Search - Gypsy (1993) on DVD

Glorious return to the classic musical

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 05/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This made-for-TV version of the classic Broadway show GYPSY is remarkable. It sticks primarily to what to see if you were in a theatre. The show is essentially what you would see if you were on Broadway.Bette Midler is dynamite as Mama Rose, the ultimate stage mother. She reportedly recorded most of her songs live, without the pre-recorded vocal track. The role had been a dream of Midler's for years. She makes an indelible impression in the role.Cynthia Gibb (THE KAREN CARPENTER STORY) plays Louise, who would blossom into the burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. She has a pleasant singing voice and charming acting style. She has been highly acclaimed for her performance here.Peter Riegert plays Herbie, Rose's love interest. In a very under-developed and not very well-written role, Riegert tries his best. He also sings wonderfully.In supporting roles are Jennifer Beck as June, Christine Ebersole as Tessie Tura, Anna McNeely as Elektra, Linda Hart as Mazeppa, and Jeffrey Broadhurst as Tulsa.A glittering, lavish, explosive production that can be revisited again and again."

What the show deserves

Donald | Ohio | 05/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, a film version that does this classic show justice. It keeps the original book intact, along with Jerome Robbin's expert choreography, adds some smart dierection and a tour-de-force performance by Midler. Though Midler may look a little too young to play Mama Rose, she pulls off the part remarkably well. You can see her determination to make her daughters succeed and deep sadness at her own failures in songs like "Some People," "Everything's Comming Up Roses," and "Mama's Turn." The movies fine script really gives Bette something to work with in term of character development and she succeeds. The supporting cast is strong enough to stand up against Bette, which is saying a lot. The actress playing the title character really evolves throughought the show from a meek tom-boy to a successful stripper. She handles not only both ends of the spectrum, but everything in between as well. The music, of course, is wonderful, and it's giving good showing in this production. _Gypsy_ is a wonderful show, and its a good thing someone came along to preserve it the way it should be done."

A Broadway-to-film version that fires on all cylindars!

KerrLines | Baltimore,MD | 10/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After seeing GYPSY on Broadway twice in the past year,I decided to watch both the Russell and Midler versions back to back in one evening.Not only was the Midler version far superior to the Russel one(though at moments there were glimmers in that one),but frankly I enjoyed it more than even the Peters rendition(which I enjoyed immensely) live in NYC!All three ladies mentioned are wonderful yet entirely different Madame Roses.What really clicked for me in this 1993 production was the supporting cast namely Cynthia Gibb as Louise and the ever consistently brilliant Christine Ebersole as Tessie Tura.Both performers were at the top IMO.This show is great material for super actors and this movie version,totally faithful to the original stage play( that is refreshing!)fires on all cylindars.The ride is jaunty and hilarious.Peter Riegert's timid Herbie is all the better when he finally unleashes on Rose."Finally" I said,"he got some nerve!" Bette Midler is as marvelous as she always is.She was made for this role.I would be hard pressed to find another reason to remake this show again.This was as good as it gets.BROADWAY IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME."

Gypsy. 1993 TV version DVD

Kenneth M. Henderson | Australia | 07/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gypsy was a popular stage show with Ethel Merman with music by Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim. From Everything is Comin Up Roses to Let Me Entertain You this show has many great songs. Filmed by Warner Bros with Rosalind Russell as Mama Rose & Natalie Wood as her daughter Rose who became Gypsy Rose Lee, this TV version(1993) is highly entertaining and runs the 150mins of the Warner film. Bette Midler plays her part well in a story that is very reminiscent of an era that was once in US live theatre. The opening credits depicts stills of performers in stills from this long gone era. I have the original Laserdisc of this TV version from its original issue and I was pleased to be able to get the DVD into my collection. It will be regularly run for my enjoyment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to collectors of stage musical material."