The brainchild of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar was originally recorded as a concept album released in 1970 and then performed as a series of concerts. From there, it was adapted into a popular stage production in London, New York and Los Angeles. In 1973, Jesus Christ Superstar was adapted for the big screen with Norman Jewison (Fiddler on the Roof, In the Heat of the Night).in the director’s chair.
Filmed in Isreal, the cast was made up of mostly unknowns, though many of them had appeared in the New York or Los Angeles stage productions. Jesus Christ Superstar recounts the last seven days in the life of Jesus (Ted Neeley). The story is told from the perspective of Judas (Carl Anderson), who believes Jesus has lost sight of his principles. The volatile relationship between the two is the conflict that drives the film, leading to Christ’s betrayal by his friend, and his eventual crucifixion.
Filmed on location in Israel, Douglas Slocombe’s cinematography shines, and Norman Jewison effectively blends the ancient with the contemporary. It’s an aesthetic choice filled with tonal and symbolic archaisms, that fit perfectly with the pop/rock musical score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
A highlight too, is the Golden Globe nominated performance by Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdeline. Her performance is understated but powerful, and her vocal on “I Don’t Know How to Love Him, is a showstopper.” Carl Anderson impresses as Judas, and while Josh Mostel overreaches as Herod, that’s how the character is written. The cast also includes Barry Dennen as Pontius Pilate, Bob Bingham as Caiaphas, Larry Marshall as Simon Zealotes, Kurt Yaghjian as Annas, Robert LuPone as Apostle James, Richard Molinare as Apostle Andrew, and Paul Thomas as Peter.
Aside from the love-it-or-loathe-it forcefulness of the music, there are two key problems with the film adaptation. First, as Jesus, Ted Neeley looks the part, but lacks the charisma of a star, let alone Jesus (though he was nominated for two Golden Globes, Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Most Promising Newcomer – Male. Secondly, while Norman Jewison showed a certain Adeptness with the material, his decision to frame things as a ‘musical within a film of 1970’s actors seems unnecessary.
The music is by far the strongest element of Jesus Christ Superstar, so it comes as no surprise that André Previn, Herbert W. Spencer and Andrew Lloyd Webber were Oscar nominated for Best Music, Scoring Original Song Score and/or Adaptation. Despite its flaws anyone who enjoys the play and/or the music from Jesus Christ Superstar, should enjoy this film adaptation.
From a 4K scan of the original camera negative, Kino Lorber’s 4K release is another solid transfer. Presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio with a high dynamic range (HDR) and Dolby Vision applied, Douglas Slocombe’s cinematography impresses throughout. the desert vistas of Israel are a definite highlight. The pops of color on the actors’ wardrobes jump off the screen. Contrasting nicely with both the ancient and contemporary set pieces.
This is by far the best Jesus Christ Superstar has looked on home video. The 2013 Blu-ray release looks positively dull when compared to Kino Lorber’s effort here. While there are a few brief moments of softness, the overall viewing experience is top notch, offering a pristine image.
The newly mixed DTS-HD MA 5.1 track (overseen by musician and engineer Brian Kehew whose credits include albums by Aretha Franklin, Black Sabbath, and Madonna among others), is reason enough to purchase this. Nuanced and full, the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, André Previn, and Herbert W. Spencer has never sounded. A particular highlight is the immersive nature of the vocals—be it Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman or Ted Neeley, it’s enveloping, and you’ll as though it’s a live performance. Surround activity benefits as well. The track is clear and concise throughout, without any hiccups or other audio anomalies in evidence.
English subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
- Audio Commentary by Director Norman Jewison and Actor Ted Neeley
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Film Critic and Author Simon Abrams
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
- Audio Commentary by Director Norman Jewison and Actor Ted Neeley
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani
- NEW!! Audio Commentary by Film Critic and Author Simon Abrams
- Interview with Lyricist Tim Rice (14:32)
- Theatrical Trailer (Newly Mastered in 2K)
