Now, I have always heard about this film, but never watched it. So imagine my excitement when Kino Lorber Studio Classics announced they were going to release this film on Blu-ray. Finally, I was going to get the opportunity to watch it, but not only that, share my thoughts on it as well.
Synopsis: The hit rock opera and Broadway smash hit from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, tells the story of Christ's final weeks told through a series of dazzling songs, images and music. Nominated for Best Music Adaptation Academy Award, producer-director Norman Jewison (In the Heat of the Night, Fiddler on the Roof) creates a brilliant example of groundbreaking vision and unforgettable songs shot entirely on location in Israel.
Jesus Christ Superstar is not your typical biblical film adaptation. The rock music is exciting, but it may feel a bit off to some viewers. Many of the characters are in 70s dress instead of typical biblical attire. Something that I had a bit of trouble with was the lyrics. I am used to music having a rhythmic flow. Very few of the songs in this musical rhyme and it feels a bit off. It make sit hard for the music to be memorable. At least in my opinion.
Jesus Christ Superstar was and still is very controversial. Many Christians deeming this film a sacrilegious piece of art. I don't know that I would call it sacrilegious, but the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus seems to push the envelope a bit. Plus, probably where most have a problem is that the focus is on Judas. But I think it was done on purpose to show how easily mankind is corrupted.
The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Now this transfer isn't just any transfer. This transfer is taken from a 4K Scan of the original 35mm camera negative. The result is a crisp and clean version of this film that is a pleasure to view.
In addition to a new 4K Scan and beautiful-looking transfer, Kino Lorber added some great bonus features to this disc to amp up the volume of this release to even higher levels. Take a look at what is included,
* Audio Commentary by Director Norman Jewison and Actor Ted Neeley
* Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani
* Audio Commentary by Film Critic and Author Simon Abrams
* Interview with Lyricist Tim Rice
* Theatrical Trailer
* 2026 Audio Mix by musician and Engineer Brain Kebrew, Mixes of Classic Albums by Sly Stone, Black Sabbath, Aretha Franklin, Yes, Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads, Madonna and the Soundtrack of Woodstock
Between the spectacular-looking transfer. 3 insightful audio commentaries, the in-depth interview with Tim Rice and the very cool audio mix. Kino Lorber went above and beyond to make this release something special.
It is so hard to imagine that Jesus Christ Superstar is over half a century old. Even if the film is with its flaws Kino Lorber's home video release of this rock opera is a welcome addition to anyone's musical wing of their library. If you would like to order your copy of Jesus Christ Superstar on Blu-ray, head over to Kino Lorber or Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Jesus Christ Superstar receives.....
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