Customer Reviews

Sunset Boulevard (1994 Los Angeles Cast)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I recently bought this deluxe edition thinking that the audio quality would be better than the regular US release since it has been 'remastered'. When I listened to it, I could hear some noise specially in silent moments (such as in conversations). When I listened to my highlights CD (US release), the audio quality was much, much better. So, I suggest that this 'deluxe edition' not be considered if you're thinking of buying the original American cast recording of Sunset Boulevard. Better stick with the regular US release.

After hearing Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat I thought I'd heard the extent of Andrew Lloyd Webber's talents. Then I bought Sunset Boulevard. This is without question the most amazing musical I have ever heard (to say nothing about being ALW's best). It's dialogue is exceptional and the music is not used in such ways as other ALW musicals, such as the two I previously mentioned. Instead it's used in such a way as to not tell the story but instead augment it and make it all the more spectacular. Close's performance was spectacular and I'm truly amazed her talent comes through a CD as well as it does on a screen. Joe McGillis is an unforgettable character, right up there with the best cynics in history. The character who plays him does give a somewhat flawed performance but there's some much character there it's impossible to completely botch it. Everyone else is amazing. I really just can't say enough about this musical. It has prompted me to try everything in my power to see it live. For those of you, like me, who probably won't anytime soon I truly urge you to get this CD. I repeat a previous reviewer who said if you care at all about music theater you should get this CD.

This is the Sunset recording any devoted fan must own. And why ? Only this album contains the full score - all the changes incorporated into the award winning Los Angeles production. Only here can you experience the full book, underscoring and the new song written by Llyod Webber - 'Every Movie's a Circus.' While the London cast recording consists of a pared down version of the dialogue, here every thing is as you'll here it on stage. And the result ? The full atmosphere, the forbidding mood, the ominous, dasrk quality that lurks in this beautifully romantic, menacing piece of true theatre. What makes it truly great however, is the performance of Hollywood movie star Miss Glenn Close. Yes, it can be argued that she is less vocally talented than other actresses. Her range is more limited certainly. This however, makes her rendition of With One Look no less effective. Indeed her voice reverberates with the bitterness and determination Norma feels. She sounds so much like a silent star who could have been rejected because her voice would not record well ! She invests every song with amazing emotion and haunting pathos. 'As If We Never said Goodbye,' is made all the more touching by her voice breaking into heart felt sobs as she cries 'Has there ever been a moment with so much to live for ?' As for the way she handles the dialogue - role over Gloria Swanson. She is bitchy, authorative, commanding and sympathetic all at once ! The final scene here is outstanding, with Miss Close practically becoming Salome and the hysterics you hear as she pleads with Joe not to leave her sound like a spoilt child crying. This is of course what Norma is - someone so distorted by her years in Hollywood that she has never grown up. It is on this recording that you can here the tony award winning actress at her best and experience the full, orchestral beauty of what is undeniably one of the greatest musical shows ever.

Sadly, I haven't seen the show on stage. I found it quite enjoyable on CD. Enough of the dialogue is included to follow the story. Plus both versions include printed lyrics and dialogue.

This is a terrific dramatic musical. I give 4 stars to Lloyd Webber, et al, for songs and lyrics. I would have gone 5 stars, but there are a few songs where they get a good angsty mood going, then suddenly turn to a softer, sweeter mood. I felt they could hold the angst longer. Example: Joe singing to Betty in the final scene (after the phone call).

I purchased both London and Los Angeles CDs. I listened to each carefully and tried not to imprint on one version. Result: I favor the Los Angeles cast, because they do a better job of conveying the emotion. I also recommend L.A. if you like a darker, angsty tale. London is good if you prefer a younger, more innocent Joe & Betty.

** London (4 stars)
1. Patti LuPone (Norma) has a better voice than Glenn Close.
2. Kevin Anderson (Joe) has a sweeter, younger, higher voice.
3. Meredith Braun (Betty) has a sweeter, higher voice.

** Los Angeles (5 stars)
1. Glenn Close (Norma) does a fabulous job of conveying emotion through her voice. Because she plays a "fading" 50-something, her less perfect voice didn't detract.
2. Alan Campbell (Joe) has a deeper, darker, smoother, more adult voice. He sings most of the songs and he's better at carrying the show.

Technical note: A Windows Media Player v 11.0 bug affects the London version: you can't easily rip all the songs into Media Player, because several have the same title. There may be a work-around, but I didn't find it.

London Version Link:
Sunset Boulevard (1993 Original London Cast)

This cd is one of the greatest recordings by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Even though it's just an audio cd, you can actually visualize the play in your head as they sing beautiful music and explode wtih emotion. Glenn close does a spectacular job as Norma and Alan Campbell is just about the best Joe you'll ever find. Betty is wonderfully played by Judy Kuhn, who also performs as singing voice of Disney's Pocahontas. As you can see, we have exquisite actors and vocalists that fulfill these roles and if anyone should have a critical response, they should save it for another play. Sunset Blvd is undoubtedly a musical masterpiece =)

From the first thrill of the chorus in "Let's Have Lunch" to the Despiration of "Sunset Boulevard" this CD brings the characters to life almost as much as actaully attending the broadway performance (which I did as well). This is a must-have for any Broadway music enthusiast and a crucial part of the collection of any Weber fan.

I've have long been a fan of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's and have sampled much of his music and seen many of his shows. I have also heard much music from and seen many other shows by many other composers, and so I feel I can honestly and authoritatively state that this recording and this production of 'Sunset Blvd.' is the epitome of what the modern musical should be. Lloyd Webber's music holds in it the overtones of excitement, anticipation, mystery, meloncholy, and love. His ability to create the perfect mood for a scene through music never ceases to amaze me, and in 'Sunset' he has blown me away. This score scores amoung the likes of 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Evita' in terms of its haunting yet beautiful melodies. Even the most critical music lover cannot be disappointed by 'Sunset'. "Let's Have Lunch" is a killer of an openning number, a kind of fugue/dance/jazz piece, starting out in two voice parts, moving to four, and by the end the voices are countless. There's "The Greatest Star of All", which boasts a dark, enchanting melody remenicent of 1940's film noir, sung beauitfully by George Hearn over a deep string arrangement. Alan Campbell's is one of the strongest and most appealing male voices to hit the Broadway stage in a long time. He shines in the chilling title number "Sunset Boulevard" and in one of the most beautiful love duets ever, "Too Much in Love to Care" with the very talented Judy Kuhn, not to mentinon in almost every other song in the show. And finaly, Glenn Close: undeniably a great actress, now a great singer as well. Her voice is one of the most pleasant that I have ever heard and she plays the infamous Norma Desmond as no one else could. She breathes life into some of Andrew's best female solos ever in "With One Look" and "As If We Never Said Goodbye". In 'Sunset Blvd.', Close is a rare jewel. Do not miss the American Premiere Recording of 'Sunset Blvd.' starring Glenn Close. Not only is it the only complete recording of this fantastic mega-musical, but it is the best.

WOW!! YEAH!! The altimate Norma Desmond is performed by Glenn ( man whatta voice ) Close!!! I have seen this play performed 12 times by different people and man Glenn puts 'em all to shame!! She is so amazing!! Glenn Close proves that hollywood really does have talent (sorry LEO)ha, ha. Well HAVEN'T YOU GOTTEN IT INTO YOUR HEAD YET THE IT NOW!! Come on its SUNSET BOULEVARD ruthless boulevard and its great, superb, fantastic, amazing, and wow oh baby wow!!!!

This is the Sunset recording any devoted fan must own. And why ? Only this album contains the full score - all the changes incorporated into the award winning Los Angeles production. Only here can you experience the full book, underscoring and the new song written by Llyod Webber - 'Every Movie's a Circus.' While the London cast recording consists of a pared down version of the dialogue, here every thing is as you'll here it on stage. And the result ? The full atmosphere, the forbidding mood, the ominous, dasrk quality that lurks in this beautifully romantic, menacing piece of true theatre. What makes it truly great however, is the performance of Hollywood movie star Miss Glenn Close. Yes, it can be argued that she is less vocally talented than other actresses. Her range is more limited certainly. This however, makes her rendition of With One Look no less effective. Indeed her voice reverberates with the bitterness and determination Norma feels. She sounds so much like a silent star who could have been rejected because her voice would not record well ! She invests every song with amazing emotion and haunting pathos. 'As If We Never said Goodbye,' is made all the more touching by her voice breaking into heart felt sobs as she cries 'Has there ever been a moment with so much to live for ?' As for the way she handles the dialogue - role over Gloria Swanson. She is bitchy, authorative, commanding and sympathetic all at once ! The final scene here is outstanding, with Miss Close practically becoming Salome and the hysterics you hear as she pleads with Joe not to leave her sound like a spoilt child crying. This is of course what Norma is - someone so distorted by her years in Hollywood that she has never grown up. It is on this recording that you can here the tony award winning actress at her best and experience the full, orchestral beauty of what is undeniably one of the greatest musical shows ever.

I have had the Sunset Boulevard recording for two or three years now. I have listened to it over 100 times, and yet, I never get tired of it. Every piece of the show is included on this cd. Glenn is absolutely amazing as Norma Desmond! Even though you can only hear her, the emotions she puts forth you can actually feel. I went to see Sunset Boulevard yesterday, and seeing it was also superb! By this cd, and see the show! I gurantee that you'll love them both! "And now, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."