The Making Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Stage Show) [VHS]

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
iThe Making of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Stage Show)/i charts the months leading up to opening night of the stage version of iChitty Chitty Bang Bang/i in London in April 2002--34 years after the film about a young family and their flying car enchanted a generation. It's an interesting account of the logistics of mounting a high-tech blockbuster, from casting and marketing to the rehearsal process and the choreography.p Everybody is "acclaimed" and "award-winning", everybody adores what they're doing and each new day brings another moment of excitement. But there's no disguising the fact that this is basically a long commercial for a sure-fire hit. Michael Ball--the housewife's pet crooner--is an odd choice to play eccentric dad Caractacus Potts. Portly to begin with, he finally gets to grips with some vigorous dancing, earning kind words from choreographer Gillian Lynn. And, of course, he sings beautifully.p Thank heaven there's some good old-fashioned bile to cut the syrup: as she surveys her dressing room the excellent Nichola MacAuliff (the Baroness) says: "It's a cupboard under the stairs, basically." That's show business.p BOn the DVD:/B IThe Making of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang/I is a standard television video documentary in 4:3 picture format with a clear Dolby Digital Stereo soundtrack. Narration is by the gracious Sally Ann Howes, the original Truly Scrumptious character. Extras include several familiar songs from the show plus a new one, all showing that this is a classic combination of music, spectacle and technology. --IPiers Ford/I

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2002-10-06 rating:
Making of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
I don't think it's fair of Amazon to suggest that this video is nothing more than a commercial for the show.If it had been put onbrtv first,where everyone can see it,then there would have been some justification in calling it a commercial.I imagine this video will be bought by those who have seen and loved the show.brThose who love the theatre and are interested in seeing what goes into making a show like Chitty tick.Those who can not get to see the show in London and by the fans of the individual performers.pWhat this video indicates is how much hard work has gone into this show by everyone involved whether it be those people on the technical side of things,to the children or Michael Ball learningbrto dance.It's fascinating to watch all the behind the scenes footage and see this wonderful cast at work.pCaractacus Potts may not have been the first role that would have come to mind when thinking of Michael Ball but he has made it his own.He does sing beautifully and he's proved himself to be fab dancer to. pIf you love Chitty,Michael or the theatre then buy the video youbrwont be disappointed.

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review by: date: 2002-10-04 rating:
Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ... pHow those simple musical words reverberate in my ears joyfully -- the first time I heard them in the movie -- and even more so now. pUnlike people from the UK, overseas fans will usually get only one chance to see this amazing and joyous piece of musical theatre... So this documentary is such a wonderful chance to relive those memories of the show and also to provide us with all the nuances on how such a superb piece of entertainment has been successfully and happily brought to the stage....As I watch the documentary on how CHITTY, The MUSICAL came to life, my eyes are bright and wide-eyed again, my ears cocked not to miss any of the happy lyrics, and my whole body language going with the musical flow of this wonderful production... pThe documentary takes you from the beginning when the producers look into the possibility of a musical theatre CHITTY to the casting process ( leading to a superb cast led by Michael Ball), the amazing work of the creative team, the rigourous rehearsals, and the coming together of the show and its world premier, with some links to its nostalgic past.pAs a bonus, five full production numbers are included ( Hushabye Mountain, Me Ol Bamboo, Bombie Samba, Doll on a Music Box/Truly Scrumptious, and the glorious Finale with Chitty flying!) pHearing Adrian Noble and the Broccolis articulate the reason for bringing this musical to live theatre and seeing how the whole concept became reality -- made me think this family entertainment could not have failed to succeed. And indeed it has truly and scrumptiously succeeded!

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review by: date: 2002-09-22 rating:
Excellent behind the scenes footage of Chitty the Musical
A fantasmagorical production showing what goes into creating such a successful show on the west end. A must for any theatre, Chitty and Michael Ball fan. It shows all the different aspects that are needed to make the show a success and how they are brought together - from the casting, dancing, props, music and special effects. It takes nothing away from the spectacular show. And the added bonus of five of the shows songs for you to enjoy again and again.

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review by: date: 2002-09-22 rating:
Excellent behind the scenes footage of Chitty the Musical
A fantasmagorical production showing what goes into creating such a successful show on the west end. A must for any theatre, Chitty and Michael Ball fan. It shows all the different aspects that are needed to make the show a success and how they are brought together - from the casting, dancing, props, music and special effects. It takes nothing away from the spectacular show. And the added bonus of five of the shows songs for you to enjoy again and again.


review by: jeanae8 date: 2002-09-19 rating:
FANTASMAGORICAL
The DVD is a wonderful insight into Musical Theatre for the making of the most expensive musical in the West End, ever.pIt brings the entire process together, from picking the cast, to designing the scenery and costumes. The rehersals and the alteration of the Palladium stage to ensure that the show was a success.pIt shows the actors in a 'raw' state, learning lines, songs and dance routines.pA fantasmagorical insight into the best show in the West End

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