Rent Filmed Live on Broadway is a 2008 film of the final performance of the original Broadway production of the musical Rent on September 7, 2008, with some footage of the closing night celebration. The film had a limited theatrical release between Septemberand 28, 2008, in more than 500 theaters with high definition digital projection systems in the US and Canada. According to Sony Pictures Releasing President Rory Bruer, it was the first live Broadway show to be available in major North American movie theaters. The film was released on DVD and Bluray on February 3, 2009.
In comparing the film with the stageplay, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote, Nothing can compare with seeing a show conceived for the stage in an actual performance. But the cinecast of Rent, staged directed by the originals Michael Greif and for the camera by Michael Warren, comes close. Its electrifying. Jon Kamen and the wizards at radical.media have utilized stateoftheart highdefinition video and digital audio technology to make the show come alive. Thanks to the gifted cinematographer Declan Quinn Leaving Las Vegas, Monsoon Wedding, it practically jumps off the screen... ...For the first time ever, audiences across the country who couldnt see Rent and watch members of the original cast join the new cast onstage for the final curtain reprise of Seasons of Love, can share the experience. Of the film itself, Broadway World wrote, the film is a dynamic way to bring the show to audiences across the country one last timeRent Filmed Live on Broadway was released on DVD and Bluray, in Region 1, on February 3, 2009 and onSeptember 2009 on Region 2. Both releases include featurettes on the ending of the show RENT The Final Days on Broadway looks at the cast and crews final days as well as the filming The Final Curtain Call looks at the final reprise of Seasons of Love The Wall looks at the famous backstage wall on which hundreds of messages have been written and The Final Lottery which documents the final lottery for tickets. There was a PSA for The Marfan Foundation. ........
Source: Wikipedia