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Mikado (Full Screen) | 
| Actors: Gidon Saks, Henry Ingram, Eric Donkin, Richard Mcmillan, Allen Stewart-coates
Studio: Acorn Media
Category: DVD
Buy New: CDN$ 69.99
New (1) Used (1) from CDN$ 69.99
Rating:  22 reviews
Sales Rank: 23913
Format: Classical, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Region: 0
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Picture Format: Academy Ratio
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
ISBN: 1569383464
UPC: 054961346493
EAN: 9781569383469
ASIN: 1569383464
Theatrical Release Date: 1983
Release Date: June 21, 2004
Availability: Usually ships within 1 - 2 business days
Condition: Region 1 release
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| Editorial Reviews:
From Amazon.com
A video of a 1982 performance at Canada's Stratford Festival (live, though with some singing dubbed), this is very much a theatrical experience, with the buoyancy of a show played before an audience. The cast and spectators take obvious pleasure in each other, and in classic Gilbert and Sullivan tradition, several numbers are encored. Subtlety is not this production's strong point, but you don't look to GS for subtlety. As Ko-Ko, Eric Donkin doesn't exactly create a character. His performance is that of a vaudeville clown--he even wears a Japanese version of baggy pants. But his straight-to-the-audience delivery is irresistible. Gidon Saks plays the title role in Japanese-theater style, drawing out his syllables, rising to a scream at the end of a sentence. Though these mannerisms are a bit much, his demented tyrant of a Mikado is gripping and even spooky. p The production is not lavish, with a single, unadorned set and fairly basic staging. But there are some brilliant effects such as the entrance of the Mikado, enclosed in a litter, which his carriers open to reveal him standing magnificently in a miniature interior. Many of the comic lines have been updated, and with impressive wit. It's too bad that their topicality results in a lot of 1980s Canadian references, which will leave 21st-century non-Canadians feeling left out. Still, this is a highly satisfying interpretation of a classic. I--David Olivenbaum/I
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| Customer Reviews: Read 17 more reviews...
 Well Executed August 10, 2004
Glen Koehn (London, Ontario)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
My seven year old daughter has watched this DVD about twenty five times, so the performance is etched in my brain.pIt consists of fine, athletic acting and good singing, with fairly minimal sets. The orchestration has been tarted up, as some have noted, but it's not too bad. Richard MacMillan's entertaining Pooh-Bah sticks in the mind particularly, as does Gidon Saks' maniacal Mikado.pThere are a few Canadian references which are fast becoming too topical even for natives of the North: wage and price controls ("six and five"), former Prime Minister Mulroney's pretty wife Mila (left off the little list), and even a brief digital salute to Pierre Trudeau from the irrepressible Pooh-Bah.pThe CBC's production values are less than stunning. You get mediocre sound, no libretto, and the same tourist promotion video that is seen on other DVD's in the Stratford set. However, the wit and polish of the performance make up for any deficiencies.pOverall, a very worthwhile buy for anyone except a real sourpuss, and enjoyable even after the twenty fifth viewing.
 A waste of plastic. May 25, 2004
Roger Mastrude (Capitola, CA USA)
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
I plan to sell my copy of the DVD to a used record dealer, because I don't have the heart ever to look at it again. In most respects I was very disappointed in this amateurish production. Some of the singing's not bad; none is REALLY bad; that's the best part. I felt the sets and costumes were minimal and ugly--amazing, since GS costumery is often lavish and splendid. Annoying tricks of acting, a superannuated and unattractive cast, and poor direction make this presentation a waste of money.
Excellent Stratford Production! March 6, 2004
Student (MI)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have never seen the Mikado performed before and after seeing this version any other would be disapointing. I enjoyed all the principal players, especially Richard McMillan ,Eric Donkin, Henry Ingram and Allan Stewart-Coates. Pooh-Bah was hilarious and Marie Baron's singing was excellent. I share it with my friends and watch it many, many times. I loved it!
OUTSTANDING December 26, 2003
A. Grossman (Florence, Oregon USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful Mikado from all counts. This production was a great success and it's easy to see why.The only drawback is the Little List Canadian update but this is minor. Everyone shines, especially Katisha and Pooh-Bah. What a wonderful way to kill two hours amd what a happy feeling when it is finished.
 Stratford gives a fun-filled and energetic MIKADO July 1, 2003
Hazen B Markoe (St. Paul, MN United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
While some Gilbert Sullivan devotees may quibble with this Canadian version of their masterpiece, THE MIKADO, there's no denying this version's infectious energy and fun. This production by the Stratford Festival is awash with high-jinks antics, solid acting and a boldness rarely seen since the Kevin Kline/Linda Ronstadt version of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. Director Brian Macdonald directs this production with a sure hand and a fine sense of humor. Eric Donkin makes for a solid and delightfully uptight Ko-Ko, while the tall and very lanky Richard McMillan steals the show as the self important Pooh-Bah. Marie Baron's Yum-Yum is a pure delight, and Karen Wood is a delightful Pitti-Sing. Gidon Saks makes for a rather hammy, but delightfully fierce, Mikado. Henry Ingram seems a little old for the youthful Nanki-Poo, but he definitely gets into the spirit of this wonderfully broad production. Some fans may not appreciate the modern Canadian references nor the very slight liberties in the score, but this is probably the one production that doesn't treat the immortal work like a museum piece. This is definitely the best version on DVD to date and one that I would definitely recommend.
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