Product Details

• Released on: 2007-11-06
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Dolby, Full Screen, NTSC, Import
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 104 minutes

Amazon.com essential video
A success when it premiered in 1991, the stage musical Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby has toured the world. All the elements are in good form for this video production shot at the Mirada Theater in 2000 for the A&E Network. An adaptation of the famous 1954 musical directed by Jerome Robbins and starring Mary Martin, this new version is lasting proof that J.M. Barrie's tale of the boy who would never grow up is one of the kingpins of family entertainment. Some new songs have been added to the fabulous Moose Charlap-Carolyn Leigh score (which includes "Tender Shepherd," "I Gotta Crow," "I'm Flying," and "I Won't Grow Up"). But the biggest asset to this production are the spectacular flying sequences: Peter even soars over the audience at times. Martin was a stronger actress in a close-up, but Rigby is magical with her athleticism and spark, most notably in a percussion-filled song and dance number "Ugh-a-Wug." With comedy and derring-do, lavish sets, fabulous costumes, and a hissably good villain (Paul Schoeffler as Captain Hook), Peter Pan has plenty to charm nearly everyone from age 4 on up. The DVD also contains three sing-along songs and a behind-the-scenes featurette with the cast. --Doug Thomas

Review
Filmed before a live audience, this video adaptation of Peter Pan captures the magic of the long-running Broadway stage show on which it is based. Former American gymnast Cathy Rigby portrays Peter, as she did in the Broadway hit in the 1990s. Those who have never seen her perform will be delightfully surprised with her versatility. Not only does she frolic and dance with Olympian athletic ability, but she also sings marvelously (rumors that she lip-synchs are untrue) and speaks with a bloody good British accent to boot. But above all, it is her exuberance as the high-flying, ever-mischievous Peter that captivates the audience. When she zooms through the window of the Darling family's nursery for the first time, dive-bombing and flip-flopping, she establishes a joyful rapport with the audience that does not let up until the final curtain comes down. Oh, yes, there are those who prefer the legendary Mary Martin as Peter, maintaining that she played the role with more poignancy during her Broadway run in the 1950s. But, aw heck -- the Rigby version is fun, and kids seem to love it. The 104-minute video, directed by Glen Castle, features movie-quality special effects and wonderful song-and-dance numbers, including "I'm Flying" and "I Won't Grow Up." ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide

On the DVD
Behind-the-scenes with Cathy Rigby and the cast
Sing-a-Long showstoppers "I'm Flying," "I Won't Grow Up," and "I Gotta Crow."

Customer Reviews

skip the Disney version!
My 3 year old daughter has seen the Disney version of Peter Pan and reacted like she does to most cartoons- with that blank comatose stare. This video has her up dancing with Tiger Lily, singing with Wendy and pretending to fly. She acts out scenes from this movie all day, every day, with various family members and teddy bears taking on roles. This video has sparked so much imaginative play in our house and I don't cringe when she asks for it- what more could you ask? Highly recommended.

PETER PAN
Peter Pan is the classic tale about a boy who wouldn't grow up. One quiet night, as the Darling children lay fast asleep in their beds, Peter Pan comes to their nursery window in search of his shadow. As he tries to get it to stick on, he awakens the eldest of the Darling children, Wendy. Peter beckons Wendy and her younger bothers, John and Michael to come away with him to the magical island of Neverland, where you can never grow old. From fairies to Indians to pirates and their evil Captain Hook, Peter Pan takes you away on a magical journey that you will never forget. This is the best version of the best fairytale ever. It is definitely recommended for people of all ages. Share the magic with your family as you fly away into the wondrous world of Peter Pan.

A mixed production
This well-known musical version of "Peter Pan" is, for the most part, thoroughly enjoyable. The Mary Martin version seems to be the one all others are compared to, no matter what. Granted, that version had a few cheesy moments, and it is true that this musical should be done with tongue planted firmly in cheek--but, as with all things, there is a limit. This new version stretches that limit to capacity. To be fair, there are some qualities to be commended. The set design, costumes, choreography, and, of course, the flying are all first-rate. The rest is slim pickings. Former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby, in the title role, is much more beliveable as an eternally youthful boy than Mary Martin ever was. Her strong, clear singing voice suits the role well. Unfortunately, she chooses to use a grating Cockney accent--as do many of the Lost Boys--in delivering her dialogue. At times it sounds as though the parts were filled with cast-offs from a touring production of "Oliver!". In addition, the three Darling children, Wendy, Michael, and John, are not too endearing. Wendy, in particular, is woefully miscast. She looks too old and too odd. And last, but not least, the actor in the role of Captain Hook. Though he possesses a wonderfully operatic baritone, he also seems to think that he should literally SCREAM every other line to make sure everyone knows he's the villain. It is worthwhile to watch if you like the story or the musical in general. If only they'd done it a little bit better.