Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 An excellent production, let down by poor camera work, poor editing, and fuzzy NTSC November 27, 2008
I. A. Wright (Didcot, Oxon, England)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Full marks to Bussell and Jenkins for putting together and performing this high-quality and fun show, but boo-hiss for the camera operator and the editor for a barely adequate final product.
The camera work is somewhat frenetic, resting on a shot for only a few seconds. While this doesn't really detract from Katherine Jenkins' performance, where we concentrate on her voice, it completely fails for Darcey Bussell's dance, as it would for any ballet or modern dance.
And it's in fuzzy NTSC format, making the show look rather like something by Turner. As for the Extras! What were they recorded on? The images are too often smudged, as though they are compiled by imperfect predictive software.
Perhaps this DVD will eventually be made available in PAL format or even on Blu-Ray--something to look forward to.
good show, wrong concept November 23, 2008
kineman (spain)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Apart from the stars which Darcey Bussell and Katherine Jenkins claim inspired them should be added the name of Mickey Rooney who would usually exclaim in his early films "Let's put on a show". About as much thought went into the thinking behind Viva La Diva because the concept meant that these two likeable, popular and talented ladies, who were breaking new ground, were saddled with emulating top performances by stars outside their comfort zone. Darcey Bussell came out best because her dancing could match Cyd Charise, Audrey Hepburn and Moira Shearer but she was uncomfortable as Jane Russell in 'Diamonds' and I doubt if she would have passed an audition with Bob Fosse. Katherine Jenkins was way out of her depth apart from the operatic numbers. She is a very good looking lady with a great soprano voice but she lacks sexuality, emotion, drama and a smooth silky delivery. Getting her to try to sing the songs of Doris Day, Edith Piaff, Barbra Streisand, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland is beyond her current talent. She cannot act and hasn't the experience of musical theatre and film attributed to all those stars. She would have been more comfortable emulating Jeanette McDonald, Deanna Durbin and Kathryn Grayson.
The DVD is entertaining. The dancers and the orchestra are very good and the sets imaginative. It can be enjoyed in it's own right but not as a tribute to the named stars
 One for all the family! November 12, 2008
Jonathan Haworth (London)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
We bought this on Monday and watched it last night with our eldest daughter - who is getting into ballet. She was totally transfixed by Darcey Bussell, who just shines in this. It was such a delight to see her perform like this, as a full blown ballet is a bit hard for kids to sit through. We loved it too! Katherine Jenkins sparkles, and her voice is in fine form. For a credit crunch night in this is hard to beat for all round family entertainment, and will be lovely at Christmas for the whole family to get together to watch.
Something for everyone November 12, 2008
Lovemymusicals (England)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
I saw the production of Viva La Diva at the 02 and thought it was a great nights entertainment. I watched the DVD of the show last night and thoroughly enjoyed it all over again. Viva La Diva is a spectacular traditional musical variety show, good choice of songs from Katherine Jenkins (I especially loved her rendition of The Man Who Got Away)some great dance numbers from Darcey Bussell and Gary Avis (Bandwagon, The Flamenco were my favourites) and you have to take your top hat off to a great orchestra and company of dancers and singers too. Loved it. If you are looking for a stocking filler for Christmas, make sure you give it to someone you will be spending the day with. Enjoy your turkey, watch the Queen's Speech and then sit back and get ready to be entertained. If you time it right you can then go straight into the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special!!
Apologies, just read a couple of the other reviews, particularly the comments on production. I used the word 'traditional' with regard to the production, I think it also applies to the filming, which I felt was very good, it was simply done certainly, but in a good way with no irritating and overly clever edits etc and the sound was good too. I think the style of filming gives the viewer control over what they focus on, the cameras stay back quite a lot so you can see the scale and spectacle and goes in close to draw you in to the individual performance etc. and the energy of the show really comes across, which is often what dissapoints when you re-visit something on film that you have already seen live. I had no issues with the quality at all. I think that the DVD may not appeal to the viewer who is used to a more 'MTV music video' style of entertainment where the energy comes from the edit rather than the performer. A sweeping generalisation I know, but hope you get my point. Those of you who already know what you are going to get with Katherine Jenkins, Darcey Bussell and Gary Avis will enjoy this DVD as it delivers it in abundance. Those of you who are less familiar with them, I think, will enjoy getting to know you them by watching this production. Katherine Jenkins proves she is more than a great singer, Darcey Bussell dances in so many styles that we have not seen from her before and Gary Avis, well if there was ever a re-incarnation of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in one human being, he must surely be it. Fabulous. Hope this helps.
Viva La Diva - Darcey Bussell and Katherine Jenkins
Just like the stage play... November 12, 2008
Mr. B. J. Shirley (London)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
We went to see the show and WOW, We could not wait for the DVD to be released and its the WOW all over again....well worth the wait and well worth watching it again and again. If you saw the show or missed it this DVD is just amazing!
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