Experience Camelot?s "one brief, shining moment" as Lerner and Loewe envisioned it?live on a Broadway stage. Working at the top of his talent, Richard Harris heads an all-star cast in one of Broadway?s wittiest, most liter... more »ate musicals, filled with memorable tunes. Recorded at New York?s historic Winter Garden Theatre in 1982, this production captures all the immediacy and intimacy of a live performance viewed from the best seat in the house. Idealistic King Arthur longs to create a perfectly principled kingdom, but sees his dream undone by a tragic love triangle involving Queen Guenevere (Meg Bussert) and his best friend Lancelot (Richard Muenz). In this thoroughly engaging Tony®-nominated production, the medieval monarch?s vision?a place where "violence is not strength, and compassion is not weakness"?speaks to our time and for all time. Recommended for family viewing by the National Education Association DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE original Broadway PLAYBILL® (DVD-ROM) and bios of Lerner & Loewe and Richard Harris.« less
"In 1982, this television production of Lerner and Loewe's musical was considered by many critics to be the finest stage-to-TV transfer of a live Broadway performance. Now, 25 years later, it still is. The folks at HBO joined with the producers of the Broadway revival and videotaped the show with loving care, and their love is evident in every frame. The visual presentation and sound quality were light years ahead of most other such offerings, and it was shot and edited to perfection.
I saw this revival onstage, then on HBO, and it is something to see. Richard Harris and Meg Bussert were just right together, and the supporting cast was excellent as well. The sets, costumes, and lighting added to the beauty of the evening. And nothing can top the sheer emotion of the story--it is one of the most powerful musicals ever written. If you've never seen CAMELOT, or if you're only familiar with the 1967 film version (also starring Harris), don't miss this stunning production. Thanks, Acorn Media, for releasing it on DVD at last!"
Finally !!!
S. Williamson | 03/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Back in the early 80s, I recorded this HBO production of Camelot on my VCR. I still have the tape and would watch it if I had a functioning VCR. I am a musical theater junkie and this production of Camelot with Richard Harris by HBO in 1982 is so wonderful. HBO is finally releasing this production of Camelot, filmed on stage at the Winter Garden Theater in New York, on DVD. I have pre-ordered it and cannot wait to see it on DVD, as my VHS tape is getting a bit worn. Bravo HBO!!!!"
Hurray!
M. Marks | MA United States | 03/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like S. Williamson, I recorded this production from HBO onto video tape 25 years ago and the tape is starting to wear from repeated viewings. I am so happy HBO had decided to release it onto something that I can finally watch over and over. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys this story."
Wonderful DVD - Terrible Service
Mark | Texas | 07/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First, the product: The 1982 Broadway Camelot is far superior to the movie version. Where the movie seems dull and flat, this stage performance is captivating. Richard Harris appears to have a lot of fun after doing this part for so many years, and Meg Bussert is wonderful as the sweetly manipulative Guinevere. If you are trying to decide between this and the movie version, just stop and buy this one.
Second, the service. I wish Amazon would allow ratings on service. If they did, I'd give them a half-star on this order. When this DVD was announced early this year, I put in my order. In early May - when it was supposed to ship - I received an email that it would be delayed until mid-July. Even though the web site claimed it was in stock, I was patient. However, in mid-July I received yet ANOTHER email that it would now be September before I received my order. Amazon's site STILL claimed it was in stock. So, in frustration, I cancelled my Amazon order and found another online service to buy it from. I received it within the week.
I don't know what game Amazon was playing - since you can't talk to anyone very easily. Still, I now have this wonderful DVD. I strongly urge you to get it - I just hope you have better luck than I do in getting it."
At last!
K. Coleman | Phoenix, AZ United States | 06/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was the very first VHS I ever owned. When HBO broadcast it back in '82, I was a senior in high school and only the very wealthy owned VCRs. A friend of my mother's had one, and recorded it for me. I've kept that old tape and cherished it ever since - but have hoped someday someone would release it on DVD. Now here it is.
This is probably the best production of Camelot I've ever seen, from then to now, with a crack cast, superior production, tremendous arrangements (do yourself a favor, and choose this version over the far inferior movie!). Harris was always a fine, fine Arthur, and here on stage he shines. Richard Muenz's Lancelot is probably the best ever, and Meg Bussert's Guenevere is lighthearted and airy with a stunning voice.
I'm so glad this is finally on DVD. Now I can finally see the colors again the way they where back then.