One catch is that some of the best numbers of the stage version simply missing because they - would not fit in the movie - real or imagined.
This applies especially to Roxie's delightfully zippy "me and my baby" which was included in the film, at least as an instrumental version, and the duet Roxie / Velma "My own best friend". Why was not really taken for the credits, instead of something meaningless number "Love is a Crime" of Anastacia? Since it would fit well. Pity!
"Class" - - After the duet Velma / Mama was at least recorded and is a highlight of the soundtrack.
As for the musical performance of the actors, there are two positive surprises: Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Velma Kelly not only an Oscar, she sings even better than any other, including the highly acclaimed Ute Lemper.
And: John C. Reilly, actually known as a character actor in film and a great Amos Hart, shows here that he was a trained - is musical singer - and excellent. His "Mr. Cellophane" is heartbreaking.
Richard Gere is impressive in the movie - he has just not trained singing voice, and will have to produce with his facial expressions that naturally absent in the CD a lot of expression instead. No comparison with the approximately reminiscent almost of Bing Crosby Henry Goodman in London recording from 1998, if not bad.
With Queen Latifah as Mama Morton reveals that she sings very well - without the film appearance but also surprisingly good. One would have thought her quite a large "tube".
Now to the actual point of criticism: According to the textbook, the Roxie Hart is to be a moderately talented singer - but she has indeed such a squeaky, expressionless voice have as Renee Zellweger? Anyone who has ever heard the fabulous Ruthie Henshall in London Up, knows what really lies in the role. Just about Zellweger's role also plays in the film, on the soundtrack they not convinced!
And that's why you should if you want to really get to know the play, set at least not only this soundtrack, but also a complete recording of the musical, the best London Cast Recording with Henshall.
This CD then worthwhile especially because Zeta-Jones and Reilly.
