Billy Elliot The Musical Live [Blu-ray] [2014] [UK Import]

An exceptionally good musical given a perfect performance. I have seen stage incarnations (West End, Broadway, touring) 8 times over 10 years. This version is as good as it gets. When I realized that no US release date was listed, I ordered the Hong Kong BluRay thanks to Amazon; it arrived a full week ahead of the projected date. Perfect condition; great video and sound. (Actually better than the cinema I saw it in a couple of months ago.) This is one of those (very) few musicals based on a wonderful movie that is actually better than the original. Elliott Hanna's performance is exceptional. And in the comfort of my home, instead of the London theater which has possibly the least comfortable seats in world history. If you enjoy this show, get this video. (I would still appreciate a US release, however; there are a bunch of people I would buy it for.)

This is why the musical theater remains one of the most immersive, fulfilling and magical areas in the arts. I saw the show on stage, and was blown away, but I have to say that watching "Billy Elliot: the Musical LIVE" tops even an in-theater performance. So yes, give it a chance if you're new to the musical experience and you might discover a whole new realm of enjoyment. If you saw the film "Billy Elliot", you'll find that all of the elements that made it one of the best-loved movies of its time are firmly in place, and expanded even more. The talent here is beyond amazing, from the main roles to the multi-used extras playing several parts. The "finale" is a surprise, because it's not really the finale; several surprises make this a truly joyous experience, among them many of the Billys of the past, now grown, sharing an exhilerating dance number with the recent Billys that will leave you breathless. in one scene, when asked why he loves to dance, Billy replies "It's like electricity!" That's about the best way to describe why this show is so phenomenal...it's like electricity.

I came late to the game on this brilliant show! I saw the original film a few years ago but missed the musical stage version completely. All I can say is wow! This show has it all-great story, great music and lyrics, drama and humor but most of all a phenomenal cast singing and DANCING their (and) your hearts out. The spectacular finale will lead you to a standing ovation along with the live audience this show was filmed for...a special cheer for the young performer that played Billy Elliot and all the Billy Elliots showing us to be who we are!

This is an excellent recording of the stage production of Billy Elliot that captures the heart and energy of the live show as much as possible for a recording. This appears to be only a single filmed performance rather than several filmed shows melded together in editing (like with the Rent production that was filmed). I prefer that since it gives it a more "live" feeling. There are a few non-standard audience angles like looking down on Billy's bedroom from above and looking at actors from the side of the stage. They aren't used super often though. Most of it is filmed from the front and more standard audience views. There were a few moments when I would have liked the camera to pull out more for a wider angle in large group scenes instead of focusing closely on the main characters, but that only happened occasionally. The actor/dancer playing Billy is phenomenal, and the rest of this cast is very strong as well. The special dances after the curtain call with all the former Billys are a fun extra.

I've seen the musical live on stage two different times and in two different USA cities (touring company) and loved it. Couldn't wait until a filmed version of the stage play was done. This one is fantastic! Elliott Hanna is superb as Billy. All the cast members are great. It was a special treat to see them bring back Liam Mower for this live production - cast as the adult version of Billy. That dance sequence is always stunning. What amazed me most was how well this was filmed - multiple cameras, close-ups, following the action as needed, sound recorded directly from the source (and I never saw one microphone!) rather than sounding hollow and distant like most plays recorded in an auditorium. The audience is mostly inconspicuous and provides enough laughter and applause for this to be like you're really there without having the audience intruding on the performance itself. This was worth every penny, and worth every bit of the wait for it to come from Hong Kong. If you live in the USA and want this NOW! - get it NOW! No need to wait for a USA distributor company to come on board.

I had always been a huge fan of Billy Elliot, the movie, so when I found out it had been turned into a musical in London, I clamored for the day it would come to New York. After it did, I made the trek to see it on Broadway in 2010. It then became my favorite musical. I was a little nervous when I heard that the London production was being filmed. Sometimes stage shows just don't translate well on film. Well, I had nothing to be nervous about. This production is amazing! The one thing that makes it better than seeing it on stage, is the fact that the excellent camera work brings you up close and personal and you can feel and see the raw emotions the actors portray in their faces. I challenge anyone to keep a dry eye when Elliot Hanna sings "The Letter". Speaking of Elliot Hanna, it is worth owning this production just to have the evidence of his remarkable performance. He is bound to have an amazing career ahead of him, as many of the other boys who portrayed Billy on stage have.I strongly recommend this purchase. If you are a musical theatre lover, a fan of the original movie, or even a fan of Elton John's musical genius, this is the show for you! Buy it! You won't regret it!

Billy Elliot the Musical showcases some of the most talented young performers you ever will see. Great Elton John score and fantabulous dancing highlight this stunning musical drama! These young pros prove that it's hard work, not TV-contest auditions, that make "The Theatre" what it is and must continue to be.Only caution-- the working-class world of Billy is one of crusty language and parents will want to check it out before viewing with those who need to see it most. One of the "Billys" mothers told him that he could say those words on stage but he'd better NOT say them at home! LOL.

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.

I am certainly not a fan of Elton John but this musical contains talent in so many ways - appropriate orchestration, excellent acting, staging and choreography plus one spectacular performance as Billy Elliot from Elliot Hanna. (There have been several lads playing the part but it's hard to believe that any could have have surpassed this lad.) The sheer energy is so impressive in itself but there is real 'star' talent here. A big surprise for me. I first saw most of it on TV in a break from Christmas activity. I bought the Blu-ray and watched it all with my wife. It was just as good the second time. That says something!

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.

Have seen the show twice in London and it's one of my favourite musicals so was looking forward to seeing this on bluray. Was instantly taken aback at the filming of this. Stage musicals are hard to film and it can be difficult to immerse the viewer and they can come across as 2D events. The filming of this show is different. The cameras get up close and it's more like viewing a TV play. The editing in particular is excellent. None of the actors put a foot wrong, everyone is spot on especially the kid playing Billy who is such a good actor as well as a superb dancer. Highly recommended.

Having seen the film numerous times, the stage show once and loved both, I wondered if this would live up to them. It surely did! A wonderful production and I could not fault it at all. I just wish I could have seen this particular show on stage even though the show I've seen was brilliant. Now when I need my "Billy Elliot" fix do I watch the film or this dvd?

Most fans of musical theatre will have added this brilliant dvd to their collections. For those who are fans of the film will not be disappointed with this filmed version of the stage production live from the Victoria Palace Theatre in London.Ann Emery who created the rôle of 'Grandma' in 2005 gives one of her last performances as she has recently retired at the age of 84, after a long & distinguished career. So an opportunity to see this remarkably talented artist who I'm sure will be sorely missed by all the cast & crew.As a special finalé, all the previous 'Billys' appear in a stunning display of dance ability & inventive choreography.This dvd contains very strong language, which from the youngsters is shocking but in context, entirely realistic.All round, a triumph for all concerned.

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.

Musicals and stage shows are my favourite past-time. Saw this when it was broadcast live to cinemas across the UK, having previously seen it live in London, and was so impressed by the standard of the filming. I wasn't sure whether or not it would look awkward trying to get everything across on screen, and was thoroughly surprised.The story is fantastic, and the music incredibly catchy. The choreography and standard of acting is fantastic. What is easily the most superb part of this however, is the unbelievable standard of talent of the young boy playing Billy. To see talent oozing from someone of such a young age really does give me goose bumps.What makes this so special, is the end finale with the past Billy's. To see them all come back to a special performance of the show which catapulted them to fame, really is very moving.I love, love, love it!

This is THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE! It is full of tears and laughter. The entire production is SUPERLATIVE BUT it is the actors who just SHINE SHINE SHINE!!! Elliot Hanna as Billy is superlative ... how a 10 year old can dance ballet, tap and jazz to such a high degree of EXCELLENCE as well as sing and act it is just impossible to believe ... but you see it so you have to! He is a genius and a prodigy. The other leading roles are excellent too especially the young lad who played Billy's friend. He was just incredible in his own way. So too was Billy's grandmother and dance teacher ... and father and brother too ....ALL FANTASTIC!EVERYONE MUST BUY THIS DVD ... and see the production if you are in London!. It is just AWESOME (By the way it is rather offensive to Lady Thatcher and the language is VERY ripe ... that is why it was given a 15 rating BUT you have to accept it in context for what it was trying AND VERY MUCH SUCCEEDING to represent.

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.

I put this on one night when a friend came to visit thinking that they wouldn't like it. Anyway, he watched it quietly and a few seconds after it had finished, he later put something on hid Facebook page saying how good it was, with some of his friends saying that they wouldn't mind seeing it themselves. After that, he was constantly asking to borrow it, and I kept refusing, as generally when he borrows something, it's very rare that I'll ever see it again. So made the decision to purchase it for him, and he loved it!! At least I got to keep my own copy to watch time and time again, and so does my friend!! Fantastic DVD and would highly recommend. In fact, I feel that it's slightly better than the film with Jamie Bell, but that's only my opinion.

absolutely amazing. there is nothing really to say apart from it really being worth a watch. have seen this show live as well, but i cant remember crying quite as much as i did when watching the DVD with a different cast. elliot hanna really is an actor to keep an eye out for.also loved the added bonus at the end where the other billy's performed, and even bought back a lot of the old billy's in a one of dance/song number.

I absolutely love this musical! It is both moving and funny at points, and I personally find all the songs great.The one problem with this recording is that it is shot like a film, with close ups and different views, which I think is a shame. It means that you don't always get to see the whole stage and so can miss some of the other characters reactions and other things that happen. However, I would definitely recommend the recording (although if you have children watch it first to ensure that you don't mind the language).Having seen the show in London I would say it is better live on stage but this is a nice way of revisiting the musical

Love it. Have watched it twice in 2 weeks.Billy Elliot is one of my favourite films, and I really wanted to see the stage show, but there was no way I could afford to travel to London to see the show.Decided this would be the next best thing and boy was I right.The production is fabulous and it is nearly as good as being there. In fact in some ways it is better. At least this way you have your own comfy armchair, can pause it to go to the loo or make a cuppa and more importantly there are no twits in the audience with mobiles or talking.Will be watching this over and over for years to come. Spoil yourself, give yourself a treat and BUY THIS NOW.