Customer Reviews

Michael Crawford in Concert [VHS]

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Michael Crawford is a wonderful singer. Throughout the video, he regales the audience with wonderful (and very funny) stories. Buy it even if you saw the PBS version, because there are songs on this that PBS didn't air. Michael has a great stage performance, and that, combined with his singing ability, make for a wonderful video. If you are at all familiar with Michael Crawford or have heard the London recording of Phantom of the Opera (he was the Phantom) and liked it, I guarentee you will love this video.

To most North Americans, Michael Crawford is best known for his role as the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, The Phantom of the Opera. Fans of Lloyd Webber's music, not to mention of Crawford's lovely voice, will not be disappointed with this concert, for Crawford performs a number of songs from Lloyd Webber's musicals--Gethsemane, Love Changes Everything, The Music of the Night, and a duet of The Phantom of the Opera and All I Ask of You with the singer who apparently played Christine in the Los Angeles production. He also performs a couple of other numbers from musicals (Tonight and Before the Parade Passes By) and a medley of two Irish songs--Galway Bay and I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen--as a beautiful tribute to his Irish grandmother, Kathleen. He closes the concert with three religious songs: Not Too Far from Here, On Eagle's Wings, and as an encore, Spirit of the Living God.

The selection of songs are really lovely and Crawford's performance is absolutely splendid. What makes this 60-minute video so special, however, are his many little anecdotes and song introductions. With most concert videos that I've seen, the artists perform one song after another with only a brief word of welcome at the start, a brief introduction if there's a special guest, and a brief thank you at the end. By contrast, Crawford talks almost as much as he sings, thereby proving himself (at least in my opinion) to be not only a consummate vocalist but a very capable entertainer all around. The result is a thoroughly entertaining performance that reaches its conclusion far too quickly.

In short, I highly recommend this video to fans of Michael Crawford. For those interested, he also has a very entertaining autobiography entitled Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied With String. Finally, I must just mention that those who are only familiar (as was I) with this suave, confident entertainer for his singing ability may be interested in checking out the video boxed set of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (a British series in which he performed all his own daring and often dangerous stunts!). The juxtaposition of the classy, internationally-famous entertainer seen here with the gawky, accident-prone idiot he portrays in that series not only underscores even further his incredible versatility and ability as an entertainer, but it is sure to leave you shaking your head in amazement.

Michael Crawford's humor, ability to engage an audience, and superb voice combine to make this video completely entertaining from beginning to end. The viewer is treated to a variety of selections from the quietness of the Irish melodies to the power of Phantom of the Opera and Gethsemane. Watching Michael Crawford become the Phantom without makeup, props, or costumes while performing the songs from Phantom of the Opera, is amazing and will have the viewer spellbound by the end of Music of the Night.

We have about 30 DVD's, but this DVD is the best of all ... in a league all by itself. The music is so incredibly perfect. The sound is phenomenal. The lighting is haunting. The setting is beautiful.

This DVD shows the amazing musical talent that Michael Crawford has ... perfectly.

WE LOVE THIS DVD!! It showcases what the DVD media is all about!!

I had looked in many stores for this DVD and then found it on Amazon.com ... thanks for making such a beautiful DVD easily available.

This is the way he looks and sings NOW. It is fun to see him change through the years from Colin in The Knack...when he was 23, to Frank Spencer in Some Mothers..., to Woody in Condorman, to Barnum (100 stars), and finally to Michael Crawford in Concert. He hardly looks like the same person but the talent is the same. HUGE. Buy this...buy them ALL.

Absolutely wonderful. Michael Crawford at his best, especially during "The Phantom of the Opera" (my personal favorite). No one can sing "Phantom" better than Michael with his intense voice and compelling movements. However, I would've liked to see the encore songs he did on his concert tour and CD-"Being Alive" and "Papa Can You Hear Me/Piece of Sky." Overall it is an experience to watch over and over again. 5+ stars.

This video is totally outergalactical(In other words totally awesome)! As soon i watched this video, my heart was pounding like a drum. I laughed and cried in this video. Crawford did an outragous job in the song, "Gethsemane," and as soon as Michael Crawford sing "Music of the Night," I right away fell under his spell. This video is a must have for all Michael Crawford fans.

Michael Crawford has one of those voices that leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat. And all that tenderness and power is evident in this DVD. "Michael Crawford In Concert" features an aray of music that focuses in on his extremely wide range of styles. Of course, included is his signature role as the Phantom of the Opera - and let's face it - no one can perform the masked man like Crawford! A must for every fan and a real treat for anyone who enjoys good, lush and powerful music.

If you don't get goose bumps while watching this video, you'd better check your pulse to see if you're still alive, because Michael Crawford is a master of the stage and song. His vocal ability doesn't fit the category of like a Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra, but I'm telling you his delivery, tonality and control are awe inspiring! A must have for anyone in the Theater.

I would very much recommend this video to anyone and would give it 1000 stars if I could. It is truly divine! Michael sings each song with such warmth, emotion, and love. He puts his entire heart and soul into every song he sings. He is a very kind and generous person as well.This vidio will change your life for the better.