Story Synopsis:
Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, this 1998 performance of Cats should assuage any withdrawl symptoms rabid fans may be suffering since its closing on Broadway September 10, 2000 (after 7,485 performances-a record!). Shot over 18 days at the Adelphi Theatre in London in 1998, this filmed account features some of the globally performed show’s most famous cast members such as originals Elaine Paige as Grizabella and Sir John Mills as Gus The Theatre Cat. Includes the memorable song “Memory.” Includes a making-of featurette.

DVD Picture:
The 1.70:1 DVD is not anamorphically enhanced, but exhibits a picture that should be generally pleasing for fans. The picture is generally sharp, with nicely rendered costume details in close-up shots. Fine details and clarity are wanting, with the picture appearing slightly hazy, with a fair amount of film grain. Pixelization is also apparent, making for a "digital" appearance at times. For a DVD, the image quality is mediocre, but as a stage performance, fans should not be too disappointed.

Soundtrack:
The Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel discrete soundtrack offer a nice music listening experience, although a sense of atmosphere beyond the screen channels is wanting. Except for some sparse instances, the surrounds are quiet throughout. This is a well-recorded soundtrack, featuring very good fidelity. There is also ample low frequency "kick" with some .1 LFE activity. Screen-based imaging is adequately wide. Overall, this is a lively musical sonic experience that is missing the element of ambience that would more have effectively engaged the listener into the soundfield.