Amazon.com: An uneasy cross between a movie and a theater production, this version of Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece The Mikado is on the clumsy side. Obviously taped on a stage (there are just two settings, a town square and a landscape) but without an audience, it lacks the spark of live performance and the versatility of film. The action is weighed down by jejune attempts at comedy. When Nanki-Poo (disguised as a musician) receives the devastating news that the woman he loves is promised to another man, he doesn't react at all, but instead plays trombone accompaniment. And after he describes his catalog of musical offerings, the court gentlemen--for no reason except that the song's final word is "lullaby"--drop to the ground and fall asleep. Besides not being funny, these gags are unconnected to anything in the story.
A couple of performances partly redeem things. Kate Flowers sings very well and, even better, actually creates a character. Her Yum-Yum is mischievous, blunt, sarcastic--just the kind of person who would compare herself to the sun and the moon. And as Ko-Ko, Clive Revill is a terrific combination of wily and sympathetic. Slightly hunched and wearing a jester's costume, Revill is a nervous little schemer who's vividly believable. William Conrad's bland Mikado doesn't have much impact. This is one of the less distinguished entries in the Opera World series of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. --David Olivenbaum
Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado I originally saw this production over 20 years ago on PBS. It was the first time I saw The Mikado and I thought it was rightfully one of G&S's best works. I have seen a couple of other versions, one in a live professional production ($50 a seat) and another that was televised and I think this is still ther better of the three. Just as a lark I thought I would see if it was somehow available on DVD and I knew William Conrad was in it. All I needed to search was Conrad and Mikado and, by golly, it did exist.
Imitation of much better If you want accurate renditions of the venerable Gilbert & Sullivan, try to find the D'Orly Carte Company's version. They are the original company that G&S started and tutored to perform their operettas.
Overlook the flaws and enjoy this movie. This 1982, BBC/PBS, made-for-TV production is somewhat dated. The technical aspects, including sound work would be done better today. It is easy to hear and to understand the play, but there is very little stereo effect, and today's 5.1 sound would make it even better.
One feature I appreciated was the included libretto, which follows the one from Bradley's book closely. There are no captions of any kind.
I was surprised to see Joseph Conrad cast as the Mikado; I didn't know he could sing. As it turns out, he will never be known for it, but he acquitted himself well in the few solos he had. John Stewart, as Nanki-Poo, was excellent, but the best singing was from the two female leads, Kate Flowers and Anne Collins, who played Yum-Yum and Katisha respectively.
In spite of the truly poor choreography and cheap-looking sets and costumes, this is the best production of The Mikado that I have seen to date, but I would very much like to see the complete play done by the actors from the movie, Topsy-Turvy (another recommended movie, but not for children). (It's at: Topsy-Turvy)
If you are inclined to be picky about your Gilbert & Sullivan, you may find this DVD to deliver less than you desire, but I am happy to enjoy the lighthearted show in a lighthearted manner and forgive the few flaws.
Recommended.
Full of Fresh Surprises! Buy It! My roommate and I have seen the Mikado in person in January and the old Kenny Baker DVD in March, and we've seen The Mikado last year in person at the City Center, and many times in NYC and even the Hot Mikado in Pittsburgh. This DVD is worth buying for many good reasons. Some lyrics were heard for the very first time by us because we could hear the words and even read their lips on those wonderful close-ups. The sets and costumes were good and the direction was fine. CLIVE REVILL was kind of ugly and unsuited to the role as KOKO but we laughed anyway. His costume was the worst. The Lord High Executioner had a rich bass voice and THE CHORUS was the best we have ever heard!!!!!! Katisha was great! William Cannon as the Mikado does not have a good voice, but he put in a decent performance. The young leads were fine. The City Center guys were a lot better as Pooh-bah and Koko, but their Wandering Minstrel is bald and homely and waaaay too old, so this DVD has given us a younger and cuter [and taller] HERO with a delightful voice. The film quality is great. Light years better than the old old Kenny Baker one which we also enjoyed because it was funnier. The chorus alone is worth your time, and it isn't expensive. This version comes with a complete libretto which I had to pay a lot of money for separately elsewhere because I didn't know it came with the DVD.
Fast Service. I received the product in a matter of a few days. Very fast, efficient service.
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