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The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Julie Andrews , Christopher Plummer , Richard Haydn , Peggy Wood , and Anna Lee Director: Robert Wise Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000AP04OM Release Date: 2005-11-15 |
Product Description
Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. The Von Trapp family is run, in military style, by the seemingly cold-hearted Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a lonely widowed naval officer. Seeing how badly he and his children need companionship, he proposes to the Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker), a calculating, mutual friend of beloved family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn). It is the baroness who soon realizes that it's Maria--with her warmth and love for the children--the captain really loves. It is nearly bliss for the newly formed family who loves to sing together--except for the cloud looming over their beloved Austrian horizon: Hitler is ascending to power, forcing Von Trapp to decide whether to join the Nazi party--which he loathes--or force his family to leave their home forever. One of the most memorable scores ever written (by Rodgers and Hammerstein) and breathtaking performances by Andrews, Plummer, and the seven children mark this classic as one of the world's most favorite films.Amazon.com essential video
When Julie Andrews sang "The hills are alive with the sound of music" from an Austrian mountaintop in 1965, the most beloved movie musical was born. To be sure, the adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's Broadway hit has never been as universally acclaimed as, say, Singin' in the Rain. Critics argue that the songs are saccharine (even the songwriters regretted the line "To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray") and that the characters and plot lack the complexity that could make them more interesting. It's not hard to know whom to root for when your choice is between cute kids and Nazis.
Read our interview with Charmian Carr, who played Liesl von Trapp in The Sound of Music. |
The DVDs
As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of "I Have Confidence"), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color.
On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary "My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers." But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, "On Location with The Sound of Music," in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the "Sound of Music tours" that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary "From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion," in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison.
What's Missing?
If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, "Salzburg Sight and Sound." Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi
Customer Reviews:
The cheesiest, corniest yet funny and romantic movie of all time.......2007-09-10
Magnificent!.......2007-09-09
For use in Czech Republic.......2007-09-04
"Fa, a long, long way to run..." (if you're from Boston).......2007-09-03
The greatest movie ever made.......2007-08-31
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U2 - PopMart Live from Mexico City (Limited Edition)
Starring: U2 Director: David Mallet Manufacturer: Island Records/Interscope/UMe ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000QUCQFQ Release Date: 2007-09-18 |
Description
U2's PopMart Live from Mexico City is released on DVD for the first time on September 18th in two formats, a Special Limited Edition 2-DVD Deluxe Packaging version and a single disc, Standard version. Described as a sci-fi disco supermarket, the PopMart Tour opened in its "spiritual home", Las Vegas on April 25, 1997. All trash and kitsch, PopMart introduced a giant mirrorball lemon, a 100 foot cocktail stick - complete with olive, and the works of Lichtenstein, Warhol and Haring, to a live rock audience: a production experience never quite seen before. Filmed at the Foro Sol Autodromo in Mexico City on December 3, 1997, PopMart Live from Mexico City was directed by David Mallet and first released on video the following year. Both the video and audio have been digitally remastered and the DVD includes a brand new 5.1 surround mix in DTS and Dolby Digital of the concert. The single disc, Standard version will contain only the concert material and the Special Limited Edition 2-DVD version will feature on the 2nd bonus disc, nine previously unreleased live audio and video tracks, four documentaries, a PopMart tour visuals montage, and DVD-ROM extras.Customer Reviews:
A Beautiful Lemon (YUM!).......2007-09-14
I was in this concert.......2007-09-13
U2 Live at their Best.......2007-09-12
A Must-Have for U2 Fans.......2007-09-01
LOVE FOR U2.......2007-08-24
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Les Paul - Chasing Sound
Starring: Les Paul Manufacturer: Koch Vision ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000QGE856 Release Date: 2007-08-14 |
Product Description
Guitar wizard, inventor, architect of rock n roll...the legendary Les Paul tells his own rags-to-riches story in this feature-length documentary shot in HD. From his hometown in Waukesha to Chicago, Nashville, Hollywood and the National Inventors Hall of Fame, follow the life and times of this irrepressible superstar. Featuring a wall-to-wall soundtrack of greatest hits, American Masters - Les Paul: Chasing Sound! also includes interviews with B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Tony Bennett, Jeff Beck, Merle Haggard, Steve Miller and many more.
Includes 90 Minutes of Exclusive Extras:
Full-length performances from the Iridium Jazz Club with Les Paul and his Trio.
Vintage duets with Keith Richards, Kay Starr, Merle Haggard and Chet Atkins.
Classic TV appearances (Les Paul & Mary Ford at Home, Omnibus and more.
Extended conversations with Les Paul.
Photo Gallery.
Customer Reviews:
Les Paul - Chasing Sound.......2007-09-17
Amazing Tribute To An Amazing Musician.......2007-09-09
Absolutely Sensational........2007-09-05
He's not taxidermized, but he's still electrifying........2007-09-03
God Bless the makers of this DVD! (and Les).......2007-08-29
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Puccini - La Boheme / Pavarotti, Scotto, Niska, Wixell, Plishka, Levine, Metropolitan Opera
Starring: Renata Scotto , Luciano Pavarott , Maralin Niska , Ingvar Wixell , and James Levine Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0007Q6PBK Release Date: 2005-10-11 |
Customer Reviews:
soundtrack problems, still plenty of goosebumps.......2007-07-04
A good production of the Puccini war-house with a caveat on the sound and picture quality .......2007-06-14
FIRST EVER "LIVE FROM THE MET" WELL REMASTERED.......2007-02-16
classic boheme.......2007-01-10
excellent.......2007-01-10
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9 songs - Unrated Full Uncut Version
Starring: Kieran O'Brien , Margo Stilley , Huw Bunford , Cian Ciaran , and The Dandy Warhols Director: Michael Winterbottom Manufacturer: Tartan Video ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000BGH29K Release Date: 2005-11-22 |
Amazon.com
Maverick director Michael Winterbottom wondered about the double standard of why novels can have explicit sex scenes and be legit and films could not. So his short film of a relationship based solely on sex and a love for music is the result of that thought. If the definition of a porn film is to shoot actors performing graphic sex scenes for real, then 9 Songs qualifies. It certainly doesn't feel or look like your standard whoopdee-do XXX feature. It's as glossy and low-budget arty as Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People or I Want You. But yeah, Matt and Lisa do everything to each other, and the actors are not "just acting" in some of the sex scenes. No matter how landmark the movie might be, there is not much story here (at least a book with hot sex often has a good story to it). Lisa is an American drifter in London who hooks up with Matt, a scientist who studies glaciers in Antarctica. They have sex and visit nine rock concerts including Franz Ferdinand and The Dandy Warhols. As advertised, you can't find these musical performances anywhere else, but we just see them from way back in the crowd. The film has an essence of how someone can find bliss in another person's body, and the emotional, magical weight that can hold over you. But that spell doesn't last. Since the sex is real, Winterbottom had to cast unknown actors, and they really don't make an impression, especially with the lack of story. --Doug ThomasDescription
Matt, a young glaciologist, soars across the vast, silent, icebound immensities of the South Pole as he recalls his love affair with Lisa. They meet at a mobbed rock concert in a vast music hall - London's Brixton Academy. They are in bed at night's end. Together, over a period of several months, they pursue a mutual sexual passion whose stages unfold in counterpoint to nine live-concert songs. Featuring nine live concert performances not available anywhere else by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, Elbow, Primal Scream, The Dandy Warhols, Super Furry Animals, Franz Ferdinand and Michael Nyman. Special features include a Concert Performance-only option.Customer Reviews:
Great sex, awful movie.......2007-09-17
Good Fun.......2007-09-13
Interesting premise, thin execution.......2007-09-13
What do you call a movie with lots of sex but no plot?.......2007-09-06
So I liked the music...and!.......2007-08-28
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The Rodgers & Hammerstein Collection [Remastered] (The Sound of Music / The King and I / Oklahoma! / South Pacific / State Fair / Carousel)
Starring: Pat Boone , Bobby Darin , Pamela Tiffin , Ann-Margret , and Tom Ewell Director: José Ferrer , Walter Lang , and Fred Zinnemann Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000HT3PGU Release Date: 2006-11-07 |
Description
Disc 1: Carousel Special Edition Disc 2: Carousel Special Edition-Bonus Disc Disc 3: King and I Special Edition Disc 4: King and I Special Edition-Bonus Disc Disc 5: South Pacific Special Edition Disc 6: South Pacific Special Edition-Bonus Disc Disc 7: Sound of Music Special Edition Disc 8: Sound of Music Special Edition-Bonus Disc Disc 9: State Fair Special Edition Disc 10: State Fair Special Edition-Bonus Disc Disc 11: Oklahoma Special Edition Disc 12: Oklahoma Special Edition-Bonus DiscCustomer Reviews:
All these Classics in a Great Box Set!.......2007-09-14
Not the newer State Fair.......2007-08-26
All of them.......2007-06-12
Fun, Fun, Fun.......2007-06-03
Fantastic - All the great Musicals in one compact package.......2007-05-21
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Baby Einstein - Baby Van Gogh - World of Colors
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00005YUPQ Release Date: 2002-03-12 |
Product Description
Exploring colors through art, music and video! Join puppet Vincent Van Goat in this Baby Van Gogh dvd while he creates 6 colorful materpieces, listen in the Concert Hall to classical favorites and more. The Baby Einstein Digital Board Book series utilizes the unique features of DVD to create a multisensory learning resource for parents, infants and toddlers. The award-winning Baby Van Gogh Video Board Book is presented in the Home Theatre. Chapter cues are encoded throughout the video, allowing parents to repeat or skip particular parts of the program. A truly charming listening experience awaits in the Concert Hall. You and your child will be treated to some of the most interesting music of the 19th and early 20th century, including pieces by Bizet, Offenbach, Mussorgsky, Strauss and Tschaikovsky. The Exhibition Center features an imaginary journey through one of Vincent Van Gogh's sketchbooks. Six Van Gogh masterpieces are presented. Baby Einstein offers a wide variety of DVDsAmazon.com essential video
The Baby Einstein Company's "video board books" were designed as music-focused developmental tools to stimulate babies' brains (prompted by research proving that exposure to classical melodies can improve verbal ability, spatial intelligence, creativity, and memory in youngsters). Now the company is expanding into other art forms, including color and art. The idea remains the same--taking bold, beautiful objects (toys, puppets, nature scenes) and setting them to fun renditions of classical music (their recordings are easily the best in the crowded field of child development). A new puppet--Vincent Van Goat--introduces the six primary colors and associates them with Van Gogh's paintings--"The Starry Night" for blue, "Wheat Fields with Reaper" for yellow. The only misstep is the poetry written and read by creator Julie Aigner-Clark, which is strongly reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's My Many Colored Days.The company suggests the program is for toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4. Harsh sounds between segments--such as balloons popping and tires screeching--will draw the attention of youngsters but will probably render the video inappropriate for babes in arms. The video can be purchased by itself or with a beautifully produced 28-page book featuring Van Gogh's paintings, screen shots from the video, and Clark's poems. The combination set may be the best way to engage 3- and 4-year-olds' interest; they can follow along in the text while watching the video. Music includes "The William Tell Overture," "The Blue Danube," "Bolero," and Brahms's "Lullaby." The video also provides information on the cool toys seen in the ending "Toy Chest" segment. --Doug Thomas
Customer Reviews:
baby will speak slowly be careful.......2007-09-17
Great DVD.......2007-08-14
stressfull music.......2007-08-05
Bright colors and soft music.......2007-08-04
Baby Van Gogh, Just Smashing.......2007-06-03
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Almost Famous
Starring: Fairuza Balk , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Frances McDormand , Noah Taylor , and Anna Paquin Director: Cameron Crowe Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00003CXMG Release Date: 2001-03-13 |
Amazon.com
Almost Famous is the movie Cameron Crowe has been waiting a lifetime to tell. The fictionalization of Crowe's days as a teenage reporter for Creem and Rolling Stone has all the well-written characters and wonderful "movie moments" that we expect from Crowe (Jerry Maguire), but the film has an intangible something extra--an insider's touch that will turn the film into the ode to '70s rock & roll for years to come. We are introduced to Crowe's alter ego, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), at home, where his progressive mom (Frances McDormand, just superb) has outlawed rock music and sister Anita (Zooey Deschanel) has slipped him LPs that will "set his mind free." Following the wisdom of Creem's disheveled editor, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman in an instant-classic performance), Miller gets on the inside with the up-and-coming band Stillwater (a fictionalized mixture of the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and others). A simple visit with the band turns into a three-week, life-altering odyssey into the heyday of American rock. Of the characters he meets on the road, the two most important are groupie extraordinaire Penny Lane (Kate Hudson in a star-making performance) and Stillwater's enigmatic lead guitarist (Billy Crudup), who keeps stringing Miller along for an interview. From the handwritten credits (done by Crowe) to the bittersweet finale, Crowe's comedic valentine is an indelible, heartbreaking romance of music, women, and the privilege of youth. --Doug ThomasDescription
Audiences and critics alike are raving about this larger-than-life rock'n 'roll favorite that Roger Ebert calls "one of the best movies of the year!" The guys of Stillwater have the sound, they have the look and Rolling Stone Magazine wants their story. For young reporter William Miller, it's the opportunity of a lifetime as he hits the road with his favorite band and discovers the price of fame, the value of family and the limits of friendship.Customer Reviews:
"Amost" is the best than can be said........2007-09-17
More features.......2007-09-05
An unexpected insight into a female character.......2007-09-04
Great Era,Music HORRIBLE Film!!.......2007-08-30
Worth it in spades.......2007-08-22
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The Beatles Anthology
Starring: John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison , Ringo Starr , and Neil Aspinall Director: Kevin Godley , Bob Smeaton , and Geoff Wonfor Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD |