3/31/2012

Mike Epps Presents: Live From the Club Nokia (2010) Review

Mike Epps Presents: Live From the Club Nokia (2010)
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This was hilarious! It gets funnier as it progresses, the first couple comedians are alright, but the last few were hilarious especially the closer.

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Being Julia Review

Being Julia
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"Being Julia" is a homage to the legendary hammy and self-absorbed actors of yesteryear. Set in 1930's London, the movie stars Annette Bening as Julia Lambert, a forty-five year old actress who suddenly realizes that her best years may be behind her. She is exhausted, depressed, and bored with her life. Her marriage to her business manager, played with his usual aplomb by Jeremy Irons, is for the most part, platonic. What better way to perk things up then to embark on a foolhardy affair with a man half her age? Julia takes as her lover a fawning American, played stiffly by the plastic and conventionally handsome Shaun Evans. Julia throws caution to the winds. She falls hard for the impoverished boy and plies him with expensive trinkets and cash gifts. Meanwhile, a young blonde actress, Avice Crichton, comes along to challenge Julia and the ambitious upstart threatens to upstage the older woman both on and off the stage.
"Being Julia" has a nice look, with its vintage cars, period furniture, and authentic costumes. The musical background, which includes such ditties as "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries," sets the appropriate mood. However, the plot of this film is as trifling and paper thin as its shallow characters. The main reason to see "Being Julia" is to enjoy Annette Bening's amusing and effervescent performance as the ultimate diva. Julia is a talented and vivacious prima donna who appears to be vain and supremely self-confident. Bening shows the fear and the loneliness beneath Julia's haughty demeanor. Julia senses that sooner or later, her star will lose its luster. She knows in her heart that her ultimate enemy is old age; it is the one foe that she can never vanquish.


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BEING JULIA - DVD Movie

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Sharpe's Challenge (2006) Review

Sharpe's Challenge (2006)
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If you're a Sharpe fan, you won't be disappointed with this newest installment of the television interpretations of Bernard Cornwell's novels. Yes, you're right, this one is a mishmash of the three books (Sharpe's Tiger, Triumph and Fortress) set in India, and Sharpe's age had to be fiddled with to accomodate the always gorgeous Sean Bean, but who really cares? In Challenge, Sharpe is no longer the young Sergeant with the bad attitude and short temper from the books, he is the older, retired officer with the bad attitude and short temper that we learned to love in the 90's on the telly. Same deal, right? We aren't arguing with anything that brings either Sharpe or Sean back to our televisions.
Challenge has the usual entertaining Sharpe storyline of beautiful heroine in distress, incompetent and untrustworthy British officers (including the always deliciously evil Simmerson, (Michael Cochrone) back for a reprise and Major Dodd, a sneering Toby Stephens at his evil best), faithful Sgt. Harper, exotic locations and lots of shooting and killing. Plus elephants, always a great addition to any story and not used enough in this film, and a conniving evil Indian Queen. Short cameos by Wellington and Ramona (Harper's wife) are a nice touch.
Assaults (military and romantic), mystery, treachery, bravery and, as always, instructions on how to load and fire three rounds in a minute. Great fun all around.
Okay, maybe Sean has aged a little, but he still fills out the green jacket (and pants) JUST FINE. And, of course, any gratitutous shirtless scenes only add to the enjoyment!
Sharpe's Challenge is just as much fun as any of the others in the series, better than some, definitely had more money to spend. Grab your rifle and fall in!


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A year after the battle of Waterloo, dispatches from India warn that a local Maharaja is threatening British interests. Wellington sends Sharpe to investigate on what turns out to be his most dangerous mission to date. The last scout sent, Sharpe's best friend Sergeant Harper -- has gone missing and reports suggests that the real power behind the risings is Colonel Dodd, a malcontent East India Company Officer, and that the Maharaja has gathered into his impregnable fort. Once inside the fort things do not quite go as Sharpe has planned.

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3/30/2012

Melody Ranch (1940) Review

Melody Ranch (1940)
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This movie was a classic western musical. It had the talents of lovely Ann Miller, famous dancer, the fabulous comedy of Jimmy Durante and Gabby Hayes and of course the sweet voice of young Mary Lee. Gene, a radio star, returns to his home town of Torpedo as honorary sheriff for a day and winds up running for a permanent place as sheriff. The bad guys were ruling the town and Gene had to stop them. This was classed as a musical because of the many songs and dance routines, but it was also a classical Autry action movie as only he could make..If you have never been an Autry Fan or seen any of his movies this is the one to start with....Strangly enough, this is the very one that made this Autry collector fall in love with the life and legacy of Gene Autry and I have been collecting since that time....I highly recommend this movie!!!Give it a try and you'll become a fan of America Greatest Singing Cowboy!!

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Greater Tuna Review

Greater Tuna
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I SO wanted to award them 5-stars like all the rest of the reviewers, but the DVD version of this classic play just doesn't meet my expectations.
My wife and I absolutely love the Tuna trilogy (Greater Tuna, A Tuna Christmas, and Red, White and Tuna). We first saw Greater Tuna on our honeymoon while in San Francisco fifteen years ago and have seen others perform it several times since. We have seen Joe and Jaston (the originals) perform A Tuna Christmas and Red, White and Tuna twice each. Every time we see any of these three shows, we absolutely laugh our a$$e$ off! The writing is simply sheer genius.
I was incredibly psyched to learn that the first two shows had finally been released on DVD and rushed to buy them. I popped one into the player and that was when my heart sank.
Don't get me wrong. The play and the performances are absolutely stellar! I am so glad that they got these performances recorded for posterity (the third one, Red White and Tuna, MUST be done as soon as possible before the opportunity is lost)!
The one star docking from the perfect five is due to the really shoddy DVD packaging and presentation. There are ZERO extras included on the disc. NOTHING! There isn't even an information insert inside the cover of the DVD. The show itself is just a straight copy of the VHS video recording transfered to DVD. Period. No remixing or remastering; any flaws on the VHS video transfered to the DVD playback. Shame on them. They could have created something for the ages, but no.
Still, this is an incredible show and well worth the investment to own. My wife and I will watch these shows over and over now and never tire of them. If they ever do come to their senses and remix and release some "collector's editions" with lots of extras (and they should, by all means!), then we'll probably jump on those as well. We love them that much!

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Studio: Wolfe VideoRelease Date: 08/31/2004Rating: Ur

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Topsy-Turvy Review

Topsy-Turvy
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Topsy-Turvy is the story of the creation of the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, "The Mikado." It contains not just the story of the musical's creation but many scenes from Mikado and other G&S musicals. Long-time "G&S" (Gilbert & Sullivan) fans probably found this movie a long time ago. I am one of them, so first I'll say that I found the performance of the G&S material in this movie absolutely superb. I've never seen a Mikado as genuinely funning and eccentric as Tim Sprall's, or a Yum-Yum as winsomely self-centered as Shirley Hendersen's Leonora Branham.
Viewers who find musicals simplistic or shallow or generally silly should make an exception in the case of Topsy-Turvy. It is none of those things. In true Mike Leigh fashion, the actors inhabit their characters like second skin. No one is simple or shallow. Nor does Leigh avoid the seamier side of London theatrical life. I particularly liked Jim Broadbent's bitterly comic and misanthropic Gilbert, Martin Savage as the opium-addicted George Grossmith (the 'patter baritone' who rips through Gilbert's rapidfire lyrics like a rap song), and Lucy Manville as Gilbert's long-suffering wife.
Finally, the film is visually beautiful and detailed; wonderful costumes, lighting, and sets that seem faultless in their historical detail.
One of the best, if not the best, bio-pic ever made.

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3/29/2012

Black Belt Theatre: Flaming Swords Review

Black Belt Theatre: Flaming Swords
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Not sure what the problem is but if you want it all you need to do is visit Spinning Disc Direct dot com and you will see this title there as well as many others. Thanks!

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Bill Hicks Live - Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-Up Comedian Review

Bill Hicks Live - Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-Up Comedian
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As one who worked in comedy clubs for years and saw hundreds and hundreds of so-called comedians, I can assert that only a handful of comics make a lasting impression.
Hicks was one of those. Though I only got to see him onstage for one week's worth of shows in 1987, his body of work thankfully became more commercially available over the next decade.
Hicks is one of the rare comics with a point of view that both skewers and embraces Mankind. He loved his country and his fellow man, and that gave him license to stab and poke at their flaws. He championed THOUGHT as the means to combat Mediocrity and the Sheep Mentality.
This DVD is a sufficient look into his mastery of his craft and his unflinching control over his audience. Sometimes his control of the audience was mixed with disdain towards them, too. But it was closer to "tough love" than animosity or condescension.
Not everyone will recognize Bill's brilliance and not everyone will "get" the humor. Actually, the brighter you are the more likely you will appreciate Bill Hicks.
Buy this DVD and be elevated to a higher understanding of how the interactive medium of stand-up can be used as a persuasive pulpit not for bullying or mass entertainment but for communal introspection and self-examination.

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BILL HICKS - ON DVD AT LAST!Bill Hicks Live is the first official DVD release from the legendary and beloved comedian.Since Bill died in 1993, his work has reached a new audience and he has become a powerful cult figure. For these fans who never had the opportunity to see Bill in person, this DVD will be a revelation. The DVD captures Bill at his very best, with three of his legendary filmed performances: "One Night Stand" from the Old Vic Theatre in Chicago (approx 30 minutes)"Revelations" from the Dominion Theatre in London (approx 65 minutes) "Relentless", Bill's breakout performance at the Montreal Comedy Festival (approx 70 minutes) The DVD focuses on his incredible live act, with Hicks hilariously assaulting the stage and the audience with a non-stop cornucopia of insights into our twisted world; the government, the military, the police, religion, smoking, pornography, drugs and of course, for those of you who are getting antsy, a couple of dick jokes. As a bonus, the documentary "Just A Ride" surveys Bill's remarkable career with insights from his peers; including Brett Butler, Eddie Izzard, Richard Jeni, Jay Leno, David Letterman and Thea Vidale. (approx 45 minutes)Total running time: approx 3.5 hours of pure, unadulterated Hicks.

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Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Fleming, Morris, Croft, Levine, Moshinsky, Metropolitan Opera (1996) Review

Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Fleming, Morris, Croft, Levine, Moshinsky, Metropolitan Opera (1996)
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I've seen Domingo perform Otello live about 24 times including being in the audience the night this was filmed as well as opening night. This was the most magical night in all my years of going to opera. The electric energy flying around the stage between the principals and the audience was almost unbearable. While waiting in line to see Renee backstage, the prompter (she has been with the Met some 40 years) asked if we had seen the opening night performance and we answered in the affirmative and she said "Well, I think tonight was better, in fact, I think it is the best performance of Otello I've ever seen!" And, I figure she's seen a few including those of Domingo. His acting in this performance is superb! He is Otello! James Morris was manipulative, evil and charming at the same time. Renee was a wonder! In fact the reviewer at the time for the L. A. Times said it should have been called "Desdemona" so enchanted with her performance was he. She had just given birth to her second daughter 3 weeks earlier and apologized to us for greeting us in her dressing room sitting down! After she falls on the floor, sings on the floor, runs and puts her entire heart and soul into her performance! The lady was forgiven! Domingo was in an extremely good mood after an opera that usually totally exhausts him! He knew that this was a very special performance. Thank you Met for broadcasting this as I watch it frequently and my tape is almost worn out! I've been waiting for this opera to be released as one of the most outstanding productions and casts ever of my favorite opera and now they have done it! If you can only buy one DVD this year, make it this one! Also, it's history, as you'll never see him again, or anyone else, I wager, that can come close to capturing the character and singing it as well as he does. This is opera magic!!!

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3/28/2012

Augie T. Live @ Hawai'i Theatre Review

Augie T. Live @ Hawai'i Theatre
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Augie T. is the hottest rising star in comedy today. He has what it takes to make it world wide -- meaning the ability to make the audience laugh. REALLY laugh! That healing belly laugh that just shakes away all your cares and releases any tension is what this dvd produces. I saw the show and enjoyed it so much, I got the dvd right there and watched it as soon as I got home! He is just so funny! Augie T.'s comparison between the local Hawaiian guys (mokes) and midwestern guys is so dead-on accurate! I grew up in the midwest and now live in Hawaii--that really hit home! Do yourself a favor and buy this dvd; it has universal appeal. You will not be disappointed. It is good, clean, healing fun!

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Henry Fielding's Tom Jones (1998) Review

Henry Fielding's Tom Jones (1998)
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"It is a pity he was not immortal, he was so formed for happiness." -- Mary Wortley Montagu on the death of her cousin, Henry Fielding.
This dramatization of this most wonderful book is nearly perfect. I say nearly perfect because that are one or two little problems with the sound (no, Honour doesn't mean she wouldn't say a word if Sophia were to go to bed with Mr. BLIFIL instead of Mr. Jones, nor does Miss Western mean to say, "Brother, if you would only leave your NIECE to my care...") but never mind that. It doesn't matter because the director, Metin Huseyin, has his fingers on the pulse of 18th century England. It's not a "bawdy romp." It was really like this. Straight, nonintoxicated Englishmen hugged and kissed each other in public (a show of feeling was considered a mark of a gentleman). People talked more openly about sex than they did for another 175 years, the fact that women liked it too, and the fact that sex is, every once in a while, a motive for human behaviour. Women talked back and demanded respect. Hypocrisy was everywhere (and just like now, you could sometimes say so). About 140 crimes carried the death sentence. Money and property sometimes mattered more than people. Young people sometimes had to marry the person they were told to marry whether they hated them or not, and being kind, generous and amiable could get you in worse trouble than being greedy, grabby and nasty. Fielding wrote it all down and Huseyin delivers it wonderfully well here.
Tony Richardson's Tom Jones was splendid, to be sure, and is full of brilliant acting, but in many ways it was, to quote a friend of mine, rather like, "Austen Powers does the 18th Century." This is Tom Jones as Fielding conceived him. A pretty, sweet fellow, probably based on Fielding's youthful self, who makes a few very human mistakes and, with the help of his enemies, nearly gets himself hanged.
The casting in this production is marvellous and the director has, probably through his obvious great love for this story, allowed each actor to be infused with a faithful sense of character. Fantastic as Joyce Grenfell was, to the heavily Freudianized audiences of 1964, a character like Lady Bellaston could only be portrayed as a clinging nyphomaniac. Lindsay Duncan, on the other hand, is perfect as the mature, sexy, selfish, independently wealthy female who does exactly as she likes, a type of woman not unknown today and not unknown in the 18th century, either. (It was the Victorians and people in the first three quarters of the 20th century who claimed women like this were aberrations.) Peter Capaldi is great as the horribly funny Lord Fellamar. Partridge is rumpled, wronged and tender-hearted. The household parasites ARE odious, Brian Blessed IS Squire Western (complete with dog slobber and misguided parenting), Samantha Morton is perfect as Sophia, who in turn was based on Fielding's beloved wife, Charlotte; lovely, hot-tempered, brave and honest. As is true of all the casting, her long-suffering, imperfect maid and friend, Honour, is great. The child actors well match their grownup counterparts. Beesley is a good Tom and also has a nice bottom. John Sessions, who plays Fielding himself, our wry narrator, is a delight.
This production is much closer to the original, including the dialogue, already in place by Fielding, who wrote dialogue for his novels like the dramatist that he was; so in a way it was already a screenplay. Some of the longer narrative passages had to be pared out, of course, but why both directors (Richardson and Huseyin) leave out the fact that Squire Allworthy sends his precious but disgraced Tom off, well provided for, with 500 pounds in his pocket, I don't know, but I'm sure they had their reasons. The sets may not be brilliant, but the costumes, make-up, acting and directing are. This is a wonderful production in the old BBC tradition. Get it and love it, because they aren't making them anymore. And if you think we won't suffer for this loss, then listen (as if you could avoid it) to the deafening whine that passes for so much of modern dramatic art. We need Henry Fielding as much now as they did then.

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Studio: A&e Home VideoRelease Date: 03/26/2002Run time: 300 minutesRating: Nr

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The Ten Commandments: The Musical (2006) Review

The Ten Commandments: The Musical (2006)
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I wanted to see this but since I've rarely left Texas, I had to settle to get the movie. Val Kilmer is one of my favorite actors of all time. Adam Lambert is currently on American Idol and didn't know he was in the movie until I heard him sing "Is Anybody Listening". It goves me goosebumps. I love the dancing!! The plot shows the love of mothers, the cruelty of the Pharoh and how God can harden and soften other's hearts for certain things to happen. There is one song that I don't really care for and that's "The Glory of Ra". I just realized who that guy is! The man who plays Rmases is also Raoul from The Phantom of The Opera from 2004! No wonder he looked familiar! The women were AMAZING! Now all I have to do is buy the Soundtrack because I get songs in my head randomly. Do they sound the same on the CD as they do in the film? Must investigate.

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Through the magic of musical theatre, one of the world'sgreatest stories has been reborn. With a stunning new vision, The TenCommandments: The Musical brings to life the gripping tale of two brothers,Moses and Ramses. United by love, divided by destiny, they lead their twonations in an epic struggle between slavery and liberty. The Hebrews wereslaves in Egypt 3,300 years ago. When Moses, a Hebrew baby raised as abrother to the Egyptian prince, learned of his true origins, he was thrustinto a new life, leading his people to freedom. But liberty was not enough.To survive and thrive, they had to abide by the rules of their God, The TenCommandments. The story that has inspired billions of people now becomes acall to the world for peace, love and brotherhood.

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3/27/2012

The Ceremony of Innocence (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1970) Review

The Ceremony of Innocence (Broadway Theatre Archive)  (1970)
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Here's another fine installment from the Broadway Theatre Archive. As usual, there are no extras on the disc, but in this case, the feature more than makes up for it.
"The Ceremony of Innocence," originally a play by Ronald Ribman, is presented here in a 1972 recording. There are a few liberties taken to adjust to the medium of television (such as red-tinted snippets edited in for effect), but nothing that takes away from the incredible drama protrayed by the cast and production crew.
Richard Kiley plays King Ethelred of England, circa the 11th Century. Ethelred is a surprisingly progressive king. He wants to bring education, law, medicine, and science to his kingdom. He even commissions a famous explorer who has plans to sail the great "Western Ocean" (the Atlantic) in search of distant lands. Ethelred knows that only peace can bring prosperity to England, but no one else seems to agree with his point of view. Even his most trusted advisor quails at the idea of giving up war for peace.
Surrounded by enemies and bitter, scheming advisors, the king's plan to make peace with the fearsome King of Denmark (appearing briefly, played by Ernest Graves), is constantly imperiled. Ultimately confining himself to a monastery seeking some kind of solace, Ethelred is haunted by the visions of violence and bloodshed that surrounds him, his family, and his kingdom. Meanwhile, the enraged Danish king is about to attack, while Ethelred's frustrated advisors demand action. Ethelred is obviously paying the price for being born centuries before his time, as one by one his dreams are sabotaged by the overwhelming and painful tide of events he is forced to face.
The photography is first class for videotape, the medium used to record the play. The lighting is excellent, as are the rough, spartan sets. Even some location footage, used where appropriate, raises the quality of the play far above a standard presentation.
Excellent drama for historical study, and to introduce younger students to this period in English history. There are a sprinkling of curse words in the play, and some minor television bloodshed, but nothing too objectionable for today's teen viewers to see.
When all is said and done, you'll be keeping this disc.

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She Stoops to Conquer - Goldsmith / National Theatre (2009) Review

She Stoops to Conquer - Goldsmith / National Theatre (2009)
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"She Stoops to Conquer" is a humorous study of human relationships. As in real life each person has multiple dimensions. Some people are chameleons and change color to suit their surroundings. Others are more comfortable with themselves and maintain a constant stripe. The interactions of these different characters lead to humorous situations and witty dialogue. This is a thoroughly enjoyable farce. The cast is outstanding and the picture quality is great.

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The Mikado- Gilbert And Sullivan / Australian Opera (2008) Review

The Mikado- Gilbert And Sullivan / Australian Opera (2008)
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This is possible the least spectacular of the Opera Australia Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs, possibly due to the fact that it is over 20 years old and now rather dated. Having said that, it is still a polished and enjoyable performance and ranks well compared to productions by most other companies, as indeed do all the Opera Australia Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs.
The cast do a great job, both in their singing and acting. Anne-Maree McDonald is one of the most convincing Yum Yums I have seen, cleverly letting us see the conceit of the character that is all but hidden under the sweet frame. The highlight performance for me, however, is Heather Begg's portrayal of Katisha. Heather gives a powerful and dynamic performance that captures the essence of the character perfectly.
Some "contemporary" use of humour is used during the Pooh-Bah & Nanki-Poo exchange concerning Pooh-Bah's various roles that makes references to the Australian political scene that existed at that time (1987). Some of this humour may be lost to non-Australians or even younger Australians that were not familiar with the era. It is otherwise, fairly loyal to the original script.
On the downside, the sets are a little bit flat and unimaginative, but one can generally overlook these things when presented with such polished performances. All in all, another great performance by Opera Australia.

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3/26/2012

Georges Bizet - Carmen / Peter Hall, Bernard Haitink, Maria Ewing, Barry McCauley, London Philharmonic, Glyndebourne Festival Opera (2005) Review

Georges Bizet - Carmen / Peter Hall, Bernard Haitink, Maria Ewing, Barry McCauley, London Philharmonic, Glyndebourne Festival Opera (2005)
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This is not a "music professional's review". Carmen is theater, Carmen is about human nature, about jealousy, about life. Perhaps the most popular opera ever. It can be presented and performed in many different ways. This performance, this presentation is the best. Not just as an opera, but perhaps one of the best performances in the recorded performing arts.
One does not have to be an opera-lover to enjoy this Carmen. It is like the first Star Wars movie - an instant classic - with one difference. This one has one superb actress in it - Maria Ewing.
She is Carmen from the first appearance to the end. Of course, she can sing, but what really counts is that she can act. She is perfect for the role. To be clear about this: I am not just praising Carmen, Bizet's opera. It can be performed badly, or questionably - just three weeks ago (November 2005) I saw a performance in Denver that was mediocre at best - mostly because of the somewhat weird ideas in directing, trying to be original... But this Carmen is unique: it has everything.
Is this something your children can see? Yes. My daughters, thankfully, have seen over and over this one (in the VHS tape edition) since they were about five.
I probably never recommended anything as a "you should buy this one", but this is it. It is very good news that finally this performance is available on DVD. Even if you never saw an opera, or never want to see one, get this DVD, and you will be glad you got it.

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Amargosa Review

Amargosa
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This is a lovely, fascinating, and OUTSTANDING documentary portraying Marta Beckett's development of the Amargosa Opera House...an abandoned theatre on the edge of Death Valley which she renovated, painting an audience on the walls and performing her vaudeville style ballets and skits. And then the real audience came. She was profiled in National Geographic in the 70's and is still performing. The documentary also discusses her help with saving wild burros and horses, the haunted hotel, and the local handyman who became her friend and colleague.

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In the remote California ghost town of Death Valley Junction (pop 10) stands the Amargosa Opera House, where for the past 33 years former New York dancer and artist Marta Becket has performed her own ballets in the theater she spent seven years handpainting with stunning murals. For Becket, the creative life is an obstacle course of self-doubt, criticism and abandonment a high price to pay in the pursuit of self-expression. But for the seventy-six-year-old dancer and painter who is isolated in the badlands of Death Valley, the process of creating and performing is her refuge. In this EmmyTM award-winning documentary, Becket recounts how she first came to live in this unlikely desert oasis, and describes her unquenchable need to create and perform her work. Marta Becket's life is an inspiring testament to dreams and creative endeavors everywhere. Emmy Award Winner, Best Cinematography Academy Award Finalist, Best Documentary Feature - 72nd Annual Academy Awards

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