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This gripping version of the notorious legend of a murderous barber throws out all the melodrama of the popular Sondheim musical. Instead, this BBC drama of Sweeney Todd treats the antihero as realistically as possible, with compelling results. After spending most of his childhood in the brutal Newgate prison, Sweeney Todd (Ray Winstone, Sexy Beast) becomes a reputable barber--but when he finds a vicious prison guard in his barber's chair, Todd can't keep himself from slitting the man's throat. From there, his bloodthirst grows compulsive, particularly after his life becomes entangled with a younger married woman, Mrs. Lovett (buxom Essie Davis, Girl with a Pearl Earring), whose pie shop begins receiving gifts of unspecified meat... Sweeney Todd skillfully weaves the most popular elements of the legend into a plausible story, adding in sardonic humor, nihilistic philosophy, and a few gruesome twists that will be appreciated by anyone with a taste for the macabre. Winstone's performance turns Todd into a sympathetic figure--without excusing or lessening his crimes. All in all, an excellent version of the story, well-produced, cleverly written, and cleanly directed. (The Director's Cut apparently includes a bit more gore than was in the original broadcast.) Also featuring David Warner (who played Jack the Ripper in Time After Time). --Bret Fetzer

Product description

TRYING TO CARVE OUT A QUIET LIFE FOR HIMSELF IN 18TH CENTURYLONDON, EXPERT BARBER & EX-CON SWEENEY TODD BEFRIENDS MRS LOVETT, A LUSTY YOUNG WOMAN WHO RUNS THE PIE SHOP NEXT DOOR.BUT WHEN CARVED-UP BODIES START TURNING UP - & MRS LOVETT'S MEAT PIES TURN EVEN MORE DELECTABLE - THE POLICE GET SUSPICIOUS.

Review

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - there is a lot to like about this humanistic approach to the horror legend. -- DVDTalk.com, March 13, 2007

Ray Winstone makes one intriguing Demon Barber of Fleet Street. -- Los Angeles Daily News

Winstone is simply amazing in the role, able to give us a killer who is as frightening as he is sympathetic. B+ -- Lethal Death

A+ 4.40 (out of 4.00). -- Shakefire.com, July 2007

Absolutely brilliant and totally gripping from beginning to end with superb acting throughout! -- Exclusive Magazine Online

The production values are exceptional, and the acting appropriately subtle but forceful and well-produced, cleverly written, and cleanly directed. -- Mediascreen.com

Winstone delivers a stunning, nuanced performance as Todd. -- The Entertainment Report, April 2007, ISBN13: B000MR9CXW ISBN10: B000MR9CXW Material Type: dvd