Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999)

A humourously musical retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph.

Director:

David Mallet

Writers:

Tim Rice (book), Michael Walsh

Stars:

Donny Osmond, Maria Friedman, Richard Attenborough

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Donny Osmond	...	Joseph
Maria Friedman	...	Narrator
Richard Attenborough	...	Jacob
Joan Collins	...	Mrs. Potiphar
Christopher Biggins	...	The Baker
Robert Torti	...	Pharaoh
Alex Jennings	...	Butler
Nicholas Colicos	...	Reuben (as Nicolas Colicos)
Ian McNeice	...	Potiphar
Jeff Blumenkrantz	...	Simeon
David J. Higgins	...	Levi (as David J Higgins)
Patrick Clancy	...	Issachar
Shaun Henson	...	Napthali
Martin Callaghan	...	Asher
Sebastien Torkia	...	Dan

Storyline

In this filmed adaption of the long-running musical, we see the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. The favored son, he is betrayed by his jealous brothers and sold into slavery and driven to Egypt. Though beset with adversity, Joseph perseveres through wit and faith and becomes the Governor of Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh. This all the sets the scene for when he meets his brothers who have come to Egypt to purchase food.

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Plot Keywords:

slavery | pharaoh | lifting male in air | lifting someone into the air | brother brother relationship | 

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Taglines:

Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber's Classic Family Musical

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Genres:

Musical

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Details

Official Sites:

The Really Useful Group

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 April 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Great Performances: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Filming Locations:

Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage, Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Really Useful Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

76 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.55 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the English-language Bible describes it as a "coat of many colors", this was actually the result of a translator's replacing the original expression with one that he devised. In fact, it is not known exactly what made Joseph's coat so special, perhaps it bore the colors of his clan.

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Goofs

During 'The Song of the King' Joseph says "I got the bit about the corn, but I'm not to sure about the cows. So if you could just give it to me one more time, Mr Pharaoh man." Pharaoh then proceeds to sing the verse about the corn again, and not the cows. This is in fact not an error. Pharaoh, an impatient man repeats the last line while Joseph checks for the correct answer in the Bible (held by the Narrator). The same is true for the stage productions.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Narrator: Some folks dream of the wonders they'll do before they're time on this planet is through. Some just don't have anything planned, they hide their hopes and their heads in the sand. Now I don't say who is wrong, who is right. But if by chance you are here for the night, then all I need is an hour or two to tell the tale of a dreamer like you.
Narrator: We all dream a lot. Some are lucky, some are not. But if you think it, want it, dream it, then it's real. You are what you feel. But all that I...

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Crazy Credits

Ending credits feature clips of each actor with real name listed and then of that actor in his/her character with that name listed as well. The credits of each of the 11 brothers appear in the same order as they are mentioned during the 'Jacob & Sons Song' scene: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Naphtali, Isaachar, Asher, Dan, Zebulun, Gad, Benjamin, Judah

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Connections

Version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (1991)

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Soundtracks

Jacob and Sons
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Performed by Maria Friedman and Company

User Reviews

Wonderful Adaptation

This is one of the best musicals on video that I have found. Unlike some film versions of Broadway greats (such as the Fantasticks), the producers of this film maintained, as far as I know, the lyrics and music from the stage show, and presented it in an enhanced theatrical manner. The frame story and visible stage lights kept a live feel to the film, and many live-theatre conventions made this a joy for a theatre buff to watch.

I felt that the kids were a wonderful addition. Their voices (especially in Any Dream Will Do) provided a chillingly beautiful dimension to the sound, which was, without exception, superb. The narrator was great, and, I must say, just the sort of teacher I would have like to have had in grade school. The frame story tied the show to its roots as a childrens' production, which helped. The film works on several levels, as a kids show, and as an adult show, for those who care to consider the issues at hand.

The sets were fabulous, especially the transformation of Potifer's house and the jail cell by the addition of colors in the walls and floor. Stunning.

The formatting, too, must recieve a mention. A full-fledged DVD release with extra features, full widescreen, and immaculate sound were very welcome indeed.

Nicely done on the whole.