DVD

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Sound of Music
the magic is alive...
Pure Magic
The Sound of Music
saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic

The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Julie Andrews , Christopher Plummer , Richard Haydn , Peggy Wood , and Anna Lee
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

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Similar Items:

Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)
The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)
My Fair Lady
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Full Screen Edition)
Cinderella (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Platinum Edition)

ASIN: B000AP04OM
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Product Description

Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. The Von Trapp family is run, in military style, by the seemingly cold-hearted Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a lonely widowed naval officer. Seeing how badly he and his children need companionship, he proposes to the Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker), a calculating, mutual friend of beloved family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn). It is the baroness who soon realizes that it's Maria--with her warmth and love for the children--the captain really loves. It is nearly bliss for the newly formed family who loves to sing together--except for the cloud looming over their beloved Austrian horizon: Hitler is ascending to power, forcing Von Trapp to decide whether to join the Nazi party--which he loathes--or force his family to leave their home forever. One of the most memorable scores ever written (by Rodgers and Hammerstein) and breathtaking performances by Andrews, Plummer, and the seven children mark this classic as one of the world's most favorite films.

System Requirements:

Running Time 174 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

When Julie Andrews sang "The hills are alive with the sound of music" from an Austrian mountaintop in 1965, the most beloved movie musical was born. To be sure, the adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's Broadway hit has never been as universally acclaimed as, say, Singin' in the Rain. Critics argue that the songs are saccharine (even the songwriters regretted the line "To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray") and that the characters and plot lack the complexity that could make them more interesting. It's not hard to know whom to root for when your choice is between cute kids and Nazis.

Read our interview with
Charmian Carr, who played
Liesl von Trapp in The
Sound of Music.

It doesn't matter. Audiences fell in love with the struggling novice Maria (Andrews), the dashing Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and, yes, the cute kids, all based on a real-life World War II Austrian family. Such songs as "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and the title tune became part of the 20th century Zeitgeist. In addition, The Sound of Music officially became a cult hit when audiences in London began giving it the Rocky Horror Picture Show treatment, attending showings dressed as their favorite characters and delivering choreographed comments and gestures along with the movie. So why resist, especially when the 40th Anniversary Edition is the best DVD yet.

The DVDs
As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of "I Have Confidence"), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color.

On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary "My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers." But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, "On Location with The Sound of Music," in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the "Sound of Music tours" that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary "From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion," in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison.

What's Missing?
If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, "Salzburg Sight and Sound." Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

The Sound of Music.......2007-07-02

Shot in pristine color on location near Salzburg--and featuring that dizzying opening shot of Maria belting out the title tune from a verdant hilltop--"Music" fully deserves its reputation as one of the most popular films of all time. The daisy-fresh Andrews is simply terrific, whether she's acting or singing, and the songs--"Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and "My Favorite Things"--have become part of our cultural heritage. Adapted from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway play, the film might be a bit schmaltzy at moments, but in all, it remains utterly irresistible. The hills are still alive--and your singing pipes will be too--with the wondrous "Sound of Music."

the magic is alive..........2007-06-26

I was only six but I still remember when my mother took us kids to the movies to see 'The Sound of Music'. A memory permantly ingrained as is this film. From the most amazing opening shot ever filmed this classic film never lets go of yor senses. It's fun, thrilling and holds up extremely well. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer are exquisite. Sure some of the lyrics are corny and simple but it all works and I'm not even a fan of musicals.

Pure Magic.......2007-06-25

Who doesn't know the general plot of this movie? Well just in case: Maria is thinking of becoming a nun, yet Sister Superior isn't so sure about that and sends her off to become the governess to seven Von Trapp children. There she meets the very strict father and the not so angelic children. She quickly wins over the children and their father. While all this is going on the Nazis are slowly but surely taking over the country. By the second half of the movie they become a true family and decide to make a dareing escape from the Nazis.

Now that pretty much wraps it up plot wise, yet there is so much more. The songs are very sugar coated but so what? They are there for a purpose: teaching children to not be afraid, coaching them on how to sing,etc. In most parts they are there for the pleasure of the young and the young at heart.

I'll close with an example. I was driving with my wife and our girls in the car, and we were looking at about an hour trip to my mother's house so we popped The Sound of Music in the DVD and we were on our way. As I heard (I coudn't see the movie of course) the movie and we sang the songs on our journey, I looked back and every face was smiling. Now if you are looking for a movie like that you've come to the right place.

The Sound of Music .......2007-06-11

A Family Night is made of... Sound of Music. Worth watching over and over.

saw it as a child and now at my 40s.. it still holds the magic.......2007-06-05

This review is about the movie and not the DVD Product-

I saw it yesterday, Im 43, last time I saw ir I was 28 and prior to that I was 12 the first time I saw it. It still holds the magic, and now I can say its a classic for all the family.

Yes, now I see details I previously did no see. The plot is so idillic that you don't feel the nazi presence inspiring fear, the love scenes are a perfect example of puritanism and political correctness. Yet there is love and there Julie Andrews gives a performance larger than life to captivate all public.

I do not know why in the review preface there is some critisims of the lyrics of the song "Sound of music"- those were elaborated lyrics and none of that senseless rap or overly simplistic lyrics. Sugarcoated? You bet, but just like the pinl lemonade they were sipping on the terrace, "its not too sweet, not too acid, its just too pink "

The movie has an ending that is rather sudden, just as it starts with that glorious song it should have ended with one as well, a triumph song. I still have the same feeling I did when I was 12, what happened to them?

Average customer rating:

had it for years on lazer disc now finally on DVD
pink floyd in all their glory
excellent
Wow! Almost like being there, but.....
Very nice

Pink Floyd - Pulse
Starring: David Gilmour , Nick Mason , Richard Wright (II) , Guy Pratt , and Dick Parry
Director: David Mallet
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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On An Island
Pink Floyd - The Wall 25th Anniversary (Deluxe Edition)
David Gilmour in Concert
Pulse
Pink Floyd - Live at Pompeii (Director's Cut)

ASIN: B000BTC5LW
Release Date: 2006-07-11

Amazon.com

At long last Pink Floyd: Pulse has arrived on DVD, and Floyd fans already know it's a major cause to celebrate. The original VHS release was a milestone bestseller, but it seemed to take forever for the DVD to arrive, with numerous delays while Floyd guitarist David Gilmour and long-time Floyd producer James Guthrie labored to restore, re-edit, and remix this legendary concert video in 5.1-channel Dolby Surround Sound. The resulting two-disc set was well worth the wait: While the limitations of the original video source are still evident in the sometimes-hazy image quality (Gilmour would later admit the concert should have been captured on film), Floyd fans will unanimously agree that Pulse has never looked or sounded better, and only the absence of group co-founder Roger Waters prevents this from being the ultimate document of Pink Floyd in performance. (Even without Waters, it's easily one of the group's most impressive stage productions.) Gracefully directed with minimal intrusion by veteran music video and concert director David Mallet, and shot on video during Pink Floyd's two-week stint at London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre in October 1994, this 145-minute performance (from Floyd's Division Bell tour) is a sonic marvel to behold. Under a massive arch festooned with then-state-of-the-art laser, lighting, and projection systems, the 1987 incarnation of Pink Floyd (Gilmour, keyboardist Richard Wright, and drummer Nick Mason) and their stellar supporting band kicks off with "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" (a loving tribute to Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett), followed by four tracks from The Division Bell, two from 1987's A Momentary Lapse of Reason, "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" from 1979's magnum opus The Wall, and leading into intermission with an absolutely stunning performance of "One of These Days," the timeless opening track from 1971's Meddle.

The centerpiece of Disc 2 is a near-perfect performance of 1974's Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety--reason enough to make this a must-have DVD for even the most casual Floyd admirers. And while no one will ever re-create the sheer magnificence of Clare Torry's original tour de force vocals on "The Great Gig in the Sky," it's safe to say that backup singers Sam Brown, Claudia Fontaine, and Durga McBroom deliver the next best thing, in addition to seamless contributions throughout the concert. After the closing heartbeat of "Eclipse," the concert ends with encore performances of "Wish You Were Here," "Comfortably Numb," and a no-holds-barred, pyrotechnically explosive rendition of The Wall's "Run Like Hell," all showcasing Gilmour's guitar mastery with frequent close-ups of his picking and fret-work as seen throughout the concert. (Like Gilmour, Mason and Wright were never dynamic onstage, and that's true here as well, but their technical precision is fully evident, and while guitarist Tim Renwick and saxophonist Dick Parry are each given moments to shine, bassist Guy Pratt is a worthy substitution for Waters, especially when vocally sparring with Gilmour on "Run Like Hell.")

With beautiful packaging, an 8-page booklet, and menu designs by long-time Floyd associate Storm Thorgerson, the DVDs offer an abundance of bonus features including "Bootlegging the Bootleggers," featuring surprisingly good-quality "boot" video performances of "What Do You Want From Me?," "On the Turning Away," "Poles Apart," and "Marooned." The surreal round-ratio screen films seen throughout the concert can all be viewed independently (still in round format, and several offered in both original and alternate versions). Music videos for "Learning to Fly" and "Take It Back" are included on Disc 1, along with "Tour Stuff" including maps, itineraries, and stage plans for the 1994 tour. "Say Goodbye to Life as We Know It" is a playful backstage video (mostly involving the production staff's ongoing quest for a good pint of beer), and after delivering a heartfelt introduction to Pink Floyd's 1996 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with Roger Waters and Syd Barrett acknowledged by Gilmour), Smashing Pumpkins leader Billy Corgan joins Gilmour and Wright for a moving acoustic performance of "Wish You Were Here" (directed at Waters, perhaps?). Additional features include album cover art, a photo gallery, and the concert-only audio choice between a 448kbps audio bitstream or a higher-quality 640kbps stream for higher-quality DVD players. The system set-up feature ensures that audiophiles will achieve optimum speaker performance in keeping with Pink Floyd's exacting technical standards. In tandem with the superior concert presentation, these features make Pulse one of the best--if not the best--music DVDs of 2006, guaranteed to satisfy Floyd fans for many years to come. --Jeff Shannon

More from Pink Floyd and David Gilmour

Pulse (CD)

Is There Anybody Out There?/The Wall Live Pink Floyd 1980-81

Pink Floyd--The Wall 25th Anniversary (DVD)

The Division Bell, Pink Floyd

Delicate Sound of Thunder, Pink Floyd

A Momentary Lapse of Reason, Pink Floyd

Live 8 on DVD--Featuring Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd--Live at Pompeii (Director's Cut) (DVD), Pink Floyd

On an Island, David Gilmour

Customer Reviews:

had it for years on lazer disc now finally on DVD.......2007-06-22

Saw this show twice in Atlanta. This is a must have. The only thing about this show that isn't as good as the 87 tour is the girl singers. They still are good though. This was the stage and light show that will probally keep David Gilmore from ever touring Pink Floyd again. I don't think they could out do it. Great sound and lots of extras the lazer disc didn't have. You won't miss Roger too bad trust me. This show was history. If you missed it this will get you there. Turn it up and enjoy

pink floyd in all their glory.......2007-06-15

This DVD is definitely a winner...The unique sound of "the Floyd" comes across splendidly here...Video and audio are extra sharp, and the colors and the laser effects are outstanding...get it for yourself.

excellent.......2007-06-13

Disc 1 has great visuals and excellent sound, Disc 2, same but the last 3 songs are great. Well worth the $$$$

Wow! Almost like being there, but............2007-06-12

I bought PULSE on VHS when it first came out a few years ago. I was so excited when I heard it was coming to DVD.....and a little disappointed after my first viewing.

DON'T GET ME WRONG! This is an EXCELLENT performance from one of the most artistic, prolific and enduring rock bands of our time!

The only problem is, the video is not of DVD quality. The original footage was shot on video tape and a DVD tranfer is only as good as the master it was taken from. You can only do so much with a sub-par master tape (remember, this concert was recorded before the age of DVD and video tape was more or less the industry standard at the time).

The redeeming factor of this release is that it's the only way you can get the entire Dark Side of the Moon album performed LIVE! Gilmour, Mason and Wright have proved that they still have what it takes when it comes to musicianship. The only thing that would have made this DVD even better was if Roger Waters could have put aside his differences and been a part of this concert.

The bonus features of this DVD are simply amazing. This is a must-have for any Pink Floyd fan or a music fan in general.

David Gilmour (my personal guitar hero) is amazing to watch. It makes me mad when I have to work hard at playing guitar and he makes it seem so effortless!

Mason and Wright are also given chances to shine (especially the keyboard solo in "Any Colour You Like"!!!!).

When you buy this DVD and get ready to watch it, turn down the lights, turn off the phone, relax, and get ready to be blown away!

Very nice.......2007-06-09

Lots and lots of great material. You'll easily spend a couple of hours in these discs before you even come to the concert itself.

It's a new mix of the video, from what I understand. My only complaint, same as the old VHS version, is now magnified by the increased size of TVs. The band's set and props create a beautiful visual setting, but you need to be back a few hundred feet to even see it all. While the special effects are blowing the audience's mind, we get LONG closeup shots of a bunch of average looking guys standing around on a stage. Several times they went for the fabulous long shot, and took the guitar frets closeup and inset it down in the corner. Wish they'd done that a lot more. If you've got a six foot TV, you really don't want to see the entire screen filled with a guitar player's face, especially when you're missing lasers and rockets and 100 foot video images.

Average customer rating:

unimpressive dance film
Stomp the Yard
Great dvd
stomp the yard
dancing was tight,but generic film

Stomp the Yard (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Columbus Short , Meagan Good , Ne-Yo , Darrin Dewitt Henson , and Brian J. White
Director: Sylvain White
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JPK8
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Amazon.com

At its core, Stomp the Yard is a romantic drama disguised as a dance film. Or is it the other way around? DJ (Columbus Short) is a troubled teen from Los Angeles who gets a chance for a better life when he is admitted into Atlanta's privileged Truth University. Just when he thought he had escaped a life of gangs, DJ finds himself in the middle of a "war" between two upper-crust fraternities where stepping (a popular dance form) is their weapon of choice. When DJ realizes the coed he falls for is the girlfriend of the school's champion stepper, he joins the rival fraternity to try to show her--and himself--that he's as good as anyone else there. Stomp the Yard is not an original film. Add some drums and you've got Drumline. Change some of the characters around and you've got Save the Last Dance. What sets the movie apart is the stepping. The precision involved at this level is impressively complicated and Short--a dancer and choreographer--is beautifully expressive both as an actor and a dancer. Sure the plot is predictable and hokey at times. But Short and Meagan Good (as his crush April) have wonderful chemistry together, and the supporting cast--including Harry J. Lennix as DJ's no-nonsense uncle--are delightful to watch. --Jae-Ha Kim

Stills from Stomp the Yard (click for larger image)

Beyond Stomp the Yard on Amazon.com

Stomp the Yard on Blu-ray
CD Soundtrack
Dance DVDs

Product Description

DJ (Columbus Short), an amazing underground street dancer, hasn't been in college for a day before he's entranced by the lovely April (Meagan Good).Working as a gardener to pay the bills, DJ doesn't fit in with the wealthier students around campus, but one thing does catch his attention the rival fraternity competitions known as stepping. With April's help, DJ learns about the legacy and heritage behind the fraternities and decides to join up. Now part of an official step group, DJ must balance rehearsals, work, and school, while at the same time winning the heart of the girl of his dreams. With the National Step Championship drawing closer, DJ must learn to stop dancing as an individual, and start stepping as a team.

Customer Reviews:

unimpressive dance film.......2007-06-21

"Stomp the Yard" is a film that exists solely for its dancing. All else is mere filler. That includes the plot, which revolves around a young L.A. street dancer named D.J. (Columbus Short) who enrolls in Atlanta's Truth University and immediately finds himself caught up in the rivalry between two fraternities specializing in what is called competitive "stomp" dancing. The film also chronicles the lovelorn lad's near-stalker-like efforts to woo April (Meagan Good), the provost's beautiful daughter, despite the fact that she is already going out with a self-centered, super creep of a boyfriend (Darrin Dewitt Henson), who also happens to be one of the leaders of a rival fraternity.

Although the plot complications are relatively straightforward and easy to follow, you just might want to keep a "street slang-to-English" dictionary handy to help you through some of the dialogue. Unfortunately, the predictability of the storyline and the triteness of the romantic entanglements pretty much vitiate the attractive novelty of the context and setting.

That pretty much leaves just the dancing, which isn't all that terrific, actually, thanks to the frenetic, hurdy-gurdy quality of the editing, which breaks up the movements and prevents the dancers from establishing a smooth-flowing rhythm and style. We see their dance routines only in fragmented bits and pieces, a technique that does little justice to the vision and hard work of the performers, who clearly possess an impressive store of untapped energy and talent. At least that's more than can be said for the acting, which ranges in quality from the merely passable to the distressingly amateurish.

There are moments of inspirational racial pride sprinkled in among the melodrama and dance sequences, but they are quickly swept away by the contrivances and cliches that ultimately inundate the film.

Stomp on over to the refund counter.

Stomp the Yard.......2007-06-15

This turned out to be a pretty good movie.

Great dvd.......2007-06-15

This is the best show ever and it came within 2 days it it being released on dvd.

stomp the yard.......2007-06-12

it was on time thank you ya are the best company on the web I just love ya

dancing was tight,but generic film.......2007-06-12

this film was basically a Broke "school Daze meets Drumline meets You got Served. alot of cliches and the film never has a real idenity. the sentiments of the brother going on without his Brother and going to the ATL(Atlanta) to college and trying to find himself. the film on a whole didn't have anything original to it. I dug the stepping,but the story-line got old rather quickly.

Average customer rating:

The Film Makers Forgot Something
proof of dumbing down of American film audience
Gorgeous George
Tries to do too much in too little space.
Ambitious But Disjointed

Syriana (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Kayvan Novak , George Clooney , Amr Waked , Christopher Plummer , and Jeffrey Wright
Director: Stephen Gaghan
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Munich (Widescreen Edition)
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Inside Man (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000F7CMRM
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Product Description

Big oil means big money. Very big money. And that fact unleashes corruption that stretches from Houston to Washington to the Mideast ? and ensnares industrialists, princes, spies, politicos, oilfield laborers and terrorists in a deadly, deceptive web of move and
countermove. This lightning-paced, whip-smart action thriller grips your mind and nerves with an intensity that doesn't let go for an instant.
Running Time: 128 min.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Syriana is an oil-based soap opera set against the world of global oil cartels. It is to the oil industry as Traffic was to the drug trade (no surprise, since writer/director Stephen Gaghan wrote the screenplay to Traffic): a sprawling attempt to portray the vast political, business, social, and personal implications of a societal addiction, in this case, oil. A major merger between two of the world's largest oil companies reveals ethical dilemmas for the lawyer charged with making the deal (Jeffrey Wright), and major global implications beyond the obvious; a CIA operative (George Clooney) discovers the truth about his work, and the people he works for; a young oil broker (Matt Damon) encounters personal tragedy, then partners with an idealistic Gulf prince (Alexander Siddig) attempting to build a new economy for his people, only to find he's opposed by powers far beyond his control. Meanwhile, disenfranchised Pakistani youths are lured into terrorism by a radical Islamic cleric. And that's just the start. As in Traffic, in one way or another all of the characters' fates are tied to each other, whether they realize it or not, though the connections are sometimes tenuous. While Syriana is basically a good film with timely resonance, it can't quite seem to measure up to Gaghan's ambitious vision and it very nearly collapses under the weight of its many storylines. Fortunately they are resolved skillfully enough to keep the film from going under in the end. To some viewers, Syriana will seem like an unfocused and over-loaded film that goes, all at once, everywhere and nowhere. Others will find it to be an important work earnestly exploring major issues. In either case, it's a film that deserves to be taken seriously, and it's likely to be one that will be talked about for a long time to come. --Dan Vancini

Beyond Syriana

The soundtrack
More from Participant Productions
Why We Love Jeffrey Wright

Starring George Clooney
Oscar Central
See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism

Stills from Syriana (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

The Film Makers Forgot Something .......2007-06-07

Way don't these film makers simply admit this is their way to speak out against the oil? If they want the corruption stopped due to dealing with the middle east, why don't they support drilling in America.

I realize those of us who watched this are suppose to support anti-oil groups due to the corruption. Not every person dealing with oil is corrupt. Those who made this movie are the corrupt ones. They are the ones who traveled in planes. They are the ones who traveled in limos. They are the ones who used jeeps and automobiles to make the movie. Oil was required to make this movie. You in hollywood need to shut up! Why don't you in hollywood develop a business to build automobiles that do not require oil/gas? Oh yeah, you just want others to do that. I WISH SOMEONE WOULD MAKE A MOVIE ON HOW CORRUPT HOLLYWOOD IS!

proof of dumbing down of American film audience.......2007-05-31

The number of negative reviews here, esp. of the "I didn't get, it left me baffled" type, even after 5 years of blood-for-oil war on 2 fronts, is a directly proportional gauge of the self indulgent ignorance of Americans at large regarding their own oil addiction and its genocidal consequences.

A possible cure is for these willfully cretinous simpletons to buy the DVD and watch the 2nd "special feature" , "Participate & make a difference/change".

This film is the best you can hope for from Hollywood regarding geopolitical analysis, and readily stands up to multiple viewing, but, without more than two brain cells to rub together, or the lack of self discipline to think any harder than necessary to watch Wizard of Oz, even Tinseltown's best efforts are wasted as pearl before swine, a Biblical reference for Jack Abramoff's captive gospel thumping flag wrapped "patriots" in hope it might be their access to enlightment as to, and thereby salvation from, their sins perpetrated in the name of the marketed greed branded as civic duty to consume like locusts.

If you still don't get it but want to, READ THE BOOK by Robt Baer.

Gorgeous George.......2007-05-29

I hate to give this movie any rating because I just couldn't get through it. The film was visually dark, the actors mumbled, and the scenes were disjointed. Sorry George, you're gorgeous but this movie wasn't for me.

Tries to do too much in too little space........2007-05-27

Syriana (Stephen Gaghan, 2005)

I wondered, after seeing Syriana, if I was the only person on the planet who just didn't get it. Then I checked IMDB, and found that Gaghan (Abandon) was the guy who wrote the screenplay for Steven Soderbergh's loathsome adaptation of the much better TV miniseries Traffik. Yeah, I didn't get that, either. I readily admit that I liked Syriana a whole lot better, but it does follow the same pattern-- there are a whole lot of people doing a whole lot of stuff in a relatively short timeframe, with the unavoidable side-effect that you don't spend anywhere near enough time with the various characters to develop any sort of empathy for them (or, for what it's worth, apathy). Some of the performances are good, some are excellent, but each of those-- especially George Clooney's much-lauded performance-- just left me wondering how good the movie could have been had it found a focus at any point during its two hours. I know I'm very much in the minority on this, but I didn't like it. **

Ambitious But Disjointed.......2007-05-21

Syrian tells the story of a high-level, U.S. conspiracy to install an easily manipulated, half-wit playboy as the ruler of an oil-rich fictitious nation, Syriana, rather than his brother, a PhD economist with independent-minded aspirations to actually help his country.

I found the plot disjointed at times - particularly in certain subplots. For instance, it wasn't clear to me why the oil analyst had reason to blame the Syriana royal for the drowning of the analyst's son at the royal's party. The political alignment and motivations of the terrorists who torture the movie's main character were just as murky.

Part of the problem was the script, which went overboard in trying to show rather than tell what was going on. A little explanation at times is appropriate and necessary if you don't want the story to lose the audience's understanding and attention.

For a compelling, geopolitical thriller set entirely in a real oil-rich state, check out SAUDI MATCH POINT. It tells the story of U.S. and Chinese competition for Saudi oil and influence while weaving in a local drama set in one of the world's most repressive and bizarre societies. The novel is available online from the publisher, Blacksmith Books.

Average customer rating:

something old, something new
O Brother Where Art Thou
One of my favorites
Worthwhile music, movie falls flat.
great comedy

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Starring: Michael Badalucco , George Clooney , Frank Collison , Charles Durning , and Wayne Duvall
Director: Joel Coen
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00003CXRM
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Amazon.com

Only Joel and Ethan Coen, the fraternal director and producer team behind art-house hits such as The Big Lebowski and Fargo and masters of quirky and ultra-stylish genre subversion, would dare nick the plot line of Homer's Odyssey for a comic picaresque saga about three cons on the run in 1930s Mississippi. Our wandering hero in this case is one Ulysses Everett McGill, a slick-tongued wise guy with a thing about hair pomade (George Clooney, blithely sending up his own dapper image) who talks his chain-gang buddies (Coen-movie regular John Turturro and newcomer Tim Blake Nelson) into lighting out after some buried loot he claims to know of. En route they come up against a prophetic blind man on a railroad truck, a burly, one-eyed baddie (the ever-magnificent John Goodman), a trio of sexy singing ladies, a blues guitarist who's sold his soul to the devil, a brace of crooked politicos on the stump, a manic-depressive bank robber, and--well, you get the idea. Into this, their most relaxed film yet, the Coens have tossed a beguiling ragbag of inconsequential situations, a wealth of looping, left-field dialogue, and a whole stash of gags both verbal and visual. O Brother (the title's lifted from Preston Sturges's classic 1941 comedy Sullivan's Travels) is furthermore graced with glowing, burnished photography from Roger Deakins and a masterly soundtrack from T-Bone Burnett that pays loving homage to American '30s folk styles--blues, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, and more. And just to prove that the brothers haven't lost their knack for bad-taste humor, we get a Ku Klux Klan rally choreographed like a cross between a Nuremberg rally and a Busby Berkeley musical. --Philip Kemp

Description

Disenchanted with the daily drudge of crushing rocks on a prison farm in Mississippi, the dapper, silver-tongued Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney, THE PERFECT STORM) busts loose. Except he's still shackled to his own chain-mates from the chain gang -- bad-tempered Pete (John Turturro, SUMMER OF SAM), and sweet, dimwitted Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson, HAMLET). With nothing to lose and buried loot to regain -- before it's lost forever in a flood -- the three embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this hilarious offbeat road picture. Populated with strange characters, including a blind prophet, sexy sirens, and a one-eyed Bible salesman (John Goodman, COYOTE UGLY), it's an odyssey filled with chases, close calls, near misses, and betrayal that will leave you laughing at every outrageous and surprising twist and turn.

Customer Reviews:

something old, something new.......2007-06-30

Comedies don't get much better than this.

Clooney, Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson are relentlessly hilarious in this loosely Homeric epic of escape from a chain gang in America's early twentieth-century South. You can love this movie without knowing Homer, of course, though it's based on that bard's Oddysey.

That's the common touch of both Homer and his erstwhile partners-in-crime, producers Ethan and Joel Coen.

Filming this flick must have been more fun than a body should have. From the blind oracle on the railroad pump-car warning about the 'Ob-stackles of life' to the 'Sigh-REENS' that appear to have 'loved (Pete) up ... and then turned him into a horny toad' to the delicious stares and triumphant penultimate scene where the Soggy Bottom Boys regale a political rally with their irresistable hit 'Man of Constant Sorrows', O BROTHER never falters.

It's a film for watching over and over again, preferably introducing somebody who hasn't seen it each time you do.

Ne'er doubt! Buy O BROTHER WHERE ARE THOU and hold onto it for dear life.

O Brother Where Art Thou.......2007-05-17

O Brother Where Art Thou

Title: O Brother Where Art Thou
Director: Joel Coen
Release Date: 2000

Based on the epic by Homer, this movie takes place at the end of the Great Depression area of 1935. Three men named Everet (George Clooney), Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson), and Pete (John Turino), escape on a chain gang in southern Mississippi. When they escape, they meet a man that is blind from polyps that is similar to Homer. The man tells the three men that they must travel to seek the desire that they want. Everet thinks that the old man was making nonsense, but Delmar and Pete think that the old man was telling the truth in their future. The men do a lot of things in this movie such as getting saved, making a record, helping a thief in a bank robbery, and confronting the KKK. (Klu Klux Klan) This movie is rated PG- 13 so the adults might not want to let their kids want to watch the movie. They also have a great soundtrack that won a Grammy for soundtrack of the year. The movie has funny jokes that make you crack up laughing. George Clooney gives one of his best roles of his career. John Goodman guest stars in the movie as a con man that steals the men's money. The people who like funny country movies, this might be the movie for you. It won't be long until this movie will become apart of your DVD collection.

One of my favorites.......2007-04-10

I've given this movie more repeat views than maybe any other movie ever, for two reasons. Firstly, there is the incredible soundtrack--I was not a bluegrass fan until I fell in love with this movie, and the songs were good enough to win me over. Secondly, the dialogue is hilarious. Every time I watch it, I catch a little bit I may have missed before. Coens at their best. Made me rethink my opinion of George Clooney, as well.

Worthwhile music, movie falls flat........2007-04-07

I think it's odd that the movie announces at the beginning that it's based on Homer's Odyssey, as the storyline barely follows in the theme of The Odyssey at all. The music is awesome and I reccomend the soundtrack, but honestly the movie didn't do it for me. Weak plot, annoying characters, lame ending. I just wasn't impressed at all.

great comedy.......2007-03-28

One of my favorite movies, it is a great comedy to watch. The actors are at their best in this one.

Average customer rating:

Not a favorite....
Two thumbs up from an Elmo lover!
Great Video
My Son loves this DVD
The Best of Elmo - Is It Really?

Sesame Street - The Best of Elmo
Starring: Kevin Clash
Director: Emily Squires
Manufacturer: Sesame Street
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005QFDX
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Product Description

This is a Sesame Street Best of Elmo DVD. This Sesame Street Best of Elmo DVD is another exciting episode of Sesame Street with Elmo the star of the show! Also a visit from Whoopi Goldberg.

Amazon.com

The Sesame Street character has fun singing some catchy new songs (you and your toddler just might, too), explaining the difference between light and heavy, having a laugh over pictures and numbers, and sharing the screen with a good-natured Whoopi Goldberg and Julia Roberts. Of the various Elmo videos, this one really does have the choicest material and stands up to repeat viewings--a big plus with little ones. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Not a favorite...........2007-06-27

At my house- this one isn't a favorite. I think the story line is too long for a toddler. They like action and this one doesn't give it. My DD loves the babies, dogs and farms one. We watch that over and over again, but this one just sits. Sorry Elmo!

Two thumbs up from an Elmo lover!.......2007-06-08

My 10 month old daughter LOVES this DVD. It's only 30 minutes long--perfect length for distracting her during a diaper/clothing change or keeping her busy while I cook dinner. She squeals when the FBI warning comes on at the beginning because she knows what's coming! Elmo's rap about the number 5 is a little annoying, but oh well...she loves it.

Great Video.......2007-06-06

This is a great video. My daughter loves it. I definitely recommend it.

My Son loves this DVD.......2007-06-05

My 19 month old son would wake up in the middle of the night and say Elmo TV and he wouldnt stop until we put it on. He would watch this show over and over and smile and laugh and he does the action also. I also enjoy watching it with him.

The Best of Elmo - Is It Really?.......2007-05-23

Although entertaining for the under 5 set, "The Best of Elmo" is reasonably dated and mostly shows clips of 'shaggy' Elmo prior to his haircut. This aside there are a plenty of songs for the little one to listen to and a guest appearance from Julia Roberts and Whoopi Goldberg.

Average customer rating:

Grease (Rockin" Rydell Edition
Great Movies
Grease
A classic, must have for every collection
Tell me more, tell me more....

Grease (Rockin' Rydell Edition)
Starring: John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Stockard Channing , Jeff Conaway , and Barry Pearl
Director: Randal Kleiser
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GBEWHA
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Amazon.com essential video

Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like Happy Days and films like American Graffiti), Grease became not only the word in 1978, but also a box-office smash and a cultural phenomenon. Twenty years later, this entertaining film adaptation of the Broadway musical received another successful theatrical release, which included visual remastering and a shiny new Dolby soundtrack. In this 2002 DVD release, Grease lovers can also now see it in the correct 2:35 to 1 Panavision aspect ratio, and see retrospective interviews with cast members and director Randal Kleiser. All these stylistic touches are essential to the film's success. Without the vibrant colors, unforgettably campy and catchy tunes (like "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," and "You're the One That I Want"), and fabulously choreographed, widescreen musical numbers, the film would have to rely on a silly, cliché-filled plot that we've seen hundreds of times. As it is, the episodic story about the romantic dilemmas experienced by a group of graduating high school seniors remains fresh, fun, and incredibly imaginative.

The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in Saturday Night Fever, knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately, while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done. And then there's Stockard Channing, spouting sexual double-entendres as Rizzo, the bitchy, raunchy leader of the Pink Ladies, who steals the film from both of its stars. Ignore the sequel at all costs. --Dave McCoy

Description

John Travolta solidified his position as the most versatile and magnetic screen presence of the decade in this film version of the smash hit play Grease. Recording star Olivia Newton-John made her American film debut as Sandy, Travolta's naive love interest. The impressive supporting cast reads like a "who's who" in this quintessential musical about the fabulous '50s. Grease is not just a nostalgic look at a simpler decade--it's an energetic and exciting musical homage to the age of rock 'n' roll!

Customer Reviews:

Grease (Rockin" Rydell Edition.......2007-06-27

Bought it for my 17 year old grand daughter, who loves Grease, she loves it.

Great Movies.......2007-06-08

This moie came out when I was out of HighSchool....I LOVED it then and it's been one of my favorites...The music is terrific and John Travolta and Olivia Newton John did an incredible job as the two main characters in the movie.......

Grease.......2007-06-01

My DVD arrived very quickly, as usual. A welcomed addition to our collection of classics.

A classic, must have for every collection.......2007-05-23

This movie is just a classic and always a good time to watch. It's pretty harmless and just puts you in a good mood. I saw this movie about 25 times when I was growing up and it came out, so I was pleased to see it on a DVD so I can watch it and not wear out the tape!

Tell me more, tell me more...........2007-05-14

A should have DVD in your collection! The special features are awesome! John and Olivia reunited again on stage...wow..lots of emotions there! Buy it, you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Titanic (Three-Disc Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Mixed reactions....
Great DVD for Filmakers
How was this such a high grossing movie?
Titanic (3-Disc Special Collector's Edition)
A GREAT FILM THAT LIVES UP TO THE HYPE AND A WORTHY DVD TREATMENT

Titanic (Three-Disc Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio , and Kate Winslet
Director: James Cameron
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000ANVQ0K
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Amazon.com essential video

When the theatrical release of James Cameron's Titanic was delayed from July to December of 1997, media pundits speculated that Cameron's $200-million disaster epic would cause the director's downfall, signal the end of the blockbuster era, and sink Paramount Pictures as quickly as the ill-fated luxury liner had sunk on that fateful night of April 14, 1912. Titanic would surpass the $1-billion mark in global box-office receipts, win 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Director, launch the best-selling movie soundtrack of all time, and make a global superstar of Leonardo DiCaprio. A bona fide pop-cultural phenomenon, the film has all the ingredients of a blockbuster (romance, passion, luxury, grand scale, a snidely villain, and an epic, life-threatening crisis), but Cameron's alchemy of these ingredients proved more popular than anyone could have predicted. His stroke of genius was to combine absolute authenticity with a pair of fictional lovers whose tragic fate would draw viewers into the heart-wrenching reality of the Titanic disaster. As starving artist Jack Dawson and soon-to-be-married socialite Rose DeWitt Bukater, DiCaprio and Kate Winslet won the hearts of viewers around the world, and their brief, but never forgotten, love affair provides the humanity that Cameron needed to turn Titanic into a moving emotional experience. Although some of the computer-generated visual effects look artificial, others--such as the climactic splitting of the ship's sinking hull--are state-of-the-art marvels of cinematic ingenuity. It's an event film and a monument to Cameron's risk-taking audacity, blending the tragic irony of the Titanic disaster with just enough narrative invention to give the historical event its fullest and most timeless dramatic impact. --Jeff Shannon

DVD features
Perhaps James Cameron wasn't ready to dish in 1999 when his mega-hit debuted on DVD with nary an extra (no, we don't count the trailer). Now in 2005, Cameron and his magicians dish on the cutting-edge effects and the craft of the movie. The heart of the extras are over 45 minutes of deleted scenes fans will fawn over, including some dealing with historical backstory (including a scene on the nearby ship California), a great kiss between Jack and Rose, and an extended suspense scene (listen to Cameron's commentary on that one). Happily, the alternate ending was not used (no, Jack doesn't live). The sound has been upgraded (including a DTS 6.1 ES track), the color palate is richer (the interiors glow more), and the picture is anamorphically enhanced for widescreen televisions, although the film is now split onto two discs.

The three-disc set has an abundance of materials; the galleries, for example, contain 628 on-set photos, 447 personal photos from the cinematographer, 532 storyboard sketches, 148 technical drawings, and even a 72-page bibliography. The features on the sets and effects offer some great tidbits, many dealing how everything had to be made versus rented since most items were going to be destroyed on camera.

Cameron is pictured on the box art and his stamp is all over the DVD set. He narrates the deep dive footage, you can read his original "scriptment" (if you want to read though 492 page clicks; some of these extras would have been better on a CD-ROM), and his commentary track is so complete, he covers most of the items the historical experts offer on their own track (they get too caught up in the film to muster more interesting facts). He offers only one apology for a factual "guess" and clears up that "king of the world" riff at the Oscars. The third commentary with most of the key members of the cast and crew is worth a listen but, alas, Leonardo DiCaprio does not contribute to this or any other new feature. Other must-sees: a time-lapse short on the creation of the boat set, and the first-half of a salute to the staff that works as a blooper reel. One caveat: there's a four-disc Region 2 version available in Europe with parodies and other extras, but no one is offering an official reason why it's not offered in the States. --Doug Thomas

Description

Leonardo DiCaprio and Oscar-nominee Kate Winslet light up the screen as Jack and Rose, the young lovers who find one another on the maiden voyage of the "unsinkable" R.M.S. Titanic. But when the doomed luxury liner collides with an iceberg in the frigid North Atlantic, their passionate love affair becomes a thrilling race for survival. From acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron comes a tale of forbidden love and courage in the face of disaster that triumphs as a true cinematic masterpiece.

Customer Reviews:

Mixed reactions...........2007-06-30

I have mixed feelings about this film. It has great moments, a genuinely tragic true story, really lame dialogue, an unbelievable sentimental (though effective) "romance", and there are some factual errors in the film (which is not good considering James Cameron bragged about its authenticity). Yet, this film is remarkable in so many ways.

Titanic, by all accounts, should have been a box office disaster. It has many things that the "experts" say will kill your film. First, it's 194 minutes long. Second, it has no stars (Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were not big stars when this was released). Third, it's depressing (the boat sinks...SPOILER). Fourth, it's predictable (the boat sinks...it's a true story). Fifth, it was a troubled production that had its release date postponed due to cost overruns. Yet, it is the biggest box office hit of all time. The look of the film is sumptuous, with great production design, gorgeous cinematography, and excellent acting (for the most part). Tecnhincally, the film is flawless (Cameron is known for his technological prowess). As much as I like DiCaprio, I think he's a bit uncomfortable playing a role like this, but he is still believable. Winslet is superb. One of the best things about the film is how Cameron contrasts the upper deck snobs with the lower deck "lower classes", and how the lower classes are much more human and real than the snotty upper classes are. Themes like that were not in great abundance in the 1990's. There are moments of pure poetry and sadness, especially with the musicians playing on board as the boat goes down.

However, the romance between Winslet and DiCaprio is hokey and detracts from the film a bit. The film also makes a glaring omission that there was a nearby ship that ignored the flares and the calls from the Titanic. I found this out in the film A Night to Remember, which was far more meticulous about the actual sinking and the reasons behind it. This film was more about the romance between Winslet and DiCaprio. There is an awful lot of really bad dialogue here, which also detracts. Interestingly enough, the only main categories this film didn't get nominated in was screenplay (which Cameron, rather pigheadedly, complained about), and best actor (which DiCaprio didn't show up at the Oscars, which caused some controversy, unwarranted in my opinion).

In conclusion, this is a pretty good film that should be seen. James Cameron made a film that defied all expectations, and won a bunch of Oscars for it. To date, he hasn't directed a feature film (10 years and counting), and he may never do it again. This film took a lot out of him, like Fitzcarraldo and Apocalypse Now did out of Herzog and Coppola (although those films are superior to Titanic).

Great DVD for Filmakers.......2007-06-28

I saw this movie back in December of 97. I had knowledge of the Titanic and I asked myself 'Do we really need another movie about this subject? James Cameron did a remarkable job and I loved this movie. The 3 disc DVD-let me suggest that any budding filmmaker rather young, in between or old should purchase this DVD. Cameron gives great insight on how to make a movie. The precise and intricate planning,his great writing.His technical expertise and great cinematography. A hands on director no doubt. He can do it all. He is a well educated and intelligent man that knows how to work. Unlike alot of them these days who got their big positions based on who they were related to. Filmakers should pay close attention to his subject on pacing, as a writer myself, the advice on this technique is still the same. I learned quite a bit.

Thank You James Cameron for this fantastic DVD.

Pamela

How was this such a high grossing movie?.......2007-06-10

This movie sucked. Too sentimental for one thing.

Titanic (3-Disc Special Collector's Edition).......2007-05-25

I love this movie. Watching the deleted footage is great. Was intrigued about the alternate ending. I am so glad they didn't use it.

A GREAT FILM THAT LIVES UP TO THE HYPE AND A WORTHY DVD TREATMENT.......2007-05-13

I was one of many who did not run to theaters to see this film when released. I didn't want to spend over three hours watching a film I knew the ending to. I have since built a state of the art theater in my home with a 10 foot screen. This movies lives up to the hype and is a fine example of how to tell a story. A long movie that doesn't feel that long with exceptional cast,script and FX. Well worth buying the special edition DVD.

Frank Zappa: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation

Average customer rating:

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

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000OCXM0O
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

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

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

Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Complete Monterey Pop Festival - Criterion Collection

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