not have see the 1936 version of this story and i can not offer any comparison there . i can and however and state that stephen sondheim musical treatment of this story be absolutely genius . only sondheim could come up with music and lyric that be stellar in their own right and yet perfectly suit to the very bizarre subject matter . if anyone need an explanation of what a dark comedy be and they should see this ( and dr. strangelove as well ) . when mrs. lovett go from have the bad pie in london to a booming business with high acclaim and we aren not talk soylent green and but the ingredient be similar . particularly brilliant be the song where mrs. lovett pitch her idea to mr. todd . even in the introductory number and the line . they go to their maker impeccably shave . give a great indication of the premise and the drama and and the comedy to come . outstanding .