Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		0.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		2.0

Jesus Christ Superstar Blu-ray Movie Review

Superstar picture quality this is not.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 28, 2015

For those unfamiliar with Jesus Christ Superstar -- though probably everyone has, at one point or another, heard the title by way of the "Jesus Christ! Superstar!" song and lyrics -- it's an Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera) Musical that chronicles the late life of Jesus with focus on his betrayal at the hands of Judas Iscariot and his crucifixion. Originally staged on Broadway in 1971, the Rock Opera production has gone through a number of makeovers through the years, including a feature film and performances around the world. This 2000 television film "updates" the show and sets it in modern times, which includes Judas Iscariot donning a leather jacket, walls strewn with graffiti, automatic weapons, televisions depicting various acts of violence, and a general 1990s production design vibe that's almost like Jesus Christ Superstar on hallucinogens. Truly, Superstar knows no limits.

Glenn Carter as Jesus.

The film essentially tells the story of Jesus' (Glenn Carter) last days. Musical numbers focus on Jesus' relationship with Judas Iscariot (Jerome Pradon) in particular but also offers more intimate insights into Judas' perception of Jesus and his following. It also looks at Jesus through the eyes of others around him, including figures such as Caiaphas (Frederick B. Owens), Pontius Pilate (Fred Johanson), and Herod (Rik Mayall). The production covers many of the basics found in the Gospels, up to and including Judas' betrayal by way of a kiss and Christ's subsequent trial and crucifixion. There's also an expanded role for Mary Magdalene (Renée Castle). For those looking for a more detailed production description, as well as a broader Jesus Christ Superstar overview, here's a lengthy Wikipedia article that's a good starting point into the world of Superstar.

This version of Jesus Christ Superstar is a Musical in the truest sense of the term; the entire narrative is told in song and dance form supported by oftentimes over exaggerated body language and, in this particular version, a spartan set that often serves as nothing but a backdrop for the action with a few set changes along the way. But that's fine. The narrative drives the story, so much so that even the oddities of the modern setting don't necessarily interfere, partly because the core story and music remain intact and partly because the performers make it fit with a natural rhythm and approach. The story, essentially, transcends its time, which is certainly a testament to, first and foremost, the power of the original Biblical story and, to a lesser extent, Webber's skillful retelling.

Still, this particular production's success with audiences will depend on a number of factors, including one's perception of its liberties taken with the original Biblical narrative but, more immediate to this version, the setting and performances. Of the many Superstar retellings, this one settles into the crosshairs more quickly than perhaps any other; audiences already off-put by Webber's interpretation will only be further ostracized, but audiences that approach this version with an open mind may come to find its strengths in the performances and, just maybe, a somewhat more tangible sense of place and character, despite its even now somewhat dated façade. Performances are strong all around, particularly from Jerome Pradon who is not only the production's most impressive vocalist but who, through his passionate delivery and outward style, conveys the torn and deeply complex Judas with a striking precision and attention to detail.

Jesus Christ Superstar Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Likening Universal's 1080p transfer for Jesus Christ Superstar to a bad DVD might be to give a bad DVD a bad name. This is hands-down one of the worst transfers on the market today, a total mess that gets nothing right. It's flat, grossly over processed, and devoid of even basic detail, even on facial close-ups or the would-be complex lines of Judas' leather jacket. The opening title card comes complete with half of the top of the screen lined with random white blocks. Vertical and horizontal lines frequently run along edges or through the movie proper, and edges sometimes look as if they're melting deeper into the movie when bits of black seep down off from the sides. Frozen grain, frozen artifacts, microblocking, noise, straight object lines that literally wave back and forth, motion blur, edge halos, frequent pops and speckles, overly saturated and bleeding colors, blown out whites, poor blacks, bronze flesh tones, and a heavy bronze tint all define the image. It's hideous, to be kind.

Jesus Christ Superstar Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

At least Jesus Christ Superstar's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack isn't much of a problem. While pinpoint clarity frequently gives way to raw aggression, there's much to be enjoyed as the track confidently spills into the stage with a welcoming and wide front end, endless surround support, and a fair bit of LFE muscle. Instruments and vocals alike play with a slight sharp edge, but there's never any difficulty with prioritization or stage balance. Bits of chaos in some of the more action-inspired scenes, like a smashed television sparking, are fine. Crowd cheers can be heard in the background around the 20-minute mark. The nails being hammered into Jesus' hands near the end play across the back speakers with no real definition or heft. It's not a showstopper, but it's the best part, technically at least, of an otherwise throwaway Blu-ray.

Jesus Christ Superstar Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Jesus Christ Superstar contains only one extra, which must be accessed in-film via the "pop-up" menu (no "top menu" is included). The Making of 'Jest Christ Superstar' (480i, 34:34) takes viewers to Pinewood Studios for a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the production. Topics include the source material, Tim Rice's original work, its evolution over time from recording to stage production, critical reaction positive and negative, reworking the program for then-contemporary late 1990s audiences and constructing it with a grittier edge, filming the new version, cast and the way they portray the characters, shooting with multiple cameras and the technical details of the shoot, choreography, costumes, orchestral score, and the production's legacy.

Jesus Christ Superstar Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Praise and complaint for Jesus Christ Superstar abound all over the Internet; there's no real point dissecting it further here, particularly considering the Blu-ray disc's atrocious train wreck picture quality and limited supplemental materials. Fans of the production are encouraged to give this one a watch some time, but frankly this Blu-ray release isn't worth the disc it's pressed on. Sound is fine, true, but the picture quality falls below even DVD standards. Skip it entirely, give it a rent, or just opt for the DVD instead.