Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore DVD

Comments about PBS Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore DVD:

I saw this production live at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis (which produced it) last summer, and also recorded it (DVR) when it was telecast.
Positive side: as is typical at the Guthrie, production values are superb: great sets, fine singing and acting, excellent choreography, and a bit of not-disrespectful updating by Jeffrey Hatcher here and there.
Negative side: you notice I said nothing about the music above. Note the cryptic statement in the DVD description "infused with fresh musical arrangements ranging from big band swing to classic pop." In other words, they rearranaged the entire score for Broadway-musical electronically equipped pop band, and in the process rendered some of the songs barely recognizable. It works moderately well for some of the ballads, ruined it for all 3 of us attending in much of the rest. Obviously this opinion is not shared by all (cf. other reviews), but as I told friends, we heard Gilbert but not Sullivan. Yes the production is terrific, but if you rewrite the score in a musical production, that's pretty important, and you'd better have a darned good reason (and a really talented composer); IMHO the Guthrie had neither in this case.
Three stars: average of 5 for the production and 1 for the music. If Sullivan's witty music is important to you, I suggest you give a listen before buying.
[Disclaimer: I'm an active amateur classical musician, so the music is really important to me. And a faithful Guthrie subscriber for a number of years, so I'm generally biased in their favor.]

Comments about PBS Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore DVD:

I was thrilled PBS filmed H.M.S. Pinafore!
The Gilbert and Sullivan production was filled with excellent singing, dancing, costumes, scenery, and acting. I enjoyed the performance so much, I saw it six times at the Guthrie and twice on PBS. Now, with the DVD, I can enjoy the musical and share the fun with all!

Comments about PBS Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore DVD:

Purchased handled in a very professional manner. Very satisfied with purchase process and product.

Comments about PBS Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore DVD:

If you're curious who 'Seymour' and 'Schwenk' are, they are Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan, and Sir William Schwenk Gilbert, the lyricist and composer of the farcical romp that is "HMS Pinafore." I saw the Guthrie Theater production on my local PBS station, and quite enjoyed the production. The additional scene featuring Queen Victoria was in keeping with the original in the spirit of satire Gilbert injected into their operettas. As a life-long Gilbert and Sullivan fan, this is one of the most energetic and enthralling productions of "Pinafore" I've seen in my entire life. I particularly enjoyed the comedic timing employed by the performers portraying Captain Corcoran and Sir Joseph Porter.

Comments about PBS Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore DVD:

Great physical space, voices, staging and dance routines. Some additions are a bit silly (e.g., Queen Victoria), playing down to the audience. G & S would not be amused. Four fifths of a bravo, unless you like low humor in the mode of Hollywood's version of "Pirates". The Guthrie seems to be the premier theater in the U.S.