Paul Perryman Having seen Starlight Express, Phantom Of The Opera and Cats all live on stage, it's good to see the stage show more or less as it was back in the day visually (wish they'd do Starlight Express as it was back in the 90's) but that will never happen i guessThis DVD imo is ruined by the lyrical change to the detriment of flow even Memories is only saved by Elaine Page's brilliant goosebump performance in the reprise.I don't see why directors, musicians take perfect scores and decide to change the lyrics or the backing music and put in corny music instead. Don't mess with what worked. The same can be said for Phantom Of The Opera, Starlight Express my 2 all time favourite stageshows with Cats being in 3rd, sure you need to evolve the show to keep interest but the original lyrics or even the Australian versions were masterpieces then they change critical songs and its not on the same level anymore.

taikaelain The Cats film version is a celebration of music, dance and visual details. The cast is magnificent, the music catchy and energetic, and the costumes and make-up couldn't in my mind be any better. I have seen the Cats film about twenty times, and every time I found some new detail to admire. I doubt this film will ever grow old for me, that much I love it. The cast is as said, immensely talented in dancing as well as singing and acting. My personal favourites were Michael Gruber as Munkustrap, John Partridge as Rum Tum Tugger (he simply oozes sex appeal!), Aeva May as Demeter, Veerle Casteleyn as Jemima (those eyes!), Jason Gardiner as Alonzo, Karl Morgan as Pouncival (my favourite, although he has only a minor part), Jacob Brent as Mr. Mistoffelees/Quaxo and Jo Bingham as Etcetera. To be truthful, I loved every single performer in the show. Elaine Paige was good as Grizabella, and Memory is a hauntingly beautiful song, but in my mind, this part of the show is a bit over advertised, as the show in whole makes Cats what it is. As for the missing plot, all I can say is that those who say there is no plot at all, you haven't been paying enough attention to the show. There indeed is a plot, although it only runs on the background. But this plot is not the major point in Cats. It's the ingenious lyrics of T.S. Eliot turned into captivating songs, the stunning dance choreography and the eye-catching costumes and make-ups together that create a true spectacle. Besides, it's a musical for crying out loud, not some drama movie, so it doesn't really even need a plot! The music and dancing should be enough for both the mind and the eye. Some people may complain about the Growltiger's Last Stand being missing, but as I have seen a live version after seeing the video, it's not really a flaw for me. There are of course some little details that could have been better, and that is why my rating for Cats is 9/10. I know that some people don't ever really get what Cats is about, but that's just their shame. I personally think that Cats is one of the greatest musicals in history.

mesquiteeve This is the most wonderful Movie & Play that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Since then I have purchased the CD so I will always have it on hand when I need to see it again (and that is very Often) I wish there were more of these themes for us to see. The music is special and the dancing is spectacular. Grizabella the Glamour Cat, was outstanding and her voice so expressive that I cried.I hope that Mr Webber comes up with more of this quality of Musicals for the public, This should inspire all, that enjoy this quality of work, to seek out the best in entertainment. We all need quality and enjoyment in our live and this is without the doubt the best ever. Thank you Mr. Webber and the cast of "Cats" you were Great!!!!!

ColinBaker This my favourite STAGE musical. It was my first three-dimensional theatrical experience, by which I mean that the barrier between performers and audience is broken. Many of the cast come on stage through the audience, and venture out at various moments. When I first saw Cats, I was disconcerted when one of the cast stroked my back before going on stage, and it must be quite unnerving to have someone in character a couple of feet away from you staring at you and reciting The Naming Of Cats. The character of Macavity appears in the circle a couple of times. Cats is also the only musical I have ever seen where a character remains on stage throughout the interval (Deuteronomy), and members of the audience can talk to him.The music, singing and dancing are all wonderful. Critics complain about a lack of plot, but the experience of seeing Cats live is so magical and moving that plot is irrelevant. The emotion of seeing it live means a recorded version can never do the show justice. I don't think anyone should see the video/DVD without first seeing the show live, as they could be disappointed. This also means that much of the choreography has been adjusted on the assumption that performers remain on stage throughout.Having said that, the cast on the video/DVD comprises some of the most memorable performers of Cats over the years. Elaine Paige is the only acceptable Grizabella, and Ken Page is an excellent Deuteronomy (I preferred Brian Blessed, but he's too old now!!!!). The inclusion of John Mills means that Gus is played by someone of the right age, but it also means that the Growltiger sequence is excluded (John Mills could hardly transform himself into a young, bounding 'cat'!)The dancing is stunning. Some of it is very sensuous. Youngsters won't get those nuances, but heterosexual men everywhere should fall instantly in love with Veerle Casteleyn's gorgeous eyes (one pleasant aspect of seeing the cast in close up!).This is a fine way to remember the show (apart from the above cut), but not a good way to see it for the first time. I know it's quite difficult to find since it closed, but it is on tour in the UK (hopefully other productions are touring around the world). I've just seen it again (Wimbledon Theatre, the third time I've seen it). If the show is in your area, go and see it, and watch this video/DVD afterwards.