Simply A Masterpiece

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.

I heard three of these songs on television and thought this must be a super tape, so I bought the VHS when it came out. Unfortunately, the three songs I heard and saw on TV were the best of the lot. However, that's not imply this isn't a good concert, just the great one I anticipated. I have also seen Crawford in a Las Vegas show and he's quite the showmanThere is a lot of talk between some of the songs, too much at times, but Crawford is an interesting guy and humorous in his storytelling.The two songs I liked the best and heard first on TV were "Not Too Far From Here" and "Music Of The Night." Crawford performs several songs from "Phantom of the Opera" including a really nice duet. In addition he sings several Christian songs and a few more secular songs, all in good voice. The second half of this concert was far better than the first half, IMO.The man has a tremendous voice so no matter what song you hear, it's done well.

I saw this DVD of the show in the local music place, and I just had to have it. It was Michael Crawford after all - the living, breathing Angel of Music... And I don't just mean this in reference to his role in 'The Phantom Of The Opera'. He is, in my opinion, an angel through and through. His heart, soul and voice is heavenly in origin. Every move he makes, every gesture and every note/word he sings/says is beyond all description. I have yet to meet him, but through the presentation of this concert, it is apparent that it reflects the singer himself. The setting is intimate, sensual, genteel. The songs vary from being gentle love songs to enthusiastic outbursts of joy. There is no other concert like it.

I've been obsessed with this TV concert since I was in the 8th grade. The DVD (which I still adore) is a frequent flyer in my apartment. Incidentaly, the only way to calm down my bird is to put on the DVD and place her in front of the television. Seriously, though, any fan of Michael Crawford, or even of The Phantom of the Opera, should watch, if not own, a copy of this show. It truly showcases Michael's broad vocal range and broad stylistic range.

What's Michael Crawford got that many of us would like to have? In this 1998 concert Crawford gives an intriguing performance, starting off with a standing audience ovation after his very first number.The first time I became aware of this performer was his Cornelius Hackl in the film version of "Hello, Dolly." I recall rather wondering how he managed to get cast, as he sang the lovely "It Only Takes a Moment" in the park scene. It was certainly not a beautiful voice I was hearing--somewhat raspy, a bit unfocused, and ordinary. I attributed its effectiveness to an extension of his well- played Cornelius character, but I was not at all impressed with his natural vocal instrument. Now, thirty years later he appears in this vocal concert, with full orchestra, chorus, splashy lighting and theatrical effects. Since the 1969 film he's won numerous awards and gained a devoted following from his famous original title role in "Phantom of the Opera."The voice has gained some strength and control, yet it's basically the same instrument heard back in the late 60s. What he does appear to have is an astute sense of theatre, timing, keen ear, and other attributes of professionalism.He also sings with his whole heart, and puts everything he's possibly got into the moment. His fervent desire to communicate enhances his diction and projection, and he obviously loves his craft.The audience responds lovingly and enthusiastically to a well-conceived format and "package." Perhaps his basic "ordinary" instrument is in tune with these times of electronic enhancement; perhaps there's something here that's not overwhelming--a kind of kid-next-door up there making good. Whatver the case, this performer is making the most of what he's been given to work with. All one can say is, more power, Mr. Crawford.