the orchestra are occasionally seen behind the action, but frequent, effective close-up shots of the singers generate a dramatic atmosphere. --Joe McLellan
Product Description
This delicious production of stephen sonsheims sweeney todd: the demon barber of fleet street a musical thriller of revenge & romance set in victorian england. Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 05/27/2008 Starring: Patti Lu Pone Geaorge Hearn Run time: 132 minutes Rating: Nr
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| Customer Reviews: Read 50 more reviews...
 Absolutely Incredible! Will bring tears to your eyes. August 27, 2008
Granny Smith (Beautiful Virginia)
I cannot even say how much I love this DVD. The staging, with the orchestra on the stage mixed with the chorus and soloists, is amazing. The lighting and the minimal set and props fit in so well with the character of of the musical that you can't imagine it set any other way.
I have a friend who has played in the pit for Sweeney many times. He saw this DVD and I asked him his opinion. He said he was in tears watching it. I replied that I understood, the ending is really emotionally overwhelming. He said, "The ending! I couldn't get through the first half!" This DVD is that good.
If you've seen the recent movie, you owe it to yourself to see this raw, barren, yet totally sophisticated version. You owe it to yourself to hear it sung by professional singers and played by a great orchestra! See it and hear it as Sondheim intended.
...More Than a Concert August 21, 2008
Max Zarket
This was an amazing purchase. It is quite possibly the best version of Sweeney I have ever seen, and I've seen many. Patti is always a powerhouse vocalist, and her sexy eccentric portrayal of the kooky Mrs. Lovett alone is reason enough to purchase the DVD. Hearn didn't really do it for me in the Broadway version, but in this version he overflows with pride & love for the show and his title role, which makes his performance a joy to watch. The supporting cast and musicians are excellent. The only thing that may raise an eyebrow to those unwilling to suspend their disbelief is the aged faces of the young lovers (and Tobias, sry Neil). This performance goes about as far as a concert can without being a fully staged musical. Brilliant
Amazing Performance July 10, 2008
Carol L. Wasson
Sweeney Todd in Concert is a stunning performance of Sondheim's greatest work. The only thing better than this DVD would be to have seen it live in San Francisco. George Hearn is brilliant and has eclipsed his stellar performance in the touring show of Sweeney Todd, some 20 or more years ago. As to Davis Gaines as Anthony - no one could sing that role better. Patty Lupone tackles Mrs. Lovitt with unequaled technique. But most importantly, this is the only venue in which to hear Sweeney Todd performed by a symphony orchestra...that alone makes this DVD a superior value and an absolute favorite for anyone's collection. Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd!!!
 Sweeney Todd in Concert July 2, 2008
Ethyl (Los Angeles)
I love this musical and have copies of all of the productions that are available. In this case, I was present for the concert and had fabulous seats. I enjoyed it then but didn't enjoy watching again. The reason for that was the artifically young look of George Hearn. Between his face lift and orange hair he looks like a bad copy of himself. The singing is great, but I would recommend the original verson or the new movie over this one.
A Fully Satisfying Production May 27, 2008
F. S. L'hoir (Irvine, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This paired-down, yet inventive, staging of "Sweeney Todd" actually enhances the excellence of Sondheim's musical score. The intelligent use of lighting suggests horror rather than hitting the audience in the face with it. Without the distractions of fake blood and trap-doors, the viewer is able to focus on the outstanding performances of the cast. George Hearn may be twenty years older, but his acting, which is phenomenal, makes up for any of the former fulness that might be missing from his voice. Patty Lupone presents a far darker Mrs. Lovett than Angela Lansbury did, but her characterization clears up some of the ambiguities of motivation that were present in her predecessor's trademark interpretation; Lupone's powerful voice blends well with Hearn's. Neil Patrick Harris was pleasantly surprising in the role of Toby, and the voices of the supporting characters, Anthony, Johanna, Lucy, Judge Turpin, the Beadle, Pirelli, are simply splendid.
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