Mamma Mia DVD Review

The hugely popular stage production, Mamma Mia! finally comes to DVD thanks to Universal Pictures and Director Phyllida Lloyd. A 20-year old girl, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is about to get married. Before she embarks on the most glorious day of her life, she wants to know the identity of her father. Secretly, Sophie events three men from her single mom Donna’s (Meryl Streep) past. Sam Carmichael (Pierce Brosnan), Bill Anderson (Stellan Skarsgard) and Harry Bright (Colin Firth) all had romantic moments with Donna 20 years earlier on the romantic Greek island where Donna now owns a small hotel.

Mamma Mia! is one of the most successful global stage productions of all time. The musical which is driven by the greatest hits of ABBA, has now been seen by over 32 million people worlwide. It has been on Broadway for seven consecutive years. There are currently 8 major productions of the musical running around the world.

The plot in Mamma Mia! is focused on the struggles a single mother has as she prepares to send her only daughter out into the world. Sophie is having mixed emotions herself. She is in love and ready for marriage, but she also faces some insecurity about leaving the home that she has always known with her mother.

Fans of the musical production of Mamma Mia! realize that it is the rich music of pop icons ABBA, that carry this fun-filled tale. Classic hits “Dancing Queen”, “S.O.S.”, “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me” are among the great songs featured. The DVD extras include an amazing 22-song sing along piece that allows viewers to enjoy the music as much as they want.

Universal wanted to go all out in putting together its DVD release of Mamma Mia! They did a great job centering the DVD package on items that fans would appreciate. It is not an easy undertaking to turn a musically-driven stage production into a popular feature length film. Audiences tend to either LOVE or HATE the movie depending on their perspective. An all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski certainly helps.

The story in Mamma Mia! does not come across quite as well on screen. Musical stage productions are often over the top by nature. Lines and presentation of characters are different on stage. Some of the acting, interaction, and musical interludes come across as a bit goofy in the movie release. The plot is still intriguing, but the incredibly melodic music is really what makes Mamma Mia! a success. A recommendation for this film is simple. If you enjoy the music and don’t mind a goofy but compelling story, this film is for you. If you find musicals goofy in general, leave it alone.

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 1:49

DVD Release Date: December 16, 2008

Grade: C+

Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Reviewed by Neil

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