I have been in high school performances before and only 13 and this is probably the best performanaces we are going to do!! This movie was one of the best I have ever seen.You have to see it.

I have always loved this show, ever since my high school put it on decades ago. Viewing this DVD, something about the production didn't quite work for me, but it took me a long time to figure out what the problem was. And I finally decided that the problem was Bette Midler. She is a good actress, with a lovely voice, but I think she took the role of Rose a bit too seriously. She does a great job as the overbearing stage mother who 'just wanted to be noticed', but while her depiction may be accurate, it tends to trample over everyone else in the cast. The scenes without Bette (Tulsa and Louise dancing to "All I Need is the Girl", Louise and June singing "If Mama Was Married", the strippers demonstrating the secrets of their success for Louise ... even Louise singing "Little Lamb" (probably the weakest song in the score) are all lovely and enjoyable. But then Rose comes back and starts chewing up the scenery, and all is lost again.
Really disapointing, because if Bette could have just turned it down a couple of notches, the production would have been almost flawless.

Gypsy was a popular stage show with Ethel Merman with music by Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim. From Everything is Comin Up Roses to Let Me Entertain You this show has many great songs. Filmed by Warner Bros with Rosalind Russell as Mama Rose & Natalie Wood as her daughter Rose who became Gypsy Rose Lee, this TV version(1993) is highly entertaining and runs the 150mins of the Warner film. Bette Midler plays her part well in a story that is very reminiscent of an era that was once in US live theatre. The opening credits depicts stills of performers in stills from this long gone era. I have the original Laserdisc of this TV version from its original issue and I was pleased to be able to get the DVD into my collection. It will be regularly run for my enjoyment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to collectors of stage musical material.

From curtain up to curtain down, this movie is a fablous remake of the classic show! I have seen both film versions, the one with Natalie Woods and Rosalind Russell. Then, I just bought this one...MUCH BETTER. While I still will always the '62 film, I believe this one tops it. I mean you have a combination of Broadway's finest (Lacey Chabert, Peter Lockyer), some of Hollywood's best talent (Peter Riegert & Ed Asner), and some great comics (Bette Middler). With a stunning cast, terrific music, and costumes that look thrilling. This movie can't go wrong! Funny story: When I usually watched "Gypsy" on T.V, I always thought the guy playing Tulsa was boring & a stiff. I watched this one....WOW! Much better performance by Broadhurst then by Wallace. Go Jeffrey! Back on tracks, this movie is superb and should be added to anyone's DVD collection.

This is the only film version of the movie GYPSY that is somewhat close to the play! I mean the only good person in the origional is Natalie Wood, even she has flaws! But with Bette Midler as Mamma Rose, shes great! Sure, not the best for the part, but good. For instance Patti LuPone might have better! But Ms. Midler gives the best performance of her career I think! And all the co-stars are great defanlty the girl for Louise! But the guy for herby cant sing but makes up for it in pretty good acting. If you want something worth your money with a good cast get this movie! I liked it.

Bette Midler has oodles of talent,we just don't get much of it here! In this version of Gypsy,Ms. Midler is either doing the show because someone told her she should,or,she did it to give Ethel Merman a run for her money! Rest easy Ethel! I did not get the feeling that her heart was in this performance. If Ego were shoes,Bette wears a size 13 in this performance,but unfortunately,she only has size 7 1/2 feet to fill them. I would disagree with some of the other comments on this version as well. I have seen Ethel Merman on BROADWAY,Rosalind Russell w/Karl Malden and Bette.
Ethel has the voice, Rosalind is the superb actress in the role,(and suprisingly talented with her rendition of the score),
but Bette is neither. I suppose it's been a long,hard road since the days of "The Rose"!?
If you're into the musical score primarily,get the CD with Ethel,(all the songs are there). If your into the best all round show,Get Rosalind Russell, Karl Malden and Natalie Wood,(who,by the way is the best Gypsy Rose Lee of any production),the only drawback to this show is the editing out of 'Together wherever we go'
If you're into throwing away your money on a lack luster performance,but just have to have everything Bette's ever done,go ahead. P.S. One more further comment on casting; It seems Midler knew she wasn't up to the project so insisted that nobody had more talent than she. Either that,or the casting director threw darts on a list of available names and went for it! If Midler's performance was disappointing, the rest of the cast's were just downright forgettable.This proves an 'ism' on stage AND film; When the show features a headliner with a bunch of nobodys,it spells Ego Grandstanding, not quality.

The production is marvelous, Bette Middler is fantastic. The DVD was delivered in a timely fashion and packaged adequately.

Bette Midler as always is an outstanding performer and this film is no exception. The performances from the entire cast create an entertaining remake of the original movie. This version is every bit as good as the film staring Natalie Woods and Rosalind Russell.

Have heard about Gypsy - glad I have seen it - I recommend it - Bette Midler plays the part so well.

First of all, I was excited to find Gypsy for less than $100 on DVD again! I missed the first round of releases and then it was discontinued so it became a 'rare' item. Naturally, that meant when I saw this in the Gold Box deals I went nuts and bought it right away! It came in perfect condition, and rather quickly as well (I ordered from the US to Canada).

It's a great movie, definitely better in a lot of parts than the Rosalind Russell version. Though the perfect film would be Rosalind Russell's voice, Bette Midler and Natalie Wood's acting, and the more 'open' way that the Midler version is presented. I would recommend this for any fan of burlesque or Bette Midler or musicals in general!

I can only describe this movie with one word- WOW! Bette Midler makes an astounding performance as Mama Rose, the pushy stage mother, forcing her kids into showbiz. It makes you cry! though, then again, I always wonder, why don't they put Betty Buckley in the role? She was great in it when I saw here as Mama Rose (she was at the Paper Mill playhouse in NJ...) but anyway, bette Midler is great, and don't get me wrong, the other movie of Gypsy in 1962 with Natalie Wood and Rosalind Russel, is also outstanding, with a little more time put into it, though! I love this movie and hate Tyne Daly's version, but Bernadette Peters, and Ethel Merman, and Betty buckley are all great too! it would be interesting if they put Streisand in Mama Rose's role....(....hmmmm....), Anyway, i love this movie and hope you enjoy it also!

Bette Midler shines in this authentic production of "Gypsy." The production maintains the "stage presence" instead of trying to make it look like a movie set--a brilliant decision. Midler captures the true strength and vulnerability of the character of Mama Rose in a way that no others have done before. I have seen Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daley, Bernadette Peters and others perform in this show--one of my favorites. None of them has been able to deliver like Bette. Don't miss this one. It was selling on ebay for around $75 before its re-release. It is one to watch again and again.

After seeing GYPSY on Broadway twice in the past year,I decided to watch both the Russell and Midler versions back to back in one evening.Not only was the Midler version far superior to the Russel one(though at moments there were glimmers in that one),but frankly I enjoyed it more than even the Peters rendition(which I enjoyed immensely) live in NYC!All three ladies mentioned are wonderful yet entirely different Madame Roses.What really clicked for me in this 1993 production was the supporting cast namely Cynthia Gibb as Louise and the ever consistently brilliant Christine Ebersole as Tessie Tura.Both performers were at the top IMO.This show is great material for super actors and this movie version,totally faithful to the original stage play( that is refreshing!)fires on all cylindars.The ride is jaunty and hilarious.Peter Riegert's timid Herbie is all the better when he finally unleashes on Rose."Finally" I said,"he got some nerve!" Bette Midler is as marvelous as she always is.She was made for this role.I would be hard pressed to find another reason to remake this show again.This was as good as it gets.BROADWAY IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.

Bette midler plays ROSE HOVIC who always has her daughters in acts.
As they grow up June leaves and Louise becomes a stripper.
This leads rose too...............................................

THIS MOVIE IS EXCELLENT! PLEASE SEE IT, ESPECIALLY ON BROADWAY NOW, WITH BERNADETTE PETERS. I LOVE THE MUSIC, AND THE STORY, AND ESPECIALLY STEPHEN SONDHEIM, THIS IS A MASTERPIECE, IT MAKES YOU CRY.

I bought this CD on a recommendation not knowing what to expect.

Well, I was stunned by Bette Midler's performance. It's Rose's show of course.

The supporting roles are good as well.

This classic, jazzy, all around min-blowing musical is brought back from the dead in a stirring rendition! Bette Midler is just fantastic as Mamma Rose. She will knock oyur socks off! And the girl who palys older Lousie is sexy and intriguing this cast is from heaven as well as this production!!!

perhaps i'm a little jaded, but i really loved the rosalind russell/natalie wood version the most. i've seen it on broadway with bernadette peters and angela lansbury and they were just ok. i've never seen it with the originator of mama rose, ethel merman, but heard she was phenomenal. this version with bette midler was entertaining, but didn't have that special something. i really believed rosalind russell more than any other rose that i've seen, even if she didn't do her own singing.

Bette Midler as Gypsy! Sounded like dream casting. But Bette Midler unfortunately plays Bette Midler and forgets to truly develop the role of Mama Rose. Bette, who used to be a good actress, kind of gives the role lots of chutzpah but nothing more. Peter Reigert makes an interesting Herbie. For true scene munching and much better musical theatre goodies see the Gypsy with Roz Russel and Natalie Wood. One only need compare the two Mama Roses to see how Roz developed a character , while Bette

hasn't developed a character since the Rose. Why do actresses get lazy when they get successful?

Bette Midler is an outstanding triumph in this made-for-TV movie. Unlike the 1962 film with Rosalind Russell, Midler plays the part with quite a bit more depth and with a much darker undertone. Russell was still riding high from her Aunite Mame success and tried to recapture the madcap Mame character in her version. Midler ignores all other portrayals and brings a definite sense of drama to the part of Mama Rose, something the part of the scrounging, pushy, overwrought character needs. The comedy is definitely there, but even it is undetoned with drama. Midler's pop culture voice may be a little unsuited, but it does keep the film lighter and airier than it otherwise would have been. It also emphasizes the success story of Gypsy Rose Lee. Her story was a tragedy, and the success in itself was tragic. Midler also brings so much more to the demented, delusional, nervous breakdown of Mama Rose at the end of the film, heightened by her show-stopping rendition of Rose's Turn. Midler's performance almost makes you feel sorry for Mama Rose, but at the same time accomplishes the intended action, making you very wary of her.

Cynthia Gibbs also portrays Gypsy better than most. She makes the part come alive with drama of her own. Peter Riegert as the long-suffering Herbie is on a par with Midler, an accomplishment in itself.

This film is a definite success despite its anit-Cinderella storyline. Gypsy says something fairly hard to take. Every child eventually has to be responsible for their parents-that you outgrow your parents, and eventually they become your children.

While no production of Gypsy will ever equal Ethel Merman's performance, as it was tailor-made for her, this one comes close. Midler takes the show and runs with it, giving Mama Rose a rather different portrayal than usual, but one that is much loved and wanted. If you watched the 1962 film and didn't quite get all the undertones, this film bursts them open and makes them clear.

This made-for-TV version of the classic Broadway show GYPSY is remarkable. It sticks primarily to what to see if you were in a theatre. The show is essentially what you would see if you were on Broadway.

Bette Midler is dynamite as Mama Rose, the ultimate stage mother. She reportedly recorded most of her songs live, without the pre-recorded vocal track. The role had been a dream of Midler's for years. She makes an indelible impression in the role.

Cynthia Gibb (THE KAREN CARPENTER STORY) plays Louise, who would blossom into the burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. She has a pleasant singing voice and charming acting style. She has been highly acclaimed for her performance here.

Peter Riegert plays Herbie, Rose's love interest. In a very under-developed and not very well-written role, Riegert tries his best. He also sings wonderfully.

In supporting roles are Jennifer Beck as June, Christine Ebersole as Tessie Tura, Anna McNeely as Elektra, Linda Hart as Mazeppa, and Jeffrey Broadhurst as Tulsa.

A glittering, lavish, explosive production that can be revisited again and again.

Well, I was a bit skeptical of this when I first sat down to watch it. Although I was a big fan of Stephen Sondheim and Jerome Robbins, all I knew about this was that it had "Everything's Coming Up Roses", a song I had found to be all-too-optimistic-and-cheerful. However, when watching, I soon learned that the song is usually sung in a completely different context than its original. This is a marvelous version, far superior to the 1962 film. Bette captures the nightmarish, melodramatic personality of Mama Rose perfectly, and Cynthia Gibb is a wonderfully innocent - though later very much grown-up - Louise. Be warned - if all you know from Gypsy is "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Small World", you're in for a big surprise. Gypsy is a brilliantly dark story about a mother who pushes one daughter into showbusiness while at the same time ignoring the other, pushing one to the point of running off, and then forcing the other into stripping. This is an incredible play, and the film equals it (at least!).

Here comes BETTE. The Mama of all the Mamas. Now I can die happy. A good film of this classic has been made. I spent many a sleepless night because of that 1962 atrosity. Thanks for relieving my insomnia.

I enjoyed this production very much, however I do have some quibbles. Seeing the show in it's entirety onstage allows a certain momentum to be built up among the actors and the material. This film, while complete, seems to plod along from number to number with no emotional drive or flow. Midler has a great voice, and certainly LOOKS the part, but her "pop" singing style creeps through a bit to much for my taste. Also, the production design by Jackson DiGovia is greatly flawed. The film is BEAUTIFUL throughout. Problem: you never get a sense of the scrounging nature of Madame Rose. She may be clean, and she may project an attitude of superiority--but she lives in a VERY poor situation. There's no contrast to her, or the kids, in comparison to the world they inhabit.

The score of Gypsy is outstanding, and the book of such high quality that it could stand alone as straight drama. Unlike the previous screen version (Rosalind Russell starring), this one is true to the beautiful play.

Unfortunately, despite Bette Midler's talent in areas where she herself can shine, her voice is not well suited to the score. Of course, anyone would find Ethel Merman a "hard act to follow" as Mama Rose, but Bette's voice tended to sound very strained.

Acting is better than average for a film musical, and the overall presentation is enjoyable, but Bette's voice being unsuitable to the wonderful score is a disappointment.

Finally, a film version that does this classic show justice. It keeps the original book intact, along with Jerome Robbin's expert choreography, adds some smart dierection and a tour-de-force performance by Midler. Though Midler may look a little too young to play Mama Rose, she pulls off the part remarkably well. You can see her determination to make her daughters succeed and deep sadness at her own failures in songs like "Some People," "Everything's Comming Up Roses," and "Mama's Turn." The movies fine script really gives Bette something to work with in term of character development and she succeeds. The supporting cast is strong enough to stand up against Bette, which is saying a lot. The actress playing the title character really evolves throughought the show from a meek tom-boy to a successful stripper. She handles not only both ends of the spectrum, but everything in between as well. The music, of course, is wonderful, and it's giving good showing in this production. _Gypsy_ is a wonderful show, and its a good thing someone came along to preserve it the way it should be done.

In this nonfictional story, a mother has made one of her daughters a star while the other is forced to play second string to her, having no apperant tallent. The favored daughter runs away and all of the chorus boys leave, so the mother is forced to make Louise, the untalented daughter, a star. They get booked into a burlesque theatre by mistake and the mother happens to overhear the boss saying they need a new stripper. Rose, the mother, volenteers her daughter to do the strip. She does and becomes a star. This story is amazing and the acting job done by Bette Midler is terrific. This is the best musical I have ever seen.

I loved Gypsy from the first time I saw it advertised on television. Being a Bette Midler fan, I just had to see it, which I did and loved it! Gypsy is my favourite video (and movie) of all time and I think you should be proud of what a great hit you've achieved!!

Get this video for Bette's bravura performance. She shines in the tradition of the great Merman. Avoid the movie with Roz Russell. Not so good.

I believe that this is the most faithful adaption of a musical to a movie that I have ever seen. The Direction was superb, and they pulled all the stops on this adaption. Such as in "Rose's Turn", Midler does teh bows at the end to an invisable audience in her head. Spooky Stuff. Speaking of Midler, she was just wonderful as Mama Rose. She may have chewed a little scenery here and there, but she was still wonderful. At times, it seemed as if you were watching a videotaped performance of the stage show that she was starring in. It is just a wonderful adaption of one of my favorite movies. I love Rosiland Russel, but her movie version is placid and badly directed.

I also must admit, I was a bit skeptical of how this movie was going transform. I only decided to sit it through because I was a true fan of the one and only Midler. I just sat in amazement and finally relief as to how well she and her co-stars pulled it off. By the end of the movie, I was convinced I was watching the true Mama Rose. What a true triumph for Miss Divine M. I will never ever doubt the power she has on us, her cherished audience. "Thanks for the great ride, Miss M, I hope it never stops" Yoli M

I was a little skeptical when I first saw this on TV. I couldn't imagine how the original stage or movie versions could be topped or even equaled. Well, I have to tip my hat to Ms. Midler and the cast. Everyone is superb! It makes me wish that more like minded performers would consider reviving some of the other great old musicals. IT IS possible to breath new life into a great classic. And at under $10, it's a steal!!

I have always been a "Gypsy" enthusiast. And this newest incarnation of the smash musical is truly something! With costumes by the legendary Bob Mackie, original broadway choreography recreated and a sensational performance by Bette Midler in the role of Momma Rose. Every song is delivered in a way that creates excitement and makes you wish it was always performed this well. The characters are alive and warm. Cynthia Gibb is versatile, funny and simply gorgeous as Gypsy. Her innocence brings you to the core of the musical, and contrasts it sharply with the driven, passionate and desperate ruthlessness of her mother. A true delight to watch, and an even more wonderful experience to own! Gosh, I really like this version of the show! Every production value has been recreated by the best in the industry. And the orchestrations have never been so brassy, sharp and puncuated! You will NOT regret THIS purchase!! Forget "Wizard of Oz, Singing in the Rain, or White Christmas". This will become your favorite musical! =) -Jayson!