Johnny Mathis Live - Wonderful, Wonderful - A Gold 50th Anniversary Celebration (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered my copy from Amazon in early November, but the company manufacturing the dvds is so overrun with orders for it that the "mass release" date has been postponed until February 27th!! Depending on the type of shipping method chosen, it might not arrive until sometime in early March.
I have watched this special on both PBS stations (in segments, during pledge drives) and on HDNET (short version, uninterrupted). The dvd coming from Amazon will have more songs from the concert at which this was taped (October, 2006). IT IS FANTASTIC, LIKE BEING AT ONE OF THE CONCERTS, BUT THE CAMERA BRINGS YOU ONTO THE STAGE! YOU WILL BE VERY HAPPY WHEN YOU FINALLY GET IT AND WATCH, I CAN ASSURE YOU!!! I just hope that it works in your dvr! I think it is even better than the A&E Live in Concert that everyone already loves!!

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JOHNNY MATHIS LIVE:WONDERFUL WONDERFU - DVD Movie

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En Vivo (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I travelled from Massachusetts to Miami to see this show, along with a friend and my brother who lived in Florida at the time and I did not regret it. Roberto Carlos is still at the top of his game. Vocally, he is still in great form. There is really not much else I can say except that he has accomplished it all during his amazing career. What a singer! I have both the standard DVD and the Blue Ray format of this concert and while the Blue Ray has a better picture, the standard DVD has a better sound. I would encourage anyone to invest in this product as I believe you will not be disappointed. The show was spectacular.
Al Pina

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Two unforgettable nights, one incredible artist: Roberto Carlos took to the stage on Thursday May 24 and Friday May 25, 2007, and wowed audiences with his greatest hits sung in Spanish. For fans of this legendary Brazilian artist, it was a much-awaited return. Roberto Carlos had not performed in the U.S. for a decade. Returning to perform at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami (formerly: Carnival Center for The Performing Arts). Roberto Carlos performed two shows produced by Day 1 Entertainment; the incomparably talented singer and songwriter, backed up by his band E Coral, once again demonstrated why he has sold over 100 million records worldwide.On the second night of "Roberto Carlos en Concierto," the performance was recorded for what will become Roberto Carlos' first Blu-ray release ever in Spanish! Delighting the audience at the sold-out theater with classics such as "Emociones", "Desahogo", "El Día Que Me Quieras" and "Amigo", among others. At the end of the concert, and after a standing ovation, Roberto Carlos came back and performed to three encores as a gesture of gratitude to his loyal fans and audience. Portuguese-speaking fans and lovers of Roberto Carlos' songs in his native language were also acknowledged with the song "Acrostico". This "Live" performance will delight all fans of Roberto Carlos for many years to come.Blu-ray Disc Tracklisting 1. Abertura (Medley); Café De Manh\Detalles\Emociones 2.. Emociones; Emociones\Bienvida 3. Que Sera De Ti 4. Cama Y Mesa 5. Detalles 6. Desahogo 7. El Dia Que Me Quiera 8. O Calhambeque (Mi Cacharrito) 9. Mujer Pequena 10. Acrostico 11. Propuesta 12. Concavo Y Convexo 13. La Distancia 14. Amigo 15. Jesus Cristo 16. Amada Amante 17. Un Gato En La Oscuridad (Un Gato Nel Blu) 18. Yo solo Quiero (Un Millon De Amigos) Bonus Features Spanish Sub-titles Video/Audio Full 1080i30 HD Picture PCM (Uncompressed) Stereo (48kHz/24 bit) PCM (Uncompressed) 5.1 Surrond Sound 984kHz/24 bit

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Tony Bennett - American Classic (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)To accompany his lustrous "Duets" CD, perennial crooner Tony Bennett recruited some first-rank talent behind and before the cameras to help him produce this remarkable TV special to commemorate his 80th birthday. It is at once a throwback to the network variety specials from the 1960's and 70's (before pay-cable rendered them obsolete) and a reinvention of the format incorporating biographical elements within the context of mini-video performances. The result aired on NBC earlier this week as an hour-long special. Without commercials, the program scarcely runs forty minutes, but it remains a superbly crafted showcase for a timeless singer. Thanks to Rob Marshall's innovative conception and immaculate direction, the show follows a roughly chronological timeline of Bennett's career with nine starry-eyed duets connected by brief snippets of his professional milestones.
Things start on a high note with Bennett in an empty theater singing Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" joined by a mellifluous-sounding Barbra Streisand, his most accomplished partner for the evening. In a jazz nightclub setting, he is surrounded by the acrobatic Tony Bennett Dancers and swings though "Sing, You Sinners" with a confident John Legend. In a recording booth at Columbia Studios, Bennett sings his first hit, "Because of You" accompanied by smoky vocals from k.d. lang and a languorous trumpet solo by Chris Botti. Visually, my favorite part of the program is the black-and-white recreation of the 1960's-style variety show complete with dancers in sailor tops and Capri pants. In this segment, Diana Krall joins Bennett on a finger-snapping "The Best Is Yet to Come" followed by a sonorous version of "The Shadow of Your Smile" given a samba-accented makeover by Columbian rock singer Juanes.
The inevitable Vegas sequence features a bevy of feather-fanned showgirls. In this milieu, Bennett is joined by Elton John on a jaunty "Rags to Riches", by new-jack crooner Michael Bublé on a swinging "Just in Time" (whose Dean Martin-style behavior may rankle the more feminist-minded), and finally by a surprisingly stationary Stevie Wonder leaning heavily on his melisma on his own "For Once in My Life" (which includes his trademark harmonica interlude). To show his popularity with the current crop of chart-toppers, Bennett is joined by a retro-styled Christina Aguilera and the dancers in full Fosse mode on "Steppin' Out". It all ends appropriately with a shimmering solo of Bennett's signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco".
Providing the spoken interludes between the performances are Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Robert DeNiro. At about 45 minutes in total, the extras on the DVD actually last longer than the special itself. They start with a 2 1/2-minute trailer and go right into footage of the dancers rehearsing their four production numbers. What follows is an extensive making-of featurette which features interviews with Marshall, choreographer John DeLuca and other key members of the creative staff interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage.

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Tracks:1."Smile" Barbra Streisand 2."Sing You Sinners" John Legend 3."Because Of You" k.d. lang and Chris Botti 4."The Best Is Yet To Come" Diana Krall 5."The Shadow Of Your Smile" Juanes 6."Rags To Riches" Elton John 7."Just In Time" Michael Bublé 8."For Once In My Life" Stevie Wonder 9."Steppin' Out With My Baby" Christina Aguilera 10."I Left My Heart In San Francisco" Tony BennettProduct Description: TONY BENNETT: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC is a ground-breaking television eventthat takes us on a musical journey of this legendary entertainer's life. Re-creating thevenues of Tony's career, from the downtown Greenwich Village club where Tony was discovered, to theColumbia recording studios of the early 60's, from rat pack Las Vegas to CarnegieHall, Tony will be joined for each show-stopping number by the myriad of superstars thatappear with him on his Duets album. In a bold re-invention of the form, each set piece was filmedas a small movie by an Academy Award-winning team, lead by director Rob Marshall (Memoirs OfA Geisha, Chicago.) Seamlessly woven throughout the program will be introductions andnarrative insights. This event invites us to celebrate the life of who Frank Sinatracalled "the greatest singer ever." As the special ends, Tony Bennett will take the empty stage,this time alone, and deliver his signature classic, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."

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Diana Krall: Live in Rio (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Diana Krall and company do it again! Another fine live performance we can experience again and again on DVD. The musical selections are very well recorded and nicely arranged. The group's generally laid-back mood is definitely in sync with this Brazilian-inspired concert. The instrumental improvisations are polished and very musical and Diana's vocals will transport you to Rio.
To those pseudo-techie critics, I recommend you pull your heads out of your iPods and really listen to the fantastic performances here. As a life-long jazz musician myself, I have better ears and probably better electronics than most of you. I find no basis for your negative reviews. As the witty Moze Allison once wrote, "Critics... they can't swim and they can't even float. They just stand at the shore and wave at the boat."
Pay no attention to the "amateur opinion havers" and blog-trogs. This is an exceptional Diana Krall concert and DVD recording. If you like her work, you'll probably love this video.

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Diana Krall has had a long time fascination with bossa nova, a type of music which perfectly suits her sophisticated yet sensual style. This culminated in her new studio album "Quiet Nights" (released by Verve in spring 2009) and in this stunning concert filmed in the home of the bossa nova, Rio de Janeiro, in November 2008. Accompanied by her band and an orchestra, Diana Krall delivers a superb set of standards in true bossa nova style but clearly bearing her unique stamp. This DVD captures Diana Krall at her scintillating best.

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Caught In The Act (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Many opinions have been posted here on the release of this CAUGHT IN THE ACT blu ray. Why reissue something we have already seen? Why no new live material from Michael Buble? These can be valid questions but I also agree that they also have nothing to do with the quality of this item. I shall try to offer my perspective and hopefully it will help you decide whether you wish to purchase it.
First off, I in no way think Michael Buble is milking his fans. Blu ray is an amazing gift to film and video enthusiasts. A good blu ray transfer is miles above even the highest quality dvd in picture quality and audio presentation. Due to the brilliance of blu ray almost everything that sold well on dvd is being reissued on blu ray for it is such an improvement. I doulble dipped here and was thrilled when I heard it was coming on blu ray.
I have a high end blu ray player, a hd television and a high end receiver. An hd television is really a must to be able to fully appreciate blu ray. I found the picture quality stunning. Colors are crisp, flesh tones are amazing and the clarity crystal clear. When Michael is on stage you can see every line on his face, every drop of sweat. He appears as if he is in your room with you, as if you are actually at the concert. This is the reason for blu ray.
I must admit at first with the audio i had a problem finding the best level to play it at. I found the volume varied greatly from the audience clapping to Michael singing. I was surprised for DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 is an excellent source. But then I remembered my receiver had different audio settings for music recordings so I changed the audio to CONCERT and it greatly improved but when I changed it to JAZZ the sound bacame impeccable. The sound level between Michael and the orchestra was perfection and audience participation stayed at a greatly enjoyable steady level. He runs into the audience, uses lighting a lot in his show and the picture holds strong thru it all.
The performance most Michal Buble fans will already know. First off, the concert is 120 minutes and not the 90 minutes it says in the item description by Amazon. This is a stellar concert with a wide range of superb song selections. Michael Buble is in true form with his pure artistry in the forefront. I have seen him live twice and watching this brings me back again. The dvd never really did for me. Michael is an amazing performer. He puts so much into his stylings of his songs including his effective body movements and his camaraderie with the audience is a joy to watch. He is funny, energetic, sincere, humble and a true gentleman.
Bottom line, you know Michael Buble and you probably already know this concert. If you love the concert and have the equipment to enjoy blu ray at its finest I recommend double dipping here. When I watch it on my 37" hd tv I am mezmerized and have no complaints. I find this blu ray transfer a huge success.

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This Blu Ray features sensational young crooner Michael Buble, with footage from his first 'Great Performances' PBS special, plus a live performance at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.

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Blue Man Group: How to Be a Megastar Live (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Blue Man Group return to their rock concert experience in their latest DVD, captured during their "How to Be a Megastar 2.0" tour. If you already own "The Complex" much of this material will be familiar as it nearly the same format as the group's previous rock concert tour. That's not necessarily a bad thing. As in "The Complex," "How to Be a Megastar" opens with "Above," which if you've seen/heard from "The Complex" you know is simply an amazing song. The concert presentation is exciting, with a screen obscuring the stage and only shadows of the Blue Men projected on the screen as, one by one, each takes to their PVC instruments to begin the melody, with a swirling of images of the band and the Blue Men as the song launches into guitar, drums, keyboards, bass, and percussion in an explosive cresendo. Awesome. The remainder of "How to Be a Megastar" essentially follows the same progression as "The Complex" with some new material and new rock conert movements. The premise of the tour is the Blue Men have purchased an "updated" rock concert experience manual from an infomercial and are incoporating the new material into the show. The band is amazing, as it was before in "The Complex." I miss the guest vocals of Tracy Bonham and Annette Strean of Venus Hum. Annette was gorgeous and belted out an exciting cover of "I Feel Love" in her unique style in "The Complex" and is replaced on the current tour with a new vocalist. She's fine, but it's hard to follow in the footsteps of Annette and Tracy.
Bonus material includes a music video for "I Feel Love"; a piece of comedy called "Mono Makes a Plea -- Save the TVs" campaign (bemoaning the switch to digital signals which will effect us all...) and finally, and perhaps most importantly, a documentary called "Inside the Tube." It features the founders of Blue Man (Phil Stanton, Chris Wink and Matt Goldman) as they discuss the group, the philosophy of the Blue Man and the evolution of Blue Man from a theatrical presentation to the rock concert experience of "The Complex." It's a fascinating insight; Stanton, Wink and Goldman are extremely intelligent and creative individuals with a lot of passion for what they do. As far as I know the documentary aired only on PBS during a fund raising drive, with the documentary being sold as an incentive gift for new PBS members. If my memory is correct the documentary was being sold for a $75 contribution; now you can watch it for free!
If you already own "The Complex" and are on the fence about purchasing "How to Be a Megastar," I would suggest it primarily for the documentary included in the DVD extras. The DVD also includes a CD version of the concert, so for less than $20 you're getting a DVD and audio CD; a great deal. If you are new to Blue Man I would recommend starting with "Blue Man Group - The Complex Rock Tour Live" to see what you think. I think you will enjoy it.

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So, you wanna be a rock and roll star? There s no better way to get into the megastar groove than with Rhino s new Blue Man Group Blu-rayHOW TO BE A MEGASTAR LIVE, filmed and recorded live in front of capacity crowds of over 40,000 fans during a two-day run of the music and performance art trio s exhilarating 06- 07 How To Be A Megastar Tour 2.0. Blue Man Group s inventive new how-to-manual, which expands on the Rock Concert Manual concept from The Complex Rock Tour, will take you through the steps of a wildly clever and interactive show that offers unique all-ages appeal. This Blu-ray contains as bonus features: the video for I Feel Love, the comedic parody Mono Makes a Plea Save the TVs campaign and the documentary Inside The Tube, which provides an intimate look inside Blue Man Group s creative process and historyDVD: Above / Drumbone / Time To Start / Up to the Roof / Altering Appearances /Persona / Your Attention / Piano Smasher / Gumballs And Marshmallows / Sing Along /One Of These Days / 2001 Theme/TV Heads / Shadows / The Complex / Light Suits / I Feel Love / Rock And Go / Baba O Reilly / What Is Rock / Bonus Content: Inside The Tube -Behind-the-scenes look at The Blue Man Group / I Feel Love (music video

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