Costumes Movie Reviews

This was great, especially if you need to have your stamping classes at home. Mary Jo's presentations have a lot of clarity and a very relaxed approach to creativity. Since I rarely get to see people actually doing techniques, I really enjoyed watching the processes happening in such detail since it was longer than the videos I've seen. The DVD format gives a lot of flexibility in viewing and Mary Jo has a friendly presence as she provides numerous tips along with the project at hand. I hope Page Sage will produce more in this line of product.

I've purchased dozens of stamping videos, and even a DVD (which was only a video recorded onto a DVD), but this is the best I've ever gotten. No talking heads and no distance shots of the project. You get to see MaryJo's face a couple of times, but the rest of the time you are looking right over her shoulder and seeing EXACTLY what she's doing. It's a true DVD, too--you can stop and skip around and link between gallery pieces and the instructions at any time. AND there's a really funny segment of outtakes, so you can see that MaryJo has moments where her stamping gets away from her, just like the rest of us!
The projects are great--a lot of variety from complex items to simple fast cards, and I learned a lot about some products I've had around but never used before.
You have to get this one!

This DVD is the best......if you've never been able to have a class with MaryJo, then let this be your classroom! It's great! Gallery is great to browse through and pick a project to do. If you missed a part of what she was demonstrating or saying the best part is you can just back up (rewind) on the DVD and replay it!!! Wonderful addition to anyone's collection.

Esta representación recogida años atrás en formato VHS, llega ahora al dvd y no me queda más que reiterar nuevamente mis elogios hacia ella.
El reparto lo encabeza una espléndida ANNE SOFIE VON OTTER, que hace un delicioso Octavian, tanto en lo musical como en lo escénico. KURT MOLL es, sin duda alguna, el mejor Barón Ochs de los últimos años y así lo impone aquí, con su voz uniforme y bien timbrada en todo el registro y su soberbia caracterización del personaje.
FELICITTY LOTT interpreta a la Mariscala, con porte de gran señora de la escena, y una bellísima voz, como bellísima y delicadísima es la Sophie de BARBARA BONNEY.
Todo el amplio elenco de personajes secundarios cumple de manera sobresaliente, con especial mención al Faninal y a la pareja de intrigantes, aunque quizá el Cantante Italiano no esté a la altura de la función.
CARLOS KLEIBER dirige a la Filarmónica de Viena con absoluta perfección, extrayendo los toques más vieneses de la magnífica partitura de Strauss.
La producción, de 1984, sigue presentandose en Viena 19 años después, y esto indica que es la mejor producción de Rosenkavalier que hay en la actualidad: decorados, vestuario, iluminación, movimiento escénico, todo lujosísimo.
Definitivamente, este es un producto que deben tener todos los amantes de la buena música, para disfrutarlo una y otra vez.

You'd probably have to call me a Rosenkavalier groupie. I've loved the opera since I first encountered it on a Met broadcast in high school back in the 1950s. My first recording was the hallowed Karajan/Schwarzkopf/Ludwig from 1956. I've owned possibly ten different versions on LP and CD, including the abridged 1933 version with Lehmann/Schumann/Olszewska. I've read the score repeatedly at the piano and even served as a sub-repetiteur for a local production. I've owned the VHS version of this performance since shortly after it came out, kindly sent me by a friend in Berlin. So, when I converted to DVD there was no problem deciding which version to get. It had to be this one. It has everything.

Consider this. The conductor is one of the giants of today, Carlos Kleiber. I already knew, from the earlier Munich CD, that he had this opera completely in his bloodstream, and here he's conducting the Vienna Opera Orchestra who do, too, of course. And I wasn't surprised when the VHS of this performance lived up to that standard. The three sopranos who are so important to the opera are, get this: Felicity Lott, Sophie von Otter, and Barbara Bonney. Now where could you get a better cast that that today? Not only do they sing like angels - the Marschallin's monolog and the ensuing duet with Octavian alone are precious beyond words - but they look the part, too. The 'Presentation of the Rose' scene is beyond praise. Add in the cavernous bass and sly acting of Kurt Moll as Baron Ochs and you get a sure-fire combination. Heck, I even liked Mohammed, a mute part!

But the clincher for my getting this version on DVD was that I would be able to have English subtitles. I'm modestly fluent in German (I've even been told I have a Viennese accent when I speak German; it must be all the time I've spent with 'Rosenkavalier') but one doesn't always catch the sung words in this most elegantly sly of libretti, so one can have subtitles in English, as well as German, French or Chinese.

In other words, this is the pick of the crop. I love other audio-only versions, but the combination of artists (not to speak of the sumptuous mise-en-scène in this production) makes this the best audiovisual representation of this masterpiece.

Review by Scott Morrison

I own four versions of Rosenkavalier, including the Paul Czinner film (1961) that I saw with thousands of other Chicago kids at Arie Crown Theatre (I still have the playbill). This is, without a doubt, the best sung of all of them. As a DVD, unlike the Italian version I also own, the subtitles are available in German, which makes this a spectacular tool for opera students. Barbara Bonney (Sophie) also appeared in another version in my collection, the 1985 Covent Garden production with Kiri Te Kanawa, available only on VHS. Even nine years later in this version, her Sophie is a hoot. I realize that von Otter is almost too beautiful to be Octavian, but suspend your disbelief. Vocally, she's the best Octavian I have on any kind of recording. Lott treats the Marchalin role with more tragedy than Te Kanawa or even Schwartzkopf, but she's splendid. Kurt Moll (Ochs) appeared on the PBS "Great Performances" version from the Metropolitan in the mid-1980s and seemed to me then the most menacing Ochs I'd ever seen, but in this DVD, he's quite mellow and has that trademark voice for which he's known. Even if this is not my favorite version (I prefer the directing and acting in the 1984 Covent Garden production), its subtitles, sound, and cast ability in general are the BEST.

Despite its being over 30 years old, this recording is quite possibly the best one available. AND the DG engineers did a super job restoring it. The sound and the picture are both very very good. The singers... where I begin? They're all downright phenomenal. Price and Cossotto both have incredibly creamy soaring voices. While very different in timbre, they blend with astounding beauty. Just look at their faces -- they are so clearly inspired by the Higher power, it's a pure joy to watch! Nicolai Ghiaurov is truly The voice of God here, his immense basso used to earth-shattering effect. To top it off, this video has very young Luciano Pavarotti singing with rare sensitivity and real feeling. Back then, Pavarotti was a relative newcomer, while the rest of the principals were already well-established singers. But, while no doubt aware of it, he really focused on the music and his fresh lyric tenor rings with silvery brilliance.
Von Karajan is shown at his best here. You can clearly see the care for the singers and for the music, and his obvious enjoyment is a pleasure to behold. Don't delay in getting this DVD!

This is supreme music supremely achieved. I have always loved Karajan's work, his musical refinement and depth. Watching him on this video and listening to it, I understand him better now. He seems sometimes in ecstasy and in utter awe of what he is in the process of molding into the most superb artistic achievement, and never so much as when he is directing and listening to Leontyne Price. At these moments, he seems rapt in prayer at the unbeleivably gorgeous beauty and sublimity of her voice and performance. Seeing Price and Cossotto standing there and soaring away without sheet music in front of them is astonishing and proves the point that the best music making is done when the performer knows the work by heart. The gentlemen here are worthy collaborators in this unbelievable structuring of unqualifed greatness in solo and ensemble performance. Orchestra and chorus are on the mark of sheer beauty. This is a spine-tingling, both arms, back of the neck, chill-bump splendor. If you don't have this DVD, you need to go get it! Do your heart and soul a favor.

It does not get any better than this. If you want to see a truly exciting conductor in action, this is it. Karajan is in his prime. The La Scala chorus is truly one of the greatest choruses in the world. The soloists are four of the greatest opera singers of all time, all together on stage, in their primes, giving legendary performances. And this is one of Verdi's most exciting works. It does not get any better than this on DVD, Video, CD, or LP. Thank God for DVDs like this.

I purchased the DVD set (not having ready any reviews) wanting to learn something new, have fun doing some sort of exercise, spice up my sensuality, and really to try to bring my body back to some sort of shape four months after giving childbirth.

I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!

I really enjoy this DVD set. The lessons are fun to learn with several movements much easier to learn that I thought they would be (like shoulder shakes and body shimmies) I didn't feel like any of the moves were impossible to master. You're working out while you're learning and having fun at the same time.

One bonus for me is that my four month old son enjoys watching lovely Veena and Neena dance while I follow along (looking silly right now). So I can get in my physical activity without waiting for him to nap.

I look forward to the time I can show my new talent to my husband, which I have no doubt he will enjoy. Until then I'm going to keep practicing, practicing, practicing, with Veena and Neena.

The extra dance videos are fun to watch and really get your imagination going. They show the different forms of belly dancing there are out there. The costumes are lovely (and inspiring)and so are the ladies performing them. I've gotten several good ideas as to the type of costume I would like to make for myself.

If you decide that to buy this DVD set, I doubt you'll be disappointed. It's fun, lovely, and tastefully done.

Neena and Veena are fabulous instructors. There are three videos included: Basic Dance, Beyond Basic Dance, and Mystic Dance. If you are deciding between VHS and DVD, I strongly recommend the DVD. The DVD has some great bellydancing extras on it, including some fitness bellydance examples. You can choose having the instructional voice on or off.

My one complaint about these videos revolves around the instructional voice, which is not always in sync with what Neena and Veena are currently doing. If I'm not paying attention, when I'm learning the steps, I can get frustrated by that, as I tend to listen to the voice more. (habit left from dancing and aerobics)

I LOVE the videos. These are the best bellydance instructional videos I've tried. The camera focus is almost perfect - when small movements are occurring (say with the wrist), it's focussed on the wrist, or if there is a bit of trickier footwork - focus is on the the feet. Otherwise, it's mostly a whole body shot - which is much better than many of the other bellydancing videos.

Instruction starts slow - I like how they teach arm positions for you to be able to experiment. The progression from slow to tempo does occur a little fast, but it's allowed me more enjoyment of the video because it has been a little more challenging. It's not too difficult!

The steps all come together in the end with a choreographed dance, which is great fun. The videos definitely build skills from one to the other. Once you've practiced a few times, and are getting the dance routines down, you will be getting a workout!! My arms already look totally different, and I have more hip flexibility than I use to.

These videos gave me enough experience to feel confident enough after three weeks of (secret) practice to give a dance to my husband. He thought I'd been taking lessons on my lunch break. (and no, he's not suave enough to have just come up with that!) :)

Fun and energizing exercise, with an element of sensuality - for what more could I ask?

This set is particularly valuable for the beginning dancer who is more interested in learning the technique than in a workout video or weightloss. (Of course it is good for these things, too.) The focus is on teaching the basics of dance and putting everything together into choreographies that you don't mind showing off.

This is an excellent concert for musical lovers. Especially Jerry Herman fans. I recommend it highly. Michael Feinsteins rendition of "I Won't Send Roses" will give you chills and Leslie Uggams is impeccable.

If you love Musical Theatre, you will love these great performers. The best!

To the point : Jerry Herman's Broadway at the Hollywood Bowl is a top showcase of his songs and lyrics. As Carol Channing said ' Double the pleasure, listen to the words '.Apart from Lorna Luft, Michael Feinstein and a lost of great singers, just to hear Bea Arthur sing is worth buying this DVD.

The conducting is very good, The orchestra is excelent and Gheorghiu really shines! Alagna is not the best tenor around, but he is ok. The same aplies to Barcelona. On the other hand, Julian Konstantinov is really very bad for the Requiem... Any one who doesn't own the Karajan version, casting Pavarotti and the extraordinary Ghiaurov,Price and Cossotto, should definitelly buy that one first. But this one is the best second choice around.

I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Abbado's concerts number of times and I can tell you that his concerts are glorious. Unfortunately, seldom the spirit of his concerts have been successfully captured in his recordings; this DVD nevertheless, is one of those rare occasions. For those of you who inquired about his condition: Mr. Abbado was suffering from stomach cancer but as far as I know he has fully recovered. I met him in person after the opening concert in Carnegie Hall in October of 2001, and I must tell you, his frail face brought tears to my eyes.

The conducting is the best and the soloists and choir are wonderful. I have enjoyed the concert over and over and discover something new every time I listen. If you like Verdi ,you will love this DVD,
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Startling and ambitious vintage network TV production from 1966 is a heart-breaking and unrelentlessly tragic drama with Lee J. Cobb in such a supoerb performance, you want to reach out and console the troubled sympathetic character. So downbeat as to be almost dismal, the play succeeds in it's grip on the realities of grief and doom and the undying hope of a better tomorrow. The rest of the cast is equally superb and I loved the fake realism of the CBS cameras taping a obviously theatrical set.

As a great admirer of Arthur Miller's work, I have always wished I could have seen the original 1949 production of his masterpiece, DEATH OF A SALESMAN. This video of a 1966 television production, featuring the original Willy and Linda, Lee J. Cobb and Mildred Dunnock, is the next best thing -- especially as it was taped "live" and is more like a stage production than like a movie. As wonderful as Dustin Hoffman's portrayal is in the superb 1985 movie version of SALESMAN, Lee J. Cobb simply IS Willy Loman; he conveys the sadness and insecurity that lurk beneath Willy's outward bravado. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Act II scene with Bernard, when he offers Willy a cigarette from his expensive silver case. Cobb takes the case, holds it, looks at it, then slowly hands it back to Bernard. This one moment is so telling: Willy, who never achieved success, either for himself or for his sons, is envious of Bernard's success (and Bernard was never even "well-liked), symbolized by the silver cigarette case. Mildred Dunnock is likewise ideal as Linda: fragile, but hard as steel when defending Willy to her two resentful sons, Biff and Happy (George Segal and James Farentino). Segal is especially fine in the hotel-room scene and at the end when, in the middle of a heated argument with his father, he suddenly grabs him and hugs him, weeping. This gesture tells us that Biff is furious with Willy, not because he hates him, but because he loves him. Of the supporting actors, Edward Andrews stands out as Charley, Willy's prosperous but "laid-back" neighbor -- the antithesis of Willy himself. Only the actor who plays Howard, Willy's boss, seems miscast: he looks more like a college student than like the head of a company. (Perhaps the director, Alex Segal, was just trying to emphasize Willy's age and his falure to "keep up with the times.") But this is the only weakness in a marvelous production that is essential viewing, if only for the classic portrayals of Cobb and Dunnock.

If you want to see a production of one of American Theater's most important playwright's most important works, then look no further. Though there have been several noteworthy productions over the years, this Broadway Theater Archive treat showcases the "perfect" Salesman cast, in a treatment that is essentially a reblocking of the famed Elia Kazan Broadway premiere of the play. Willie Loman's originator, Lee J Cobb, reprises his role, along with Mildred Dunnock. Though Geroge C. Scott and Dustin Hoffman received critical acclaim for their interpretations of Willie Loman, neither holds a candle to Cobb. He simply "is" Willie. George Segal and John Malcovich weigh in about evenly in the "best Biff" category, but the nod goes to Segal, because of the great ensemble cast he was lucky enough to play off of. Yet another winner in a BTA series that chronicles American Theater in its greatest era (60's and 70s).

Just a note to bear in mind that these plays are film versions of the plays exactly as they were staged on Broadway at the time, so don't look for cinematic production values. Sometimes the camera work is not ideal, but that doesn't get in the way of the consistently powerful performances, and that's what great theater is all about, anyway. I'm just grateful that most of the series is available and hope that the unavailable titles are just being restored and will be rereleased soon.

BEK

Just as relaxing as you'd think it would be. I bought this for my mom, who loves just sitting and staring at the waves when we go to the beach, and she enjoyed it very much. The scenery is gorgeous, and switches to show four different beaches.

This DVD is highly addictive! Whether trying to wind down at the end of the day, need help falling asleep, want to do some deep breathing or stretching excercises or you are simply folding laundry, you'll want the soothing sounds of the ocean and tropical breeze with you! Your virtual vacation starts with a comfortable beach side cove on the first day and changes scenery to other, more robust landscapes of waterfalls and coastline. Each scene fades in and out slowly and soothingly...never any startling voice overs or music. Excellent video footage and amazing audio makes this virtual vacation seem so real!! I'm ordering another Wave vacation today!

This wave series has it all.Lapping waves,large waves,waterfalls rainforest mountains and birds.Day one starts with a calm ocean and birds chirpping with waves in the distance.Every once in a while a wavelette occasionally goes around a rock.Day 1 ends with some very large waves the biggest I've seen in the waves series and a surfer riding them.Day 2 starts with a waterfall in the rainforest with birds chirpping.On shot 2it returns back to the ocean with lapping waves and mist.Day 3On shot 5 or 6 their's a beautiful night seen under the moonlight with waves lapping.Day 4 has huge waves toward sunset.And another night seen shows lapping waves on the beach under the moonlight toward the end.Day 5 has some huge waves on shot 3 and also some lapping waves on other shots.Day 6 starts with 5 very beautiful waterfalls running down a mountain and ends with the ocean again.This is a quiter zenlike vacation than the other 3 but because ofthe Waterfalls and occasinal large waves I love this one.The sound and beauty of these waterfalls is so peaceful and serene on dvd.Dvd features are chapter search,previews of the other vacation series,and loop play.If you like ocean waves,waterfalls,rainforest,birds and mountains this is the dvd for you.I highly recommend Hawaiian zen along with Hawaiian dreams,California dreams and California zen.

I'm not a fan of Bartoli and bought this based on the review here by other fans and because I love Terfel. Enjoyed the CD and the DVD of course is better as the interaction is very entertaining and makes the concert much more meaningful. I did enjoy this very much and feel Terfel is a master performer bringing Bartoli up a notch. I agree with the other reviewers. A must have in any collection! It wasn't long enough is my only complaint.

Since I got this DVD a week ago, I have watched it at least once a day, & I love it more with each viewing. I was already a fan of Bartoli, but now am an even bigger fan of Terfel's! The charisma, skill & subtlety he demonstrates in this performance are only equaled by the beauty of his voice. Figaro's rage at the Count's scheming, the comic turn of the catalog aria from Don Giovanni, the heroism of "Arm, Arm ye Brave" from Judas Maccabeus...all are given life with seemingly effortless precision by this talented Welsh artist. All this, and Cecilia too!! A must see!!! A must own!!!!!

I'd first seen this performance on CBC TV(Canada) in 2001 and immediately knew I was watching something special. Having purchased and just watched the DVD two things become abundantly clear. First, it's even better than I remembered and second, this recording makes it so obviously clear how much more an excellent DVD gives the viewer, compared to an equally excellent, but visually lacking, CD.
On this DVD one gets to see and hear not only two great virtuosos in what must be their absolute singing prime, but also two incredible actors who obvious absolutely love what they are doing: And if that wasn't enough you get to listen to a magnificent orchestra who has a conductor with impeccable timing. Also the photography is wonderfully done: just the right facial expression, just the right cut to the next camera for the most appropriate view: just the right angle to see the cello player come in on a certain note to accompanying the vocalist. Magic, just magic! Too bad there wasn't more.
Appendage Oct/2002
Since my original review of this DVD in Jan 2002 I would like to add that this has, without a doubt, become my favorite opera DVD: and Donizetti's "Quanto amore" from the Elixer of Love is my favorite piece. Although there are several others that are truly wonderful ("madamina", "La ci darem la mano" and "Pa-pa-pa" just to mention a few)
It is the definitive perfect mix of Singer-Conductor-Orchestra acting as a living breathing entity.
What a thrill it must have been to have witnessed this performance live.

In 1941, after having their friendship interrupted by World War II, Werner Heisenberg set off to Denmark to visit with his old friend & mentor, Niels Bohr. What, precisely, took place at this rendezvous has been debated for over 60 years by scientists, philosophers of science, historians of science & even laymen.

The present film is a re-enactment of this meeting, based on the play written by Michael Frayn. Much of the discussions could have possibly taken place, in some form or other. Of course, only Bohr and Heisenberg could say for sure. Alas, both are long since deceased.

At stake in the story is the $60,000 question: was Heisenberg in Copenhagen to coerce Bohr to help the Nazis with the development of the atomic bomb? Was he there to entice his old friend to solicit information on the American efforts (Manhattan project)? Were his overtures MISUNDERSTOOD by Bohr, compelling the latter to mis-construe any of the above? Or, did Heisenberg simply visit his colleague in hopes of challenging him to a game of tiddly-winks?

This story will not provide the answer, but it will certainly offer new avenues to ask the questions in the appropriate context. The film often references Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and is told in a rather Twilight-Zone-esque fashion. A nice twist is the fact that the storyline makes a nexus of the everyday-world with the abstract realm of theoretical physics.

Almost as important as the subject matter of the film is the acting. There are only 3 characters in the storyline: Heisenberg, Bohr and Bohr's common sense-laden wife. The acting thus takes on extra-importance, and all three actors come thru brilliantly.

The Cambridge physicist John Gribbin once wrote that "In the quantum world what you see is what you get and nothing is real. All you can possibly hope for are a set of delusions that agree with each other." Maybe, just maybe, this statement applies to interpersonal relationships as well.

I was fortunate to see this play during it's Broadway run. While it was brilliantly acted, directed and was able to add one chilling element the film can't (the onstage audience in the elevated gallery, always looking like a silent jury)at times I had trouble following when we were seeing a flashback, an inner dialogue, or plot development. (The physics in the play is quite well presented but trust me, don't have that second tequilla shot before the curtain, no matter what!You really have to be on the ball for this one.) However, now having seen the film twice, many things come clear. The magic of film allows the players to think private thoughts without us mistaking them for side comments being made under the breath. Also, it is very clear when we are listening to the ghosts and the live players. But what REALLY gave me an ah-ha moment was when I finally saw that the play is crafted to mimic the act of nuclear fission. Instead of a neutron colliding with and splitting an atom into several directions, setting off a chain reaction, we witness two brilliant physicists colliding, also under forced circumstances and the split is represented by the various possible outcomes of that collision. We view several versions of the same encounter, each with different implications and motives. I can't wait to see this again and see where bells "ding" for me this time. The score is haunting and adds a great deal, as solo piano is unsurpassed in evoking a sense of isolation and loneliness. Acting is uniformly solid. I know I'll get lambasted for this, but I really preferred this cast over the b'way cast, especially Steven Rea, who added just a touch of melancholy to the role that I don't remember in the original. Give it a try. You may come away with the uneasy feeling that in a roundabout way, these men may have saved our planet.

Based on historical events which are still poorly undertsood, this movie depicts Werner Heisenberg and Niels Bohr - the titans of quantum mechanics in its halcyon days during the 1920s and 1930s - caught in an encounter which is a loose human analogy to Heisenberg's famous uncertainty principle (which demonstrates mathematically that you cannot know both the exact speed and position of a single electron). Drawing from the Tony Award-winning play by Michael Frayn (who also wrote Noises Off), the movie revolves around the dialogue between these two men (sometimes together with Bohr's wife) who meet in Copenhagen in 1942 when Heisenberg, the German, who has been placed within the scientific research progam of the Nazis in their quest to build a nuclear bomb, visits his mentor and colleague Bohr, the Dane who is living through Nazi occupation of his native land. There are deep unresolved questions about the motives of Heisenberg which the characters try to resolve in a series of talks and walks through the same park where the two physicists previoulsy stolled to debate the ideas which came to form the foundation of quantum physics. Set against a piano score which resonates with the inner sense of uncertainty and suspicion in the dialogue, the movie achieves some the things that the big stage does not allow, including flashbacks and scenes ranging back and forth between the park and Bohr's home. [Note: I enjoyed the movie as much as the play]. In an era where cinematic palates seem titillated mostly by fast action thrillers, this movie is another example of how well constructed dialogue makes for gripping cinematic drama when it goes hand in hand with superb casting and performance.