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Family movie reviews for "Costumes" sorted by average review score:
Wagner - Lohengrin / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera
Released in DVD by Pioneer Video (12 December, 2000)
Starring: R. Wagner, Eva Marton, and Peter Hoffmann
Average review score: 
A great night at the Met!Some may dislike Wagner's lengthy tunes and overdone Leitmotifs -- especially on film -- but it takes a true Romantic to understand the beauty and sorrow of this story, one that chronicles the journey of the magical Swan Knight and his bride, Elsa von Brabant. James Levine leads the Met Opera Orchestra with incomparable grace, never drowning the singers or muffling Wagner's brilliant score. The choral work, however, is mediocre at best, though it picks up in Act III. The staging seemed a bit stiff at times, and while the set was impressively humongous, I would have liked to see a Swan and/or Dove incorporated in the story somehow. The cast was great, all except for Peter Hofmann, who made an unusually uninspired Lohengrin. Thankfully the others sparkled on stage: John Macurdy was a noble King Henry, Leif Roar a sensational Telramund, and Eva Marton a wonderfully-acted and sympathetic Elsa. But Leonie Rysanek, with her vibrant portrayal of the villainous Ortrud, stole the show many times over. She's one of the best in the opera biz, and in sensational voice for this 1986 production. Despite the flaws, which are, in all honesty, somewhat expected with Wagner, this show is an absolute delight and a welcome addition to any opera maven's DVD collection.
Dreams fulfilled!Amazing that no one has ever written a commentary on this performance, even in its VHS format. Superb performance all around. It is difficult to single out anyone person because they are all good to outstanding. In my bias, I do single out Rysanek, whose "Orturd" is overwhelmingly sung and conceived. Her radiant voice fills out a great acting performance. The Met orchetra is equally outstanding. I am grateful that we have Rysanek in a live from the Met performance. She recorded little. They claim her voice was difficult to record (LP or Cd). Here she is the legend she already had become. She stated in her own words that she was not always satisfied with her recordings, although the RCA album of Italian arias did get her ok. Rysanek caught live surpasses Rysanek recorded in the studio. Live she was exciting and riviting. Her Chrysothemis is also available on a live from the Met with Nilsson as Elektra and Mignon Dunne as Clytemestra. That performance had the Met audience on its feet for nearly a hour hour at the curtains' fall. That, like this Lohengrin, is absolutely a "must have". Marton is caught in beautiful voice before its lamentable decline. Roar is an effective Telramund, never coarse of voice and Hofmann is the least stunning of the cast and he sings well and makes a very believable presence. So this gives you some idea of what you are in for. I'm been trying for many months (close to a year) to find this dvd format as I had it on VHS. It deserves to be a best seller along with the Elektra. Opera on dvd doesn't come along that often with this calabre of prodction, - No Euro-trash here - singing and overall excellence. Grab them while you can. Superb theater, great singing, outstanding orchestra playing. Wagner, Srauss and Rysanek must be very happy with this unequaled success.
2001 - A Space Odyssey (Limited Edition Collector's Set)
Released in DVD by CREATIVE DESIGN ARTS (12 June, 2001)
Starring: Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood
When Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on "the proverbial intelligent science fiction film," it's a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film's opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the "star child" at film's end, Kubrick's vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director's underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick's film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone--puzzling, provocative, and perfect. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:
The Best Sci-Fi Film... Ever!I read somewhere that 2001 is the perfect blend of music and imagery, and its true, this film is beautiful. Its intelligent plot is deep and thought provoking. It reminds me of the classic silent films of the 1920's. This is the most realistic film about space travel ever made. Highly recommended to lovers of Kubric, silent film, and sci-fi!
Required viewing...I can't believe the number of MTV generation viewers who rate this movie low because they don't have the patience, intellectual curiosity or attention span to watch this film. Man, I remember between glued to the set when I first watched 2001, and I was 10 years old! I'm also amazed at how many people clamor for a neat and tidy hollywood ending. I think one of the legacy of 2001 is its sobriety: not everything is answered or should be; gorgeous camera angles and the brilliant stroke of making space so utterly silent. Instead of filling the screen with lasers and music and nonsensical violence, Kubrick lets our minds travel and our brains work. I recommend the novel, as well.
Oh. My. God.Talk about being blown away! This film about a journey into another realm of thought and time is a one of a kind masterpiece. There are so many special effects and visually stunning scenes that at times it seems that actors aren't necessary, but Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood are effective as two astronauts traveling to Jupiter with a complex and disturbed computer called HAL. Director Stanley Kubrick here fashioned a profound and deeply moving meditation on the meaning of the universe, a film which lifted the science-fiction genre to a new level of complexity. The innovative special effects by Douglas Trumball won an Academy Award and are still quite dazzling today. Kubrick received an Academy Award nomination as best director for this film, and Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke both received nominations for their screenplay. Haunting.
The Original Kings of Comedy
Released in DVD by Paramount Studio (21 May, 2002)
Starring: Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac
The Original Kings of Comedy achieves the seemingly impossible task of capturing the rollicking and sly comedy routines of stand-up and sitcom vets Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac and the magic of experiencing a live concert show. Director Spike Lee and his crew plant a multitude of cameras in a packed stadium and onstage (as well as backstage, as they follow the comedians) to catch the vivid immediacy of the show, which is as much about the audience as it is about the jokes. And the jokes are funny.
All four riff fast and furiously (and with much swearing) on the world in terms of race, family, sex, and in one routine, outer space. Hughley takes comedic aim at extreme sports and eating disorders, while Cedric harks back to the day when gang fights meant calling opponents out onto the dance floor. Bernie Mac, the self-confessed id comedian of the group, presents a routine that is simultaneously offensive and hilarious--an apt reminder that comedy can and should be vicious if we are ever to learn to laugh at ourselves and hopefully be the better for it. Harvey, who acts as the MC for the show, has some transcendent moments with the crowd (a '70s slow jam sing-along, anyone?) that have to be seen to be believed. There's no doubt as to why Kings was a hit with concert and movie audiences; the laughs keep coming, in the tradition of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, with a sharp eye on the nuances of today's racially affected culture. --Shannon Gee
Average review score:
dishing out my 2 centsI don't watch that much stand up comedy but I am familiar with the Steve Harvey show and like Bernie Mac real well so I decided to give this a try. The show takes place in Charlotte, NC in February of 2000 and it was full of energy when these four guys took the stage. Here's a list of what all each guy talks about and my opinion about there segments
1. Steve Harvey
He has three segments, but in his first segment he talks about how he's proud to be a country boy and how they appreciate stuff better than city folks. Then he talks about the Carolina Panthers and goes on to poke fun at a player by the name of Rae Curruth and how stupid he was to plan out his escape. He ended the segment on the movie Titanic. This part I did find humorous. He complains about it being too long and if it was about blacks it wouldn't have lasted 15 minutes and demonstrated on a black person would've used their creativity in escaping the sinking ship by turning over a diner table and got on it.
Not bad but his next two segments were better.
D.L. Hughley
Hughley's segment contains poking fun at some of the people in the audience, black and white comparisons on job firings and special interests, and talk about relationships but in a kinky way. My favorite parts of his segments was on pumping gas. "Give me 52 cents on pump 1 please" and that bungy jumping was too much like lynching for blacks and that regular sh*t was all they need for entertainment and he spots a guy with blonde hair and tells that he looks like he got his ass whipped with a bottle of peroxide(I think I spelled that right).
Steve Harvey part II
There's only one part to this segment and that is music. He says that hip hop makes me sick because they don't sing about love, everyone has to have a mic, and rap concerts have too many instructions. My favorite part was where demonstrated a typical rap concert. "Everybody pump it up, wave your hands like you don't care, someone say Ho, somebody scream. Motherf---er for what? I paid 38.50, g--dammit you scream!" Then he tries to impersonate some of his favorite songs back in the day which was very entertaining.
Cedric the Entertainer
cedric says that the reason you don't hear about 6 or 7 black folks getting killed at one time is because they run. They don't ask why they're running, if you start running then dammit I'm gonna run too. Talks about black folks progressing in sports other than basketball. He does a good impressions of black folks playing hockey and being announcer for golf games. He says that blacks couldn't handle that kinda of job because they can't stay quiet for 30 seconds. Of course I'm a groan ass man slogan is always hilarous.
Steve Harvey III
Steve talks about going to church with an old lady named Sister O'Dale and she was the only reason he used to love to attend church because she cursed and some of her songs that she song at church which were theme songs on t.v.shows. I laughed so hard at this segment I had tears streaming down my face especially when gave a demonstration of sister o'dale seeing the offering plate coming around. "I'm sick of this sh*t, I've got bills in my m'fing house, you keep passing this S.O.B. by me, you're gonna f*ck around and come up short.
Bernie Mac
Bernie the most raunchy but most entertaining segment talks about how we need to punish kids like they did back in the day. Raising his brother's kids, opening up his day care center, and big momma. I loved when he talked about his future day care center. He says he will f-ck your kid up, the first 30 days are free and if you see a big knot on your kid's head it's because he took a hammer and slapped the f-ck out of them. I like how his body is weary and he can't satisfy his wife's sexual needs like he used to and if she had a problem with it she would have to get another man and that that 3 minutes is as long as he can give an organsm.
The show is pretty raunchy like I said, but if your open minded and have a good sense of humor, you should love this
1. Steve Harvey
He has three segments, but in his first segment he talks about how he's proud to be a country boy and how they appreciate stuff better than city folks. Then he talks about the Carolina Panthers and goes on to poke fun at a player by the name of Rae Curruth and how stupid he was to plan out his escape. He ended the segment on the movie Titanic. This part I did find humorous. He complains about it being too long and if it was about blacks it wouldn't have lasted 15 minutes and demonstrated on a black person would've used their creativity in escaping the sinking ship by turning over a diner table and got on it.
Not bad but his next two segments were better.
D.L. Hughley
Hughley's segment contains poking fun at some of the people in the audience, black and white comparisons on job firings and special interests, and talk about relationships but in a kinky way. My favorite parts of his segments was on pumping gas. "Give me 52 cents on pump 1 please" and that bungy jumping was too much like lynching for blacks and that regular sh*t was all they need for entertainment and he spots a guy with blonde hair and tells that he looks like he got his ass whipped with a bottle of peroxide(I think I spelled that right).
Steve Harvey part II
There's only one part to this segment and that is music. He says that hip hop makes me sick because they don't sing about love, everyone has to have a mic, and rap concerts have too many instructions. My favorite part was where demonstrated a typical rap concert. "Everybody pump it up, wave your hands like you don't care, someone say Ho, somebody scream. Motherf---er for what? I paid 38.50, g--dammit you scream!" Then he tries to impersonate some of his favorite songs back in the day which was very entertaining.
Cedric the Entertainer
cedric says that the reason you don't hear about 6 or 7 black folks getting killed at one time is because they run. They don't ask why they're running, if you start running then dammit I'm gonna run too. Talks about black folks progressing in sports other than basketball. He does a good impressions of black folks playing hockey and being announcer for golf games. He says that blacks couldn't handle that kinda of job because they can't stay quiet for 30 seconds. Of course I'm a groan ass man slogan is always hilarous.
Steve Harvey III
Steve talks about going to church with an old lady named Sister O'Dale and she was the only reason he used to love to attend church because she cursed and some of her songs that she song at church which were theme songs on t.v.shows. I laughed so hard at this segment I had tears streaming down my face especially when gave a demonstration of sister o'dale seeing the offering plate coming around. "I'm sick of this sh*t, I've got bills in my m'fing house, you keep passing this S.O.B. by me, you're gonna f*ck around and come up short.
Bernie Mac
Bernie the most raunchy but most entertaining segment talks about how we need to punish kids like they did back in the day. Raising his brother's kids, opening up his day care center, and big momma. I loved when he talked about his future day care center. He says he will f-ck your kid up, the first 30 days are free and if you see a big knot on your kid's head it's because he took a hammer and slapped the f-ck out of them. I like how his body is weary and he can't satisfy his wife's sexual needs like he used to and if she had a problem with it she would have to get another man and that that 3 minutes is as long as he can give an organsm.
The show is pretty raunchy like I said, but if your open minded and have a good sense of humor, you should love this
Telling it like it is!The Original Kings of Comedy/Queens of Comedy Gift Set is a great gift for anyone to recieve and/or buy.
These are two very, very funny movies worth watching and well worth the money.
Both movies are AWESOME! and you'll see these ladies can hold their own in this funny field comedy.
These are two very, very funny movies worth watching and well worth the money.
Both movies are AWESOME! and you'll see these ladies can hold their own in this funny field comedy.
Compulsively Watchable..When comedy makes you howl with laughter (D.L.Hughley riffing on men's dirty underwear and black people quitting their jobs) remember good times in your youth (Cedric The Entertainer's take on gangs being break dancers or his now classic 'I'm a grown a** man dawg!' routine)cry with joy and delight (Steve Harvey's sing along with the audience to EW&F, The Ohio Players and Lenny Williams and his cursing in church bit....'I don't know how much money these mother****er's think I got!')and even flinch but still bust a gut (Bernie Mac's entire half hour, the best thing here) then you know you've witnessed true brilliance. Spike Lee's direction is kinetic and the way he involves the audience makes you feel like you're part of the crowd. While there's plenty of profanity and risque' humor, everone here seems to be having the time of their lives and the feeling is addictive, joyous and upbeat. I put this on when I need my spirits lifted and it works everytime. A new comedy classic.
The Original Kings of Comedy/ Queens of Comedy Gift Set
Released in DVD by Paramount Studio (07 January, 2003)
Starring: Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac
The Original Kings of Comedy achieves the seemingly impossible task of capturing the rollicking and sly comedy routines of stand-up and sitcom vets Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac and the magic of experiencing a live concert show. Director Spike Lee and his crew plant a multitude of cameras in a packed stadium and onstage (as well as backstage, as they follow the comedians) to catch the vivid immediacy of the show, which is as much about the audience as it is about the jokes. And the jokes are funny.
All four riff fast and furiously (and with much swearing) on the world in terms of race, family, sex, and in one routine, outer space. Hughley takes comedic aim at extreme sports and eating disorders, while Cedric harks back to the day when gang fights meant calling opponents out onto the dance floor. Bernie Mac, the self-confessed id comedian of the group, presents a routine that is simultaneously offensive and hilarious--an apt reminder that comedy can and should be vicious if we are ever to learn to laugh at ourselves and hopefully be the better for it. Harvey, who acts as the MC for the show, has some transcendent moments with the crowd (a '70s slow jam sing-along, anyone?) that have to be seen to be believed. There's no doubt as to why Kings was a hit with concert and movie audiences; the laughs keep coming, in the tradition of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, with a sharp eye on the nuances of today's racially affected culture. --Shannon Gee
Average review score:
dishing out my 2 centsI don't watch that much stand up comedy but I am familiar with the Steve Harvey show and like Bernie Mac real well so I decided to give this a try. The show takes place in Charlotte, NC in February of 2000 and it was full of energy when these four guys took the stage. Here's a list of what all each guy talks about and my opinion about there segments
1. Steve Harvey
He has three segments, but in his first segment he talks about how he's proud to be a country boy and how they appreciate stuff better than city folks. Then he talks about the Carolina Panthers and goes on to poke fun at a player by the name of Rae Curruth and how stupid he was to plan out his escape. He ended the segment on the movie Titanic. This part I did find humorous. He complains about it being too long and if it was about blacks it wouldn't have lasted 15 minutes and demonstrated on a black person would've used their creativity in escaping the sinking ship by turning over a diner table and got on it.
Not bad but his next two segments were better.
D.L. Hughley
Hughley's segment contains poking fun at some of the people in the audience, black and white comparisons on job firings and special interests, and talk about relationships but in a kinky way. My favorite parts of his segments was on pumping gas. "Give me 52 cents on pump 1 please" and that bungy jumping was too much like lynching for blacks and that regular sh*t was all they need for entertainment and he spots a guy with blonde hair and tells that he looks like he got his ass whipped with a bottle of peroxide(I think I spelled that right).
Steve Harvey part II
There's only one part to this segment and that is music. He says that hip hop makes me sick because they don't sing about love, everyone has to have a mic, and rap concerts have too many instructions. My favorite part was where demonstrated a typical rap concert. "Everybody pump it up, wave your hands like you don't care, someone say Ho, somebody scream. Motherf---er for what? I paid 38.50, g--dammit you scream!" Then he tries to impersonate some of his favorite songs back in the day which was very entertaining.
Cedric the Entertainer
cedric says that the reason you don't hear about 6 or 7 black folks getting killed at one time is because they run. They don't ask why they're running, if you start running then dammit I'm gonna run too. Talks about black folks progressing in sports other than basketball. He does a good impressions of black folks playing hockey and being announcer for golf games. He says that blacks couldn't handle that kinda of job because they can't stay quiet for 30 seconds. Of course I'm a groan ass man slogan is always hilarous.
Steve Harvey III
Steve talks about going to church with an old lady named Sister O'Dale and she was the only reason he used to love to attend church because she cursed and some of her songs that she song at church which were theme songs on t.v.shows. I laughed so hard at this segment I had tears streaming down my face especially when gave a demonstration of sister o'dale seeing the offering plate coming around. "I'm sick of this sh*t, I've got bills in my m'fing house, you keep passing this S.O.B. by me, you're gonna f*ck around and come up short.
Bernie Mac
Bernie the most raunchy but most entertaining segment talks about how we need to punish kids like they did back in the day. Raising his brother's kids, opening up his day care center, and big momma. I loved when he talked about his future day care center. He says he will f-ck your kid up, the first 30 days are free and if you see a big knot on your kid's head it's because he took a hammer and slapped the f-ck out of them. I like how his body is weary and he can't satisfy his wife's sexual needs like he used to and if she had a problem with it she would have to get another man and that that 3 minutes is as long as he can give an organsm.
The show is pretty raunchy like I said, but if your open minded and have a good sense of humor, you should love this
1. Steve Harvey
He has three segments, but in his first segment he talks about how he's proud to be a country boy and how they appreciate stuff better than city folks. Then he talks about the Carolina Panthers and goes on to poke fun at a player by the name of Rae Curruth and how stupid he was to plan out his escape. He ended the segment on the movie Titanic. This part I did find humorous. He complains about it being too long and if it was about blacks it wouldn't have lasted 15 minutes and demonstrated on a black person would've used their creativity in escaping the sinking ship by turning over a diner table and got on it.
Not bad but his next two segments were better.
D.L. Hughley
Hughley's segment contains poking fun at some of the people in the audience, black and white comparisons on job firings and special interests, and talk about relationships but in a kinky way. My favorite parts of his segments was on pumping gas. "Give me 52 cents on pump 1 please" and that bungy jumping was too much like lynching for blacks and that regular sh*t was all they need for entertainment and he spots a guy with blonde hair and tells that he looks like he got his ass whipped with a bottle of peroxide(I think I spelled that right).
Steve Harvey part II
There's only one part to this segment and that is music. He says that hip hop makes me sick because they don't sing about love, everyone has to have a mic, and rap concerts have too many instructions. My favorite part was where demonstrated a typical rap concert. "Everybody pump it up, wave your hands like you don't care, someone say Ho, somebody scream. Motherf---er for what? I paid 38.50, g--dammit you scream!" Then he tries to impersonate some of his favorite songs back in the day which was very entertaining.
Cedric the Entertainer
cedric says that the reason you don't hear about 6 or 7 black folks getting killed at one time is because they run. They don't ask why they're running, if you start running then dammit I'm gonna run too. Talks about black folks progressing in sports other than basketball. He does a good impressions of black folks playing hockey and being announcer for golf games. He says that blacks couldn't handle that kinda of job because they can't stay quiet for 30 seconds. Of course I'm a groan ass man slogan is always hilarous.
Steve Harvey III
Steve talks about going to church with an old lady named Sister O'Dale and she was the only reason he used to love to attend church because she cursed and some of her songs that she song at church which were theme songs on t.v.shows. I laughed so hard at this segment I had tears streaming down my face especially when gave a demonstration of sister o'dale seeing the offering plate coming around. "I'm sick of this sh*t, I've got bills in my m'fing house, you keep passing this S.O.B. by me, you're gonna f*ck around and come up short.
Bernie Mac
Bernie the most raunchy but most entertaining segment talks about how we need to punish kids like they did back in the day. Raising his brother's kids, opening up his day care center, and big momma. I loved when he talked about his future day care center. He says he will f-ck your kid up, the first 30 days are free and if you see a big knot on your kid's head it's because he took a hammer and slapped the f-ck out of them. I like how his body is weary and he can't satisfy his wife's sexual needs like he used to and if she had a problem with it she would have to get another man and that that 3 minutes is as long as he can give an organsm.
The show is pretty raunchy like I said, but if your open minded and have a good sense of humor, you should love this
Telling it like it is!The Original Kings of Comedy/Queens of Comedy Gift Set is a great gift for anyone to recieve and/or buy.
These are two very, very funny movies worth watching and well worth the money.
Both movies are AWESOME! and you'll see these ladies can hold their own in this funny field comedy.
These are two very, very funny movies worth watching and well worth the money.
Both movies are AWESOME! and you'll see these ladies can hold their own in this funny field comedy.
Compulsively Watchable..When comedy makes you howl with laughter (D.L.Hughley riffing on men's dirty underwear and black people quitting their jobs) remember good times in your youth (Cedric The Entertainer's take on gangs being break dancers or his now classic 'I'm a grown a** man dawg!' routine)cry with joy and delight (Steve Harvey's sing along with the audience to EW&F, The Ohio Players and Lenny Williams and his cursing in church bit....'I don't know how much money these mother****er's think I got!')and even flinch but still bust a gut (Bernie Mac's entire half hour, the best thing here) then you know you've witnessed true brilliance. Spike Lee's direction is kinetic and the way he involves the audience makes you feel like you're part of the crowd. While there's plenty of profanity and risque' humor, everone here seems to be having the time of their lives and the feeling is addictive, joyous and upbeat. I put this on when I need my spirits lifted and it works everytime. A new comedy classic.
Power Yoga the Complete Workout - Stamina, Strength, Flexibility with Rodney Yee
Released in DVD by Living Arts (29 August, 2000)
Meditating on a white sand beach as the clear blue water rolls toward your peaceful body is what Power Yoga is about. Yoga master Rodney Yee leads this three-part workout against the backdrop of grassy fields, deserts, and beaches. Each of the three segments focuses on the mind-body connection while increasing flexibility and learning the basic (and the difficult) postures of yoga. These 25-minute segments can be done in sequence for an overall body challenge or (if time is a factor) divided into individual workouts. The first session concentrates on stamina and introduces the sun salutation with attention to breathing and body awareness. This portion is less physically demanding than the two that follow and would be ideal for beginners or participants who crave relaxation. The second segment makes strength the focal point through a series of cross-legged lunges and more strenuous postures. Yee challenges the upper body here by incorporating a variety of arm balances and more difficult poses within the sun salutation. The third and final workout centers on power movements that utilize major muscle groups. This is a great format for advanced participants because the poses are more physically demanding and require greater flexibility to hold. Yee gradually increases the difficulty, which allows for optimum form and range of motion. Each of the three sessions concludes with meditation that is both calming and restorative. The variation of intensity makes this collection perfect for beginning and experienced yoga students alike. Overall this total body workout is designed for those who want to strengthen both mind and body. --Olivia Voigts
Average review score:
NOT a "complete workout"I have been practicing yoga (primarily astanga/power yoga style) for a little over a year, and while I think that the individual segments are fairly good, do not buy this DVD expecting to replicate a traditional 1.5 hour power/astanga yoga practice session. The "complete workout" is merely the linking together of the 3 half-hour workouts, so you will have to fast-forward through the intermediate cool-downs and warm-ups if you want to maintain a regular pace and the internal heat that is key to this style of yoga. And even if you didn't have to fast-forward, you would still have the problem of the poses not being in the proper order--you go through the beginning sun-salutation poses with each segment. It's overall very annoying and NOT a good substitute for going to a proper power yoga class.
I will say that each segment on its own is quite good, and it is of course convenient that you can do a 30-minute practice at home when you are pressed for time. But, in case it isn't clear, my main complaint with this DVD is that it's billed as being four programs in one--the three short, and one long--but I don't think that there is a true "complete workout" option as advertised. Because I think the title of the DVD is very misleading (I bought the DVD because I wanted the 1.5 hour session), I gave this DVD a lower rating than I would have otherwise. Depending on your needs, however, this feature of the DVD may not be problematic for you.
Beginner's Use Caution - Overall Great TapeIf you are truly a beginner to Yoga, you may want to start with another tape. With other tapes, you might find 3-4 people demonstrating poses for different levels of flexibility and strength. This tape has a very quick pace and offers no suggestions for levels other than what Rodney Yee uses. There was little or no mention of how much one should feel. As a result I overstretched my hip flexor the first time out (stretching too fast, and too much). At that point I re-approached this tape, doing it in segments until I found what worked both safe and comfortably for me. It also helps to familiarize yourself with the tape and listen rather than watch. At times his actions differed from his direction. With all that said, I LOVE this tape now, but approach with caution if you are a total novice. "Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss" with Suzanne Deason is good for showing how you can do particular poses at your level of expertise, they use 4 women each doing the routine with different supports (blocks, towels, ropes etc).
Great for intermediate to beginner practionersThis DVD is broken up into 3 workouts, stamina, strength, and flexibility. The majority of the poses are beginner level (especially the stamina workout),each workout ranges from 20-30 minutes long. For a total workout do all 3 consecutively. I have been practicing yoga for 2+ years at least 5-6 days a week, and this DVD still gets plenty of usage. I think this DVD is challenging enough for intermediate level yoga students (check out some of the arm balances Yee demonstrates in the strength workout) yet easy enough for a beginner to try. However, Yee's workout is not for the faint of heart, the pace is fast (especially the second and third workouts), and you will sweat. Also, watch the DVD before you follow along with the routines, because they are fairly fast paced. So, if you want a good sweat, definitely give this DVD a try.
Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss - Deluxe DVD Edition
Released in DVD by Living Arts (01 June, 2000)
Starring: Suzanne Deason
Title notwithstanding, Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss isn't likely to promote weight loss any more than lots of other videos will. But that's not a knock--it merely reflects the fact that anyone who practices yoga regularly and conscientiously can both shave off some extra pounds and significantly reshape his or her body. With four different instructors simultaneously demonstrating a single program, each providing different modifications of the same poses, Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss delivers a thorough, well-organized practice that can be undertaken by users at all levels of experience, fitness, and flexibility. After a gradual warm-up sequence, Suzanne Deason and her fellow instructors lead you through a series of standing asanas, back and forward bends, twists, and so on, with the proper technique and function of each pose explained clearly and concisely. The result is a workout that's challenging but not overwhelming and that should stand up to plenty of repeated use. All in all, another good offering from Living Arts. --Kelly Welldon
Average review score:
Good for fit beginersThis is a beautiful yoga DVD - the views and instruction are very good. Suzanne Deason does an excellent job showing modifications of difficult poses and has a variety of levels in her video to watch. However, it is not a powerfully challenging routine for the intermediate to advanced yoga student. I have used this DVD as a stretching before bed routine or morning wake up and recommend it for the novice. I plan to give this to my very fit- 55 year old mother who is just begining her yoga journey. The only reason I do not give it 5 stars is due to the title- "weight loss" which I feel is a bit misleading as it is more of a warming routine.
Good instruction but not impressed with all poses.This is a good yoga workout but I don't like it as much as the class I am taking. I don't feel refreshed after doing it as I do in class. She instructs very well and there are 4 different levels demonstrated separately or altogether. It is enjoyable. Maybe it is just the difference between live and on TV.
Great for BeginnersI bought this video a long time ago, did it once and just didn't "feel it". I recently tried it again and this time, I could. It is definitely for beginners, which is great because I wasn't too flexible to start. Deason is soothing, not annoying, and I find the poses challenging if I apply myself and pay attention to Deason's directions. If you have done yoga before, you will be bored and probably hate this video. But if you are just starting out, this video is perfect. It targets the major muscle groups and focuses on smooth, regulated breathing. The reviewer who complained about Deason telling students to inhale then forgetting to say "exhale" before she started talking should have thought about maybe breathing for themselves. Deason does not always tell you when to inhale and exhale but she did say at the beginning to concentrate on "smooth regulated breathing" and if you pay attention to the flow of breathing as she directs you the first few times, you can keep it up on your own. I did it on my own and found I was pretty much in sync with her. I did start to feel my core warming up a bit in the middle of the workout, but what I love the best is the relaxation at the end. I felt so good... and I feel like I did something. If you're a beginner, try this video as a slow start and alternate with another beginning tape. Winsor Pilates' 20 Minute Workout is challenging and an excellent "girly" workout.
Riverdance - Live From New York City
Released in DVD by Columbia/Tristar Studios (02 October, 2001)
The Irish hard-shoe sensation Riverdance underwent its second incarnation with Live from New York City, a 1996 performance filmed at Radio City Music Hall. The dazzling choreography and energetic score remain, but Michael Flatley was replaced by less-flamboyant Colin Dunne, a superb technician who works well with Flatley's former co-lead, Jean Butler.
About a half-hour longer than the 1995 original, Live from New York City expands upon the second act's theme of the Irish leaving their homeland for other parts of the world. In the most engaging new number, "Trading Taps," a trio of Irish dancers faces off against two urban American tappers. While much of this show will be familiar, it's different enough to be enjoyed on its own terms. It's also more stylishly shot, but that's also its biggest drawback--frenetic editing that allows only brief glimpses of the dancers and leaves the viewer dizzy. --David Horiuchi
Average review score:
Concert, not a Music VideoThis is riverdance, it's a phenomenom - serious marketing, lots of touring companies, good music, Eileen Ivers, Micheal Flattery, etc. You'd think with all this money and talent they'd have a clue how to make a DVD of it!
First off - the music and dancing is pretty good; I personally think it's overproduced and overdramatized, but my wife and son just LOVED it.
With that out of the way - I don't think it would be possible to make a more jumpy production - they didn't keep the same camera angle for more that 10 seconds thruout the whole thing. And half the time they showed just the top half of the irish dancers. Well, THAT part doesn't move! at LEAST show the feet!
I can kinda see it for a VHS tape, but this is a DVD - ever hear of multiple viewpoints? I'm sure they just dumped the VHS off to DVD without doing much to it - make some extra money and all that, but if they'd taken some care they could have had a WONDERFUL product and I wouldn't feel quite so seasick!
OK, if you made it this far - if you saw and loved Riverdance, well, until they make a REAL DVD production, ya might as well buy this one! The production seems to match what Riverdance is all about, lots of flash! If you haven't seen it - your best bet would be go SEE riverdance first so you can appreciate it, THEN buy this DVD!
Very interestingNow that the phenomenon has faded, I decided to give Riverdance a look and see what all the fuss was about. This is Broadway entertainment, sometimes overly flamboyant, even hammy, but there is undeniably some good music and extraordinary dancing to be found here. I did not realize how much the dancing is offset by musical numbers, but it works out nicely, and gives those beleaguered dancers a chance to rest before their metabolism eats the last remnants of flesh off their bones. Now I feel adequately prepared to judge 'Lord of the Dance' and 'Feet of Flames.' We'll see how it goes.
A Wierd SimilarityI am a huge fan of Riverdance. I remember the first time i saw it on PBS. Afterwards we ordered the video. I noticed something in the final dance before the credits when everyone came out to dance. On Maria Pages right, there were three African Americans. In the new version there is a dance that features African Americans. The dance must have been cut out of the video. Anyways, the new Riverdance is just as good if not even better then the original!! It's a great buy!
Riverdance - Live from New York City (Superbit Collection)
Released in DVD by Columbia Tristar Hom (07 October, 2003)
The Irish hard-shoe sensation Riverdance underwent its second incarnation with Live from New York City, a 1996 performance filmed at Radio City Music Hall. The dazzling choreography and energetic score remain, but Michael Flatley was replaced by less-flamboyant Colin Dunne, a superb technician who works well with Flatley's former co-lead, Jean Butler.
About a half-hour longer than the 1995 original, Live from New York City expands upon the second act's theme of the Irish leaving their homeland for other parts of the world. In the most engaging new number, "Trading Taps," a trio of Irish dancers faces off against two urban American tappers. While much of this show will be familiar, it's different enough to be enjoyed on its own terms. It's also more stylishly shot, but that's also its biggest drawback--frenetic editing that allows only brief glimpses of the dancers and leaves the viewer dizzy. --David Horiuchi
Average review score:
Concert, not a Music VideoThis is riverdance, it's a phenomenom - serious marketing, lots of touring companies, good music, Eileen Ivers, Micheal Flattery, etc. You'd think with all this money and talent they'd have a clue how to make a DVD of it!
First off - the music and dancing is pretty good; I personally think it's overproduced and overdramatized, but my wife and son just LOVED it.
With that out of the way - I don't think it would be possible to make a more jumpy production - they didn't keep the same camera angle for more that 10 seconds thruout the whole thing. And half the time they showed just the top half of the irish dancers. Well, THAT part doesn't move! at LEAST show the feet!
I can kinda see it for a VHS tape, but this is a DVD - ever hear of multiple viewpoints? I'm sure they just dumped the VHS off to DVD without doing much to it - make some extra money and all that, but if they'd taken some care they could have had a WONDERFUL product and I wouldn't feel quite so seasick!
OK, if you made it this far - if you saw and loved Riverdance, well, until they make a REAL DVD production, ya might as well buy this one! The production seems to match what Riverdance is all about, lots of flash! If you haven't seen it - your best bet would be go SEE riverdance first so you can appreciate it, THEN buy this DVD!
Very interestingNow that the phenomenon has faded, I decided to give Riverdance a look and see what all the fuss was about. This is Broadway entertainment, sometimes overly flamboyant, even hammy, but there is undeniably some good music and extraordinary dancing to be found here. I did not realize how much the dancing is offset by musical numbers, but it works out nicely, and gives those beleaguered dancers a chance to rest before their metabolism eats the last remnants of flesh off their bones. Now I feel adequately prepared to judge 'Lord of the Dance' and 'Feet of Flames.' We'll see how it goes.
A Wierd SimilarityI am a huge fan of Riverdance. I remember the first time i saw it on PBS. Afterwards we ordered the video. I noticed something in the final dance before the credits when everyone came out to dance. On Maria Pages right, there were three African Americans. In the new version there is a dance that features African Americans. The dance must have been cut out of the video. Anyways, the new Riverdance is just as good if not even better then the original!! It's a great buy!
Blade Runner - Limited Edition Collector's Set
Released in DVD by CREATIVE DESIGN ARTS (06 June, 2000)
Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young
When Ridley Scott's cut of Blade Runner was finally released in 1993, one had to wonder why the studio hadn't done it right the first time--11 years earlier. This version is so much better, mostly because of what's been eliminated (the ludicrous and redundant voice-over narration and the phony happy ending) rather than what's been added (a bit more character development and a brief unicorn dream). Star Harrison Ford originally recorded the narration under duress at the insistence of Warner Bros. executives who thought the story needed further "explanation"; he later confessed that he thought if he did it badly they wouldn't use it. (Moral: Never overestimate the taste of movie executives.) The movie's spectacular futuristic vision of Los Angeles--a perpetually dark and rainy metropolis that's the nightmare antithesis of "Sunny Southern California"--is still its most seductive feature, an otherworldly atmosphere in which you can immerse yourself. The movie's shadowy visual style, along with its classic private-detective/murder-mystery plot line (with Ford on the trail of a murderous android, or "replicant"), makes Blade Runner one of the few science fiction pictures to legitimately claim a place in the film noir tradition. And, as in the best noir, the sleuth discovers a whole lot more (about himself and the people he encounters) than he anticipates.... With Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, and M. Emmet Walsh. --Jim Emerson
Average review score:
The original was betterI know most of the published reviews said the directors cut was better than the original, but I beg to differ. If I hadn't seen the original, I would have been much more lost about what was going on in the diretors cut. I liked the "corny" voice overs that other reviewers complained about, which DID help you understand what was going on better. I also liked the "happy ending" from the original. It was such a dark movie otherwise, I thought the happy ending gave hope about the future instead of the more pessemistic view of the directors cut version. I thought the unicorn scene from the directors cut added absolutely nothing to the original story, I didn't see the point of putting it in there. If something isn't broken, don't fix it.
John,
Goleta, ca
One of the greatest movies ever madeThe movie bares hardly any resemblance to the book on which it's supposed to be based upon, which is not too bad, because I didn't like the book ("Do androids dream of electric sheep?").
Also, I saw the director's cut when it came on the screen and I like the studio's cut better. Once you see "Blade Runner" and naturally admire the director's achievement, it's tempting to take his side on this issue and on any other he likes, but this is what I felt after having seen both versions. The unicorn scene is a lovely piece of visual poetry, but it adds nothing to the film. It just seems out of place and de trop.
Harrison Ford's narration did add a great deal, though, and it's a waste to see the movie without it. I don't care if Harrison tried to botch it up: the jaded, tough Phillip Marlowe rendition works. In Humphrey Bogart's detective movies (my all time absolute favorite actor) you can see how the two characters share the same tough but secretely vulnerable personna. There's even a scene when Ford pretends he's a nerdy, sexually neutered jerk to get informations, that makes me wonder if it might not have been inspired by a scene from "The Big Sleep" - a twist, by the way, that was invented by Bogart himself.
I think here one sees Harrison Ford at his best. I'm sorry to see his acting skills deteriorating more and more with age, and it adds to the melancholic experience of watching this film to know that he's never been in such a great movie, or ever acted that wonderfully again, except in "Frenetic", by Roman Polanski.
Another spoiler was an interview with Sean Young that I once read, where she denounced how badly she and Harrison Ford got along on the set. The love scene, that I always thought was so electrifying, does nothing for me now, thanks to her. She said Harrison actually did throw her violently against the window for real, and that those tears one sees her cry aren't the tears of the cracks in her character's armor showing, but of her real and actual physical pain.
Nevertheless, it's still a mind-blowing experience. I'm not objective enough about this work to be able to tell if it's dated or not - I hope it isn't. I suppose one could say "Casablanca"'s dated, but it's beyond that thanks to its timeless quality. The same, I hope, could be said of this work.
The beauty of the movie (the sets, the clothes, the lighting, the make-up, the music by Vangelis of course) is unbeatable.
There are so many details I love about it: the city, the geisha add, Sean Young's entrance, Harrison Ford's character remembering how his wife used to call him sushi (cold fish), Daryl Hannah's acrobatics and eye make-up, Rutger Hauer's coolness, the hunger for life only the dying can experience, its slick dirtiness and tragedy.
Also, I saw the director's cut when it came on the screen and I like the studio's cut better. Once you see "Blade Runner" and naturally admire the director's achievement, it's tempting to take his side on this issue and on any other he likes, but this is what I felt after having seen both versions. The unicorn scene is a lovely piece of visual poetry, but it adds nothing to the film. It just seems out of place and de trop.
Harrison Ford's narration did add a great deal, though, and it's a waste to see the movie without it. I don't care if Harrison tried to botch it up: the jaded, tough Phillip Marlowe rendition works. In Humphrey Bogart's detective movies (my all time absolute favorite actor) you can see how the two characters share the same tough but secretely vulnerable personna. There's even a scene when Ford pretends he's a nerdy, sexually neutered jerk to get informations, that makes me wonder if it might not have been inspired by a scene from "The Big Sleep" - a twist, by the way, that was invented by Bogart himself.
I think here one sees Harrison Ford at his best. I'm sorry to see his acting skills deteriorating more and more with age, and it adds to the melancholic experience of watching this film to know that he's never been in such a great movie, or ever acted that wonderfully again, except in "Frenetic", by Roman Polanski.
Another spoiler was an interview with Sean Young that I once read, where she denounced how badly she and Harrison Ford got along on the set. The love scene, that I always thought was so electrifying, does nothing for me now, thanks to her. She said Harrison actually did throw her violently against the window for real, and that those tears one sees her cry aren't the tears of the cracks in her character's armor showing, but of her real and actual physical pain.
Nevertheless, it's still a mind-blowing experience. I'm not objective enough about this work to be able to tell if it's dated or not - I hope it isn't. I suppose one could say "Casablanca"'s dated, but it's beyond that thanks to its timeless quality. The same, I hope, could be said of this work.
The beauty of the movie (the sets, the clothes, the lighting, the make-up, the music by Vangelis of course) is unbeatable.
There are so many details I love about it: the city, the geisha add, Sean Young's entrance, Harrison Ford's character remembering how his wife used to call him sushi (cold fish), Daryl Hannah's acrobatics and eye make-up, Rutger Hauer's coolness, the hunger for life only the dying can experience, its slick dirtiness and tragedy.
A bona fide sci-fi landmarkThe true test of a classic, as everyone knows, is how it survives the passage of time. Blade Runner is a classic. It is as stunning a film today as it was when released more than twenty years ago. Those who think the plot is too slow and the acting subpar are those raised on a diet of explosions and mayhems every two point five minutes in any given movie in order to sustain their interest. Ridley Scott is a master of the mise-en-scene. The "slow pace" serves to heighten the suspense just as it did in the first "Alien," and the theme of the modern man losing his humanity is as appropos today as ever. There has been enough written about the set design and the music that I don't need to repeat the obvious. The only disappointment with this DVD is the picture quality and the lack of bonus materials, both of which, rumor has it, will be remedied in a three disc set to be released some time next year.
Let's hope it will do this film full justice.
Let's hope it will do this film full justice.
Pilates - Beginning Mat Workout
Released in DVD by Living Arts (20 July, 2001)
"Remember what Joseph Pilates said," instructor Ana Caban says. "'You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions.'" Pilates has become very popular and for good reason. By working the core muscles (the abdominal and back muscles in the center of your body) you improve strength and posture and develop a lean, long line.
Certified Pilates instructor Ana Caban is a splendid teacher. First she demonstrates alignment and technique for 10 minutes, explaining the cue words you will hear and how to do the basics, emphasizing how to use the core muscles to strengthen the abdominals and back throughout the workout. Then she introduces a challenging 20-minute series of Pilates moves, instructing clearly, demonstrating beautifully, and continuing to advise you about technique, breathing, and form.
Even though this is a beginning Pilates workout, Pilates is never easy, so these moves will feel extremely difficult if you're new to this kind of exercise. For example, you learn to hold your abs tight whatever move you're doing, and you move only the muscles you're working at the moment, using your stabilizing muscles to hold the rest of the body still (much harder than it sounds!). Another participant demonstrates modifications throughout in case Caban's moves are too difficult or your muscles fatigue. If you've been wanting to explore Pilates and you're willing to put in the effort and concentration, this video gets our top rating. --Joan Price
Average review score:
Short and no warm-upI think the title of my review says it all already. The workout is not bad, but it is only about half an hour long ( including the initial instructions about breathing ) and there is virtually no warm-up. The instructor makes you start with 'the hundred' and claims that 'this is your warm-up'.
lost 5 pounds already!I am not one for working out at all and I've done yoga in the past so I figured why not try pilates! This video is very good at introducing you to pilates, it's not easy but it's not to hard either. The modifications that Tara does make it easier for beginners to start to learn but then you have Ana to work up to! I have only done 10 sessions and my abs are already tighter and I have lost 5 pounds! If you're looking for a work out that is not too strenuous but gets you results, I would highly recommend this video to you, it's priced well and you will see results!
A great first step!I had never done pilates before I bought this tape. Honestly, I really enjoyed this workout. I lost 2 pounds last week and have just lost another pound this week. I'm not saying you're going to drop the pounds by JUST doing this tape, but it helps. (I.E. eating right, and working out on the treadmill also got me there) My abs do feel more toned and my pants are looser. I also love Ana Caban, she gives really wonderful instructions! Get this if you've NEVER done pilates before!