Why don't west end musicals get released on DVD?

I went to see Grease in London once and it was one of the best things I have ever done. Now musicals like Dirty Dancing, Guys and Dolls etc. are coming out I am very disappointed as I am unable to go. Although watching on DVD would not come close to the atmosphere you get in the theatre, it would be better than nothing. I have looked on the web but cannot find any musicals on DVD (except for the film versions). Can anyone help?

Why don't west end musicals get released on DVD?performing arts

Because most go on tour after they close in the West End and producers naturally want to make the most money out of a show before releasing in to everyone on DVD. Once the West End and touring productions have finished, however, many are released on DVD but not to chain distributors like HMV and Virgin. I would recommend you visit;

www.dresscircle.co.uk

which stocks a massive range of West End and Broadway recordings of musicals. If you are in the West End, the shop is a short walk from Leicester Square.

Why don't west end musicals get released on DVD?binoculars opera theater

Some of the musicals do get release on DVD, but not straight away. My dad collects the Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals as they come out so I know there are some out there. Maybe it just takes time.
Live theatre is live theatre and the magic or chemistry that happens when you're in the room where the performance takes place cannot , or at least up til now , has not , been captured successfully. If that production of "Grease" that you loved so much were on DVD , you'd watch it with the memory of what excited you in the theatre - not with the excitement that the DVD was creating. The experience of live theatre can't be captured on tape. After all the performers aren't performing for a camera they're performing for a large live audience and there are two different disciplines involved.

Also as a practical matter shows aren't taped and released on DVD unless there is very little ( or no chance) at all of a film version of the show. Negotiations for film rights are very arduous and expensive. As are negotiating the performers contracts as well. Quite often recording a show on DVD simply is simply a matter of the numbers not adding up.
Live theatre never repricates well onto DVD. It is never the same.
You can get lots of Lloyd Webber on DVD like jesus Christ Superstar %26amp; Cats, but they will have been filmed especially, it's rare you'll get a film of a stage version, a) because they need the people in the theatre because the shows are so expensive to produce, b) because royalties become an issue and it's a minefield!
yeah it goes against the whole concept of the live experience
Oklahoma with Hugh Jackman was on the West End and it got released on DVD.
Doesn't it stink!! I wish they would make them too, oh well, gives me a reason to go and visit one day and see as many shows as possible!!!
We have Cats and Oklahoma on video. But you're right, they should have a way of releasing them on DVD like they do for the cinema.