Search - Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / Reed, Adams, Potter, Masterson, Godfrey, D'Oyly Carte Opera Company on DVD

Mikado: The Ultimate

Rudy Avila | Lennox, Ca United States | 04/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is it. The classic 1966-67 D'Oyly Carte Opera production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado. No other production holds a candle next to the superior performance of this movie. Back in the 60's, a talented cast of singers were performing all the classics of the Gilbert and Sullivan light operas under the direction of Bridget D'Oyly Carte and conductor Isodore Godfrey. They were John Reed, who performed all the comedic, fast-voiced baritone roles (Ko-Ko on here) Major General Stanley in Pirates of Penzance and Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore, lyric tenor Phillip Potter, who was charming and romantic in a matinee idol sort of way (Nanki Poo on here, also sang Frederick in Pirates Of Penzance), Valerie Masterson, the coloratura and lyric soprano who played all the leading ladies (Yum Yum, Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, and Mabel in Pirates Of Penzance)
Donald Adams (The Mikado, The Pirate King) and Christene Palmer, who played all the mezzo soprano roles (Katisha, Buttercup and Ruth). These singers are at the top of their game on this film,
their voices are fresh and the performance is to die for. Phillip Potter is romantic as the minstrel son of the Mikado, Donald Adams is regial, Christene Palmer is an imperious and vengeful dragon lady, Valerie Masterson is sweet, youthful and charming as Yum-Yum. John Reed is as comical as ever.The Mikado is delivered here in the manner of Kabuki Japanese theatre. It really works. The authentic kimono wardrobe, music and poses from the actors gives the whole thing an artsy Japanese look. In addition, the camera does'nt move much, giving this a very staged and museum-style feel. Even if some say its campy, it does'nt diminish its value. It's a classic film that all Gilbert and Sullivan fans have to watch."

THE MIKADO ain't quite what it's supposed to be . . .

Chris Buchman | Gobles, Michigan. | 10/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I gave this version 5 stars primarily because it is a film production of an actual stage presentation of The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, featuring its foremost stars of the 1960s, and displaying to good advantage the opera's beautiful sets and costumes. Consequently, it is essential viewing for loyal Savoyards and new comers. The first major problem is that the video format (VHS and DVD) betrays the original wide-screen version. Then, too, the director was obviously oblivious as to where to point the camera and when to use medium and close-up shots . . . and I'm referring to the wide-screen original. Consequently, significant bits of business in the wide-screen original are lost in long shot, and even more so in the pan and scan video edition. Viewing the theatrical original when it premied in the 1960s was a painful experience for all who had the good fortune of attending an
actual D'Oyly Carte performance. And, of course, it's true the cast is somewhat weary . . . Nanki Poo seemingly a bit too old for the part (possibly owing to bad make-up and tight close-ups); Koko and Katisha mechanically going through the moves without much feeling, though they rally a bit towards the end of their duet. The unenthusiastic performances I blame on the director and Miss. Bridget D'Oyly Carte, who should have known better. We must encourage the distributor to offer the wide-screen original from the best colour print (it was absolutely gorgeous on its theatrical release)."

So Good I Had To Review A Second Time

Rudy Avila | Lennox, Ca United States | 05/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The release of the 1966 D'Oyly Carte Opera production of The Mikado on DVD in 2003-2004 was a capital idea. Gilbert and Sullivan fans have been waiting years for the classic film to appear on DVD. VAI (Video Artists International) offers many fine and rare operas on film. Gilbert and Sullivans' light operas were the signature of the D'Oyly Carte Opera and in the 60's this cast was the leading performers of the genre. Tenor Phillip Potter portrays Nanki Poo, the son of the Mikado disguised as a wondering minstrel. His performance is top-notch and Valerie Masterson, the soprano singing the part of Yum-Yum is his perfect counterpart. Together, they make beautiful music as in their duets. The comic actor John Reed sings Ko-Ko the Lord High Executioner. A short, playful and silly man, he's far from the expected strong and fearsome image of a Lord High Executioner. Christene Palmer is Katisha. Her commanding presence, dramatic mezzzo soprano voice and imperious nature make her the perfect Katisha. She's got some powerful scenes, such as the Act I Finale in which she interrupts the Wedding of Yum Yum and Nanki Poo and threatens to reveal his true identity, operatically dramatic in her cries "My Wrongs With Vengeance Shall Be Crowned !". Donald Adams plays The Mikado Emperor. He's at his silliest in the aria "My Object All Sublime" in which he lets out a high pitched shriek as he describes his fascination for torture and execution. The authenticity of the mood and setting, a Japan of fable and art, is gloriously manifested in the scenery, which gives off a Japanese "Floating World" look and the props, bridges, lakes, tea houses, aesthetically classical in space and shape. And those costumes ! Exquisite and very Oriental with colorful patterns on the silk. And the use of fans was almost over-the-top, the characters closing and opening their fans in Japanese poses, but still it works effectively. All the great numbers that made this opera famous are here- "Three Little Maids from School" and Ko-Ko's List Song. Coincidentally, this was the same production that inspired the crazed Zodiac Serial Killer who was fond of twisting the Lord High Executioner's image. He even re-wrote the lyrics to Ko-Ko's List Song. This is the best version of The Mikado ever made. It's worth the price and has value because of its camp classic appeal."

Best version I've seen so far!

Janice Bryant | Moore, Oklahoma USA | 04/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up with the 1939 version of the Mikado (my parents had a recording) and I was quite used to the good quality of singing in that version. This one brings it to life. Compared to the 1939 version I've seen on film, this one is fresh, less stagy and Koko doesn't run over all the other actors. It was refreshing to hear everyone who was supposed to sing certain songs actually perform them. I still like the 1939 version for the lovely old tenor voices (and Katasha is a real dragon in that one!), but I prefer this one to listen to for purity of tone, good voices throughout and clarity."