I'll admit first of all that I loved the play. I saw it twice with different casts (one was the original). I had the soundtrack and played it all of the time when I was a Mormon missionary in the 80's. I still remember the words to all of the songs.
I caught the video of this the first time a few years back on the BYUTV channel and was hooked again. Yes, the acting has problems at times. Yes, I only give it a seven (because the original stage play was a ten and the second touring company was an 8). Yes, the special effects are kind of hokey. It does, however, have the ability to reel you in and make you care about the characters.
My son loves this video and sings along with all of the songs. He loves Kessler and Green.
I recommend this as a good FHE flick. Avoid, however, Starchild. It was the sequel that did not transfer well to video and has real sound problems.