Customer Rating: 
Summary: The perfect transaction
Comment: I was very happy with the quality of the book, the packaging, and the speed at which it arrived in Australia, at a very reasonable rate. Many thanks!
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Superb photography but lightweight commentary.
Comment: I have been a Sweeney Todd (the musical)fan for some time now and have researched the myth/legend from around 1602 to 2007 through a variety of sources. Indeed, Robert L.Mack's, The Wonderful and Surprsing History of Sweeney Todd: The Life and Times of an Urban Legend (Continuum Books, 2007) is but one invaluable source for the avid admirer of the story and the musical.I was therefore keen to read the Mark Salisbury book on Tim Burton's movie of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I was delighted by the stunning photographs and drawings, strung together with well selected extracts from the movie. The visually challenged will find it difficult to read many of the explanatory captions however! My biggest criticism is that the narrative is more about justifying the choice of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter as the lead characters ( why not say the old firm of Burton-Depp-Carter was easier to work with after doing so many movies together?)rather than more substanially discussing the rationale for the actual making of the movie itself. In short, too much of the commentary is self-ingratiating waffle. The photographs on the other hand are evocative and, along with the pencil drawings and diagrams, take the reader into the world of Sweeney Todd rather than the production itself. Oh, in case I sound too critical, I enjoyed watching the movie but only wish the book told me more about it rather than the director and the lead players.
Customer Rating:
Summary: this is the original folklore, not the story seen in film
Comment: I have read this twice in my life. It is not like the film in a lot of ways and really captures the folklore that originally drove this story into the realm of urban legend. This is a slow reading book with many characters to follow. I enjoyed this book, but please realize just because Johnny Depp is on the cover does not mean it is an adaption of the screenplay. If you really want to go to the roots of where this heartwrenching and horrific story began please read this book. otherwise just enjoy a stunning movie and score.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Sweeney rules!
Comment: The film and soundtrack of Sweeney Todd are a perfect distillation of what for many was an unapproachable Sondheim oeuvre. Having seen the original Broadway version ages ago, and two local productions since, I can say that this is the definitive essence of every aesthetic and poetic aspect of Sweeney. It may be an acquired taste for some, but once savored, it will be relished for quite some time. Bravo to all!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Wickedly Delicious
Comment: It was something else to watch and it was another thing to see how the masterpiece was made. The book goes over the characters, how the actors made the role, the music, sets, costumes and has part of the original script. Plus, it gives great insight on Tim Burton and other artists' decisions into developing the scenes, climax, music, and characters.
The thing that makes this book is the pictures. It's hysterical to see a laughing Sweeney sharing a joke with Tim Burton. Plus, you get to see interesting behind the scene shots and the original set and costume designs. I'm very glad I bought this book and I still look at it even though it has been almost half a year since the movie came out. Five stars!
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