The Pirates of Penzance (Wilford Leach, 1983)

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teddyleevin · #1 Post by **teddyleevin** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:29 am

I just saw this film after recently obsessing over the opera. And, the film was amazing. I wish I could have seen the stage production which spawned it. Regardless, I was just in a mood to spark some conversation on it, as it is rather impressive. For some reason, it has never been released on DVD, which is a real shame. Widescreen versions with great quality show up on cable TV from time to time, so the material exists. I don't know what's been stopping it. Any thoughts on the film?

Michael Kerpan · #2 Post by **Michael Kerpan** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:20 am

I enjoy the film -- and have it on VHS somewhere...

The stage version IS available on DVD (showing the principals as noticeably younger). The source for this was not in the best shape -- but the DVD is still worth checking out.

PillowRock · #3 Post by **PillowRock** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:10 pm

Michael Kerpan wrote:The stage version IS available on DVD (showing the principals as noticeably younger).

As I recall, the one significant cast change was Lansbury being in the movie but not the stage show (and therefore, not the taping of it).

Michael Kerpan · #4 Post by **Michael Kerpan** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:18 pm

PillowRock wrote:
Michael Kerpan wrote:The stage version IS available on DVD (showing the principals as noticeably younger).
As I recall, the one significant cast change was Lansbury being in the movie but not the stage show (and therefore, not the taping of it).

Correct. Patricia Routledge plays Ruth in this earlier version (and is quite good).. Recommended to anyone not likely to be allergic to the (undeniable) technical deficiencies of this particular taping.

Numero Trois · #5 Post by **Numero Trois** » Wed Aug 18, 2010 7:35 am

This will finally be coming out next month. Haven't seen it, but in my experience doing DVD retail this was one of the most frequently requested titles.

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