[.ca] Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street

From Amazon.com:
Stephen Sondheim's Grand-Guignol blend of opera and musical theater is a perfect match for director Tim Burton's gothic sensibility. The result of their encounter is a superb screen musical that, despite early fears from the show's fans, preserves most of the score ("The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" being the most egregious loss) and, perhaps even more importantly, its spirit (regular Sondheim orchestrator Jonathan Tunick did the new arrangements). And yes, Johnny Depp can sing. Granted, singing in a movie is easier than it is onstage, but still, Depp is at ease with the material, if a little thin-voiced. Helena Bonham Carter is a bit more problematic as Mrs. Lovett (there's a reason this character has been played by the likes of Angela Lansbury and Patti LuPone on stage) and her take on "The Worst Pies in London" tries hard but lacks gleeful gusto (she fares better on "By the Sea"). More convincing are Sacha Baron Cohen, appropriately outlandish as Pirelli ("The Contest"), Jayne Wisener as Johanna ("Green Finch and Linnet Bird"), and Alan Rickman as Judge Turpin (a good duet with Depp on "Pretty Women"). Sondheim fans won't be disappointed, and the film should also bring new converts into his world. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Is it really good? Sir it's too good at least.:
First off let's just start by saying that this isn't the original or broadway revival cast singing these songs. This is a different cast, yes they may not be classically trained singers (except Laura Michelle Kelly) but they each hold their own in the music. One difference between the movie soundtrack and previous broadway versions, is that the singers don't belt out the songs in typical theatre fashion. The cast sings in a very quiet (almost whispers in some parts), intimite and unassuming way. One could easily mistake that for weak or timid singing, but I don't think that's the case. In a theatre you have to project your voice so even those at the back can hear. But a film is much more up close and realistic, and this translates to the film soundtrack. So the singers don't sing with a loud, powerful voice but they all sing perfectly fine. Another difference from the broadway versions is the fact that many songs were cut, or changed. I admit I was sad to hear The Ballads wouldn't be included, but all the changes that were made were all needed to help the movie flow along. And even though I missed them on the soundtrack, I've gotten used to the changes and still love the music. But if you can look past the differences between the film and broadway versions, you'll find this soundtrack to be a wonderful delight to listen to. This will probably the first time many people listen to a Stephen Sondheim musical, and this is great introductory to the great works he has composed. Sondheim's music can be very complex, and not easy to listen to, but give the songs a few tries. Many times there are bits of music or lyrics that seem unimportant... but they have a more complicated meaning. If you love this soundtrack and want to listen to more, I recommend the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Sweeney Todd... which has the cut songs and is very good in it's own right. One of the things I really loved about this soundtrack was they included some bits of dialogue (not the whole movie mind you) in the songs, which really helps the story flow along. Even though the order of the dialogue is a bit different in the movie, it's still nice to hear the story as your listening to the soundtrack. Many people will want to know if they should buy the Deluxe or Highlights edition... I reccommend getting the Deluxe. Even though 2 of the extra songs aren't my favourites (Alms! Alms! and Ladies And Their Sensitivities) the inclusion of The Final Scene, makes it worth the extra penny. Word of advice though, if you haven't seen the movie (or play) don't listen to The Final Scene, because it contains pretty major spoilers. The Deluxe edition also contains a lyrics book, with pictures...so you'll be singing along in no time. Here are some of my personal favourites: - My Friends, you can really feel Todd's lust for vengance, and the scene in the movie itself is beautifully captivating. - Wait, one of my favourite songs Mrs. Lovett sings. This shows a softer side to the character and although it sound deceptively simple there really is a lot going on. - Pretty Women, Alan Rickman & Johnny Depp's voice balance each other out wonderfully in this pretty but twisted duet. - Epiphany, Todd's rage is at a forefront and this song perfectly demonstrates a man finally crossing that line into insanity. - A Little Priest, probably one of the most catchy songs (in my opinion) despite it's grotesque subject matter. - Johanna (2nd version), while I like the first one (that Anthony sings) there's something about Sweeney singing to the daughter he'll never know that moved me to tears when I first heard it. Of course that was before I saw the film....I won't give anything away. - Not While I'm Around, a beautiful song between Toby and Mrs. Lovett... Edward Sanders has an amazing vocal talent. - The Final Scene, after seeing this movie this is one of my favourite songs, I especially love the exchange between Sweeney & Mrs. Lovett. I bought this soundtrack back in December and have listened to it every day since. The songs haven't left my head, they are all amazing and powerful. I hope that for many people hearing the songs will open them up to the world of musical theater, Sweeney Todd and Stephen Sondeim. For myself this will be classic for life.

Incredible:
As each song goes by you'll be amazed at how well each singer can carry a tune. Each song is amazingly sung and well orchestrated. Defiantly worth the money.

Maybe they can't sing but they rock!!!:
Okay, now i love Jonhnny Depp as much as the next lady, but i will say he cannot sing well. He made the decision to not train before taking on this role and i think it is apparent. BUT, he does a fantastic job, it's sounds natural, i mean this guy is a barber, not a singer, and Helena, she is the same. Sure they can carry a tune, so can i, doesn't mean they should try to make it as recording artists. This is very well done, they sound very true to their characters, i have not yet heard the original, but i am glad that it was remade but such talented actors, producers, directors and all those. This is really worth buying, i got it before seeing the film and i admit i am very happy with it!!!

• Opening Title
• No Place Like London
• Worst Pies in London
• Poor Thing
• My Friends
• Green Finch and Linnet Bird
• Alms! Alms!
• Johanna
• Pirelli's Miracle Elixir
• Contest
• Wait
• Ladies in Their Sensitivities
• Pretty Women
• Epiphany
• Little Priest
• Johanna
• God, That's Good!
• By the Sea
• Not While I'm Around
• Final Scene