Customer Reviews

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical [VHS]

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(27)
2 star:		(27)
1 star:		(31)

 

 

I'm suspecting that there are two types of people who are approaching this DVD, a filmed version of the stage production of "Jekyll & Hyde". One, someone familiar with the show--perhaps saw it and liked it or has the soundtrack--and wants to check out this variation. Or two, someone discovering it anew. It tempts me to write two reviews because while I love "Jekyll & Hyde", it's slightly unfortunate that this is the production most people will get a chance to judge.

So let me preface this by saying that I really am a fan of this show. Some people consider "Jekyll" sort of a "Phantom-lite". I, myself, have never been the biggest supporter of "Phantom of the Opera". It's fine, full of bombast, but hardly the revolutionary experience that people give it credit for. "Jekyll" does play to similar themes, but has a stronger overall soundtrack. Instead of a couple of showstoppers like "Phantom", "Jekyll" is filled with memorable power ballads. Not the most complicated show musically, it is very accessible. And when you have great singers, these simpler and emotionally charged songs become pop opera and quite moving.

So, without hesitation, I recommend the original Broadway Cast recording!!! Robert Cuccioli, Linda Eder and Christiane Noll are superb. You couldn't hope for better.

But here's the problem with this DVD, it's not this great cast--NO, the star is David Hasselhoff. So you see my problem, don't you? Look, I'm not going to be unkind--it's an easy target. Let's just say this. If you're a fan of the show, he doesn't completely ruin it. And it's not like there are any other versions to add to your collections. If you are new to the show, I'm still recommending it provisionally. I wish there were another option. If you like the show, though--and I think you will--please rush over and buy the 1997 Cast recording. Treat yourself to how "Jekyll & Hyde" should really sound. KGHarris, 10/06.

I had three recurring thoughts while watching "Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical." First, I wished they would slow down the tempo a bit, or at least run an announcement that the production was being compressed for time. I know the attention span of the modern audience grows less each year but the increased tempo bothered me on most of the songs and took away my enjoyment from my favorite piece in the show, the quartet "Your Work--And Nothing More." Second, whatever his vocal limitations, I was impressed to see how David Hasselhoff affected the transformation back and forth between Jekyll and Hyde through body posture and the use of his flowing mane of curly hair (and without makeup). Third, I was liked the singing voices of both good girl Andrea Rivette and bad girl Coleen Sexton, both in their duet "In His Eyes" and separately. Agreed, Sexton is not Linda Eder, but then who is this side of Streisand? (Besides, how many singers have their husband writing songs for their voice in shows on Broadway?).

Of course, in my experience of musicals I have never actually seen a Broadway show on Broadway. When your main diet of such things are touring companies or productions in L.A. or the Twin Cities you become accustomed to hearing voices other than the original (the exception would be seeing Michael Crawford perform "Phantom of the Opera" in L.A.).

As for Hasselhoff's performance of the show's anthem, "This is the Moment," my complaint remains that the song simply does not fit the story (a truth proven every time someone uses it for their ice skating routine). After all, nobody who sees this show is going to be unfamiliar with the story: we know what is going to happen when Dr. Jekyll takes his injection. The result is that "This is the Moment" provides the worst sort of unintentional irony. The "sweetest moment of them all" is going to result in the brutal deaths of several people. The show's creators realize this as well: notice the immediate and total change in the music at this point as Jekyll prepares the fatal injection. Besides, the limitations of Hasselhoff's singing voice do not bother me as much as the inconsistency I sense between his Jekyll & Hyde voices at time (again, it is his physical performance that is convincing). On balance his performance was better than I would have expected and he certainly should earn points for the effort since, as the actor points out after the curtain calls, this role was "no day at the beach" (and every fan of "Baywatch" who checks this out is one small victory in the name of kulture over pop culture).

"Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical" is one I would grade out at 3.5 stars, and so my rating is designed to nudge the overall score in that direction. Whether you do so before or after seeing this filmed production, you should also listen to the Broadway cast album.

Jekyll & Hyde the Musical opened on Broadway in 1997 and then in 2000 before it left the theatre, the show was recorded with a current cast which included Baywatch's David Hasselhoff, Coleen Saxton and Andrea Rivette as Jekyll/Hyde, Lucy and Emma respectively.

As for me, I like the music and the plot of Jekyll & Hyde very much especially the big songs like "This Is the Moment" and "Someone Like You". I saw the show when it was touring in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2000 and bought the cast recording and still can't put it down until today.

I bought this DVD with the hope of revisiting the musical that I enjoyed. The production was fine. It was a bit different in the tour but I still enjoy it. What bothers me are the actors! David Hasselhoff to begin with, he's really bad. The songs sung by Jekyll/Hyde require great actor-singer to perform them, not just any actor who can sing. Hassellhoff couldn't match with previous actors like Anthony Warlow, Robert Evan or Bob Cuccioli at all. He seems to be off-beat most of the time. His facial expression is horrible. He ruined "Lost in the Darkness" and "This Is the Moment" and other songs as well. Still, I would have to say that he did quite well in "Confrontation". He certainly surpasses my expectation in that one.

For the ladies, I would always adore Linda Eder and Christiane Noll. Though Coleen Saxton and Andrea Rivette can't live up to those performance but I think their performances are still enjoyable especially their duet in "In His Eyes". I watch that scene so many times I lost count. Their solos in songs like "Once Upon a Dream" and "Someone Like You/A New Life" are quite good.

The ensemble are kinda weird. I don't like the blocking for "Facade" and "Murder,Murder". It's different from what I saw before and what's with the umbrella? I also dislike the guys who play Utterson, Stride and Sir Carew.

Overall, if you are new to Jekyll & Hyde, I suggest you stick to the cast recording first. There are many versions available: The 1990 concept version with Colm Wilkinson and Linda Eder, The 1995 Complete Recording with Anthony Warlow, and The 1997 Original Broadway Cast with Bob Cuccioli. To me, the OBC is the best in terms of overall listening but Anthony Warlow is the best Jekyll/Hyde.

If you are familiar with Jekyll & Hyde and want to have the stage version of the show then buy it but be prepared with the standards of the actors. They're not as good as the OBC at all.

I am a major fan of the Jekyl and Hyde story, as well as the musical and let me tell you, that performance by David Hasselhoff was pretty damn good in my opinion. He gave it his absolute all, and impressed me which is not easy. I think people are a lot harder on him because of his past in the 80's and early 90's which makes him an easy target. All I'm gonna say is unless you can do it better than perhaps you should ease up. I personally loved it and would highly recommend it. Just remember when you watch it don't watch it with the notion that David Hasselhoff is in it so therefore it's stupid. Instead, objectively, just give it a chance.

I've seen Jekyll and Hyde twice (both times on tour), and I have to say that the strength of the piece obviously relies solely on the strength of the actor/singer in the title roles. Sadly, in this version, the performance given by Hasselhoff is, to put it mildly, poor. The roles come across so much more powerfully if they are sung by someone who has had musical training (at least enough to be able to sing the score of a Broadway musical). It's too bad that the producers chose to tape this performance instead of a performance starring the original cast. Though there may not have been big names, they probably would have had more people willing to pay for the pay-per-view and DVD/VHS versions, especially due to the popularity of the original Lucy, Linda Eder.

Much has been made of the fact that TV star David Hasselhoff was playing the title roles in JEKYLL AND HYDE, the hit Broadway musical based on the classic horror story of the doctor who brings out his evil self through the use of chemicals. Some critics thought he was a lightweight and a stiff pretty boy, however they seem a little off the mark on this one. Aside from the occasionally odd pop-stylings in his singing and a touch of hamminess as Hyde, Hasselhoff does a fairly solid job. He holds his own quite nicely in what, despite his top billing, turns out to be a well-balanced production. Opera singer George Merritt is quite sympathetic as Jekyll's friend and lawyer, Utterson, although he doesn't get to show off his voice much in mainly a character role. Barrie Ingham provides warmth as Sir Danvers Carew, while Andrea Rivette is a winsome Emily. While not on a par as Linda Eder, who created the role, Coleen Sexton makes a sexy turn as the ill-fated Lucy. The rest of the cast is just as solid, handling their songs with skill. The 10 camera set-up does a wonderful job of bringing the production up close, as well showing off some of the fast-paced staging. Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story is not your typical plotline for musical theatre, but JEKYLL AND HYDE is a fairly successful attempt, and a top-notch DVD capture of a Broadway show. Definitely recommended for fans of the musical.

Let me preface this by admitting that I have a strong dislike of David Hasselhoff so I find it impossible to write a review without some bias. Forgive me.

I love Jekyll and Hyde. I have seen it on stage numerous times, and I listen to the soundtrack frequently (original Broadway cast). Stevenson's story is brilliant and timeless. The story as a musical works well and is clever. This version, however, does not work.

Let me start with the star, David Hasselhoff. Vocally, he can handle the part. He is not a fabulous singer, but he sounds pretty good most of the time. It is his acting that cannot handle the part. He is rather stiff most of the time then tries to emote by pounding his chest or raising his arms in the air which of course just looks apish. The supposed climatic song, "This is the Moment" is very anticlimatic in this production. Hasselhoff seems to be concentrating on just singing the words. He does do surprising well with "Confrontation" which I imagine is a difficult song to perform as he transforms back and forth between two characters.

Hasselhoff is not the only less-than-stellar performer. None of the lead parts are played by anyone of great talent.

I was disappointed in this production. Jekyll & Hyde is a great musical when performed by a great cast. Unfortunately no greatness was present in this production.

David Hasselholff is one of my favortie actors. I loved his work with Knight Rider and Baywatch. For years, he's been a pop-icon overseas and has always dreamed of being a Broadway performer. However, his voice is not very pleasing on one's ears from a musical perspective. Though his voice is large, it lacks the finesse and range of the lead in this musical. However, the supporting cast is superb!!! They make the DVD worth purchasing. The sound quality is also VERY good. For thos who are accustomed to hearing ANTHONY WARLOW or ROBERT CUCCIOLI as the leads, you'll be dissapointed with Hasselholff... but if you're a big fan of Jekyll and Hyde (as I am), I highly reccomend this DVD.

Let me start off with saying I ADORE Jekyll and Hyde beyond belief. It still continues to hold a tight fist on my heart and I can't think of many more that surpass it.
However, those were my thoughts on the original broadway cast...

This movie, starring David Hasselhoff and Coline Sexten, was simply dreadful when it came to the leads. the actors who played Utterson, Mr Carew, and Spider, as I believe he was called, were simply wonderful at their parts, however Hasselhoff and his leading ladies left a great deal to be desired.
First of all, Hasselhoff can not play an evil character. To say the least, I thought his interpritation of Jekyll was decent enough, but I swear I cringed at every transformation. Yes, the dynamic duo of Jekyll and Hyde is not an easy part to carry but Hasselhoff managed to destroy it with every fiber of his being.
The actress who played Lucy was better than her romantic interests of both Jekyll and Hyde, however, it sounded more like she was used to pop singing, which is good, except when she tried to hit that high "F" in "In his Eyes". I am taking vocal lessons and working on that duet with a friend, and even though I complain about butchering that note myself, I still sound better than she did.
The actress (who's name I can't recal) who played Emma, was better than the aformentioned leads, however, her acting was stiff and her portrayal of the character was somewhat different than what I expected after hearing Christiane Noll.
As for the songs, well let me put it this way. I was grossly disappointed. Many vocal lines were spoken instead of sung and tempos got wildly out of hand. As I mentioned, Hasselhoff's Jekyll was passable, yet songs like "Transformation" and "Alive!" Were simply, in plain terms, HORRIBLE! The man cannot act, period.
"In His Eyes" which has always held a special place in my heart was better though, as I mentioned, Lucy's "F" needed to sound less like a shreik.
"dangerous Game" was absolutely terrible!!! ALl Jekyll did was grab Lucy from behind and his singing was attrocious. The actors in the back looked as though they were doing something very questionable and unneeded.
The quartet was surprisingly very good. I was very pleased with the actor for utterson, and Facade was good as well.
However, The "Confrontation", the very crowning glory of the final act was BUTCHERED and then fed to the dogs. I'm sorry, but Hasselhoff failed miserably, no question. THe least he could have done was moved off that back wall. He spent the entire song in one place, jerking from one side to the other. As one reviewer also stated, I was VERY embaressed for him.
So, do I recommend this movie or not.. Quite frankly, if you're coming to this for the first time. Put the DVD down and get the original cast recording. Once you've drunk in the awesomeness of what a good musical this truly is, then watch it and see what you think. Deffinitely NOT a good first experience.

Yeeesh. It's a good show, and the Lucy and Lisa are almost worth the effort it takes to sit through Hastlehoff's terrible performance. So, I'm not sure if it is a good thing that the Dolby 5.1 Soundtrack is very well mixed and impressive. I hate the fact that this DVD is not divided into tracks because it makes it harder to skip the Hastlehoff numbers. He is out of his element here... he makes no effort to create character for Henry Jekyll and his Mr. Hyde characterization stops at his hair and Spooooky voice. He is uncomfortable in his body, and this is the most labored performance I have seen since the Gary Condit interview with Connie Chung. If you've got the money, it is worth it just to get a sense of what this show could be with someone like Colm Wilkinson or Anthony Warlow in the part. And where is Sweeney Todd when we really need it on DVD, huh Steve?