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 enlarge | Director: John Doyle
Actor: Raul Esparza
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Category: DVD
List Price: $24.99
Buy New: $15.50
You Save: $9.49 (38%)
New (36) Used (8) from $14.25
Avg. Customer Rating:  46 reviews
Sales Rank: 3963
Format: Color, Dolby, Dvd-video, Enhanced, Ntsc, Widescreen
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 132
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: IMED4480D
UPC: 014381448023
EAN: 0014381448023
ASIN: B0014IC31G
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Five Star Seller!!! New, factory sealed US Region 1 DVD. Item is 100% guaranteed not to be a bootleg or import. Item is shipped directly from our warehouse. Easy exchange if item defective or damaged in shipped.
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| Customer Reviews:
Almost works! August 4, 2008
I have never seen this show performed live, but I wore out the original cast recording on vinyl and CD. I missed the full orchestrations, but having the cast play instruments was fun and worked well most of the time. I also thought Raul Esparza gave a very intriguing performance. My guess is it was a bit darker than Dean Jones or Larry Kert. Being Alive did not work for me - too screamy, as was Ladies Who Lunch. All in all, I prefer the performance of Company in my head, with Dean Jones and Elaine Stritch. I do think some of the dialogue is a bit stilted, but those songs - it doesn't get much better.
A "Company" to keep July 24, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Of all the versions of "Company", this one is the best all-around. The production concept is brilliant, the cast is excellent and Raul Esparza is the best Bobby of them all. So we don't have Elaine Stritch, but get the DVD of the recording session of the original 1970 prouction and you'll have it all. A keeper!
 COMPANY July 9, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The genius of Sondheim perfectly executed by the most extra-ordinary cast.
Raul Esparza is dynamite in this leading role. Superbly staged and directed. A must have for lovers of Musical Theatre.
Rich multi-layered performances win out July 3, 2008
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
The expressions on Raul Esparza's face detail the rumblings beneath the surface that Stephen Sondheim finds fascinating.
This 2006 Tony-winning revival received a mixed response from audiences and critics alike. But then, COMPANY is a show that is always divisive. For starters, the show has no "plot" in a conventional sense. That bothers some viewers. It also uses songs to express attitudes rather than advance the story (again, what story?) But those subtle lingering looks, the unexpected responses, the sighs, the pauses...they communicate so much about these characters, and that is beautifully captured in this video.
No, it is not the COMPANY that was seen on Broadway in 1970. Given the advances it presaged, I expect that to see an archival reconstruction of the original might now look horribly dated. Jonathan Doyle has given the show a fresh perspective by having the company of actors double as musicians. It's a stunt he tried before with SWEENEY TODD to much acclaim. Unfortunately, coming after SWEENEY critics tended to be very blaze about the whole thing. Yeah, What else can you do?
But the concept actually works better with Company and is far less distracting. You do not miss the full orchestra as much here as with the more operatic SWEENEY. It makes the story more intimate and personal. The concept has a few drawbacks. Several times numbers end by segueing back into dialogue, frustrating an audience that wants to applaud but keeping the rhythm steady.
The rock steady performance of Raul Esparza anchors the entire show. It's performance that earned him high praise - and a Tony nomination - and years from now people will talk about. But unlike Dean Jones in the original they'll be able to do more than talk about it: they can see it thanks to this DVD.
 theater in a theater July 2, 2008
1 out of 6 found this review helpful
It is not easy for everybody to attend a Broadway show. This video, recorded at a theater -sometimes you can even see the audience- is a unique experience. I loved it because I felt as if I was in the theater. And the actors - singers - musicians are simply terrific! Don't miss it if you love musical theater
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