Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2368 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-09-14
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Colour, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 145 minutes

Synopsis
Josh Groban and Idina Menzel (WICKED) star in this engaging live performance of CHESS, a 1984 concept album from ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and lyricist Tim Rice. Filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2008, the innovative production features the London Philharmonic Orchestra as well as the world-renowned West End Chorus.

Customer Reviews

Chess - a great musical - dependent on the version!
Chess is a strange beast. The musical, like Rice's earlier collaborations with Lloyd Webber, began life as a concept album then transferred to the stage in the West End. Dramatically rewritten for Broadway, it was savaged on its opening and ran for very few performances before closing. However, it lived on in various guises - amateur productions, concert performances and multiple rewrites of the complex but ultimately flexible plot, to the point that you can see a different take in any single production. Rice says in the sleevenotes that Chess in Concert is back to the original concept - and it works very well in this format. The sound quality is excellent, with a fantastic chorus belting out the songs. Josh Groban, though not one of my favourite singers, is excellent as the tortured Russian champion, Sergievsky, with equally enthusiastic singing from his opponent Freddie Trumper, played by Adam Pascal. The secondary roles are filled well, with Marti Pellow in the role of the Arbitor and Kerry Ellis as the Russian's wife, Svetlana. The one big let down in the main roles is that of Idina Menzel. She is hopelessly miscast in the role of Florence, Trumper's lover and later the lover of Sergievsky. Her voice sounds forced in the higher registers, with the result that her big duet with Groban "You and I", is uncomfortable to listen to. He effortlessly outmatches her at every turn. Her facial expressions as she strains for her notes is also disappointing to see - this is where the video performance, as opposed to a live show, is a disadvantage, especially in closeup. However, overall this is a wonderful production of a very underrated show, and will do very nicely until the restaging in the West End (or perhaps a video production a la Jesus Christ Superstar) comes along.

Chess In Concert DVD
Like so many Chess fans, I have been waiting for this DVD after attending the Royal Albert Hall last year (May 2008) I ordered it thinking it was the 'PAL British' version and then found out that it was the 'NTSC' version! As I then thought it would only play on American DVD machines, I cancelled the order! .....But it arrived anyway...Their mistake not mine!
It plays perfectly on my 'British' DVD player and my computer!
Anyway you will be pleased to know it is a wonderful recording of that famous event. In fact,it's BRILLIANT!..Go buy it! and if you are ardent Chess fan like me, you cannot afford to be without it! It's GREAT!...Go on treat yourself!
Dave

Chess in concert DVD
The original double CD of Chess ( one of the very earliest CDs released ) is simply one of the finest musical CDs ever. Fantastic melodies, superb complex lyrics using many multi counterpoint harmonies( with several different lines being chanted simultaneously.) This is lyric and melody writing of the very finest order.
I guarantee you will be singing this music in your sleep, after just one listen.
Everyone knows "One night in Bangkok" but there is not a dud track anywhere on this superb record, and the orchestration, complete with harps and flutes is just wonderful.
This DVD has a lot to live up to, and it achieves it. Idina Menzel as Florence sings her heart out, and for a live recording it's nigh-on perfect in surround sound.
There are just two issues. First - to get the full meaning of the plot you will need the lyric sheets, which are only available on the original studio CD, as above.
It just comes alive when you get such lines as:

" Never make a promise or plan
take a little love where you can

never stay too long in your bed
never lose your heart, use your head

never take a stranger's advice
never let a friend fool you twice

never leave a moment too soon
never waste a hot afternoon

never stay a minute too long
don't forget the best will go wrong

never be the first to believe
never be the last to deceive

nobody's on nobody's side."

It goes on.
You will be singing it for months...

The second issue - can we have a Blu Ray version please ?
In my opinion this ranks right up with the DVD "The Concert for George" for total musical excellence.
That one is not out on BD either, more's the pity.
BUY BOTH and the original Chess CD, if you haven't already got it.