Meredith Willson's: The Music Man [2003] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

I'm almost ashamed to say that this was my introduction to this classic American musical only because it took me this long to see it. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it, however. Since I had nothing to compare it to, I thought it was wonderful. I have since seen the original film, and I can see differences. Matthew Broderick plans a toned down version of Harold Hill, but I find his charm more appealing as a selling point to the town's people. Kristin Chenoweth shines as Marion. That woman can sing and brings real warmth to the roll. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well, especially Victor Garber as the mayor and Molly Shannon as his wife. Considering Victor Garber's past musical experience, I was surprised at how small his part here really was, but he makes every appearance memorable. This version takes better advantage of the film format for some truly inventive, fun dance numbers, especially in "Seventy-six Trombones" and "Marian the Librarian."

Those hoping for some nice bonus features on the DVD like I was will be disappointed. There is only a short (7 or 8 minute) documentary on the making of the film that barely scratches the surface and a special recording of Kristin Chenoweth singing "Till there was You." The movie itself is presented in full frame, which makes sense considering it was made for TV. Picture quality and sound are top notch throughout this Region 1 DVD.

So, which version is better? That's really a hard call. Those raised with Robert Preston will probably find flaws with this version and reasons to like the original. I think I lean a little more toward this one, mainly for the dance numbers and favorites in the cast. Both are excellent, however, and capture the charm of this musical well.


Technically correct   June 8, 2004
B. Chandler (Arlington, Texas)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Professor Harold Hill, traveling salesman, presently is selling boy's bands. He is challenged by the other salesmen and the tuff sale of River City. Can he sell the band, and get out of town before they find out that he does not know one note from another, or will the local librarian find him out first?
While technically correct it lacks the finish of the movie ("The Music Man" 1962). You immediately realize that this is neither a stage play nor the movie. It is some type of hybrid that attempts to apply the play in a movie setting and misses both marks.
Next you will see the lack of dialog and expressive facial quarks that set the sparkle and is half of the story it's self. I do not know if the original play and movie deviated as much as this program does? However it is not an improvement. No one has quite the singing abilities. It is reasonable to expect different people to have different acting and singing styles. Yet I am not quite ready to see Farris Buller (by the way Matthew Broderick was excellent as Farris) in this dynamic role. Maybe 150 minutes were not long enough still many of the songs were cut short and some changed lyrics. Every once in a while Matthew would mumble the song.
Even if he could carry it off there was a dismal amount of support from the other characters. Marian (Kristin Chenoweth) looked more like a gypsy than a librarian. In all of this sea of mediocrity Victor Garber is well suited for the part of Mayor Shinn. There were a few time though where he was ahead and behind his queue.
This presentation was just not worth the effort.