Tuesday, March 13, 2007

TV MOVIE: SWEENEY TODD-THE DIRECTOR'S CUT


A blurb from Acorn Media about Sweeney Todd-The Director’s Cut: In filthy, teeming 18th century London, expert barber Sweeney Todd lives in the shadow of Newgate Prison, a hellhole where he spent 20 years for a crime he didn’t commit. Todd tries to carve out a quiet, simple life of service, but his past haunts him. Battling murderous impulses he befriends Mrs. Lovett who he sets up in a pie shop next door. As carved up bodies start turning up, the police start an investigation.

One in a long line of productions of Sweeney Todd, this version is played straight and is not a musical. Starring Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast, Robin Hood) and the great David Warner (Too numerous to mention) its the story of a man who has gone through hell in a prison that was unnecessary for he did not commit the crime but it affected him in such a way that it causes him to kill. I enjoyed this version very much and it being a Director’s cut (no pun intended) it shows a lot more than it ever did on BBC America. This disc also has a background essay about Sweeney Todd, which gives you a little more depth to the character. It also has cast filmographies. There is also a big budget film version coming out next year with Johnny Depp in the title role.

VIDEO

The video quality is great! The episode was done on film and it is quite atmospheric! Movie is approximately 95 minutes long and shown in Widescreen.


Audio

Was originally recorded in Mono. It is also Mono on this set.

Disc 1- 1. “Sweeney Todd”-Movie

Extras

Disc 1: Footage not seen in the broadcast
Sweeney Todd background essay- (Text Only)
Cast Filmographies

Verdict

An excellent addition to the Sweeney Todd legacy. A good buy for your collection.


Rating; ****!

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