The creative forces behind “Glee” are marketing geniuses. The hit Fox T.V. show not only features a handful of pop hits every episode but the mashed up cover tunes are available to purchase on iTunes as soon as the episode ends. Or you can purchase them at your local Walmart on good ol’ CD if you desire. Through 3 seasons, the cast has produced 16 albums including 2 Christmas albums and an EP featuring songs from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. According to Wiki, the songs have sold over thirty-six million digital single sales and eleven million album sales worldwide through October 2011. Hardcore.
Now comes the next logical step, a concert movie aptly entitled “Glee: The Concert Movie”. It was released in theaters in 3D and was originally (and aptly) called “Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” but now, unless you have one of those spiffy 3D Blu-ray players, you will be forced to watch the gleefulness in glorious 2 dimensions.
The film is nearly all concert material, with the cast members from the show belting out the hits they have belted out on various episodes. The footage was captured from the 4-week North American tour “Glee Live! In Concert!” and features over twenty popular songs. The real fun is seeing if the kids from Glee can really sing and the answer is generally “Yes”. The mics are hot and live for most of the show with the exception of “I’m a Slave 4 U” where I’m pretty sure Heather Morris (as Brittany) was lip-syncing. But in her defense I’m sure it is really hard to sing when you are flailing around-I mean- dancing around like that. And it’s a Brittany Spears song so maybe it was homage…
The movie features vignettes about some of the shows fan base. We see the story of a dwarf cheerleader and watch her go to prom. There is a gay kid who was outed a little too early for his liking and an autistic girl who shares her struggles. It is a welcome break for the concert and successfully shows that diverse world that “Glee” tries to promote.
Highlights performances include “Don’t Rain on My Parade” with Lea Michele doing her best Streisand, Kevin McHale doing the “Safety Dance,” and Chris Colfer crooning the “Across the Universe” version of “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. Gwyneth Paltrow shows up to squeak out “Forget You” proving that she will make it to any engagement that promises a microphone in her hand.
The only thing missing is a dose of Sue Sylvester as Miss Jane Lynch is only presented on the special features. Also, the boys cover of “Friday” has been designated a Deleted Scene but is one of the best musical moments on the disc.
Short story long, “Glee: The Concert Movie” is intended for fans of “Glee” and will enjoy the affection of no other. If you like the show, you will like this movie. Simple.