Billy Elliot The Musical

Words can almost not describe the intensity of Billy Elliot Live - The Musical! The entire ensemble is incredible - the storyline itself is simply spectacular. Billy Elliot weaves the stories of so many incredible people - and while the focus is about Billy, the stories surrounding his father, brother, teacher/mentor each have such impact. This is a must see for basically anyone - it is for those with dreams, those afraid to pursue their dreams, and for those living everyday life in support of their family and loved ones. Based on the 2000 film version Billy Elliot [DVD] [2000 ], the musical version takes the incredible story previously told and adds music from a powerful Elton John soundtrack Billy Elliot [The Original Cast Recording ] that brings the story to life in an entirely different way. Every scene is spectacular, but with musical performances including the popular 'Electricity' and the powerful 'Once We Were Kings', the stage adaption takes the audience on a journey through music and spoken word. Scenes so powerful, the emotional viewer will often have eyes filled with tears. The 'Swan Lake' scene (one of many added for the musical) is breathtaking. I am fortunate to have seen the musical live at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London during a visit in 2013. The show started on stage in 2005 and continues today. The DVD version is an actual recording of the live stage show, so while nothing can ever replace seeing this live, the DVD is the absolute next best thing as it is truly the stage performance and not a made-for-TV version. For those who have never seen the original film, Billy Elliot is set in England during the mid 1980's coal miners strike (true basis of the story). A working class town, mining is the way of life and the path many a child will take. Instead of fancying boxing, Billy starts sneaking into the dance class. His teacher and eventual mentor encourages him to pursue his dream and eventually after much turmoil at home, Billy auditions for the Royal Ballet School in London ( Life at the Royal Ballet School ). Though deep and emotional, Bill Elliot continually lifts your spirits and numbers like 'Expressing Yourself' and 'Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher' which will have you laughing along with the cast. One of the most human characteristics of this program is the presumed sexual orientations of the characters - a topic that is unraveled in both this musical version as well as the original film. The ensemble cast is simply brilliant - from the Billy featured in this performance (there have been dozens of Billy Elliot's on the stage) to the father, grandmother, teachers and supporting cast, each one brings to life this triumphant story of life. If you're not able to see the show live, buy this DVD - and even if you can or have seen the show, still, but it and watch it again. The DVD features the entire stage show, as well as a bonus number featuring multiple Billy's dancing in unison - something most theater goers never got to see. Truly brilliant, see Billy Elliot! Stories like this are rare and will reach deep inside your heart.

After the film version, Elton John had to be dragged from the cinema sobbing, so greatly was he affected. For him this HAD to become a musical, the stage its natural home. He and Lee Hall got down to work - the result a show that for ten years has won numerous awards and given great pleasure to millions. This DVD of the West End production really does it proud. Here is a musical with something to say. Its background has miners fighting to survive, their strike in the mid-1980s increasingly bitter, communities torn apart. In its midst, young Billy secretly shuns boxing classes in favour of ballet - father and brother appalled when they learn. There follows a tale of determination, sheer talent (and lots of hard work) winning through - family and miners becoming united behind the lad. Billy himself is both movingly vulnerable and a force to reckon with. Through him a whole range of emotions are explored, highlights including his angry dance and the lyrical ballet with his older self. The whole production proves a theatrical experience, visually impressive. Elliott Hanna shines as Billy, awesomely on stage for most of the time. The whole cast impresses in different ways, especially Ruthie Henshall as the disenchanted ballet teacher trying to coax something of worth from her ungainly group of girls. "Pirouettes. (God help us.)" Throughout humour abounds - especially when gran is around, not to mention Billy's cross-dressing friend. The show delights in every way. Curtain calls are by no means the end of it all, there to follow a truly spectacular climax. Hard of heart is anyone not genuinely moved. Bonuses are of interest (perhaps worth watching before the show itself?). Elliott Hanna gives a conducted tour round the theatre; Elton John, Lee Hall and cast describe what the musical means to them. The audience applauded and cheered. Chances are that viewers at home will too. Spread the word. This DVD is a wonderful souvenir.

The video and sound quality of this bluray recording is stunning. But stunning does not even begin to describe the quality of the performances of the cast in this production. Although it has been on my 'to do' list since, forever, I have never had the opportunity to see this show live on stage, until now. WOW and WOW again! My front row seat in my home theatre, courtesy of this bluray disc, took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed, cried and applauded with the live audience, as if I was actually there. Where to begin to describe the outstanding performances? Elliot Hanna's performance as Billy has to be seen to be believed. What an incredibly gifted young performer. And the stunning finale with 25 current and former Billy's, including Liam Mower who also has a cameo in the show itself, is spectacular and breathtaking. So thank you to everyone involved in bringing this wonderful show to bluray for everyone to enjoy, and where it can be preserved in HD quality for ever. BUY IT AT ONCE!

Superb! And a wonderful memento of the wondrous achievement that is Billy Elliot, the Musical. (The musical closes, in London, 9 April, 2016. After that there's the national tour, with a different cast.) The show has run for over ten years, and in that time given a huge number of kids the chance to really "produce the goods", to achieve standards which only come from blood sweat and tears... and which will give their lives a foundation of achievement that few kids get the chance to accomplish. The work to keep the whole thing running, in this modern, soft age, humbles me. The DVD is NOT just a video camera sat in the middle of the audience, static. Excellent filming achieved, of a live show. Close ups. Interesting camera angles. The visual side follows the dialog, i.e. you get the face of whoever is speaking at the moment. Filmed at a magic time in the history of the show, with some of the "great" actors in many of the roles.

As with my review of the film, the language was a bit much. But aside from that, this is a fun production with many original plot holes filled, great dancing (mostly from the younger cast) and an enjoayble experience. I would caution the use of the expression "musical", however, rather a "Stage Play with Music". There is as much talking as singing and several opportunities seem to have been missed for putting dialogue into song. Although the story is about an aspiring ballet dancer, there are many other dance styles deployed, also.

If I had to sum-up Billy Elliot The Musical in one word it would be "fantastic". Like seriously, it was outstanding & I really did enjoy it. I was a fan of Billy Elliot the film & was a little worried the musical would not live up to my own expectations. But didn't have to worry at all. Loved the full cast, especially the relationship between Billy & Michael. All the music, songs, dances, everything was just spot on. Plus Elliott Hanna, just wow, how on earth a 11 year old boy could be that good baffles me. He is in pretty much the full show & always gave it his best. It's one of those DVDs you just bring out time & time again. As for the DVD itself. It has full English Subtitles, the running time is just under 3 hours, plus there is a couple of extra's too that i enjoyed watching.

Elliott Hanna! Remember that name - he is a superstar!! The talent of this 11 year old is incredible. As Billy Elliot he carries the whole show from beginning to end. His acting, singing and dancing carries you through every emotion. I first saw him on Sky TV's 'Got to Dance', with his partner. He was then aged 8 years old and finished in the top three in the final of series three. He should have won it. (Check it out on Youtube.) The whole Billy Elliot Live show is wonderful, and the cast are superb. Special mention here for Zack Atkinson who plays Billy's friend Michael. What a brilliant comic performance. The West End show is directed by Stephen Daldry, written by Lee Hall, and the music by Elton John. The whole thing is brilliant.

We just love this musical. It's beautifully made, clear picture and sound quality add to the great music and dance on screen. It's a real Joy to watch.

Absolutely the very best musical we ever saw. The dancing, singing, humor, songs (music/Elton John is one of the main composers), acting, storyline, everything. Was a very special production, much to find about this musical (Live in the theater), on the Internet: Billie Elliot (2014). Unreal how those young children show such truly stunning energy and non stop acting and ofcourse the supporting cast, the adults, exquisite as well. Ballet and just fabulous, heartstopping acrobatic modern dance included. Tempo is fast, sublimely so, decor change one of a kind. Please buy this Musical DVD..it is one you never shall forget, I promise you!

This DVD can't be played in my Region. Tried changing regions, but, no good. What a rip off!

DVD en excellent état, du film Billy Elliot que j’adore, je l’ai en dvd et quand il passe à la télé je m’en lasse pas de le regarder et maintenant je l’ai en comédie musicale j’en suis ravie merci beaucoup 👀😄👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

This version cannot be played in the United States.

Yes the item met my expectations, very well and I do have 1 concern about it but other than that it was perfect. The only concern that I have on it is that it is coded and I can't seem to watch it and I was wondering if you could give me the code so that it can work, and will be able to play Many Thanks Amazon Customer