Sunday in the Park with George

I purchased this video to show in my art history class. The musical shows such beautiful set designs, and it gives the viewer an idea of the kind of art that Georges Seurat created. My students loved the video, and we enjoyed creating artwork using pointillism.

This is a fabulous production. The quality of cinematography is much higher than earlier Sondheim video releases. This probably has to do with the way that the set design itself tells a story along with the characters. The environment itself is so malleable it's like another character. It's not a simple, straight forward story, though, like Into the Woods or Sweeney Todd, which can make it initially confusing and offputting to the general public. Definitely worth watching though.

I can't tell you how much this DVD means to me. Since it is impossible to go back in time and watch Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters perform this beautiful musical live, this is literally the next best thing. Mandy, Bernadette, and all the cast does a magnificent job and, trust me, it translates on-screen. I have seen this DVD countless times and everyone of those times the story greatly moves me. Also, the commentary is wonderful as well. I've learned things about the show I would not have known otherwise and really got a glance into the minds of Stephen Sondheim, James Lapin, Mandy Patinkin, and Bernadette Peters. Like I said before, this DVD is priceless... and if you're a Sondheim fan, I'm sure you will think so too!

One of the most interesting shows in the modern musical era. Sondheim's lyrics shine here, and Peters and Patinkin are a great team. Visually stunning, and a good transfer from the original non-digital recording.

First off, for me Sondheim can do no wrong. It is eternally frustrating that I cannot get to the centres to see his productions and have to content myself with recordings, or local productions, which are few and far between.These tapes of videoed stage productions are a godsend.
I have long known the music from "Sunday in the Park" and indeed have used certain parts for lectures to my students as they explain well and simply the act of creation. It then is extremely moving to see how this work was presented on stage, and in many ways the DVD has the advantage over seeing it in the theatre as one is able to get close-ups and change of view point.I am not a particular fan of Ms. Peters but her performance as Dot is exceptional, both spirited and touching. Mr Patinkin's unusual voice combined with his skill as an actor makes his version of the role of George extremely moving, particularly in act one. If you enjoy Sondheim, this is for you.