Product Details

• Released on: 2002-10-01
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC, Import
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 150 minutes

From Amazon.com
The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra's 2001 concert production of Stephen Sondheim's witty shocker is musically superb and (even without scenery) theatrically effective. The performers are in costume and use a few essential props such as Todd's razor, but more than these details the quality of their singing and acting makes this production stand out. It looks like a final seal of approval at the end when Sondheim comes out, smiling, to take a bow.

Sweeney Todd evokes a special balance of horror and comedy because injustice, revenge, and cannibalism are the subjects of its grisly humor, balanced with moments of romantic idealism. George Hearn in the title role and Patti LuPone as the enterprising, utterly amoral pie seller Mrs. Lovett are both brilliant, with an excellent supporting cast. Members of the orchestra are occasionally seen behind the action, but frequent, effective close-up shots of the singers generate a dramatic atmosphere. --Joe McLellan

Video Details
This delicious production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Ba rber of Fleet Street, a musical thriller of revenge and romance set in Victorian Engla nd, features Broadway diva Patti LuPone as Mrs. Lovett and veteran stage actor George Hear n in the title role. Premiering in 1979, the legendary Sweeney Todd--winner of nine New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and eight Tony Awards--is recorded with the San Fran cisco Symphony as conducted by Rob Fisher. Cast:

Patti LuPone: Mrs. Lovett
George Hearn: Sweeney Todd
Davis Gaines: Anthony Hope
Lisa Vroman: Johanna
Neil Patrick Harris: Tobias Ragg
Timothy Nolen: Judge Turpin
John Aler: Beadle
Victoria Clark: Beggar Woman
Stanford Olsen: Pirelli