Overall, I enjoyed it. I've seen the play on stage in NY and LA. I also own the soundtrack, and saw the movie version that was made recently with much of the original cast. In that sense, it was very clear to me when choices were made to sing or act the show differently. As an actor, I appreciate making a character your own, but as an audience member, part of me would have liked to hear songs with the phrasing more like the original casts. It took a bit of time to get in to "we are watching a staged production on film" aspect. For a while I felt like I could have been at home watching a PBS showing of the musical. But after a little while I felt like I was really in it. I liked hearing the audience reactions of those attending the recording, and myself and other movie audience members were inspired to clap after some songs as though we were really there. I liked that filming was done from many angles so you could see up close reactions of characters. I giggled at the 'intermission'.

What can I say about RENT? It was an amazing experience to be able to see THE most popular Broadway show on screen! I was not able to see the musical while it was on Broadway so I was so glad that they filmed the final show for those of us who could not see it onstage. The film was amazing!! It felt as if you were right onstage with the actors. I can't wait for the DVD to come out on FEB. 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will watch it over and over again!!! I will never get tired of watching this amazing show!!

....well, the play is. I have not yet seen the final performance. I will this week on the big screen. I have seen the play 13 times on stage and once on Broadway. I was so bummed to find out it was leaving Broadway! Oh well, now I get to own the DVD.

I was at the last performance in the front row!! It was AMAZING! Can't wait to own the DVD. I just hope the cameras were able to get the full spectrum of the performance and that it isn't all close ups!