Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786300182769
Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC
ISBN: 6300182762
Label: MCA Universal
Languages: EnglishUnknownAnalogEnglishOriginal LanguageAnalog
Manufacturer: MCA Universal
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: MCA Universal
Release Date: March 01, 1992
Running Time: 112 minutes
Studio: MCA Universal
Theatrical Release Date: February 18, 1983

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Related Items:

• Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Kline, Ronstadt, Smith, Routledge, Delacorte Theater (Broadway Theatre Archive)
• The Pirates of Penzance
• Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / Eric Idle, Lesley Garrett, Richard Van Allan, Felicity Palmer, Richard Angas, Bonaventura Bottone, Susan Bullock, English National Opera
• Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne
• The Pirates of Penzance in Full Score
• see more

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Editorial Review:

Amazon.com:
When New York theatrical producer Joseph Papp decided to bring Gilbert and Sullivan to Broadway, he added typically broad, bold strokes to make their singular operetta format meaningful to 1980s audiences. In The Pirates of Penzance, Papp had a story that offered a mixture of potential action and comedy that was less arcane than other G&S chestnuts, which Papp's production underlined by playing up its antic conflict between its hapless, titular pirates and the citizens of Penzance, the Cornish town targeted for plunder. Adding to the new production's mainstream allure was the theatrical debut for erstwhile country-rock siren Linda Ronstadt as the virginal Mabel, along with a plum role for another putative pop heartthrob, Rex Smith, as the "good" pirate, Frederic.

Naturally, such amendments piqued complaints from self-appointed G&S purists, for whom the duo's original satirical edge and theatrical innovation were obscured (if not ossified) by their canon's patina of respectability. Happily, for the rest of us, Papp's cheeky revisions are generally on the money, and this 1983 film version preserves them with unusual fidelity. Instead of opening up his production with location shooting or intricate editing, director Wilford Leach savors the artifice of its stage sets and hokey, colorful costuming, celebrating the genre's proud theatrical legacy.

The cast, meanwhile, tears into the farcical plot with elan, led by Kevin Kline as the Pirate King, a role perfect for his skill at lampooning masculine bravado (not to mention his underexposed, generally strong singing). Broadway veteran George Rose proves the very model of the modern Major-General Stanley, and Angela Lansbury, added to the film's cast for marquee value, again shows her mettle as the ditzy maid, Ruth. Ronstadt justifies Papp's gamble, having trained rigorously to meet Sullivan's acrobatic melodies--indeed, this project marked her commitment to grow beyond rock, confirmed with her subsequent exploration of classic pop with arranger-conductor Nelson Riddle. --Sam Sutherland




Rating: - The best 'Pirates' version I've ever seen, for television
There was much controversy over the release and re-broadcast of this version, with Ronstadt playing Mabel. While the rest of the title cast (Kline, Rose, Smith, etc.) were marvelous, Ronstadt was selected to play Mabel for her "star" status at the time - and the raw outlook, that she was a country-western singer, NOT an opera or classical voice. Apparently she had worked for many weeks prior to shooting Pirates in order to enhance and "ready" the soprano she needed to portray Mabel. Not an easy feat, ... Read More

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Rating: - Pirates VHS
No problems with delivery, arrived quickly and in good time. Sender was very helpful and willing to assist with or correct any possible problems. I'd buy from them again anytime.

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Rating: - Hurrah for the Pirate King!
I love Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, and most of all, The Pirates of Penzance. This rendition captures all the comic enthusiasm G&S could ask for. The sets keep the stage performance feel, with a wider scope. Of course the main glory of this production is the fabulous performances, especially that of Kevin Kline, who is the perfect Pirate King. Linda Ronstadt proves her abilities in the difficult singing role of Mabel, and Rex Smith is a charming young Frederick, balancing his innocence and sense ... Read More

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Rating: - BE WARNED: NOT THE DVD ADVERTISED
Potential buyers should be warned that this is not a DVD version of the made-for-film production that includes Angela Landsbury in the cast, though her name certainly appears on the box cover in the advertisement, the product description, and the reviews. It appears that none of the reviewers actually own a DVD copy of this film, and are therefore commenting on a different production than the one being sold (which I already own). As I remember, the production being sold here has sound issues, and the ... Read More

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Rating: - Avoid confusion with this title
There is a lot of confusion in the reviews of this movie, and the reason is simple, there are 2 films with he same name and almost the same cast. There is a version which is the film of the broadway stage show, which I have not seen, but lots of people who have say its pretty horrible (the film and sound, not the actual broadway production which most people think was excellent). Then there is another version which is made on a soundstage with simple sets. The later version is, in my opinion, excellent. ... Read More

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