Camelot (Broadway Version)
Starring: Richard Harris, Meg Bussert, Richard Muenz, Barrie Ingham, James Valentine (II)Director: Marty Callner
Studio: Acorn Media
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Running Time: 147 minutes
DVD Release: May 1st 2007
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DVD Review
A live-on-stage performance filmed for HBO in 1982, Camelot returns Richard Harris to the role he immortalized on film in 1967. Harris replaced the original King Arthur, Richard Burton, in this revival production as it was on its way to New York's Winter Garden Theatre, which turned out to be Harris' only role on the Broadway stage. Fifteen years later, he's an older and wiser Arthur, a little more world-weary but still with a twinkle in his eye. He's paired with Meg Bussert, whose Guinevere is not as beautiful as Vanessa Redgrave in the film, but a better singer and appropriately younger. Bussert, who was Tony-nominated for her role in Brigadoon the year before, sounds eerily like original Broadway star Julie Andrews at times. Richard Muenz (The Most Happy Fella revival) plays Lancelot, Barrie Ingham plays Pellinore, and Richard Backus is Mordred. Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's score is still a great classic, and here two songs cut from the movie are restored, "Before I Gaze at You Again" and "The Seven Deadly Virtues," but inexplicably cut is "Then You May Take Me to the Fair." Not surprisingly the production has a more stagebound feel compared to the sumptuous feature film, but it's good to have a more faithful version of the show available on DVD. --David Horiuchi
User Reviews
Wonderful DVD - Terrible Service - Rating: 5/5
First, the product: The 1982 Broadway Camelot is far superior to the movie version. Where the movie seems dull and flat, this stage performance is captivating. Richard Harris appears to have a lot of fun after doing this part for so many years, and Meg Bussert is wonderful as the sweetly manipulative Guinevere. If you are trying to decide between this and the movie version, just stop and buy this one.
Second, the service. I wish Amazon would allow ratings on service. If they did, I'd give them a half-star on this order. When this DVD was announced early this year, I put in my order. In early May - when it was supposed to ship - I received an email that it would be delayed until mid-July. Even though the web site claimed it was in stock, I was patient. However, in mid-July I received yet ANOTHER email that it would now be September before I received my order. Amazon's site STILL claimed it was in stock. So, in frustration, I cancelled my Amazon order and found another online service to buy it from. I received it within the week.
I don't know what game Amazon was playing - since you can't talk to anyone very easily. Still, I now have this wonderful DVD. I strongly urge you to get it - I just hope you have better luck than I do in getting it.
Wonderful Broadway on TV - Rating: 5/5
I originally saw this on HBO. Loved it and was so happy to find it on DVD. If you love Richard Harris you will love this. He is fantastic.
much better than the current roadshow - Rating: 4/5
The DVD of Richard HArris in Camelot is truly a delight to watch and to recall since I saw that particular production live. The current production touring with Michael York comes up completely pale and unterinteresting since York only speaks his way through the songs while Richard Harris puts his whole heart and soul into the production. Save yourself money and buy this DVD so you will always be able to witness this magnificent performance. The only negative thing about the DVD is that it plays very dark.
The best ever Camelot - Rating: 5/5
I have been waiting for YEARS for this version to become available. As far as I am concerned, it is the ONLY version of Camelot! The absolute best!
The BEST Camelot - Rating: 5/5
I've seen Camelot performed a dozen times, including the movie version with Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet. In all of those cases, I was only lukewarm about the ranking of this musical compared to its peers. The Richard Harris performance makes it clear that it takes an actor of Shakespearean skill to make this piece "work," given that there is a great deal more dialog spoken than sung. This is the Camelot "not to be forgot."
