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Topsy-Turvy (Widescreen)
 
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Topsy-Turvy (Widescreen)

Rated: R (Restricted) | Format: DVD
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)

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As is often the case with Criterion Collection reissues, the bonus material for both the Blu-ray and DVD editions of Topsy-Turvy is generous and varied. Aside from director Mike Leigh's audio commentary track, a nearly 40-minute conversation between Leigh and musical director Gary Yershon, the only item newly created for this release, will appeal to film buffs, as the two discuss Leigh's decision to focus on The Mikado instead of other Gilbert and Sullivan works; the director's preference for lyricist Gilbert, the more conflicted and complex of the pair; the filmmakers' use of diaries and other material to give the film a strong factual basis; and various technical details. Deleted scenes and a brief (about 10 minutes) making-of featurette from 1999 are of middling interest, but the real gem here is "A Sense of History," a short (about 22 minutes) film from 1992. Directed by Leigh and both written by and starring Jim Broadbent, it's an amusing, increasingly strange satire of British nobility in which Broadbent portrays the (fictional) 23rd Earl of Leete. As a film crew accompanies him on a tour of his grand country estate, the earl details an outrageous catalogue of family horrors, ranging from an abusive father and narcotized mother to the earl's own macabre misdeeds. We're told that it was during the production of this film that Leigh and Broadbent first discussed making a movie about Gilbert and Sullivan, which explains its presence here; but this peculiar item could also stand quite well on its own. --Sam Graham

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
ONE OF THE BEST OF THE LAST DECADE Jan 30 2004
Format:VHS Tape
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences might have revealed a glimmer of intelligence amid the cheap glitter had it awarded Mike Leigh and Jim Broadbent the Oscars they deserved (it won for costume design and makeup), instead of showering accolades on the excellent but far over-rated American Beauty.

The only reason I can see for other reviewers describing Topsy Turvy as a comedy is Broadbent's portrayal of Gilbert as a man of limitless wit. It is about comedy, and much of it is funny, but by the end of the film one has been touched by the humanity of its characters and the perfect period performances of G&S masterpieces.

A fine, fine movie, too subtle and witty for an audience that usually bestows its honors on the biggest noise.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
COLORFUL AND FREQUENTLY HILARIOUS LOOK AT MUSICAL THEATRE.. July 4 2004
Format:DVD
While somewhat self-indulgent in its length (over two hours!), it's a complete delight in every way. Leigh's dialogue is as witty as his direction is fluid, the music is glorious, and the performances polished from almost everyone in the ensemble.

The principal reservation I have is that those of us in the audience who may not be aficionados of G&S works will leave the theater in the dark about the themes of the compositions. Just what is "The Mikado"--a piece which lampoons British society but which distances the satire by situating the action in Japan? (P.S. The features on the DVD take care of this, so they may be worth watching prior to the movie.)

Yet, Leigh evokes a very authentic atmosphere, creates credible characterisations, and is ultimately not afraid to balance the realities behind the performances with certain matters left in the air at the end. The passion for art (whether it be Gilbert & Sullivan operettas or, you know, clay sculpture) is what burns intensely in this movie. Some may judge this film as stuffy or high-nose, but the tremendous heart of this film is almost impossible not to be carried away by.

A very unusual but satisfying treat.

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For G & S fans Feb 17 2011
By Milly
Format:DVD
A very enjoyable movie for G & S fans. Overall production was great, singers excellent and portrayal of the two main characters brought their life and times to life.
However the disk itself was good for first half and then kept sticking and jumping so that spoilt watching the movie.
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Most recent customer reviews
An improbably great film from an unexpected source
This delightful retelling of the creation of the Gilbert and Sullivan masterpiece THE MIKADO is as improbable a product from the hands of Mike Leigh as a Hollywood shoot-'em-up... Read more
Published on Nov 23 2003 by Robert Moore
Rich Characterization + Great Music
TOPSY-TURVY is a richly plotted bio-pic focusing on how W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan (who seemed to be burnt out and suffering from writer's/composer's block) gained their... Read more
Published on Nov 20 2003 by David R. Eastwood
Highly overrated
I am an avid Gilbert and Sullivan fan. I am. Thats why I saw this movie! In fact I got the rest of my family to watch it because I thought it would be good. But...well... Read more
Published on Oct 24 2003 by TrezKu13
AN UNDER-RATED CLASSIC
This visually luxurious movie was a charm at the theatre. At home on DVD it's even better! The sounds, sets, colours all combine to provide a stunning 161 minute biopic. Read more
Published on Oct 16 2003 by Shashank Tripathi
wonderful when you can't see the mikado
this film is, of course, for g&s aficianados. surprising though it may seem to us, there are those who do not like g&s. Read more
Published on Aug 24 2003 by E Rice
Insight into Gilbert & Sullivan
This was a great movie just on its own but if you like G & S shows it's gives great insight into the two men and their sometimes difficult relationship. Read more
Published on Aug 10 2003 by John Munson
A wonderful film packed with great performances and music
There is so much I love about this movie it is hard to try to find some coherent way to tell you why this is such a wonderful film. Read more
Published on Aug 4 2003 by Craig Matteson
So many treasures and riches you find more in each viewing
There is so much I love about this movie it is hard to try to find some coherent way to tell you why this is such a wonderful film. Read more
Published on Aug 1 2003 by Craig Matteson
Brilliant! A Masterpiece! A Work of True Genius!
To be honest I was never a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, and then Topsy Turvy came along.
I loved the way you really got the sense of how G and S's creativity manifested and also... Read more
Published on Jun 10 2003 by rufbeefdadsd
Evidently too classy for me
TOPSY-TURVY won two Oscars at the 2000 Academy Awards (costuming, make-up), and was hailed by critics of national standing as one of the year's best movies. Read more
Published on April 7 2003 by Joseph Haschka
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