Loreena McKennitt: Nights from the Alhambra (Amaray

Amazon.com

After nearly a decade off the scene, Loreena McKennitt returned to the performance and recording stage in 2006 and 2007. The Canadian singer picked up exactly where she left off, traveling through the Celtic-Middle Eastern fusions she explored on The Book of Secrets with her latest studio album, An Ancient Muse. Now, with momentum behind her, she's released a DVD document of her performance at Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. This is the same performance that has been running on PBS station pledge drives for the last year, but with a double CD included. McKennitt's renditions of songs from An Ancient Muse and her earlier albums are impeccable. As she is something of a perfectionist, there isn't much deviation from the original studio versions, but McKennitt is in fine voice and the band gets to rave it up a few times on tracks like "The Bonny Swans," where violinist Hugh Marsh and guitarist Brian Hughes trade increasingly frantic leads. This is an expanded group for McKennitt, with players from England, Greece, and the Middle East playing oud, dumbek, kanoun, hurdy-gurdy, duduk, and other ancient sounds from the British Isles to Turkey. The advantage of this edition of the Alhambra performance over that seen on PBS is that we're spared McKennitt's earnest and precious interstitials, talking about the location and her inspirations while slowly running her hands over Celtic carvings. But if you want it, that version of the performance is also on the DVD, as the commentary track. The CDs wisely drop even the between-song patter, which is fine, but not something to sit through on repeated listenings. Although the performance is beautifully, if conventionally filmed, and it's great to see this virtuoso band playing in communion, it's ultimately McKennitt's songs themselves that brim with visual imagery as she creates her ancient evocations as effectively on the concert stage as she does in the studio. --John Diliberto

Description

An enchanting musical performance, set beneath the stars in the breathtaking Moorish heart of medieval Spain. Captured in concert in September 2006, singer/composer Loreena McKennitt leads viewers through the multi-textured landscapes of her catalog, from traditional Celtic ballads to literary narratives and highlights from her latest recording, An Ancient Muse.

Filmed in rich HDTV, Nights from the Alhambra evokes the otherworldly magic of Granada's palace of dreams, the fiery and inspired performances of a stellar cast of supporting musicians and, of course, the unforgettable voice and songs of Loreena McKennitt herself. The package includes the complete footage on DVD and 2 separate audio CDs that encompass the complete evening.

Customer Reviews:

Thank you, Loreena..........2007-09-09

A truly remarkable concert! After a very difficult and stressful week, I got this CD/DVD package in the mail, smiled, and, with surprising calmness, walked to the living room, slid the DVD into my MacBook Pro, parked my Sennheiser HD-485 headphones on my ears, and sat back, letting the visceral experience of this incredibly talented woman wash over me, taking the stresses of the week away and reminding me how important smart, beautiful, heart-felt, literate music is to my spirit.

I've long been a fan of Loreena, yet had never seen her in concert. I was blown away by her multi-instrument acumen, her almost effortless singing while reaching those crystalline, soaring notes that reach through me and make my nerves tingle up and down my spine, her rapport with the very talented band, and, most of all, that serene smile that creases her face as her body sways with the rhythm that demonstrates how much the music carries her to a profoundly peaceful, quietly joyful place.

It's a bit embarrassing, me gushing on and on like this, something I so rarely indulge in. Yet this music, this musician (and the talented, delightful band supporting her), this production, the setting... They warrant this kind of effusive praise. Even with all of her CD's in my library, this addition is not superfluous nor extravagant: it is, in fact, essential to see the whole of Loreena's remarkable talent, heart, and unique sound.

I'm not terribly enamored of the happy-happy/bliss-bliss affectations of much that is categorized as "new age", particularly those individuals who purport to "channel" ancient spirits, while I can't help but speculate that some artists do indeed channel the vibrations, or whatever you might call it, in a pure and profound way, and often in spite of themselves. Lowell George, Yo Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, the band Lo'Jo, and many more, among them the beloved Lorenna: music that is timeless, almost archetypal, imbued with both heart and intellect, and beautiful to listen to, over and over.

Thank you, Loreena.

wonderful concert.......2007-09-05

This DVD/CD set was made from Loreena McKennitt's concert footage during performances in Alhambra, Spain. The setting is beautiful, acoustics outstanding, and performance by both Loreena and her fellow musicians positively magnificent. Every song is a gem, and the performances are flawless. The quality of recording is fantastic for a live concert. The DVD concert is a delight to watch, and the two CDs contain all of the music from the DVD. The length of the concert is about 90 minutes, which is a very generous performance from any modern performer.

This is a must-have for any Loreena McKennitt fan. It is well worth the money spent.

Wow! What an amazing show!.......2007-08-31

I've been a fan for a couple of years now, since I discovered her on an internet radio station from Italy. Strange, huh? I had seen her CD's in the store but had to discover her on a foreign radio station.

Anyway, I thought that she was excellent on the studio versions. I was blown away to hear the live versions! How many people do you know that sound as good as or even BETTER live versus in the studio? I've seen very few acts that can sing as well as they do on disk. With all of the technology out there like pitch correction software and the like I'm just stunned at how good she is live. Loreena also has some top-notch musicians backing her. I'll get my chance to see her live in October when she comes to NE Ohio. I can't wait. I'm sure it will be a surreal experience being that most of the shows I've seen (other than concerts by David Lanz & one by Brad Paisley) have been in the classic rock/metal genre. Can you picture an old-school metal guy digging the hell out of this red haired beauty? My sister just looks at me and wonders when I, all of a sudden, got... "cultured". ;-)

I also must say this is probably one of the best "sounding" concert DVD's I've ever seen. The acoustics at the Alhambra must have been something to behold because the sonic qualities of the DVD and CD's are amazing. If you have a quality sound system (especially surround) you'll love it. Get the DVD. You won't be disappointed. BTW, I bought the other version that comes in the CD-style case. Otherwise they are the same.

Magnificent.......2007-08-29

I was lucky enough to be at the concerts at Charles V (Carlos V) rotunda in the Alhambra both nights that they were filming for this DVD and the third night when Lorena performed in the Generalife without TV - also in the Alhambra complex. All three nights were pure magic and this DVD and CD combination bring it all back. Absolutely, totally, with out question, utterly and truly magnificent.

Wonderful Concert.......2007-08-26

For fans of Loreena McKennitt, this is the concert video that we have all been waiting for... it is just stunning!

There is a possible point of confusion here, as there are TWO versions of the same performance offered on Amazon. The ONLY difference is the packaging, both contain 3 disks (2 cd's and one DVD). This set is packaged in a DVD sized container, and the other is packaged as a jewel box set. At first, I ordered both, thinking that one set was a DVD video and the other was a CD audio version. After I realized my mistake, I canceled the jewel box order and kept this DVD sized package (which was cheaper at the time).

Don't get "suckered in" like I did, for awhile Amazon listed the two versions as a buy BOTH together deal, but this has now been changed to a more realistic offer.

Whichever version you buy, I am sure you will be captivated by this magnificent performance, recorded in a magnificent setting!

Jazz Icons 8 DVD Box Set featuring Bonus Disc

Average customer rating:

Jazz Icons 8 DVD Box Set featuring Bonus Disc
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Jazz Icons
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000TNJINS
Release Date: 2007-09-04

Average customer rating:

Insane yet piquant -- fun for all unless you are a frog!
Completely Original.
A great surprise
Great movie
Non-stop entertainment

The Triplets of Belleville
Starring: Michel Robin , Béatrice Bonifassi , Jean-Claude Donda , Mari-Lou Gauthier , and Monica Viegas
Director: Sylvain Chomet
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001IN0MQ
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Amazon.com

Words cannot capture the delights of The Triplets of Belleville, an astonishing animated movie from the mind of French director Sylvain Chomet. In fact, there are only a few spoken sentences in the entire film; most of the soundtrack is a mix of squeaks, barks, and the jazzy music of Benoit Charest. A bicyclist is kidnapped from the Tour de France by mysterious gangsters; his grandmother travels to the city of Belleville (which has a sardonic version of the Statue of Liberty in its harbor), where she tracks him down with the help of a musical trio gone to seed, the Belleville Triplets. This hand-drawn movie is unlike anything you'll see from Disney; every scene mixes the silent comedy of Jacques Tati and Buster Keaton--in which the world of objects subtly fights with living beings for mastery--and the bouncy hop of Betty Boop. Unique and mesmerizing. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Insane yet piquant -- fun for all unless you are a frog!.......2007-09-09

This zany classic shows how the loyalty and determination of a widow, her son, and their dog, triumph over the evil forces of international gambling cartels and kidnappers with the help of the titular triplets. Well worth a watch if you like color, music, mayhem, and catch-as-catch-can cuisine.

Completely Original........2007-09-08

I can guarantee you will not have seen anything like this animated film. It's provocative, funny, intelligent, quirky, and artistically done. The funky musical soundtrack is memorable and will reverberate in your brain for quite a while. Be sure to watch the entire film through the credits because there is a fun little twist to the finale.

A great surprise.......2007-09-01

Yes, you won't find any dialogue on the movie, is not that the DVD doesn't come with subtitles... There is nothing to subtitle... There are a few words in French not really relevant in the movie, you get the idea... And you have to be patient and enjoy the movie, 'cause it's different than what you think about "French cinema"... A great animation, a wonderful story and great music, mixed with comedy and, of course, a little touch of our twisted reality... Take a chance in joining Madame Souza and the Triplets of Belleville, I hope you won't regret it

Great movie.......2007-08-29

We saw it in the theater several years ago and decided to purchase it so we could watch it again. The story is about a French cyclist who grandmother is his coach and crew in a race. If you know a little about the French obsession with cycling the story is very funny. Especily the car chase and the animation of the cars in the chase.

Non-stop entertainment.......2007-08-25

It takes a little time to get into the story, but the creative efforts are overwhelming! What a wonderful, quirky story of love and devotion. The dog is outrageous! This is an adult animation that makes you look at the world as a child again. It is terrific!

Cats - The Musical (Commemorative Edition)

Average customer rating:

Commemorative Edition of Cats-Tje Misoca;
Cats the musical
Nice Costumes and That's Just About All
yuck
Sound quality?

Cats - The Musical (Commemorative Edition)
Starring: Elaine Paige , John Mills , Ken Page , Rosemarie Ford , and Michael Gruber
Director: David Mallet
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004XMTJ
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Amazon.com essential video

This pop-cultural phenomenon has been performed on stage for more than 50 million patrons in 26 countries for almost 18 years, churning more than $2 billion in ticket sales. Now that Cats has finally made it to the small screen, attention must be paid not just by fans of this critic-proof show, but also by those entertainment mavens who have somehow avoided Cats until now. The video version has been restaged but, alas, not really reconceived for its new medium.

The video cast, assembled from London, Amsterdam, and New York productions, is competent. Ken Page as Old Deuteronomy, Jacob Brent as Mr. Mistoffelees, and Elaine Paige--the original London Grizabella, the Glamour Cat well past her prime--are a great deal more than that. Paige has toned down her theatrical belting of her big number, "Memory," and allowed the faded ruin of her character's soul to prevail in close-up. For all the "covers" of her signature song, Paige's version remains definitive. The video is, by definition, more intimate, not always a good thing: costumes are even more Halloweeny in garish close-up, the cats less cuddly without that all-important interaction, the stage's appropriately midnight lighting transmuted to a Las Vegas neon. And the chorus of cats in production numbers is even clunkier and more amorphous in two- and three-shots.

The one complete newcomer to the cast is the 90-year-old icon among English actors John Mills, a delight as Gus the Theatrical Cat. Sir John and his character show the youngsters how it's done in close-up, largely behind the eyes, abetted by a heart-tugging delivery of his one song. Yet virtually all of the songs are lip-synched, further robbing the video Cats of its onstage seeming spontaneity. It's clearer than ever that Lloyd Webber's music is mostly twaddle, with the important exception of "Memory," which instantly and rightly became one of the genuine theater standards not dependent on context, in the vein of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns." On the plus side, most of the Cats characters and lyrics, from T.S. Eliot's 14-poem Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, are far better defined and understood from the video version. --Robert Windeler

Customer Reviews:

Commemorative Edition of Cats-Tje Misoca;.......2007-09-04

As an avid Andrew Lloyd Weber fan and someone who has seen Cats no fewer that 21 times at various theaters all over the world, I was disappointed in this production. It did little to capture what it could have of the stage essence. It was too "movie-like" in how it appeared and very "untheater-like" even compared to other videos of stage productions.

Cats the musical.......2007-08-12

Well, I finally got to see Cats. I bought the DVD at a shop and saw it. Well, the production and the customes may look great to others. I found the show boring. So if you are looking for a unified theme and a purpose of theme, it is not really there. If you are looking for great, long lasting musical pieces, you would not find many, except for Memory. If you just want to see the show becasue it has so much fame, by all means. If you have high expectations, you may as well get disappointed.

Nice Costumes and That's Just About All.......2007-08-09

I loved the "Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat" DVD and always liked the "Jesus Christ Superstar" soundtrack from way back in the 70s when I would sneak into my sister's room to listen to her records. So I thought that "Cats" would be a great addition to my DVD collection and bought it to share with my three year old daughter. I found it boring. The music wasn't that great. The story was uninspired in my view. To its' credit the costumes were pretty cool. I had to laugh this week when I saw Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's "Colbert Report" say he had "suffered through" "Cats" because I felt the same way. So I'm not the only person disappointed. My daughter liked it, though. She probably won't want to watch it again, though, so I'll most likely put it up on e-bay.

yuck.......2007-07-16

I have heard about Cats for years now so thought Id look at it and see what all the fuss was about. I HATED it! Its rather vulgar in spots, lots of catting around and really tragic that the cats finaly gave the OLD cat respect when she was dying and not before...sad and stupid...

Sound quality?.......2007-07-05

Did anyone else notice the lapses in the songs as I did, or am I going deaf?!?! I have both the video and dvd of this production, and it seemed like in the dvd:
1) the tempo in "Rum Tum Tugger" was too slow and,
2) during "The Pekes and the Pollicles", the barks could not be heard.
Strange to me- I'm curious as to whether or not anyone else had the same experience. :)

Average customer rating:

Disco Sweat
Fun to Sweat
Fun DVD to Get You Moving!
Tired Tired Tired
Richard Simmons - Disco Sweat

Richard Simmons - Disco Sweat
Starring: Richard Simmons
Director: Richard Simmons , and Ernest Schultz
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000541WK
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Customer Reviews:

Disco Sweat.......2007-08-26

It's a good workout, that's easy to do. You don't have to learn complicated steps like with some aerobics instruction.

Fun to Sweat.......2007-08-23

I love this video so much from when I did it a few years back that I still remember the dance moves and songs. It was lost in a move and I was sad but am so happy to find that I can purchase it and get to sweating again! The songs are great to motivate you and its constant activity. I can say that this Richard Simmons video makes it fun to sweat!!!

Fun DVD to Get You Moving!.......2007-07-07

I cannot tell you how much I hate to exercise! I knew I had to get something that would be fun and would not require me to be an exercise "pro". This DVD is perfect! The routines are fun and I am learning them, although it really doesn't matter if you are not perfectly in sync. The music is great to sing along with while you exercise. You don't feel like you are having to force yourself to do something you hate!

I like seeing the everyday people having fun doing the moves, rather than only people who look like they have been working out with a fitness trainer all of their lives. And...I think Richard is great!

Tired Tired Tired.......2007-06-11

This exercise video was very tired. I did not enjoy it. Too much moving around to keep up.

Richard Simmons - Disco Sweat.......2007-05-30

Since I bought this for my younger sister, who grew up during the 70's, I'm not the one to review this product. I did watch it briefly with my sister to make sure this is the one she wanted. I'll think she will like it once she gets into it so far I haven't heard a yah or a nay.

The Threepenny Opera - Criterion Collection

Average customer rating:

Please Buy This
The Musical Production that Changed the World

The Threepenny Opera - Criterion Collection
Starring: G.W. Pabst , Lotte Lenya , and Rudolf Forster
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000SFJ4KE
Release Date: 2007-09-18

Description

The sly melodies of composer Kurt Weill and the daring of dramatist Bertolt Brecht come together onscreen under the direction of German auteur G.W. Pabst (Pandora's Box) in this classic adaptation of the Weimar-era theatrical sensation. Set in the impoverished back alleys of Victorian London, The Threepenny Opera follows underworld antihero Mackie Messer (a.k.a. Mack the Knife) as he tries to woo Polly Peachum and elude the authorities. With its palpable evocation of corruption and dread, Pabst's Threepenny Opera remains a benchmark of early sound cinema. It is presented here in both its celebrated German and rare French versions.

Customer Reviews:

Please Buy This.......2007-08-28

I saw this on an obscure VHS tape. Fantastic. Never had I seen Brecht done so well. Smooth and Jagged. This film was haunting me for years. Never thought that I could see it again. Wham!!!! Criterion does it again. I am sure that the picture will be great. I have yet to purchase on dismal video image from Criterion.

Thank you Criterion for making this fantastic film for sale.

moe armstrong

The Musical Production that Changed the World.......2007-07-23

The year is 1928. Artists had already broken the conventions of painting. Symphony composers had altered the structure of classical music. Jazz was coming into its own. So two men in Berlin, Kurt Weil and Bertolt Brecht, decided to reinvent musicial theatre.

Rather than give the audience pleasant songs or catchy tunes, they turned to the dirty streets of Victorian England to weave a tale of beggars, whores, and thieves. And what kind of music do we hear? Earthy, jazzy, even irritating at times...and the crowd loved it.

The director, G. W. Pabst, has preserved the German production as close to the original as possible. He gives us moody cinematography, volcanic characters, dreamlike sets. As in all his films, the women are the stars...and this time Lotte Lenye sizzles the screen.

Welcome to a new world where the established values of contemporary urban society are turned upside down...welcome to the Threepenny Opera.

Average customer rating:

Nice Caribean Weather
EnergyJazzFunky
Jaco.. What else needs to be said.....
A musical space-trip
Great Music - Lousy Video

Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 1976
Starring: Weather Report
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000NTPFNA
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Amazon.com

The chance to witness world class musicians and a great band at a vital point in its evolution is the appeal of Weather Report: Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 1976. Joe Zawinul (keyboards) and Wayne Shorter (saxophones), co-founders of the enterprise that many would call the greatest jazz-fusion group ever, had recently been joined by a player of almost equal stature: Jaco Pastorius, who at age 24 was busy re-defining the fretless electric bass for generations to come. Pastorius had played on some of Black Market, the most recent Weather Report recording, but he'd only been touring with them for three months when they appeared at the Montreux event; though not yet fully integrated, his playing here frequently backs up his self-description as "the greatest bass player in the world," not only on Black Market material like Shorter's "Elegant People" and Zawinul's "Cannon Ball" and title song (two of his most melodic and enduring tunes) but on earlier items like "Badia" and "Scarlet Woman" as well. With Manolo Badrena on percussion and the explosive Alex Acuna on drums, this was the quintet that would go on to release the landmark Heavy Weather album a year later (you can hear Zawinul noodling on the melody that would become "Birdland," their breakout hit, during "Dr. Honoris Causa"). This gig, which clocks in at slightly under 90 minutes, is smoking from start to finish. The band expands on (and, in the case of "Black Market," slightly speeds up) the recorded versions; as always, the balance of composition and improvisation is brilliant, underlining Zawinul's description of Weather Report as a band that "never solos, but always solos." Although one might wish for a better audio mix (the drums and percussion are too loud, and the overall sound is on the shrill side), this is a welcome addition to the catalogue of a wonderful and important band that's woefully underrepresented on DVD. (Note: Fans will also want to check out the DVD of a '78 performance that's included in Forecast: Tomorrow, Weather Report's 2006 boxed CD set.) --Sam Graham

Description

Weather Report was founded in 1970 by musicians who had met while playing with Miles Davis. This Montreux Festival show from 1976 follows on from the release of their album "Black Market" but features the line-up that would release their most famous and successful album "Heavy Weather" in 1977. This line-up features Joe Zawinul (keyboards), Wayne Shorter (saxophones), Jaco Pastorius (bass), Alex Acuna (drums) and Manolo Badrena (percussion). Previously only available as a bootleg of a TV broadcast, this new DVD release is fully authorized and has been restored to its full length.

Tracklisting 1) Elegant people 2) Scarlet Woman 3) Barbary Coast 4) Portrait of Tracy(bassolo) 5) Cannonball 6) Black market 7) Drum & Percussion Duet 8) Piano & Saxophone Duet 9) Dr Honoris Causa/Directions 10) Badia/Gibraltar

Customer Reviews:

Nice Caribean Weather .......2007-09-10

I my opinion, the best of the recent DVD-releasings of two great WRs concerts from the golden years with Jaco Pastorius on bass. Amazing performances and caribian feel from the percussion duo Baderena and Acuna! (Why did Zawinul and Shorter change this winning team?) I will highly recommend this DVD - a must for all WR fans and the rest!

EnergyJazzFunky.......2007-09-03

what a great dvd. to compare with the weather update dvd (also a must buy), that dvd is a jaguar - sleek high performance power machine. this dvd is a harley full throttle on the open road. acuña and badrena (the heavy weather rhythm section) are high energy & spontaneous, jaco is tearing it up (his first tour with the band) and joe and wayne are visibly having fun. excellent sound and videography.

Jaco.. What else needs to be said............2007-08-31

This lineup for Weather Report is GREAT!!!!!! Jaco and company take Jazz Fusion to a new place that remains a staple today. Love it, Love it, Love it.

A musical space-trip.......2007-08-26

While worldclass musicians kept revolving around the nucleus of the band: keyboard wizzard and sonic genius Joe Zawinul and transcendental saxplayer Wayne Shorter, I think it's fair to say that this line-up, who went on to record their groundbreaking hit-album "Heavy Weather", was the classic one.

With the dynamic southamerican percussion/drum duo of Manolo Badrena and Alex Acuña. And basslegend Jaco Pastorius, the master of the fretless bass, who not only had the chops, but also - as this DVD shows - like his great idol Jimi Hendrix the stage-presence and the charisma of a true star. His solo-piece "Portrait Of Tracy" gives convincing evidence to why so many consider him the best bassist ever. But also his ensemble playing is brilliantly funky all the way.

I was very fortunate to see this band in Copenhagen the year after, and the words that kept resounding in my head during and after was 'electric church music'(the phrase Hendrix used to describe is more far our musical visions). And listening to this Montreux show certainly confirms my impression of a high soaring band, with roots in the earth and the minds firmly planted in deep space.

The only surprise is how relatively 'thin' Zawinul's keyboardsound is. Not least compared with his latest brilliant recordings: "Bird Jam" (mainly with african musicians) and "Brown Street" (with german Big Band). Makes me realize that the stern-faced Austrian visionary actually sounds and plays better than ever at 75!

If one should complain about anything, it should be the relatively short duration. But while the claim in the linernotes that this band cover more ground in an hour than most others do in a year might be slightly exaggerated, it's certainly not completely off the mark.

All in all another fine release in the exciting "Live at Montreux"-series. And as always the sound is very good, without being outstanding

Great Music - Lousy Video.......2007-08-05

I remember seeing Weather Report right after Heavy Weather came out. It was around the same time that I saw Return to Forever touring in support of Romantic Warrior. I've so badly wanted to relive those days and was very excited when this video came out to do so. Here's the rub - excellent music and crap film work. I got so upset during watching this it ruined it for me. I wanted to find the folks that shot the video and shake them asking what the hell they were thinking. Shots of Wayne's nose and Joe's crotch? And where is Jaco? However, beggars can't be choosers and if you want to experience the magic that was weather report this DVD is better than nothing.

Frank Zappa: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation

Average customer rating:

Roxy Still Eslewhere
Outstanding bonus material, good feature material
more music less talk
Outstanding
A bit too much wasted on off-topic tabloid food

Frank Zappa: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation
Starring: Frank Zappa
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000OCXM0O
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

History will show that Frank Zappa (1940-1993) was one of the greatest American composers of the 20th century in any musical form, and this superb episode of the Classic Albums series offers ample proof of Zappa's genius. As Zappa's reverent son and musical heir Dweezil Zappa rightly points out, Over-Nite Sensation (1973) and Apostrophe (') (1974) are the albums that epitomize Zappa's masterful jazz/rock fusion, virtually defining a unique musical genre that can only be called "Zappa." The recording of both albums is chronicled here not simply because they best represent the dazzling complexity of Zappa's music, but also because they were recorded simultaneously in a burst of creativity, proving beyond any doubt that Zappa was more than simply a mischievous provocateur. While the world may know Zappa from his mainstream novelty hit "Valley Girl" (with daughter Moon on vocals), any devoted Zappaphile will tell you that this is the real Zappa, in full musical bloom, working miracles in the studio with The Mothers of Invention and a stellar variety of topnotch musicians who cite their time with Zappa as the most rewarding period of their careers.

The Classic Albums series strives to be definitive, and this must-have DVD is fully authorized in the scope of its coverage. With complete cooperation and participation from the remaining Zappa family (sons Dweezil and Ahmet, daughter Moon, and widow Gail are all extensively interviewed) and additional interviews with Billy Bob Thornton, Alice Cooper, guitarist Steve Vai, veteran Rolling Stone critic David Fricke, and many of Zappa's closest associates and collaborators, this 97-minute documentary is packed with highlights and fascinating revelations, like the pristine precision of Zappa's hand-written compositions, Zappa's childhood fascination with the compositions of Edgard Varèse, and his diligent, prolific, and disciplined, drug-free approach to recording and touring. Zappa's studio process is amazingly revealed when Dweezil and Zappa "Vaultmeister" Joe Travers sit down at a mixing table to analyze the master tapes of classic Zappa tracks like the hilariously controversial "Dyna-Moe Humm." In addition to vintage archival clips of Zappa discussing his music and career, and home movies of Zappa's band on tour during the mid-1970s, this DVD also includes the complete video of Zappa performing "I'm the Slime" on Saturday Night Live in 1976, live footage of a 1973 performance of "Montana," and a new performance of "Camarillo Brillo" by Dweezil's tribute band, Zappa Plays Zappa (with Dweezil playing one of his father's favorite Gibson guitars). Bonus features also include a Travers-hosted trip into the massive Zappa archives, and further deconstruction of Zappa tracks "Dirty Love" and "Nanook Rubs It." If you're a casual Zappa fan, this DVD will turn you into a passionate convert. For those who've loved Zappa all along, it's a little bit of heaven here on Earth. --Jeff Shannon

Description

"This is where you go to find every aspect of Frank's music squeezed into two perfectly formed records."Dweezil Zappa. This new addition to Eagle Vision's acclaimed Classic Albums series focuses on Frank Zappa's early seventies albums "Overnite Sensation" (1973) and "Apostrophe(`)" (1974). Together they encapsulate Zappa's extraordinary musical diversity and were also the two most commercially successful albums that he released in his prolific career. As ever the program uses interviews, musical demonstrations, rare archive and home movie footage plus live performances to tell the story behind the conception and recording of these groundbreaking albums. TRACKLISTING: Features excerpts from: -Dinah-Moe Humm -I'm The Slime -Montana -St Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast -Dirty Love -Cosmic Debris -Stink-Foot & more.

Customer Reviews:

Roxy Still Eslewhere.......2007-06-27

Worth the price for "Montana" alone - extracted from the long, lost "Roxy & Elsewhere" shows. I live in hope that the Zappa Family Trust will relent, put this set out and finally end the yearning of Zappa fans across the world.

Outstanding bonus material, good feature material.......2007-06-27

The bonus material in this DVD is excellent. There is a great version of Montana with the 73 Roxy band using two drummers (Chester, of course went forward as the one drummer in 74...)the shots of Ruth Underwood and the interview with Ruth is such a treat because her music was such an amazing part of Zappa's music that was never replaced in any of his future bands. The studio analysis was very good but a bit brief in my opinion because there is so much music to analyze in these recordings. The biography parts of the studio analysis/feature were very good and informative and of interest to those not acquainted with Zappa's music. Learn more about Tina and the Ikettes and try not to be turned off by some very dry performances from Zappa plays Zappa. The ZPZ sections were really the only parts that were not excellent (I know they have to sound better than that!) the video is a very interesting piece which is accessible to both serious music nerds and non Zappa fans.

more music less talk.......2007-06-15

To the die-hard frank fan this historical footage will be invaluable. But to regular fans or to the person who may wear an occasional python boot it will be disappointing. Not enough music and to many interviews.

Outstanding.......2007-06-12

Wow, a great DVD. Haven't seen any other episodes of this series but this is excellent. Not exactly an unauthorized biography but great insights into Z's processes and nice tidbits like tina turners uncredited background vocals on Dinah Moe-Humm (you can almost imagine Ike with his hands around her throat)and insightful inteviews with those involved. Plenty of ex-bandmates (see Aynsley Dunbar for one, and all The Grandmothers for others) have had nothing nice to say about Z so its nice to see soe home cooking. Here's a vote for more of these - he made over 70 albums while alive, so lets see more.

A bit too much wasted on off-topic tabloid food.......2007-06-12

More should have been spent on the testimonies of other surviving members of the Mothers of Invention - I am not sure the actual name of this band is even mentionned once! - or at least of the few that made it in the final script or accepted to be part of it. Long time Zappa wizes like George Duke and Ian Underwood must have had tons of insights to share on the learning, arranging and performing of this music, yet so little remains here. (Who IS this guy with the cap!?) Luckily, we have Ruth Komanoff's brilliant and slightly didactive demonstration of her tuned percussion skills, love of Zappa's music and wildly amusing account of how her marimba came to be electrically amplified. Zappa's elder son Dweezil comments at the mixing board about the master tapes, and this is also very precious and quite revealing, especially for those who think these are merely "joke albums".

Neither on Apostrophe nor Over-Nite is there a single song related to groupies (had it been "Fillmore East June '71" and "200 Motels", it would have been different), and Zappa had said before in interviews that "Dina-Moh Hum" is a fictitious tale. But the steamy ditty is taken as pretext to stray off towards tabloid-type nurishment for too long in such a short program. And they should have also take the time to explain who the character in "I'm The Slime" really is, for those who can't read.

But a very good documentary all in all, if not at premium cost.

The Jazz Singer (Three-Disc Deluxe Edition)

Average customer rating:

God Bless Warner Home Video!
It could have been so much better!
A great and legendary film!
poor quality
80th Anniversary Edition features announced

The Jazz Singer (Three-Disc Deluxe Edition)
Starring: Al Jolson , May McAvoy , Warner Oland , Eugenie Besserer , and Otto Lederer
Director: Alan Crosland
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005JKSC
Release Date: 2007-10-16

Amazon.com

Generally considered the first sound feature, this 1927 film is pretty much silent except for a few lines of dialogue and Al Jolson's songs. The story finds Jolson playing the son of a cantor who wants him to follow in his footsteps, but the singer prefers secular music. Except for its historical value, the film isn't all that interesting, though it is great to get a sense of why people considered Jolson to be a hugely exciting entertainer at the time. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

God Bless Warner Home Video!.......2007-08-06

First, ignore the old comments in this string that refer to the old VHS release and have nothing to do with this truly awesome new 3 DVD set. The content is awesome. Even if you have no interest in the feature (which has been completely restored with sound direct from origina discs and a new print). The fact this set contains 26 early, never on DVD (most never on video) Vitaphone vaudeville and music shorts from 1926-30, a new feature length documentary on the coming of sound, a dozen more shorts, and loads more extras ---- for less than $30 on Amazon --- makes this a must have for any film buff.

Recognize that NO other studio is releasing this kind of early talkie material, nor shorts. WHV is to be congratulated for assembling a first class package in a first class way. Please spread the word on this set. If it does well, perhaps more early stuff will emerge from the vaults!

Producer George Feltenstein deserves special recogition for sticking his neck out and producing a stellar set. Thanks!

It could have been so much better!.......2007-07-13

Excellent news but it could have been so much better. It has taken a long time for The Jazz Singer to be released on DVD and I can't wait to get my hands on the restored film and all of extras, particularly "Plantation Act" where the Jolson of 1926 sings "Rock-A-Bye your Baby", When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along" and "April Showers" WOW!
We should have had much more of Jolson. Al Jolson was and is "The Jazz Singer".
If any of the artists in the Vitaphone music shorts, or ANYBODY else, had stared in "The Jazz Singer" it would not be remembered as "the first sound film", the film that revolutionized the industry. Warner's realised this when they asked him to collect their special Oscar at the first Academy Awards ceremony. "I don't know what Jack Warner's going to do with this statue. It can't say yes".
So Jolson wasn't tall or handsome, he wasn't an actor but he could present a song and he could move an audience. Whilst today's DVD buyer might not appreciate Jolson's later films in their entirety what a great fourth disc it would have been to include all of his songs from his Warner films. (As we are promised with Judy Garland in the Rooney, Garland five disc set to be released end of September). Another unbelievable extra would have been the screen tests that Al Jolson made in 1948 before the shooting of "Jolson Sings Again". Either to convince the studio that he was still young enough to play himself or as a guide for Larry Parks, as if!
I can only hope the there is more to come and that "We ain't seen nothin' yet".

A great and legendary film!.......2007-07-13

Those who know the film and history need not hear anymore from me. But I have to say, I'm glad I already own this movie in a great condition VHS tape, because I don't care to pay nearly $40.00 retail for a deluxe edition with two extra discs that I don't really care about. Perhaps if they re-release it later as just a single disc with the film only, then I'll purchase it.

poor quality.......2007-02-04

The quality of the video is poor. It looks like either the original movie was not preserved adeqately or the process of converting it to VHS was inadequate.

80th Anniversary Edition features announced.......2006-12-21

In 1926 Sam Warner of the Warner Brothers decided to invest in the Vitaphone sound system. Don Juan was their first Vitaphone film, but it only contained music and sound effects. In 1927 Warner adapted the Samson Raphaelson Broadway hit The Jazz Singer into a movie and, this time, they incorporated vocal musical numbers in what was still a silent film for all but twenty minutes. Contrary to popular belief, audiences had heard music on film before, and they had heard dialogue on film before. What they had not heard or seen before were either of these things being particularly entertaining. When Jolson sings "Blue Skies" to his mother while adlibbing humorous comments, it all came across as so completely natural that people suddenly realized that sound on film could be entertaining and not just some novelty act. Despite its many shortcomings, including the predictable storyline, The Jazz Singer was a box-office success and a cinema milestone.

This new 80th Anniversary Edition of the Jazz Singer due in October 2007 contains three discs of extras and appears to be just as much a tribute to the birth of the talking picture as a fully digitized release of the Jazz Singer. Disc 1 is dedicated to the film itself, and includes a commentary track. "A Plantation Act" is also included. This is a 1926 Vitaphone short also starring Jolson. Disc 2 is dedicated to the silent to sound transition and includes a documentary on this subject along with shorter featurettes. The real jewel in the crown of this disc is the excerpt from "The Gold Diggers of Broadway". That was the top-grossing picture of 1929 and is an example of a very good all-Technicolor musical of the pre-Depression era. Unfortunately, it was considered lost for years and only a little over two reels (about 20 minutes) survive. Disc 3 contains almost four hours of Vitaphone shorts. These films run the gamut from musical theater legends and vaudeville acts, to dramatic vignettes and classical music performances from the most prestigious artists of the era. Most of these were shorts considered lost for decades, until a consortium of archivists and historians joined forces with a goal to restore these time capsules of entertainment history. Up until now, contemporary audiences have only been able to see these shorts via rare retrospective showings in a few large cities, or through the limited release of a restored handful of the earliest subjects, which were part of a 1996 laserdisc set. This new collection will finally make these films available on DVD. The actual Vitaphone shorts are included in the product description. Seems like a must buy for anyone interested in the film itself or the dawn of sound.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Music To Hear, And To See - Great Concert!
peggy lee of the 21st century
Excellent
MAJESTUOSA! no hay otra palabra
Great DVD!

Diana Krall - Live in Paris
Starring: Diana Krall
Director: David Barnard
Manufacturer: Eagle Eye/Pioneer Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Indie Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DTS | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005Y3ZM
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Amazon.com

Does it get any better than this? Canadian torch singer and pianist Diana Krall is in perfect form in this two-hour Paris concert, recorded in December 2001 shortly after the release of her CD The Look of Love. In her band, guitarist Anthony Wilson and bassist John Clayton get the lion's share of attention, but the entire ensemble (including lush strings from the Paris Symphony Orchestra) provides flawless support for Krall, whose skill on a Steinway is as impressive as her smoky interpretations of vintage standards and ballads. Inspired by guest conductor-arranger Claus Ogerman, Krall can surprise with subtleties (like a delicious hint of the Beatles' "Day Tripper" in her closing of "All or Nothing"), or glide into solos with a master's flair. Matching the music beat for beat, the camera coverage and editing are intimate without being obtrusive, making this a bit of jazz heaven here on earth. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Recorded live at the Paris Olympia on December 1, 2001, Krall's classic style blends equal parts artistic vision, hard work and determination. The British Columbia native began playing piano at the age of four and now has five stunning albums behind her. She made her debut with the critically acclaimed Only Trust Your Heart and the album topped the Billboard jazz charts for the most of 1998, earning Krall a Grammy nomination. She went on to win a Best Jazz Vocal Performance Grammy for 1999's platinum-selling When I Look in Your Eyes and became the first jazz artist in 25 years to be nominated in the Album of the Year category.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Music To Hear, And To See - Great Concert!.......2007-09-08

The Canadian jazz singer and pianist gives about a two-hour concert in Paris and all two hours are very worthwhile to watch and hear. This is good stuff - and I'm not really a jazz fan. Krall is accompanied by five other jazz musicians and a European symphony orchestra, conducted by Alan Broadbent.

This is simply good music by real pros in the jazz business and led, of course, by Krall, who has a wonderful voice and is a terrific pianist. It doesn't hurt that she looks great, too! (Actually, the whole concert is filmed beautifully.) To Krall's credit, she lets her band get a lot of solo time and she's generous with the compliments. I found guitarist Anthony Wilson a particular standout. However, you can see Krall is partial to longtime musicians John Clayton (bass) and Jeff Hamilton (drums.) She speaks of them like old buddies, which they probably are.

The first selection is the most upbeat of the concert and gets things rolling. All of it is first- class and gets better and better with each viewing.

peggy lee of the 21st century.......2007-08-06

When you get Diana Krall, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton playing the great standards, you could never never ask for more! She is the Peggy Lee of the 21st Century! With the Orchestre Symphonique Europeen backing her, this makes "Live in Paris "the very best of the best .
Now if only she doesn't get influenced with Elvis's style and sticks with the standards.......

Excellent.......2007-03-10

This DVD is a must for Krall fans. This is a timeless performance and shows her amazing gift, along with the outstanding pros alongside her.

MAJESTUOSA! no hay otra palabra.......2007-02-07

Ya de por si cualquier disco de Diana Krall es excelente, ahora esta presentación en vivo que hizo en Paris junto a extraordinarios músicos como Jeff Hamilton, Anthony Wilson y John Clayton es un verdadero deleite de principio a fin. La calidad de audio, vídeo y dirección de cámaras es simplemente de lo mejor, es una compra con 200% de satisfacción garantizada.

Great DVD!.......2007-01-16

We bought this for my grandfather for Christmas since he's a big DK fan, but the whole family watched and loved it. She's such a talented artist and has an incredible voice!

DVD:

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