Memphis: The Original Broadway Production[DVD]

I became interested in Memphis - the musical when I happened to stumble upon it on Netflix. I liked it, enough that when the Blu-ray became available, I ordered it knowing the superior picture and sound would be much appreciated. I was not disappointed and loved it!First, the technical achievement of filming a live stage show and presenting it with first rate sound is exemplary. The production crew succeeded in a big way. The performances by the actors is no less commendable.Some don't like Chad Kimball's portrayal of Huey Calhoun (somewhat based on real-life DJ, Dewey Phillips). I get that, but I find him to be authentic in a goofy Gomer Pyle sort of way. With his optimism, humor, passion for music and indifference to race (in the 1950's), he is likeable. His manerisms take some getting used to, but so what? His heart and soul is really, well, the heart and soul of the show. Being the Felicia character is black and apparently has much more going for her than Huey does - and that she falls for him after seeing his passion and doing so much to realize her dreams, it isn't so unimagineable that they are drawn to each other. Not by a long way.Montego Glover is phenomenal. She sings the pants off every tune she attempts. "Colored Women" is a definite highlight. The supporting cast is excellent too. There are many fine performances, right down to the last ensemble member. This isn't high-brow or sophisticated musical theatre, but it is extremely entertaining if you like good music, good acting and good story telling.I had the good fortune to see the tour of Memphis recently, and it is even better than the excellent Blu-ray recording of the Broadway cast. If you get a chance to see it in person, don't miss it. The entire cast was awesome.

My hubby and I are so glad Amazon carries this fantastic movie of the Best Broadway Musical of 2010, "Memphis the Musical."We watched it on PBS, got blown away with joy and amazement, ordered it right away, and now have seen it for the third time. It's very rare for us to watch anything more than once! We also like to re-visit some clips on YouTube.I still marvel that the cast must perform at this peak-level talent and excellence for nightly performances and even matinees, well-captured in this video. My admiration for their thrilling performance abilities - and their stamina! -- just knows NO bounds!Especially since ALL the material is superb - the songs and dances dramatically portray the 1950's themes of social injustice via radio stations' suppression of black music - and of course the big taboo against black/white romances. Our hero-DJ Huey Calhoun (the utterly awesome singer Chad Kimball, playing this sometimes goofy but very intelligent guy) tries to pioneer the breakthroughs in both the music and the relationships, at his great personal expense. There is sorrow, yes - but also hilarity and triumph galore! And it is hard not to love and admire every single member of this fun and fabulous cast.This is an overall thrilling entertainment experience - a great story brought to dazzling life in a tremendous production!

The video of Memphis: The Original Broadway Production was everything and more than anticipated. I had seen it when it was on tour and it was outstanding to say the least.Though not like seeing it on the big screen, the video is the next best thing. The cast is superb and for those of us who grew up during the 50's and 60's, the music will bring back many memories.This award winning production is based on a true story of the beginnings of Rock and Roll. If you weren't aware or around during this bit of history and even if you were, it is really informative and thought provoking as well as entertaining. Lot's of behind the scenes of what didn't make the newspapers and tabloids.A piece of innovation and genius is that they filmed this during an actual performance while it was still on Broadway. It gives you the feeling of being in the audience of the Shubert theater without having to travel out of your living room.My advise is to buy yourself a copy, pop some corn, invite your friends, insert the video into your DVD player, sit back and enjoy the whole experience of Memphis.

When I saw Memphis on Broadway some years ago from the first row of the Shubert Theatre, I was blown away by its energy, its fantastic score and the performances of Chad Kimball and Montego Glover. Its story of segregation in the 1950's and how so-called "race music" crossed over to become popular with all audiences had a powerful message. The songs and choreography make this Tony Award-winning musical a wonderful experience.

The performance of the actors are out of this world. So glad that I gotten it.

I love Memphis. My sister and I have seen it at least 3 times since it came out and love it. It is a fun musical and if you have not seen it and are buying the dvd, do both buy the dvd so you can watch it as many times as you want but also see the musical because when you go to the musical it keeps it going and their is nothing like the atmosphere at a Broadway Musical. Knowing how much I love this musical I will probably have to buy myself another copy after a few months because I will watch this DVD so much. The musical has soul and is one of the most amazing musical of this generation.

My husband and I have seen Memphis on Broadway twice and absolutely love it. This filmed version is extremely well done, capturing the feel of the live performance. You will not be disappointed.Since we live on the west coast it is not possible to go to NYC more than every 2 years. I love the ability to watch this great musical whenever we want to. The music is fabulous. The acting is great. I am not sure what more you could want for less than $20 to own.If you have the ability make sure you go to the Shubert Theatre on Broadway and see this musical in person. You will walk away singing the songs of this great musical.

I wanted to compare this Broadway version to the London production, which I saw and liked very much indeed.Having seen it, I have to say I didn't think it was quite as good. The leading lady does well, but Huey in this one reminded me of Frank Spencer - but still great to have a record of this wonderful show. The London production is simply grittier in characterisation and seemed to have a slightly different choreography. That said, Broadway dancers are still in a class of their own.Worth seeing is the "making of" extra, just for the bit where they demonstrate the theatre's sound mix against the one used on this DVD release.Oh, and do note that the DVD sleeve and disc itself says this is an "all regions" DVD, but my DVD players say it is region 1 - and won't play in the UK except on an "all regions" DVD player. May be my machines, but can 3 be wrong? Edit: since tried it on 2 other machines, works fine. 3 ARE wrong...

I saw this fabulous musical at our local Cineworld before Christmas. The quality of the film was so good that you could believe you were in the Broadway Theatre. When I got home I checked if there was a DVD available and put in my order for the end of January 2012 when it was released. My family have all watched the DVD and are now telling all their friends what a wonderful musical it is. The whole cast are magnificent and Montego Glover's voice is a joy plus Chad Kimball's quirky performance completes this fantastic production. Although Chad Kimball has now left the cast, my grandaughter and I are hoping to see Memphis in New York unless, of course, he should come to London, which would be even better.This musical is now up with my all time favourites!

I was lucky enough to see Memphis last February on a trip to New York. It was so good I went to see it again three days later. I am a huge fan of live theatre and musicals in particular and Memphis is now sitting high amongst my all-time favourites. The songs are very catchy and are all now part of the Music of my Soul. The show on featured on this Blu-Ray captures the most fantastical performances from the original cast, most notably Chad Kimball & Montego Glover (both of whom I was fortunate to see live) and also Cass Morgan, J Bernard Calloway, Derrick Baskin, James Monroe Iglehart & Michael McGrath. I am impressed at how well the show comes across on film, it really does feel almost as good as being in the theatre.There are some nice extras on the disc as well, with the quick cast "hellos", the behind the scenes making of and the recreation of the Playbill programme.For those who, like me, live outside the USA, the Blu-Ray & DVD are for All regions and the Blu-Ray played very nicely on my UK spec player.I am so happy that this has been released on film as I can watch it over & over again until I next get to New York to see it live again or it comes to London's West End. HOCKADOO!!

I have never before written a review for Amazon or any other company but felt I must write one for this product. When in New York in May 2012, my wife and went to see Memphis the musical. We had no previous knowledge of this show, but picked it out at random from the the offers at the TKCT offers in Time Square. The show was one of the best we have seen in recent years and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. Unfortunately at the time we did not realise we could buy the DVD of the show at the theatre and so when we came home I had a look on Amazon to see if it was available. I was not sure about regional differences (region 1/2 and NTSC/PAL) so put off buying this Blu Ray disc. Having read some other reviews, I decided to take a chance as they said it was multi region. Having just sat down this evening and watched this excellent recording of a tremendous show I am so delighted that I took the chance on this product. As I watched, the memories came flooding back about why this show affected me so much. The songs are memorable, the performances are incredible (singing, acting and dancing), and the story is so moving. If you have seen this special show and want a reminder, this is as good as it gets. If you are going to New York, go and see it. If you cannot get to New York, buy this disc, it really is a treat. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

Thoroughly enjoyed the production but the male lead is a bit of a pain and spoils the whole thing with his 'redneck country boy' approach which is not evident in the UK West End production. Made for good entertainment for me though.