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starring: Kathy Bates, Victor Garber, Alan Cumming, Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenowethdirected by: Rob Marshall
Audience Rating: Unrated
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9780788820229
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
ISBN: 0788820222
Label: Walt Disney Video
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: February 01, 2002
Running Time: 90 minutes
Sales Rank: 78
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Theatrical Release Date: November 07, 1999
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
Disney's 1999 TV production of the classic 1977 musical Annie is remarkable for its casting of stage actors rather than ratings trump cards. Tony winners Audra McDonald (Grace), Alan Cumming (Rooster), and Kristin Chenoweth (Lily) join four-time nominee Victor Garber (Daddy Warbucks) and Les Misérables veteran Alicia Morton (Annie) to tell the tale of the Depression-era orphan who gets a taste of the upper-crust life. Not surprisingly, they all turn in strong performances, and even Oscar-winner Kathy Bates acquits herself well in a singer's role, as the villainous Miss Hannigan. Perhaps best of all is the original title moppet, Andrea McArdle, making a sensational one-minute cameo as the Broadway Star-To-Be in 'N.Y.C.'
Compared to John Huston's plodding, overly busy 1982 theatrical release, this production as directed by Rob Marshall (Cabaret, among other shows) is quite conservative; few numbers leave the confines of their sets, giving it the feel of a stage production. It is also more faithful as a whole to the Broadway original, though at a running time of 90 minutes it leaves out most of the historical context of the FDR administration as well as some of Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin's familiar songs, and makes a few plot changes, some of which work and some of which don't. Because of the omissions, this probably isn't a definitive film translation of Annie, but it's well paced for a young audience, and would be an excellent introduction to get children interested in live theater. Annie was produced by the team behind the 1993 telecast of Gypsy with Bette Midler, as well as 1997's Brandy-Whitney Houston Cinderella, and there are plans for many others. As Broadway shows are too often represented on video by inferior big-screen translations, this trend toward good, solid small-screen productions is most welcome. --David Horiuchi
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - The ideal cast
I almost cannot imagine a better-cast "Annie" than this one, unless they could somehow get a time machine and bring young Andrea McArdle herself forward to reclaim the title role. Kathy Bates! Alan Cumming! Audra McDonald! Victor Garber as Daddy Warbucks -- maybe the best of all. The musical is regrettably simplified and shortened for its TV running time, but remains extremely enjoyable and, despite budget and set limitations, far livelier than the overwrought 1982 film. The songs are beautifully ... Read More
Rating:  - Weak Remake
When I was a kid I loved the older Annie that was made in the 80's. This one is not even half the movie the other is if you ask me. However, there are more songs, so I'm sure some people like that. The downfalls of this movie is mainly the cast. The little girl playing annie is cute, has red hair (but straight!) and can sing but she cannot act well at all. She is quite stiff with her lines and the girl in the old one was much better at conveying emotion. Ms. Hannigan is also less mean and threatning. They ... Read More
Rating:  - The best ANNIE ever!
This is the best Annie, ever!
The original brodway production in a fun filled musical movie that charms both children and adults.
This movie fallows the original classic story and has all the traditinal songs and senes. I love to dance and sing along to this movie virsion of the best classic browdway production, ever!
Rating: - Fun for the whole family!
This is a very kid friendly version of Annie. It's nice to find a movie the whole family can watch together and not be afraid something will be inappropriate. My 4- and 6-year-old can't get enough of this movie! I don't mind watching it either. The songs are all so catchy!
Rating: - A kids review.
I got this dvd form my 17 b day from my mom and love it. I also have the music cd to.
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