Jesus Christ Superstar - Live Arena Tour 2012 [Blu-ray]

I've always loved this musical primarily because of its rock roots and the fact that not one song within could be considered a filler. So, I was exceptionally cynical when the usual "Let's Find A Third Rate No Talent X Factor" format was applied to find a lead for the arena tour. Similarly, on discovering that stage luminaries such as Chris Moyles and Mel C would also be part of the show I didn't buy tickets. However, my wife and friends did and I was subjected to weeks of chiding as I had missed "the best performance she had ever seen of JCS". With this constant chirruping in my ears I had no choice but to buy her it on Blue Ray DVD as soon as it was released.

Having just watched it I will now live to regret that I didn't buy a ticket as the full show is stunning. The stage set is simple but varied, the musicianship from the band is excellent and the cast are all fantastic. Tim Minchin in particualr steals the show for me as his acting and vocal performances are jaw dropping. Where has he been hiding for the last couple of years? Even my initial cynicsm over the appointment of Ben Forster as JC has been washed away as he is outstanding as demonstrated by his strong performance of Gethsemane-stunning to watch and very emotive. Mel C also acquits herself well as do the secondary cast members playing Herod, Pilate and the Apostles. The disc also has behind the scenes extras that are quite interesting and give an insight into the whole set up, lighting, design etc.

Grudgingly, I can't recommend it enough and will bite my tongue next time a "Let's Find A Third Rate No Talent X Factor" show is on as the result for this stage show has definitely been a triumph.

I should disclose from the start that Jesus Christ Superstar has always been my favourite musical. I have seen many productions over the years and usually find something to love about each. This particular production, though, had a beauty and an impact for me that was quite exceptional and it will be a joy to be able to watch it again on DVD.

I saw the show in Glasgow on its tour around the UK rather than at the O2 and there were none of the sound / mic problems reported from the London shows - perhaps the smaller scale of the regional venues helped to control the sound more effectively or perhaps the technical teething problems had simply been resolved. The modernisation of the setting and design may not appeal to those who like their apostles in robes and sandals but it created an immediacy and a tension all of its own and some of the images created on the stage (and on the screen behind) were quite stunning. The portrayals of the Crucifixion and Judas's death in particular had a savage beauty quite unlike any I had seen in previous productions.

The incorporation of some sensational lighting effects and the newsreel / cinematic links on the screen also helped to create a truly multi-dimensional quality to the production. This, together with a top-whack band and the clever direction gave the show terrific pace and energy.

There has been much press coverage of the casting for this show but I found all of the performances strong, compelling and emotionally authentic. The lead trio of Judas, Mary and Jesus (Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Ben Forster) were particularly impressive and each in turn moved me to tears.

Highly recommended.

I saw this show on the opening night at the o2 Arena and was blown away by it.

I actually wasn't interested in seeing it at all - the ITV show had put me off largely - but I was unwillingly dragged along.

I'm happy to admit that within the first minute of the show I was absolutely hooked. The power of the music (it was !LOUD!) and the staging were superb. I'd recommend anyone to see the show live while they can. I enjoyed it so much that a few days later I tried to book again to see it when it returned for a run at Wembley Arena.

The BluRay / DVD however is really quite a let down.

(Yes, this is a review of the DVD / BluRay as it's meant to be here - not a review of the show. You CANNOT buy the show on Amazon!!!)

The dynamics of the sound are completely lost. I have a pretty impressive sound system at home, full 5.1 with a serious sub and properly positioned fronts, centre and surrounds - all meticulously tuned. But JCS on this system is exteremely underwhelming. (For an example of how to do concert sound properly see The Prodigy's Live World's On Fire [CD & Blu Ray] - now that's sound that blows you away)

Why?

Well, on closer inspection of the BluRay packaging it is only presented in 2.1!! I didn't even think to check as these day anything like this should be presented in 5.1 and for BluRay that shoudl be 5.1 HD/Master audio. Why, when this is Lloyd Webber's rock concert musical (he is on record many times saying that this show was designed to be a rock concert), would the audio be left so lacking like this?

Add to this that the editting feels uncomfortable and intrusive at times and this is a big dissapointment. Too many quick cuts during the opening sequence are jarring rather than enhancing the feeling of chaos. I know what the director was trying to do, but it doesn't work.

I am pleased I have this as a reminder of a brilliant show, but it just doesn't come anywhere near close to even creating half of the atmosphere of being there.