Nonesuch

Good Condition

Based on the macabre Victorian legend of London's "Demon Barber of Fleet Street," Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" has stood for nearly 30 years as one of the composer's most celebrated musical theater creations, as well as his most operatic score. The songs and score boldly propel the action in Burton's sixth collaboration with Johnny Depp, making his singing debut as the falsely imprisoned barber transformed into a murdere by his thirst for revenge. The music is available on a highlight album Stephen Sondheim's Grand-Guignol blend of opera and musical theater is a perfect match for director Tim Burton's gothic sensibility. The result of their encounter is a superb screen musical that, despite early fears from the show's fans, preserves most of the score ("The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" being the most egregious loss) and, perhaps even more importantly, its spirit (regular Sondheim orchestrator Jonathan Tunick did the new arrangements). And yes, Johnny Depp can sing. Granted, singing in a movie is easier than it is onstage, but still, Depp is at ease with the material, if a little thin- voiced. Helena Bonham Carter is a bit more problematic as Mrs. Lovett (there's a reason this character has been played by the likes of Angela Lansbury and Patti LuPone on stage) and her take on "The Worst Pies in London" tries hard but lacks gleeful gusto (she fares better on "By the Sea"). More convincing are Sacha Baron Cohen, appropriately outlandish as Pirelli ("The Contest"), Jayne Wisener as Johanna ("Green Finch and Linnet Bird"), and Alan Rickman as Judge Turpin (a good duet with Depp on "Pretty Women"). Sondheim fans won't be disappointed, and the film should also bring new converts into his world. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

WBS3134694

5.0 inches

0.4 inches

0.2 pounds

5.6 inches

Good Condition

1825 Webster Street, Dayton OH 45414

C12