The Mikado [DVD]

With the exception of (the excellent) Kenny Baker,who was American;this Mikado is a pure D'Oyly Carte (cast) delight.The filming is in very early Technicolor,and the soft pastel hues suit The Mikado down to the ground.The other big reason to buy this is to see undoubtedly the greatest Ko~Ko of all time in Martyn Green.Before you think of buying any other version of The Mikado get this first,because every other version has to stand up to this one.Given that this is often selling at a bargain price,what other reason do you need?I could give you more reasons,as "I've got a little list",but I think the ones above are enough."Well here's a how de do!"

I had always wanted to see this film, as it's the only chance to see Martyn Green in one of the parts he played for D'Oyly Carte. He and Sidney Granville are very good. The whole film is rather bitty, however, with an odd prologue explaining how Nanki Poo flees the court to escape from Katisha. An interesting oddity, although I never like what Geoffery Toye, the conductor, does to G and S operas in the way of cutting and reordering. (Ruddigore suffered at his hands for many years).

Love G&S but this can not compare with the newer BLACK AND WHITE MIKADO set in the 1920s that is pure genius but this is somewhat over staged as if the producer was trying to turn it into Grand Opera which it is not! It is very dated and the wonder of G&S is, like Shakespeare ... it is fit for any time!!

The best DVD of Gilbert and Sullivan. Being filmed added to the scope- more room to move than a stage. Singing, acting and choreography first class.

Enjoyable although not the full McCoy but taking into account that it was adapted for a film, it was reasonably true to the original and makes an interesting, historical counterpoint to other productions

Very poor quality video, sound OK.

I was looking forward to viewing this as Martyn Green remains one of the greatest Kokos ever. He doesn't disappoint, but why leave out " I've got a little list", which is still topical and in any case is usually adapted by the singer to list the various idiocies of the day.There are also several other songs left out.The settings are fine and the colour and costumes excellent. I suppose it would be a bit unfair to suggest that Kenny Baker is not really a good Nanki Poo. He looks good, but some of his actions are more suitable to an amateur production.I cannot recommend this production, because it is not complete.

The dvd was delivered quickly and it is as I expected. Very good. The songs are great and I prefer this Mikado and especially the "lord high executioner" to the more modern version. They are very funny and such good singers!