U2 - Best of 1990-2000 (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Quick Overview: This DVD is both an excellent survey of U2's music during the past decade and a fascinating anthology of music videos, both conceptual and performance. Musically, it contains all of the songs from the regular release of the CD "U2: The Best of 1990-2000", with the exception that "For the First Time" is replaced by "The Fly". In addition, it contains seven bonus tracks, songs lamented by many for not being included on the CD. Cinematically, it boasts both performance and conceptual videos of varying quality; with the inclusion of intriguing director commentaries, many of the videos merit multiple viewings. Alternate videos for "Even Better Than The Real Thing", "One", "Stuck in a Moment...", "Staring at the Sun", and "Numb" are provided to yield a total of 28 music videos for 23 songs. As a special treat, three documentaries are included. All in all, this is an amazing DVD.
Details, Shot One ("Conceptual Videos"): The most successful conceptual videos are "Numb" (Godley version), "Please", and "If God Will Send His Angels". The "Numb" video bluntly demonstrates the cause of The Edge's numbness--it's also quite funny and disturbing. "Please" and "If God Will Send His Angels" are probably my favorites. Bono's performance in "Please" is poignant, and the gimic employed by Corbijn works well here. The use of split screen and altered film speed in "If God Will Send..." effectively communicates that awful out-of-sync feeling of being alone among people, even among friends.
"One" deserves special mention. Three videos were made for this. Pellington's version, employed in concert, emphasized buffalos, images of which adorn both the CD and DVD; sadly, this video was NOT included on the DVD. The other two videos are here, and they are interesting. Corbijn's version is notable for having Bono's father playing a major role; in addition, you get to decide which member of U2 would make the most attractive woman--I don't think it's Bono.
Details, Shot Two ("Performance Videos"): What would U2 be without footage of them on stage? Many of these videos, including conceptual ones, feature perforance footage. Some, like "Gone" and "Mofo", are essentially concert videos; I prefer watching these songs on the Zoo TV and PopMart videos. Others, like "Even Better Than the Real Thing", "Mysterious Ways", and "Staring at the Sun", utilize novel filming techniques to
bolster the song's mood or message. Some are more successful than others. For example, at first boring, the strange effects in "Staring at the Sun" (Scott version) become almost revelatory at the end. In "Please" and "One", expressions on The Edge's face at key points of the video are very telling and make the inclusion of performance footage mandatory.
One Drop of Sad: These are minor quibbles. 1) Navigation is sometimes frustrating. You click on the director's name and you get either the video OR the video with commentary. If you click on the triangle beside his name, you definitely get commentary. If you have the same trouble, keep trying; eventually, you will get the straight video. 2) With "Mofo", I had to try accessing the video several times before I heard the soundtrack. "Mofo" was the only video with which I had this problem. 3) Although the box claims subtitles in five languages, I did not find Japanese subtitles actually provided for the songs I checked, and I checked most of them. 4) Some songs, like "Beautiful Day" and "One", had alternate videos. It would have been nice to have ALL versions. (This is a BEST OF anthology, so maybe they only included the best of the alternates?)
Extra Tidbits: The DVD booklet provides interesting, albeit short, notes on each song. The DVD package provides storage space for the U2 The History Mix DVD, that came with the special edition of "The Best of 1990-2002" CD.
In Summary: This is an outstanding DVD. It contains most, arguably the best, of the singles from 1990-2000 with their videos, all of which contain something of at least passing interest and some of which are very powerful. The director commentaries are fascinating and provide valuable behind-the-scenes information. The documentaries are a nice addition. I highly recommend "U2: The Best of 1990-2002"; it's one of the best DVDs I've bought this year.

Click Here to see more reviews about: U2 - Best of 1990-2000 (2002)

BEST OF 1990-2000 - DVD Movie

Click here for more information about U2 - Best of 1990-2000 (2002)

Andre Rieu: Radio City Hall Live in New York (2007) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Taped in July 2006 at the Radio City Music Hall, this exuberant concert starts with a grand entrance set to "76 Trombones." The glittering show is occasionally interspersed with wonderful scenes of New York in Summer, with its amazing diversity and energy, and the "Godfather Theme" includes some sunny footage from Italy. The superb musicianship of Rieu (who now plays a 1732 Stradivarius), along with his unique and terrific Johann Strauss Orchestra and Chorus, always keep a light heart and a touch of humor while they perform pop and classical favorites. Guest artists are the Harlem Gospel Choir and 5 year old child prodigy Akim Camara.
The old time razzle dazzle aura of the Radio City Music Hall is a perfect setting for Rieu, who has perfected the fine art of schmaltz down to the last note, and never fails to delight us with his entertaining offerings. The concert includes the following numbers:
"76 Trombones"
With Akim Camara: "Dance of the Fairies"
With the Harlem Gospel Choir: "Amen," "I Will Follow Him," "Nun's Choir," "Oh Happy Day," "When the Saints Go Marching In"
"The Life of the Artist"
"Blaze Away"
"My Way"
"Godfather Theme"
"Singing in the Rain"
"The Washington Post"
"Music of the Night"
"Don't Cry for Me Argentina"
"Hallelujah Chorus"
"Radetzki March"
"A Bright Young Man"
"America the Beautiful"

Click Here to see more reviews about: Andre Rieu: Radio City Hall Live in New York (2007)

Item Name: Andre Rieu: Radio City Hall Live in New York; Studio:Denon Records

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Andre Rieu: Radio City Hall Live in New York (2007)

Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin' (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a strange bird of a DVD. For one thing, it contrasts the problems with watered-down, blown-up, and talent-lacking country music industry of today, with the rich talents of yesterday's country music scene, as well as the wealth of talent in other genres of new and current music. And for another thing, it's very entertaining to see Wyclef Jean freestyle rapping in front of a room full of mortified country fans.

It starts off well enough, with Willie performing an adequate rendition of one of his standards. And one would think a duet with Shania Twain doing "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" would be at least passable. But instead, Shania comes off sounding more like Celine Dion. Willie was completely unable to keep up, due to this very strange, overdone, and bland style of singing. Contrast that to Norah Jones who can sing with Willie incredibly beautifully and works with his style like a musical instrument in of itself. And she isn't even a country singer!

I would also like to know exactly how many Kenny Chesney fans will buy this DVD. The guy looks like a gay porn star. He actually makes me appreciate the originality of Garth Brooks. Sorry Garth, that was a bit cruel. In school one day, a couple of students said they liked country. Our teacher immediately asked "Willie Nelson?" They said "No, he's too old. We like Kenny Chesney!"

Notwithstanding, there are some great songs. When Ray Charles sang "A Song for You," I was crying right along with Willie. The Ray Price songs are fantastic and show Willie still has it after all these years. Paul Simon sings "Homeward Bound" in near perfect duet with Willie, not to mention a great guitar solo via Trigger. And although I may think Toby Keith has about as much charisma as Larry the Cable Guy, "I'll Never Smoke Weed With Willie Again," is thoroughly decent. But an up-beat country song in "Beer for My Horses" about terrorism is downright nauseating and horrifying. We certainly aren't all back at the saloon yet and probably never will be.
As far as the bonus tracks go, one can and cannot see why certain songs were cut. Willie's original opener of Whisky River was somewhat anemic. Kris Kristofferson can be an acquired taste. Sheryl Crow borderlines the same problem Shania has, but her song is pretty good. What was mindboggling was why they cut the other Norah Jones song which was just as outstanding as the one they kept in the show.

Now, finally the greatest specticle of them all. Leon Russell singing "Jumpin' Jack Flash." All the audience and Willie are very confused and don't know what to do. Even Leon seems a little surprised at what's coming out of him. And the biggest shock of all, the song is incredible. It burns the house down. But everybody stands around very uncomfortably. This alone, is worth the price of the DVD. I never thought I would hear a version of the song that would rival the Stones and then see everyone looking at their watches.

The same can be said of the Steven Tyler number. I wasn't even going to watch it, but I had to, just out of morbid curiosity. Going against all logic, reason, even physics, Steven makes a great country singer. He sounds very similar to Janis Joplin. It pains me to think of the missed opportunity of hearing him sing "Me and Bobby McGee" with Kristofferson. All I know now is that if Steven Tyler released a country album, I would certainly buy it and three copies for my friends.

So, all things considered this is a rather fascinating show. Sure, most country fans will give this one listen, complain about the chances it took, praise Twain and Keith, and forget it. But if you look and listen deeper you'll hear a completely original, strange, and satisfying showcase of talent doing what they do best, and sometimes trying something completely new and different.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin' (2005)

Item Name: Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin'; Studio:Lost Highway

Get 5% OFF

Click here for more information about Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin' (2005)

Paul McCartney - Live in Red Square (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)One of the great things about Macca is he's never forgotten where he came from, and inspite of the wealth and success, he knows what's important. That comes through in spades on this disc which is both a great concert film and a rather touching documentary on a number of social and political notions.
It isn't meant to be heavy going, and because of that, when you see the footage of the kids in the orphanage (the raison d'etre for the concert appearance), when you hear former Soviet military ministers saying they learned English from Beatles records, when you see even Putin crack the KGB veneer to acknowledge that something about the message of love that 4 guys from Liverpool stood for warmed even the iciest of hearts. McCartney seems to know that there was something in the Russian psyche that needed respect from his as well and he is also the consummate diplomat and a generous and genuine musical ambassador. After touring the Hermitage with Putin, he acknowledges how touched he is that the kids in the orphanage who perform for him are dressed in their Sunday best. That's a sensibility that only a working class kid would understand and recognize as important. He also gets quite a giggle out of the Russian police chasing him out of Red Square on his bicycle (it's a no-no), not caring who the heck he is. The laugh is on Mac and he enjoys it, sheepishly.
As for the Concert in Red Square and in St Petersburg, the shows are incredible. A number of talking heads relate their tales of securing Beatles records as they grew up, and it's rather touching. You get the picture that they got the message far more profoundly than those in the west. So as the band hits the stage, the rush in the crowd is exhilarating. Even Putin gets rockin during "Back in the USSR", and his KGB body guards are having a ball.
McCartney's observations during "Fool On A Hill" clearly indicate he knows and understands what this music means to people and he is determined to give them a great show and have fun. And he succeeds brilliantly. During "Let it Be" and "Hey Jude" the crowd is at times on the verge of tears, particularly one old fella. The robust singing along during "Jude" could only have happened in Russia where there is such enormous pride in polyphonic singing. Macca is stunned by how strongly the crowd joins in.
The experience was joyful and humbling. Having met Gorbachev, Putin and so many of the people of Russia, McCartney reflects on what it would be like to be able to tell his parents about this trip. It's the voice of a son who was raised to do the right thing and who wants his parents to know he upheld the family name. There is something about that that cuts across all nationalities and ethnicities. He's the genuine article, and this is a film with great music and a profound message.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Paul McCartney - Live in Red Square (2003)

A feature-length world premiere special that tells the story of the ex-Beatle's historic visit to Russia on May 24, 2003. Marking the first time that McCartney had set foot on Russian soil, this concert and documentary also reveals the secret love affair that existed between the Russian people and McCartney during the Communist era.

Get 45% OFF

Click here for more information about Paul McCartney - Live in Red Square (2003)

Weird Al Yankovic - The Ultimate Video Collection (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great DVD. from the King of Parodies, Contains almost every video he's ever made.
List and Description of The Videos-
1.Fat- Parody of ''Bad'' By Michael Jackson, Shot on 3/12/88
This grammy award winning Video was shot on a culver city soundstage on a subway set donated by Michael Jackson himself. For this video Al's make-up nearly took 3 hours to apply.
2.Amish Paradise- Parody of ''Gangstas Paradise'' by Coolio shot in Febuary of 96 with appearances by Florence Henderson who plays the Michelle Pfeiffer role in this tale of life on the mean streets of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. One shot in this required Al to phonetically sing the lyrics backwards while walking in reverse through a busy barnyard.
3.It's All About The Pentiums, Parody of ''It's all about the Benjamins'' By Puffy Daddy Video shot in July of 99, this video features cameos by two of the funniest people in the world-, Emo Phillips and Drew Carey.
4.Smells like Nirvana- 1992- Parody of ''Smells like Teen Spirit'' By Nirava, Rolling Stone put this on their list of the top 100 Videos of All Time & Al was nominated for best male performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. This video also used the same janitor as in the video Smells like Teen spirit. Dick Van Patten also turns in a stellar performance.
5.You Dont Love me Anymore- 1992, This song is an Al Original although the video was closely modeled after ''More than Words'' by Extreme.
6.Bedrock Anthem- Parody of Under the Bridge and Give it Away by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shot in 93- This video was shot on the same exact patch of dessert as the original. The Bee Girl from the Blind Melon video makes an appearance, as does Al's Aunt Dot.
7.Gump- Parody of ''Lump'' by The Presidents Of The United States Of America shot in April Of 1996, Al tells the complete story of Forrest Gump In under 2 minutes. Pat Boone appears in a bench cameo.
8.Jurassic Park, Airing October 93, Parody of ''MacArthur Park'' by Richard Harris-This video went on to be nominated for a Grammy and is still a big favorite in animation festivals around the world.
9.Headline News- parody of ''Mmmm,Mmmm,Mmmm,Mmmm'' by the Crash Test Dummies aired in Oct of 94 and set the legends of John Wayne Bobbitt, Tonya Harding and Singapore Caning victim Michael Fay to the tune of 1994's most hummable hit.
10.Dare To Be Stupid- Although an original composition, 1985's ''Dare to be Stupid'' is a homage to the group Devo, as well as, of course, Al's Motto in Life. I have to say this video is brilliant. This is one of my favorite Weird Al Videos. It incorporates Devo style with Weird Als Genius.
11.Eat It- Febuary of 1984, Parody of '' Beat It'' by Michael Jackson. Al's Grammy Award Winning Parody ''Eat It'' was an immediate international success.
12.Like A Surgeon, Parody of Madonna's '' Like A Virgin'' filmed in March of 85, this video was filmed in an actual hospital that had gone out of business. This, along with the videos ''Dare to be Stupid'' & One More Minute were done as part of a home-video release and television special called '' The Compleat Al''.13.UHF, shot in June 1989- The video shot for the Original Themesong from Al's Movie was perhaps his most ambitious to date. Al and his band parody in order: Guns n Roses, George Michael, Robert Palmer, Prince, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, ZZ Top, Billy Idol, The Beatles, INXS & Randy Newman. Also features guest appearances like Michael Richards & more.
14.Money For Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies- Parody of Money For Nothin' by Dire Straits shot in January of 1989 and was also the centerpiece of Al's Movie UHF, This video features the computer animation of Rick Morris.
15.One More Minute, 1985- This original sick and twisted Elvis like Doo-Wop love ballad has become a perenial favorite among the relationship impaired. Al's long time band members Jim West, Steve Jay and Jon ''Bermuda'' Schwartz supply the cheesy choreography. Also watch for Al ripping up a picture of the woman who inspired the song.
16.I Lost On Jeopardy, Parody of Jeopardy by Greg Kihn, shot in 1984, is a nostalgic tribute to the old Jeopardy game show. Cameos by original host Art Fleming & original show announcer Don Pardo. Al's mentor Dr. Demento, Al's real parents and Greg Kihn himself.
17.This is the Life- filmed in 84 its a 1930's flavored original and was the theme song for the 1930s gangster spoof ''Johnny Dangerously'' with Micheal Keaton and Danny Devito.
18.Living With A Hernia, Parody of ''Living In America'' by James Brown. Filmd in 86 this parody was shot on the same stage where the Godfather Of Soul shot his scenes for Rocky IV.
19.Spy Hard- Al's third movie theme was the title song from Hollywood Pictures action Spoof Spy Hard starring Leslie Nielson. Shot in 96.
20.Ricky- Parody of ''Mickey'' by Toni Basil, Filmed in April of 83, this one was Al's Music Video Debut. This was arguably the first comedy video ever shown on MTV.
21.Christmas At Ground Zero- This cheery Phil Spector inspired original tune about death, destruction and the end of the world was largely banned by broadcasters, that somehow decided it was a tad morbid to play a song about nuclear annihiliation during the Holidays. A compilation of cold war era scare tactic footage is capped by a live-action shot filmed in the Bronx. Airdate. November 21, 1986.
22.I Love Rocky Road, June of 1983, A Parody of Joan Jett's ''I Love Rock-n-Roll is a tribute to Al's favorite Ice Cream Flavor.
23.Bob- Shot in June of 2003, This is a homage to Bob Dylan's ''Subterranean Homesick Blues'' video Which was part of the Documentary Dont Look Back. Filmed in an alley in downtown L.A. It was shot as part of an ''AL-TV'' special that aired on VH1 10 Days Later.
24.The Saga Begins- Aired June 1999, A Parody of Don Mclean's ''American Pie'' is an MTV Unplugged take-off on Star Wars- Episode 1, The Phantom Menace. Shot in a blistering Hot Mojave Desert & a comfy air conditioned soundstage in North Hollywood California.
Special Features- Extras Include clips from the Weird Al Show, a rare 1981 performance clip from NBC's The Tomorrow Show, a photo gallery and on-screen lyrics option!!!
I also hear theres a hidden Easter Egg on the Special Features Section, Highlight ''Weird Al'', then press up and youll be treated to the video ''My Bologna''.
Overall, great collection of episodes and highly recommended to any Weird Al Fan or anyone who just likes to laugh and enjoys good comedy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Weird Al Yankovic - The Ultimate Video Collection (2003)

WEIRD AL YANKOVIC-ULTIMATE COLLECTION - DVD Movie

Get 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Weird Al Yankovic - The Ultimate Video Collection (2003)

Ken Russell at the BBC (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Product correction: This set does not include The Dance of the Seven Veils (70), the controversial bioassassination of Richard Strauss. Presumably the Strauss estate has blocked the release of this film as it has done in the past. I would appreciate correction on that statement if I am wrong. In its place is Russell's earlier work, Elgar (62).
This set presents 6 of the films that the British auteur made in the 1960s for the BBC television programs Monitor and Omnibus that move from narrated documentary - Elgar (62), to interpretive biopic - Dante's Inferno (67), and straightfoward drama - Song of Summer (68). In these films we meet 6 great artists - 3 composers: Elgar, Debussy, Delius; dancer Isadora Duncan; primitive painter Henri Rousseau; and Pre-Raphaelite poet and painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. All are on display with flaws intact whether struggling for recognition or sponsorship or with their own self-destructive personalities. Russell's sometimes ambiguous feelings for his subjects is evident in that he avoids polite and safe hagiography, which is realistic -- [...] may often be lurking behind works of great beauty. The casts of these films will be familiar faces to those familiar with Russell's troupe in his 70s films: Oliver Reed, Christopher Gable, Max Adrian, and Vladek Sheybal.
The films presented are fairly crisp with many an evocative sequence both in natural settings and in studio. The only flaw is inherent to the quality of the audio of the time, particularly in respect to the soundtracks of the composer films, i.e. tinny. The contemporary interview of Russell describing these films is enjoyable and insightful.
I hope that this release presages the official reissues of this director's great 70s work, most of them biopics, that have been long out of circulation: The Music Lovers, The Devils, The Boyfriend (all 1971!); Savage Messiah (72); Mahler (74); and Lisztomania (75).
For more on Russell: read Joseph Lanza's excellent book, Phallic Frenzy: Ken Russell and His Films, Chicago Review Press, 2007; and visit Iain Fisher's website at [...] . To see what Russell has been up to in this decade, check out his bit of guerrilla filmmaking, The Fall of the Louse of Usher, 2001.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ken Russell at the BBC (2008)

KEN RUSSELL AT THE BBC - DVD Movie

Get 49% OFF

Click here for more information about Ken Russell at the BBC (2008)