Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle The Special Years (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Ladies and gentlemen... Miss Mitzi Gaynor" and be prepared for a wonderful surprise, for this is one of the "must have" DVDs of the year.
The first time I saw Mitzi was on the movie version of SOUTH PACIFIC and I liked her Nellie Forbush. Later I had the pleasure of seeing her dancing with Gene Kelly in LES GIRLS and with Donald O'Connor in ANYTHING GOES and THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS. Unfortunately, I never saw any of her television specials and to be completely honest (please keep in mind that I live in Portugal) I didn't even knew of their existence. So, imagine my surprise when I put this DVD running and suddenly realized that there was much more to Mitzi than I knew from the movies.
Last year I discovered at YouTube a video of her energetic and funny 1967 Oscar appearance with "Georgy Girl" and I loved seeing it. Now, with this DVD, I have plenty more to see and I tell you that's all worthy. Mitzi was (still is) an amazing performer, able to sing, dance and act; with a gorgeous smile that conquers our hearts and make us want to be her friend.
This DVD takes a look at all her television specials (the first was in 1963 and the last in 1978), with plenty of material to keep us happy and it also includes interviews with people who worked with her, like Bob Mackie (the costume designer who did all of her fabulous costumes), and with fans like Kristine Chenoweth. But the best is the interviews with Mitzi herself who, at the age of 77, still looks great, with a terrific sense of humor and an energy that make us jealous. Personally, I think I could listen to her for hours without getting bored.
As for the musical numbers, they may look dated (it was the 60s and the 70s), but there's a joy to them that is contagious and made me wish that this kind of shows were still being produced. It's amazing the imagination and love that were behind all those numbers and I believe there were made by a happy group of people, who had a wonderful time doing them. Let's hope that one day the entire shows will be released on DVD.
There are some terrific special features included. In one of them Mitzi and Bob Mackie remember the amazing costumes she wore on those shows and share their memories with us. There are also several complete performances, including an hilarious movie parody, Mitzi's transformation into a Kid and some great musical numbers.
I guess that today's audiences may not be familiar with Mitzi, but I believe that with this joyful DVD a new era will begin for her and her dazzling talent will once again be recognized by many, if not all.
Thanks for a wonderful time, Mitzi! You really knew how to shine and you still do.

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'Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years' is an all new documentary that captures the creative excellence, the brilliant fusion of song and dance, the glamorous Bob Mackie costumes and the non-stop excitement that were the hallmark of her glittering annual television events. Experience the ground breaking Emmy winning performances, unseen for three decades, as well as photos and footage from Gaynor's personal archive that illuminate the behind-the-scenes stories and impact of her landmark television events.

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Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Adventures in Friendship (with Toy) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)On that terrible day in 2003 when Fred Rogers left this planet, I openly wept at his loss. I knew then and still believe that a man like Mister Rogers only comes along once in a lifetime. Sadly, there may never be another television show as influential and downright healthy for children to watch. The good news is that Anchor Bay has teamed up with Rogers' company, Family Communications, to begin releasing episodes of Mister Rogers Neighborhood on DVD. The two episodes featured on this disc and its companion disc, "A Day at the Circus" are in as good a shape as I've seen them. The bonus materials are also blessedly free of the fluff and commericialism that is so prevalent on children's videos today. Disney, I'm talking to you! My son is only fifteen months old, but already has fallen in love with Mister Rogers and his neighbors. The program not only captures his attention, but he responds to it in ways that show me that he is truly involved with the events on the screen. Mister Rogers was an important part of my childhood and I am so pleased that he will also be a part of my son's life. Thank you, Mister Rogers!

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Mister Rogers visits a restaurant and is invited to talk with the chef. When Henrietta Pussycat and X the Owl have trouble cooperating, Lady Aberlin helps them work things out and realize that even good friends can get upset with each other once in awhile. Love: Mister Rogers hears a lullaby performed on a mandolin at the Neighborhood Music Store. Lady Aberlin sees King Friday and Queen Sara have an argument and learns that people who love each other can also have angry feelings sometimes. Includes an exclusive Care-Giving Tips booklet.

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Super Why: The Three Little Pigs & Jack and the Beanstalk (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)My kid and I both love this show. He's almost 2, I'm 38. If that doesn't say enough I'll add that it is entertaining and educational, and we'd both sit and watch it all day if we could. However, at the time of this review, I'm seeing a price between 20 and 30 dollars for two episodes on one disc. I can't even believe my eyes. I would consider this for about half that price and it would be a "maybe." Again great show, can't say enough about it, I just wish it were a good deal as well.

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With a breakthrough interactive approach to reading education, classic fairytales with an innovative preschool twist and colorful and empowering young heroes, Super WHY! is the only preschool property created to help kids learn the fundamentals of reading through interactive storybook adventures. In The Three Little Pigs, Jill keeps knocking down Pig's tower and he wants her to stop! The Super Readers fly into the Three Little Pigs story and come face to face with the big bad wolf himself. After all, he knows a thing or two about knocking things down. When all the huffing and puffing dies down, Pig learns an important lesson about friendship. In Jack and the Beanstalk, Baby Joy, Whyatt's little sister, is having a GIANT-sized tantrum, and nothing will calm her down! The Super Readers use their literacy powers to venture up Jack's Beanstalk and meet a real giant, who's acting like a big baby. Whyatt learns about the soothing power of music from his big brother Jack, and the Super Readers save the day.

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Reading Rainbow Favorites (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Move over "Sesame Street," it's "Reading Rainbow!" This is a wonderful children's series, which encourages children to read. Each segment has children giving a brief description of the book they read.
Be prepared to go on to a journey of make-believe, and have fun while you're doing it by reading the suggested books these children recommend!
I grew up on this show in the 80's, and it's amongst the best educational shows. The theme song inspires children to reach beyond the sky's limits and explore the wonderful world of reading!
This series is perfect and entertaining for the child who enjoys reading, and even for the child, who doesn't like reading.
Highly recommended for children, parents and teachers, alike!
Buy it today, you'll be glad you did!


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Reading Rainbow is one of the longest running and best loved children's series on PBS.Reading Rainbow is designed to inspire a love of reading and build lasting connections between children and books.As a half hour magazine-style series, Reading Rainbow mixes live action, music and illustrations.Reading Rainbows' target audience is children 4-8 years old. Included in this collection is Family Matters,Man's Best Friend, Music, Music, Everywhere, and Ocean Life.4-disc collection includes eight episodes and 120 minutes of bonus material. Full screen, region 0 encoded, audio 2.0

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THE MOSCOW CIRCUS: Animals Under The Big Top (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an excellent DVD for children (all ages) and adults. Fast moving and fascinating. Simply amazing.

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A treasure of Russian culture for over 200 years, the Moscow Circus has been the pride of their homeland, elevating their unique art to a status alongside Ballet and Opera. This special DVD, The Moscow Circus: Animals Under the Big Top, continues the ascension, and lets you Step Right Up to awe-inspiring acts of daring, humor and non-stop entertainment. Watch as animal trainers, acrobats and exotic animals from land and sea create a Russian Circus that mesmerizes millions with their breathtaking, eye-catching spectacle, truly more like a traditional performing art. While each of the artists in the Circus is the best at their respective craft, together these performers form a thrilling, vibrant whole. The Moscow Circus carries on the centuries old tradition in splendid style and embraces the feats of daring, fantasy, and imagination that have long enthralled audiences across the world. Featuring 2 Programs on 1 DVD, witness the Wild Animals Tamers & Cossack Horse Riders as they thrive on the danger of face-to-face confrontation, mastering the instincts of some of nature s most savage and beautiful beasts. Marvel at the imperial elephants, enchanting seals and fierce and stealthy leopards as they all bow to the will of their trainers in acts that range from hilarious to astounding. Moscow Circus: Animals Under The Big Top not only will reveal a fascinating Russian cultural export, but will enchant your whole family with the dazzling artistry of the unparalleled Moscow Circus!

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NOVA - Magnetic Storm (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD leads us through time to examine the strength of the Earth¡¦s magnetic field through various perspectives, from potteries to volcano rocks. It also briefly describes the consequences of Earth without the protection of the magnetic field, how Earth generates the magnetic field, and when the next reversal of magnetic field occurs.
I find that the information on the DVD is not detailed enough. However, the PBS website (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/magnetic/) gives me a better understanding of the Earth¡¦s magnetic field.

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What is weakening Earth’s invisible shield? Magnets have the power to attract and repel-sometimes on a massive scale. The Earth’s molten core-a violent mix of searing heat, crushing pressure, and a billion trillion tons of liquid iron-creates an invisible shield that surrounds the globe, guarding against a constant barrage of deadly radiation from space. But over the last few decades, the Earth’s magnetic field has weakened dramatically, intriguing scientists across the globe.The power generated 2000 miles beneath our feet protects us every day, but the loss of Earth’s magnetic field is a brewing storm that affects us all. While experts research and debate, persistent questions remain. Is a rare geomagnetic reversal the cause of earth’s inner turmoil? And if the magnetic field were to vanish altogether, would Earth become as lifeless as Mars? Travel from Hawaii’s molten lava flows to the mountains of Oregon and into the far reaches of outer space for a charged look at Earth’s magnetic history and potentially deadly future. Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions;and described video for the visually impaired. On one DVD5 disc.Region coding: All regions.Audio: Dolby stereo.Screen format: Letterboxed.

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The Electric Company's Greatest Hits & Bits (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)First shown on PBS, "The Electric Company's Greatest Hits and Bits" is a fun look back at the 1970's TV Show. It consists of several clips from the show as well as interviews with cast members Skip Hinnant, Jim Boyd, Rita Moreno and Judy Graubart as well as contributors to the show Joan Rivers and Tom Lehrer. There is also an interview with Joan Ganz Cooney who helped create the show. The special features include deleted interviews with the cast members and an audio review with Tom Lehrer.
For the most part, "The Electric Company's Greatest Hits and Bits" is an enjoyable documentary. At the time it debuted in October 1971 it was a groundbreaking show with a fully integrated cast teaching children how to read using comedy and music. It's always fun to watch a show as an adult that you loved as a kid and catch some of the references you missed back then. Easy Reader was of course based on Easy Rider but it was interesting to hear Skip Hinnant say that he stole largely from "Get Smart" when doing Fargo North, Decoder; Jim Boyd saying J. Arthur Crank was based on Ralph Cramden; and Rita Moreno saying "Hey you guys" came from Abbott and Costello. There are plenty of clips from the show including animated ones such as "The Adventures of Letterman" and several based on Tom Lehrer's delightful songs including "Silent E" and "-ly". The live action skits include "I'm in love with a giant" and "The Super is eating his supper" which is fun to watch just to see the cast trying to keep a straight face as water pours down on them.
Since this is a documentary and not full episodes of "The Electric Company" adults will probably enjoy this DVD more than children. It does have quite a bit of praise for Morgan Freeman, currently the most famous of the then unknown actors, but it stops just short of going overboard on the praise. While it was nice to see Hinnant, Boyd, and Graubart, I hope other actors from the show such as Luis Avalos, Hattie Winston, and Lee Chamberlain show up in interviews on future DVDs. For some reason the show focuses solely on the adult members of the cast, with no mention at all of the Short Circus and the child actors, a bit surprising since Irene Cara was a member of the Short Circus for awhile.
"The Electric Company's Greatest Bits and Hits" is good nostalgic fun.


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When The Electric Company made its television debut in October1971, it was instantly clear that it would fulfill its mission of helpingstruggling and reluctant readers. With a cast that broke new ground in itsdiversity, clever writing, innovative direction and an original visual andmusical style, the show was so effective that by the end of its firstseason, nearly a quarter of all U.S. grade schools were using The ElectricCompany in the classroom. Generations of young people learned to read fromthe series, making it one of the most important and enduring shows intelevision history. The Electric Company's Greatest Hits & Bits is aclip-filled celebration featuring many of the series' most popular segments(with Bill Cosby, Morgan Freeman and the multi-talented Electric Companycast), and includes new interviews with cast members Jim Boyd, JudyGraubart, Skip Hinnant, Tom Lehrer, Rita Moreno and Joan Rivers, as well aswith series creator Joan Ganz Cooney.

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NOVA - Typhoid Mary: The Most Dangerous Woman in America (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)This Nova episode is something I saw on TV last evening.I knew about Typhoid Mary from historical legend but knew nothing about the facts.And as the actress portraying her so bluntly put it her NAME was Mary Mallon,an Irish immigrant cook living in New York at the turn of the 20'th century.And as this show so properly points out was responcible for one of the most mysterious and often deadly epidemics of the day.Only trouble is that in some significant ways Mary Mallon didn't come off as a particularly sympathetic character-she attacked Dr.Soper,who inicially informed her of her health status with a fork and constantly avaded the attentions of health service officials trying to track her down,while having killed three people and infecting others,unintentionally of course.
Mary was what was known as a healthy carrier.She was infected with Typhoid and was able to spread it to others but experienced no symptoms herself.There were in fact at least several dozen more like her but because of her unique case she got the most publicity by far.That was all compounded by the fact that dues to sexism and social Darwinism of her time she also became the literal poster child for Typhoid.
She died in the 1930's,near 70 years old and having been exhiled for years on North Brother Island,the American equivilent of a leper colony.The story itself as well as that of much of Mary's life is a tragic and sad one.But all sides made serious errors in judgement,and perhapes Mary's lack of respect over the years may have been due to her constant denials about having carried the disease and lack of remourse for those she's infected.Maybe the idea horrified her too much to bare and it drove her close to madness.She was afterall something of a caregiver by trade and likely resented having been blamed for causing so much misery.That's my personal opinion but nobody,as this shows really knew what was going on inside her head.And if this is to prove factual I don't know if we'd want to.So was she a victem or victemizer?Probably both but as such likely too frightened to live with it but to proud to admit it.But anyway this will prove very educational and eye catching.

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Interweaving biography and social history, The Most Dangerous Woman in America tells the extraordinary story of Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary. She gained this notoriety by being the first person in North America to be identified as a healthy carrier of typhoid fever. Despite her indignant protests of innocence, she was incarcerated for years on an island in New York's East River. Mary Mallon's saga throws into vivid relief the emerging science of public health and the social, ethical, and legal dilemmas it posed to its pioneers at the turn of the twentieth century.Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions;and described video for the visually impaired. On one DVD5 disc.Region coding: All regions.Audio: Dolby stereo.Screen format: Letterboxed.

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Carrier (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Owing to a childhood fascination, I've watched pretty much every documentary on carriers produced in the last ten years. A few of them have been Nat Geo productions, and the latest rounds play all the time on the Discovery Channel and the Military Channel. This series beats them all, hands down.
The problem with most documentaries on this subject--or virtually any 'mainstream' docu on military topics, is that the filmmakers get distracted by the whistles, bells, and blinking lights of all the technology. As a result, the documentary lens becomes clouded by all the 'gee-whiz' of the technology and machines. Granted, this sort of perspective has its place. What gets lost, or uncovered, however, is something far more compelling, and that's the human element. A carrier is, as the old saying goes, a city at sea, and it's the lives of the crew that make for real storytelling, not more of the same file footage of missile launches or facts about the latest blocks of the CIWS and the takeoff thrust of an F/A-18 at full military power.
This series focuses on the stories of the crew, and many of them are quite moving. It's hard not to get a lump in the throat when watching how hard these (predominantly) 18- and 19- year olds have to work in order to send aircraft over the bow, or how they're trying to meet the demands of family life from thousands of miles away at sea. Their personal struggles and hopes are the meat of this series.
Production values on this series are quite high. I met the producers at a sneak preview and found that they had shot over 3,000 hours of HD video over the course of a six-month deployment. Working over that time, and with a 17-member production and shooting team, they found the real stories in the nooks and crannies of the ship. The editing, which was done by a team, is also quite good, as is the music design. The net result is a series that has the look and feel of a modern reality series, without any of the sensationalism. In short, it's filmmaking by adults. The assistance of the Navy was also nothing short of remarkable--here on the series some of the characters speak openly about how hard their jobs are, or how they work with gay crewmembers, or how they don't understand the war they're supporting. This internal confliction and confusion, from the words of servicemen and women, makes for real storytelling and makes this series worth recommending above any other on the same topic.

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CARRIER is a character driven, edge-of-your-seat, nonfiction drama as well as a total immersion in the high stakes world of a nuclear aircraft carrier. CARRIER follows a core group of film participants aboard the USS Nimitz, from the admiral of the strike group to the fighter pilots to the youngest sailors, as they navigate personal conflicts around their jobs, families, faith, patriotism, love, the rites of passage and the war on terror.

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Andre Rieu: Live in Vienna (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a 2007 mid-summer concert which took place in front of imperial Hofburg Palace in the center of Vienna.
DVD (DVD9) is in Widescreen (16:9) format with DD5.1 and DD2.0 sound option. Andre Rieu speaks in German but subtitles are available. Main feature runs for 135mins. There are no extra features.
Playlist selection is wonderful with 25 classical hits. Some of them we know from other DVDs of Rieu, but there are some new pieces we will hear in this DVD. There are waltzes, polkas, arias and musical pieces. According to me highlights are All Strauss Waltzes, Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart Medley), The Sound of Music, and Arias. The Johann Strauss Orchestra is accompanied by Choir and joined by guest stars namely The Platine Tenors, Dogmar Koller, Carmen Monarcha, Carla Maffioletti, Mirusia Louwerse and Suzan Erens. They all have wonderful performances. Also the Ballet of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna debutantes from the Elmayer Dance School joins the Viennese ambient with their waltzes.
One of the best of Andre Rieu's (according to me the other bests are Homecoming and the Schonbrunn Concerts). Especially if you love the waltzing themes, this one is for you with lots of waltzes in the heart of waltz-capital of Europe, Vienna. You will enjoy a real Viennese Night in your homes.
Tracklist:
1.Wiener Burger
2.Tritsch Tratsch Polka
3.Facher Polonaise
4.Fledermaus Quadrille
5.Komm Zigany
6.Csardas
7.Gold und Silber
8.Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart Medley)
9.Mein Herr Marquis
10.Wolgalied
11.Perpetuum Mobile
12.Porgi Amor
13.Im Prater bluh'n wieder die Baume
14.Lippen schweigen
15.Schatzwalzer
16.Dein ist mein ganzes Herz
17.Ganz ohne Weiber geht die Chose nicht
18.Meine Lippen sie kussen so heiss
19.Morgenblatter
20.Ich muss wieder einmal in Grinzing sein
21.The Sound of Music
22.An der schonen blauen Donau
23.Radetzkymarsch
24.Strauss & Co
25.Wien du Stadt meiner Traume
26.Adieu, mein kleiner Gardeoffi zier

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Live In Vienna: A concert with Andre Rieu on the square in front of the imperial Hofburg Palace in the heart of Vienna. This DVD includes superb compositions from the most famous Viennese composers: Johann Strauss, Franz Lehar, Emmerich Kalman, W.A. Mozart, Robert Stolz and many others, set against the background of the most beautiful, stylish scenery imaginable. This DVD includes tracks not shown on the television special.

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Company: A Musical Comedy (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Marry me a little,
Love me just enough.
Cry but not too often,
Play but not too rough.
Keep a tender distance
So we'll both be free.
That's the way it ought to be....
Only Stephen Sondheim could come up with such sophisticated couplets to a love song as disquieting as the beautiful "Marry Me a Little". I was very fortunate to have seen the enthralling 2006 production at the Ethel Barrymore Theater last season, and I'm thrilled it has been captured for posterity on DVD as part of PBS's "Great Performances" series. There is something supremely ironic about how a 37-year old show, already revived twice, can feel fresher than most Broadway musicals written today. However, when the music reflects Sondheim at his most accomplished with performers so adept, it becomes a moot point, even though several of the songs here have been inescapable at karaoke bars for years from the lips of overly zealous musical theater aficionados.
Staged like a minimalist cabaret act, John Doyle's joyous revival uses the same technique he used in his 2005 production of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, specifically he has the actors play their own musical instruments, a daring move which actually helps underline the characters' feelings. The story is blessedly simple as it revolves around perennial bachelor Bobby, as he turns 35 and observes his circle of upscale Manhattanite friends, five married couples at different stages in various vignettes that make him reconsider what he wants out of life. Juggling three girlfriends, Bobby is a likeable but elliptical figure with commitment issues, and the story really follows his journey toward self-acceptance. There is an element of contrivance to the structure, but what I thought would be a severely dated libretto by George Furth continues to resonate with wit and insight.
For a canon as legendary and often erratic as his, Sondheim's sophisticated music and lyrics never seemed as accessible and hummable as they do here. So much of the show rides on the crucial casting of Bobby, and Raúl Esparza is terrifically bold and poignant in managing the precarious balance between yearning romantic and cynical hedonist. With a beautifully expressive singing voice coupled with a common-guy demeanor, he captures the character's arc with an escalating emotional intensity from the measured romanticism of "Someone Is Waiting" to the tender tentativeness of "Marry Me a Little" (with the beautiful, Sondheim-trademarked rolling piano) to the bursting climactic catharsis of "Being Alive".
The rest of the cast accomplish wonderful moments that already come with high expectations - Heather Laws' dexterously motors her way through "Getting Married Today" with her character's nerve-wracking intensity intact; Elizabeth Stanley brings a likable warmth to the dim-bulb flight attendant April as she duets sweetly with Esparza on the comically post-coital "Barcelona"; Angel Desai's saucy turn as hip Marta on "Another Hundred People"; the poignant "Sorry-Grateful" performed by the comparatively less spotlighted male ensemble; and of course, there are the lacerating observations in "The Ladies Who Lunch", handled with fierce worldliness by Barbara Walsh as Joanne. In the intimidating shadow of Elaine Stritch, Walsh lets out repeated primal screams at the end that pierce with wounding acuity.
TV director Lonny Price does a fluent job transferring the production to the small screen with minimum fuss. The 2008 DVD contains three terrific extras. First, there is a fifteen-minute interview with an articulate and thoughtful Esparza who discusses his connection with Bobby, the challenge of learning piano, and the alternating joy and pressure of working with Sondheim (for the third time). There is also a nine-minute interview with the erudite Doyle who explains how his unique use of actors as musicians went over with Sondheim. The centerpiece has to be a fascinating, 38-minute interview that Australian TV personality Jonathan Biggins conducted with Sondheim last year in Sydney's Theatre Royal. Sondheim is particularly forthcoming with humorous anecdotes about working with the likes of Leonard Bernstein, Ethel Merman, Barbra Streisand, and his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II during his long, illustrious career. This is a wonderful DVD for any Broadway aficionado and particularly for fans of Sondheim, Esparza and Doyle. I happen to be all three.

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Winner of the 2007 Tony Award! Sweeping all the major theater awards for Best Revival of a Musical, a beloved era-defining classic is stunningly reinvented in this powerful Broadway production, featuring an explosive starring performance by Raul Esparza. Set in modern upper-crust Manhattan, Company is a funny, sophisticated exploration of love and commitment as seen through the eyes of a charming perpetual bachelor questioning his single state and his enthusiastically married, slightly envious friends. With a wise and witty Stephen Sondheim score including "Another Hundred People," "Side by Side by Side," "The Ladies Who Lunch" and "Being Alive," Company offers musical comedy at its finest.

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Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This new SF Ballet production of the Tchaikovsky warhorse is a real treat for dance fans and novices alike. The physical mounting's sumptuous, witty, and the San Francisco references seem playful, not forced. There are moments of such stunning beauty in this performance, the music, design, dance and storytelling combine to transport the viewer instantly to a happy, marvelling state of childhood. Would serve as an ideal introduction to the NUTCRACKER for young viewers, and there's plenty for their parents to enjoy, too. Highly, highly recommended.

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This visually stunning, all-new production of Nutcracker,choreographed by Helgi Tomasson (artistic director of the SanFrancisco Ballet) is a graceful and timeless adventure on a grandscale. The scenic design by Michael Yeargan, setting the tale atthe time of the 1915 San Francisco World Fair, is sensational.From the lovely Waltz of the Flowers to the crystalline beauty ofthe stunning Snowflake Waltz, each scene is more breathtakingthan the last, bringing to life all the well-known and belovedcharacters with fresh sparkle and compelling originality.Recorded in High Definition video and true surround sound,this age-transcending production offers a dazzling magicaljourney which has received critical acclaim throughout theworld. Illustrated synopsis & cast gallery.Interviews with Helgi Tomasson, Michael Yeargan and MartinPakledinaz.Documentary: 1915 World's Fair.Recorded live at the War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco,California, on 19th & 20th December 2007.

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NOVA - The Elegant Universe (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)As a warning to other potential purchasers, please note that this is not a new program "Beyond" the original "The Elegant Universe" but just a repackaging with 2 other programs.
I thought the first DVD was great, and was just about to purchase this one because it sounded like a new program continuing where the first left off, but in fact it is EXACTLY the same program! I got the details from WGBH.org and here they are :-
THE ELEGANT UNIVERSE AND BEYOND is a compliation of three different NOVA programs that have already aired. They are listed below with synopses on each one:
1) The Elegant Universe (WG36779)
Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory Join host Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the best-selling author of The Elegant Universe, for an in-depth exploration of the groundbreaking new string theory that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. If string theory proves correct, the universe we see obscures a reality that is far richer and more complex than anyone ever imagined--a universe with numerous hidden dimensions, a universe in which the fabric of space can rip and tear, a universe that may be but one of many parallel universes
2) Einstein's Big Idea (WG38889)
Everyone's heard of it, but what does E=mc2 really mean? With brilliant period recreations, discover how an obscure patent clerk, Albert Einstein, came up with his shattering 1905 discovery that the realms of matter and energy are inescapably linked. Starring Aidan McArdle (Ella
Enchanted) as Einstein, and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones's Diary) as Einstein's first wife, Mileva Maric.
3) Einstein Revealed (WG26479)
Journey into the mind of a genius in this penetrating profile of the world's most renowned physicist, who contributed more than any other to our modern vision of physical reality. Andrew Sachs (Fawlty Towers) stars as Albert Einstein.
I Hope this helps prevent anyone wasting their money buying the same program twice.

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One of the most ambitious and exciting scientific theories ever posed-one that may be the long-sought "Theory of Everything"-gets a masterful and lavishly animated explanation that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. Beginning with simple and clear explanations of major concepts of physics, including gravity, electromagnetism, and relativity, The Elegant Universe illuminates one of the most revolutionary theories in physics today.Known as string theory or superstring theory, this startling idea proposes that the fundamental ingredients of nature are inconceivably tiny strands of energy, whose different modes of vibration underlie everything that happens in the universe. The theory attempts to unite the laws of the large-general relativity-and the laws of the small-quantum mechanics-breaking a conceptual logjam that has frustrated scientists for nearly a century.If string theory proves correct, the universe we see obscures a reality that is far richer and more complex than anyone ever imagined-a universe with numerous hidden dimensions, a universe in which the fabric of space can rip and tear, a universe that may be but one of many parallel universes.Join host Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the best-selling author of The Elegant Universe, for this exciting and in-depth exploration of this groundbreaking new theory.Special DVD features include:bonus video-how the animation was created; Multidimensional Math activity; The Making of The Elegant Universe activity; printable materials and activities for educators; link to The Elegant Universe Web site; excerpt from the best-selling book The Elegant Universe; scene selections; closed captions;and described video for the visually impaired.On two DVD9 discs.Region coding: All regions.Audio: Dolby stereo.Screen format: Letterboxed.On two DVD9 discs.Region coding: All regions.Audio: Dolby stereo.Screen format: Letterboxed.

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Sandwiches That You Will Like (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've just finished watching this video and I am now far too hungry to write a long review. Suffice it to say that after watching this piece of screaming genius you will be mapping out a route from sandwich to sandwich all across this vast nation. These sandwich makers are the philosophers of our time. Listen, learn and digest.

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Item Name: Sandwiches That You Will Like; Studio:Wqed Multimedia

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The Road from Coorain (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)I think this is a wonderful adaptation of a wonderful novel. The acting is superb. The cinematography exquisite. Juliet Stevenson and Tim Guinee are extraordinary. It is well worth your time.

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Curious George - Zoo Night & Other Animal Stories (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD is a compilation of shows from the PBS series Curious George. Since it began my 3 year old daughter has been in love with it. The stories are fun and will teach kids a thing or two. I love the narration by famous screen actor William H. Macy. Since it is almost 2 hours long it is great to have on long trips in the car. If your child liked the recent CG movie or is a fan of CG books, they are sure to enjoy this DVD.

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CURIOUS GEORGE:ZOO NIGHT AND OTHER AN - DVD Movie

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Fred Rogers - America's Favorite Neighbor (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)I can still remember about 25 years ago throwing a huge temper tantrum, slamming my tiny hands hard against 70s-ish, tacky-looking, artificial wooden walls. My outrage: I missed an episode of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood". And yet it was certainly not the response that would have pleased my idol.
Now I look back and smile, not only because it's a little funny, but also because after many years of being "grown up" and asserting my "maturity", I am once again on the Mister Rogers bandwagon, perhaps even more so than when I was a child.
No doubt, it began in 1998 when I read Tom Junod's extensive (but worthwhile) article about him in the November issue of "Esquire". But this DVD has now put the icing on an already delicious cake. My only wish is that there could have been an interview with Tom Junod, the writer who was at least partly responsible for re-introducing Mister Rogers to the current pop culture.
Mister Rogers was the word gentleness made flesh. He was kind not only in front of the cameras, but even in his own private life. He was in fact the real deal! He was genuine with everyone regardless of age, economic position, or power. He talked to congressmen, co-workers, Joan Rivers, small children, and you and me all alike. He displayed a gentleness and genuiness that our world is not at all comfortable with and yet in dire need of, never more so than today.
I highly recommend this DVD to everyone. Even if you hated the man (it's hard to believe, but there are such people out there), or you're a skeptic, or a mocker. Mister Rogers could tame even the toughest audience, and if you're up to the challenge, you can see him do it over and over on this DVD. And lastly, I recommend this DVD to anyone who is just aching to see something decent on their television screen.
God blessed us.

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Fred Rogers America’s Favorite NeighborFred Rogers has been America’s favorite neighbor for more than 30 years on PBS… delighting, enlightening and reassuring children with his unique television programs.Now, his life and legacy are celebrated in this commemorative program full of treasured memories, rare vintage clips and behind-the-scenes footage from his 50 years in television.Hosted by:Michael Keaton.Program Content -A Beautiful Life in this neighborhood (2003) -Tonight Show (1983) -Tonight Show (1986) -Mister Rogers Goes to Washington (1969) -Creative Person:Fred Rogers (1967)Special Content -Arsenio Hall Show (1993) -Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) -Jeff Erlanger/TV Hall of Fame (1999) -Presidential Medal of Freedom (2002) -Backstage Memories (2003) -Meet Family Communications (2003) -"You Are Special"Winner of Parents’ Choice Gold Award 2004Proceeds benefit the Fred Rogers Fund and children’s programming on WQED

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