Date Watched
Monday 26th December 2011, Boxing Day
Format
Blu-ray (Owned)
Watched with
Julian Mogford
Date Watched
Monday 26th December 2011, Boxing Day
Format
Blu-ray (Owned)
Watched with
Julian Mogford
had known I was getting this title for Christmas, and I knew Dad would probably like to watch it so after Boxing day buffet lunch at Victoria’s I invited him round to watch it, which he accepted.
It is sometimes easy to forget just how long this film is – over 3 hours long! It has a very languid pace about it – taking it’s sweet time to tell it’s tale. But it is all the better for it – and boy the story it tells is not exactly a feel-good story! The persecution of the Russian Jews and the erosion of their tradition is very powerfully told alongside one of the true great musical scores ever written for the stage.
Topol, of course, is utterly brilliant – but so is the whole cast. I was amazed to find that Ruth Madoc (of Hi-De-Hi) fame has a major role. And not only that – she was born in Norwich!
We both thoroughly enjoyed the newly remastered picture and sound, and also took the time to watch a new song which is part of the extras. The film was destroyed but the producer kept the soundtrack so it is reconstructed with photos.
Anyone who has even a passing interest in great musicals, and has a Blu-ray player, should pick this up. It is an extremely enjoyable disc.
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