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You can visualize what is happening as you're listening to the songs. I'm unfamiliar with the stage play, but the movie is such a wonder to behold.
Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall & Sacha Baron Cohen (HOLY BORAT.). The Deluxe Edition of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" is just as engrossing as the film itself (though I personally prefer the "Highlights" version, which is just as good, or even better.
The only song I feel is out of place in the film (given what happens afterwards) is the heart-wrenching ballad "Not While I'm Around," though I still give this edition five stars ("Not While I'm Around" would fit better as an instrumental in a film version of "Oliver Twist," with the full song playing during the end credits). can really sing.
One of my favourite songs is "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir." Baron Cohen really gave an atypical performance, hamming it up (and clearly enjoying himself while doing it). I highly recommend both versions of the soundtrack.
Be Warned: The film is splashy.and not the kind you see in water parks.
Of course, "purists" have been critical of Depp and company putting their own vocal spin of Sondheim's lyrics but that aside, the actors do justice to the composer's brilliant lyrics. In fact, the soundtrack, when played without having viewed the film - as I have - is a delight. Depp, Bonham-Carter, Rickman, and Cohen step up to the plate and bring their unique interpretations to the songs from the popular Broadway musical.As one who saw television broadcast featuring the divine Angela Lansbury many years ago, I can recommend the soundtrack album from the gory Burton film. To be honest, the music, sans the overdone bloody images of the movie, is marvelous and stands alone as a wonderful listening experience.High marks for the album.
But I can say that this music is lovely, stunning, and beautifully dark, and will be appreciated by any and all fans of the movie. (For my money, this is probably the best song in the movie and I'm stunned by how wonderful the young male singer is).I feel I should emphasize this soundtrack's almost complete identical nature to the movie soundtrack - if you're buying this soundtrack in hope of 'deleted songs' or extra stanzas, then you'll be disappointed, but if you just want a CD version of the movie to listen or sing along to, then this is exactly the CD for you.
The subject matter is incredibly dark, ranging over rape, mass murder, and cannibalism, and with a light-hearted, whimsical touch that will skirt the edge of offensive for some. For myself, I found the drama to be a deeply bewitching tale of madness and betrayal, but mileage for this kind of subject matter is definitely going to vary.If you have seen the movie and were as entranced with the music as I, then I can definitely recommend this soundtrack.
Sweeney Todd / 075597995800 (B000X4OVLM)First of all, if you haven't seen Sweeney Todd the movie, or aren't familiar with the subject matter, this soundtrack may not be for you. Beyond that, there are no changes at all as far as I can tell, except perhaps a touch of change to the pacing - I can't help but feel that "Not While I'm Around" is sung a touch faster than in the movie version with all the pauses and talking, but the difference is so subtle that I can't be certain.
The songs are almost identical to those in the movie - only one song has been changed, and that's the "Alms. Alms." song sung by the old beggar woman, and the 'change' is the addition of several lines where she half-heartedly propositions Anthony.
The included booklet is very lavish, detailing all the lyrics next to lovely still-shots of the movie scenes.I haven't heard the earlier versions of "Sweeney Todd", prior to the movie, so I can't compare this performance against anything else. If that includes you, then this CD will delight you.
This set was in excellent condition, it is already downloaded in digital form to my computer so I can get my fix of the songs "Johanna" or "A Little Priest" and get them out of my head. Excellent delivery condition and speed by this seller.
Overall great CD, however the acoustics are a bit off, hard to hear some of the words if its not cranked all the way up. Good rendition of the movie.
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