Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour Blu-ray Movie Review

'Superstar' on Blu-ray: now with real picture quality!

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 30, 2015

For the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Weber (The Phantom of the Opera) and Tim Rice's epic Rock Opera album-turned worldwide stage production sensation Jesus Christ Superstar, a live arena tour was planned, but not before its lead was selected by the British public through the program Superstar, essentially a talent search-turned reality television program that would cast the winner in the role of none other than Jesus Christ himself. Ben Forster, a 31-year-old native of Sunderland, won the part and stars in the most modern, most fully-updated-for-a-new-generation version of the widely acclaimed and widely divisive Jesus Christ Superstar yet. Beginning in 2012 and playing in both the UK and Australia, the production attracted some 320,000 fans and also featured a former Spice Girl and a comedian in the key roles of Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot, respectively.

Crucified.

Though it's dizzyingly flashy, audibly triumphant, expertly choreographed, intoxicatingly catchy, and above all evolutionary through its 40-year production history, Jesus Christ Superstar, at its core, tells a familiar, if not exaggerated, Biblical tale as sourced from the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The story centers on Jesus' (Forster) growing popularity amongst a weary people looking for refuge from the world's troubles, here economic turmoil, military conflict, and police clashes with the populace. One of his followers, Judas Iscariot (Tim Minchin), voices concerns over Christ's growing popularity and the expectations of those who follow him. The production also weaves in Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalane (Melanie Chisholm) and follows on through to his interactions with figures such as King Herod (Chris Moyles) and Pontius Pilate (Alexander Hanson) en route to the crucifixion. From Birmingham's NEC Arena.

There's enough commentary out there on the ins-and-outs of Jesus Christ Superstar in terms of its cultural impact, its societal observations, and commentary on its depiction of religion that to rehash it all in this space would be only echo one side or another and, undoubtedly, spark more round-and-round debate that's been tossed around for some four decades now. The show itself, and this particular novelty that is stage production-meets-home video spectacle, makes for a much more apropos subject of analysis for the purpose of Universal's Blu-ray release. In that context, Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour's home presentation doesn't need to be concerned with only the live performance, as the case may be for those fortunate enough to fill the theater seats, but also the home video presentation, i.e. how well the experience translates to the home outside of the live theater. In regards to the former: mission accomplished. This is a polished, well-versed, strongly choreographed, and expertly performed spectacle that updates the story to the cutting edge of modern society -- Jesus is filmed with iPads and iPhones by his admirers -- and features a number of exhilarating performances that seamlessly blend together emotional depth and physical triumph, the latter both the song and dance and the conveyance of those emotions in body language and verbal tone. It's a rich, lively production to be sure, one that feels larger than the confines of its set -- no doubt aided by the gigantic monitor above the stairs -- yet still intimate enough to keep the focus on the narrative, not just the pomp and circumstance around it.

In regards to the latter -- how well this particular performance of Jesus Christ Superstar translates to home video -- also mission accomplished. Even as the action is isolated to a single area where performers gather on a tall flight of stairs, the film version offers a smooth, robust viewing experience as it swoops and sweeps and smartly carries the audience around the show, switching between more sweeping full-stage (and the screen behind it) vistas and more intimate close-ups that allow a level of visual nuance not necessarily evident in the live setting, discounting productions such as this with the oversized monitor hanging above the action. The film finds that perfect balance between simple narrative delivery and involved structure, making the audience feel more like a part of the show rather than merely a distant spectator. The viewer will appreciate both the general scope and scale of the production and the performances' more initiate nuances alike, particularly in shots that cut away from the focal performer for reaction from different characters; Tim Minchin's ability to physically and emotionally respond to the narrative even when he's not a front-and-center focus makes for a particularly rewarding aspect of the home video viewing.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour is a breath of heavenly air next to the hellish transfer for the 2000 rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar which ranks as one of the absolute worst Blu-ray presentations on the market. While this one isn't quite perfect, it's a pleasure to watch. Minor aliasing and a hint of noise are the main issues here, but they're largely overpowered by the transfer's positives. Details are rich and frequently striking. Broader stage views are well defined and sharp but it's in the more intimate close-ups where the image truly shines. Facial pores and actor hair, makeup, and clothing accents are very sharp and intricate. Image clarity is strong. Colors are robust and pleasant, particularly as they stand apart under strong lighting and against the otherwise darkened backdrop. Black levels are deep and satisfying. Flesh tones appear neutral. For those wanting Superstar looking great on Blu-ray, this is the place to come.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack rocks. Musical definition is terrific, even as the songs spill out of the speakers with no shortage of enthusiasm, volume, and weight at reference level. Music plays with a wide, welcoming, and enveloping presence, supported by a healthy and robust back channel element and a deep, satisfying low end accompaniment. Whether the most electrifying musical currents or the most subtle lyrical nuance, Universal's soundtrack proves up to the challenge of delivering the entire Superstar sonic experience with the sort of vitality, robustness, immersion, and attention to detail the production deserves.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour's menu (and not a traditional Universal-themed menu at that) contains no text, only symbols, making it a minor guessing game to decipher which symbol houses what options. Inside the Blu-ray case, buyers will find a A UV/iTunes digital copy voucher.

• An Introduction by Andrew Lloyd Weber (1080p, 19:17): Weber covers a good bit of ground as it pertains to this new Arena Tour rendition, from origins to performances, ending with a comment about the production's legacy.
• Behind the Scenes (1080p, 23:11): Going back a week before the performance, this piece looks at the process of bringing it all together, including reinventing the production to modern times, set design, technical details, cast rehearsals and approach to the work, costumes, makeup, and more.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live Arena Tour is a true spectacle of theater meets home video. It's a rich, detailed production that features strong performances of classic material that's withstood the test of time and, even now more than 40 years in age, maintains a level of freshness with every new rendition. This "Arena Tour" version is certainly the one to own between the competing "updated" versions of the production currently on Blu-ray, blowing the 2000 television version out of the water in every way, particularly in the Blu-ray disc's technical prowess. Recommended.