Arts Movie Reviews

Brilliant, just brilliant. It's such a shame that Chris Rock videos/cassettes aren't widely available in the UK, especially considering that what Rock has to say isn't exactly culture-bound. Sure, some of the humour is US-specific and related to the racial and political issues of 1996, but what Rock taps into is the nasty underbelly of life that we ALL like to think doesn't exist.

His passion, his anger (and maybe frustration) all pour out onto the screen and you really get the impression that the man is laying himself bare - the sort of exhaustive stage-performance that you only really expect to see once in every comedian's life... but for Rock, it's just another killer routine.

I could predictably warn people about his choice of language and the way in which his vocabulary is peppered with 'obscenity' - but like the finest of comedians, Rock's material is so rich and it's delivery is so slick, that swearing merely compliments what he says, rather than overpowering it. And quite frankly, if you're buying a Chris Rock video, you probably know what you're buying.

A true comedy classic.

This is one of the best stand up acts I have ever seen. It would make Richard Pryor proud. Chris Rock uses intelligent wit and plent of punch in this awesome performance. I never thought he was so funny. When I was in the USA I watched his show a couple of times but this certainly takes the cake. He has got my respect big time!!!

After putting off watching this cameo from Chris for a long time, because the sound on the DVD I bought was so unclear (and this is a staged live performance), I finally decided to stick with it and watch it on a leisurely Sunday.

Guess I was spectacularly wrong about this performance, there's some real side-splitting stuff in here!

Chris takes on drunk politicians, drugs, the innocence (or not) of OJ, subtleties of relationships between men and women and what makes each different, the ills of domestic abuse, the lack of popularity of books among the African-American community etc etc.

Pronto-Purchase material, this. Perhaps even the absolutely best stand-up material I have seen from Chris Rock EVER. Hilarious!

Il Matrimonio Segreto is a charming opera, with only six singing roles and a small orchestra and such a lovely music that it is easy to understand the story of the austrian emperor ordering the entire opera encored immediately after the first performance. The Cologne Opera does it in a delightful way, with sensitivity and good taste and the period instruments make the listening even more interesting.

The DVD is quite simple, no extra options offered and only english subtitles (I wish all opera DVDs offered the original language in subtitles: german opera with german subtitles, italian opera with italian subtitles, etc.). The sound is good and the overall quality excellent. An opera is to watch and listen and the DVD lets you do exactly that, but only that.

Some people could find disturbing the applauses after some arias or certain noises from the stage, but there is always some cost to pay if you want the excitement and realism of a live performance.

All singers are in top form, particularly the married couple (Georgine Resick and David Kübler), the troubled father (Carlos Feller) and the Count (Claudio Nicolai, outstanding singers and excellent actors. The entire DVD is worth watching over and over.

A total gem with a rock solid performance. Sound clean and clear
with some period instruments circa 1792. A single stage setting
with six singers. Palino and Carolina have secretly married.
Carolina is the youngest daughter of Signor Geronimo a wealthy
merchant. Elisetta is his oldest and their aunt Fidalma, widowed
lives in the same house and has a heavy investment in the family
business. A marriage contract is drawn up to tie Elisetta to Count Robinson, a local Lord. Apprised of the situation a sibling
debate is entered into as to Elisetta's new title. The widowed
aunt who keeps the peace, secretly has a passion for ("Itis much better with a husband")Palino, who is sponsered by the count.
Count Robinson arrives for the first time to meet his intended but takes a fancy to Carolina. The fun and the confusion now begins with many scenario's to follow. The Count offers a dowary
reduction to Geronimo and follows up to tell the intended, what
a rouge he is. Robinson piles up the character flaws. She tells
him these are mere trifles, not convinced burst into uncontolable
laughter. Eventually the secret surfaces The count gives and will
marry Elisetta. Fidamal is embarressed. Geronimo who has been spun into confusion wants to disown Carolina. He is reminded that
she is with child. All is forgiven.
The non singing parts of the house staff add to the comedy.
This Opera higlights the Human Comedy and will leave you with a
smile at each viewing.

This was just an absolute delight to watch. Chris Rock comes at you with topic after topic and always blends everything smoothly together(like the Ricky Martin livin' la vita loca and the robotusim jokes throughout the night). This is a top notch performance from a top notch comedian. Even if you're not a Chris Rock fan you must respect his work on "Bigger & Blacker". His presence on the stage is incredible and his performance is even more spectacular. Chris Rock is a very intelligent comedian that shows you a vision of the world we tend to hide or ignore. After seeing this show so many times I started to ask myself how can he remember and deliever his act so smoothly. It seems like as if Chris Rock is having a regular conversation with the crowd as he performs on stage. Chris tackles enough issues in this show to have everyone (black or white)to relate to the material in some way. There is no doubt about it, this DVD is great and if you didn't see it on HBO or home video then you need to pick up this DVD. The price on this DVD is good but the show itself is great. A Must have for true fans of comedy. ( intellectual or silly )

Chris Rock follows up his 1996 hit "Bring the Pain" with another hilarious 1-hr routine. As always, Chris serves up his brutally honest opinions on the social and political nightmares we live in today. In this performance you'll find him tackling school gun violence, the plight of Native Americans, Ricky Martin, delinquent parents, racism, police brutality, incurable diseases, taxes, and a host of other issues. What makes Chris Rock so hilarious is that his commentary not only rings true but hits upon feelings and thoughts most of us have but are often afraid to express in today's "politically correct" atmosphere. Plus, Chris' naturally funny-looking physical appearance adds color to his performance. As with many other comedians, Chris Rock ends up spending a great deal of time on cliche comedian fodder such as sex and man-woman relationships. Thankfully, Chris Rock has managed to avoid tired old jokes and put hilarious new spins on these topics.

If you want intelligent comedy, this is the video for you! However, be forewarned that Chris Rock has a penchant for using the "f" word when emphasizing points, which some may find annoying after a while, and he is bound to say something that may offend someone. Nonetheless, I think that's what makes Chris Rock great and universal. Although Chris caters to an African-American audience, he ultimately has ideas that speaks to all segments of society- conservatives, liberals, white/black/asian/latino, homosexual, religious, non-religious, etc. A view that one segment of society finds appealing is bound to be held in disdain by another.

I must admit, in the past year that I've become a Chris Rock fan, I've found it difficult to watch other comedians. Few are as hard-hitting as Chris Rock. Get this video to see what I mean! While you are at it, get "Bring the Pain"- this one packs even more punch than "Bigger and Blacker".

Chris Rock is by far the funniest guy of today. This dvd should be bought by anyone who likes comedy. I would put everything I own on you finding this dvd hilarious. The whole disc is so brutally honest, it is refreshing to see someone with the intelligence and wit to deliver the material. I beg you all even if you haven't yet seen Chris Rock, buy this dvd. I guarantee that you will be hooked after witnessing just five minutes from the genious that is Chris Rock.

I bought this to remember seeing Freni perform this opera at The Met in person with a cast superior to this video. I loved her performance here, but was not impressed with the other cast members. This opera has one of the most beautiful arias in all of opera but the rest of the music is lovely but not as memorable. I admire Freni's technical strength and professionalism. She's never turned in anything but an impressive performance and this is no exception. If you love Freni, you'll love this video. If you aren't familiar with her, get her Butterfly instead. As with most La Scala productions, the quality of the recording and camera work is not as good as other venues, but acceptable. Probably the best video of this opera available.

In short, this is a must for all opera lover, especially if you love Mirella's singing ( The last great singer for verismo !!)

If you love not just OPERA, but REALLY OBSCURE OPERA, then you will enjoy this La Scala production of FRANCESCO CILEA's opera "ADRIANA LECOUVREUR." The story here is of the celebrated 18th century RIVALRY of the great actress Adriana Lecouvreur with the Princess of Bouillon for the LOVE of the Count of Saxony. However, the reason this opera is SELDOM PERFORMED is not because of the story, but rather because the lead SOPRANO has to really be at the heights of her power. Fortunately, La Scalla had MIRELLA FRENI at the height of her vocal maturity to sign the title role! Enjoy the SINGING of not only Freni but Peter Dvorsky, Fioneza Cossotto and Ivo Vinco!

I can't believe Kultur would have the nerve to release this terrible performance on DVD. They need to call back every copy and burn them. Sutherland is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY past her prime. She sounds heavy and mannered. High notes are forced and effortful. What more her acting is abominable (as always *sigh*). This performance is not something I would watch to remember Sutherland's talent by.

Adriana Lecouvreur is usually portrayed by sopranos (many past their prime) who still have some heft to their voices and can produce a dramatic punch. Joan Sutherland unfortunately has neither. Her technique carries her through the music but she barely explores the dramatic possibilities. Her declamation during "Giusto Cielo" and her entrance in Act One is embarassingly bad and her death scene is reminiscent of Lucia di Lammermoor. The production is a head-scratcher. Why set the opera in the late nineteenth century when Adrienne Lecouvreur was a historical figure of pre-Revolutionary French theater. The reference to Moliere being in the audience during the first act thus makes no sense nor does the presence of an Abbe. The supporting cast is more than adequate (except for John Shaws woofy Michonnet) though they seem to have to watch Bonynge continually. The sets and costumes are quite opulent