Jesus Christ Superstar

In this version, however, you have Norman Jewison's brilliant vision of the show. Shot entirely on location in Israel (in the desert), there is a timelessness to the story that makes the music even more compelling. The 70s-style clothing and modern diction combine with the formlessness of the desert to create an almost surreal atmosphere.

Carl Anderson as Judas is one of the all-time best portrayers of Judas. His voice and characterization are fascinating insights into the character of Judas, and his torment is clearly visible. Ted Neeley is wonderful as Jesus; he looks the way we imagine Jesus to look, and the fact that he is short makes his charisma and power even more impressive. Some people have criticized Neeley for being a bad singer or too rock-and-roll, but he is a good singer doing a raw interpretation of Jesus. His "Gethsemene" is worth the price of the DVD alone, and the combination of his vocals, the cinematography, and the crucifixion montage during this song still give me chills, no matter how many times I watch it. Yvonne Elliman is also very good as Mary, although sometimes she seems too fragile and sad to really have any impact. And yet, it works for her on "Could We Start Again, Please?"

As for the others, Simon is a little disturbing, especially during the final close-up of his big number when he seems seriously strung out. Herod is both funny and surprisingly cruel, and Pilate is effectively tormented, although he has a rather unfortunate tendency to scream some of his lines.

The ending of the film is incredibly powerful and SPOILER ALERT: I love that after the crucifixion, when the film shows all the actors getting back on the bus to away, you never actually see Ted Neeley again.

About the revival DVD version: buy the 1973 version. This newer one has Glen Carter turning Jesus into a simpering, selfish, weak character and Jerome Pradon making Judas an eardrum-shattering screecher. Mary is good, and so is Simon, but this whole production falls so far short of the '73 film that it is quite painful at times.

As for the reviewer who reviewed not the film but the concept of Jesus: the whole idea is to review the product, in this case the film, and not a religious figure. If you have problems with Christianity, this is not the forum to take those issues up. DId you even watch the movie or listen to the music? Most importantly, did anyone involved in this movie or this musical insist that it was historical or that people accept it as such? Mythology and/or religion is one of the most fertile sources of inspiration for literature, film, and music.

I am not Christian, but I love this film, I LOVE this music, I have seen the stage show three times and would see it a hundred more, and I think Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's reimagining of this story and emphasis on Jesus and particularly Judas's psychological states and motivations is sheer brilliance.