Artists 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.

Mr. Mukherji's unobtrusive direction and hosting styles allow us to sit back and truly listen to these four intriguing hosts. A truly stylish and thought provoking journey. I loved it!

This DVD is outstanding. Very well produced and directed.
It is a MUST to see!!!

This is marvelous documentary. One the best interview movies I've seen. An excellent and insightful film about five American Storytellers if you include the silent host who is also the filmmaker. It's refreshing to see a documentary film where the host is confident enough to let the subjects speak their mind and finish their sentences without interrupting sound bites or photographs. Director Kevin Mukherji makes an interesting comment about the importance of listening, as further pointed out by Harold Ramis. Interesting also is the method discussed by these film makers, not only about making films but also the differences between studio and independent films. How they got started and what motivates them to "StoryTelling". Maybe in American Storytellers 2 we can find out more about the silent host/storyteller.

I hesitated because I already have one DVD played by Galway and, it's rather expensive.

Anyway, I bought it. But I couldn't finish it in one go, not just because it's rather long, but becasue of it's primitive production. The first part wasn't too good. The footage was as bad as one could imagine and so was the photography. Don't expect to see Rampal's embrochure, the picture quality is so poor that you have to use your own imagination to figure out what exactly it was. Most of the time, we have too wide an angle with only a few close-ups. And when we do, it's just a profile and then shot from such an angle (e.g. in Couperin for no apparent reason, and in Haydon, in order to cover the harpsichord ) that we only have 3/4 of the profile, about 1/3 or 1/4 of his mouth! There are some nice shots from Bach though. Anyway, the support Rampal got from the orchestra also leaves much to be desired.

BUT, if you want to have a glimpse of this Maestro, you dont have much choice. There aren't much devilish technique (in the narrow sense), not even in his cadenzas. Some beautiful tonguing, yes and of course an immense sense of musicality. He may not be as expressive as Schwarzkopff, one of the century's top sopranos, and it's as intriquing as Szryng, if not because of the limitations of the instrument. He is so close to any of the two. The colour of his tone is such that it has a life of it's own. And in different piece, you get almost a completely different tone as though it's a different kind of instrument. And the secret of this Maestro, other than his musicality, lies in the absolute control of his breath.

So the result, the second time I went back to it, I finished it in one breath. A whole world of difference from any other flutist in film so far. Wood wind, or any wind players or even vocalists or string players won't want to miss this great performances.

The sound is however barely acceptable. 5 stars, despite poor picture qualities.

I hesitated because I already have one DVD played by Galway and, it's rather expensive.

Anyway, I bought it. But I couldn't finish it in one go, not just because it's length, but becasue of it's primitive production. The footage was as bad as one could imagine and so was the photography. Don't expect to see Rampal's embrochure, the picture quality is so poor that often you have to use your own imagination to figure out what exactly it was. Most of the time, we have too wide an angle with only a few close-ups. And when we do, it's just a profile and then shot from such an angle that we only have 3/4 of the profile with less than 1/2 of his mouth! There are some nice shots from his Bach though. Anyway, the support Rampal got from the last orchestra also leaves much to be desired even though the first one is much better.

BUT, if you want to have a glimpse of this Maestro, you dont have much choice. There aren't much devilish technique ( in the narrow sense) here, not even in his cadenzas. Some beautiful tonguing, yes and of course an immense sense of musicality. He may not be as expressive as Schwzarkopff, one of the century's top sopranos, and it's a tiny bit less intriquing than Szeryng, one of the most lyrical violinists of the century, all because of the limitations of the instrument. But he is so very close to the two of them. The colour of his tone is so warm that it has a life of it's own and that in different piece, you get almost different tone as though it's a different kind of instrument. And the secret of this Maestro, other than his musicality, lies in the absolute control of his breath.

So the result, the second time I went back to it, I finished it in one breath. A whole world of difference from any other flutist in film including Galway. Wood wind, or any wind players or even vocalists or string players won't want to miss this great performances.

The sound is however barely acceptable. 5 stars, despite poor picture qualities.

See the other review by me.

If you are thinking about making this purchase...DO IT! You will not be disappointed. This is not a film about U2 although they are prominently featured. This is an outstanding documentary covering all facets of Irish music culminating with the status of Irish Rock circa 2000. Fantastic interviews with a reflective Van Morrison, still intense still burning Bob Geldolf, and a suprizingly humble Bono, along with several pilars of Irish music. I've learned so much about the music I love and discovered more wonderful artists to explore. I'm embarrassed to say that I had no idea who Rory Gallagher was (his name has every right to be mentioned in the same breath with Page, Hendrix, and Clapton...Guitar God? Hell Yeah!) until viewing this DVD. Now I can't get enough of his music. Thanks to Amazon.com for making so much of his catalogue as well as the other artists available. I haven't explored any special features on the DVD and don't even know if they exist at the time I'm writting this...but...who cares! This disc ROCKS! The sound and picture quality are there. Everyone I've shown this to are just stunned by what they are seeing and hearing. The only complaint is that the music clips are too short but again, it's a great way to learn more about not just Irish rock, but Rock and Roll period.
To sum it all up...crack a cold one, pop the disc in, kick back, and ENJOY!!!

Warning, this documentary might be disappointing to the average fan because the performance clips are painfully brief. But if you are more intererested in a deeper knowledge and understanding of Irish rock and it's place in rock..indeed in the full spectrum of Irish music, then this video should be your cup of tea.

The influence of The Beatles as well as such American rock as Chuck Berry is traced along with the influence of traditional Irish music, even that of the legendary operatic tenor, John McCormick. Most important though is the very Irish nature which flavors the music.

All music is interwoven, and the relationship between Irish rock and the dance spectacular, "Riverdance", is brought out.

Performers such as Van Morrison, Clannad (and Enya), The Cranberries, U2, and The Corrs are all highlighted, but performers lesser known or even unknown outside of Ireland are all given their due, and the credit they deserve.

If you want a comprehensive overview of Irish rock, and are NOT looking for the entertainment value of long performance clips, then this video is definitely for you.

One caution...the average rock fan probably would be dissatisfied with this DVD because the music clips, though numerous, are so brief.

But for the person looking for more depth and understanding, this documentary is tops. The very roots of Irish Rock & Roll are explored, including the influence of The Beatles and of Chuck Berry as well as that of traditional Irish music and even the Irish operatic tenor, John McCormick. Foremost of course is the Irish character itself which flavors Irish rock.

Irish rock's place and influence on international rock is spotlighted, as well as the genre's place in the whole spectrum of Irish music.

Performers such as Clannad (and Enya), U2, the Corrs, the Cranberries, Van Morrison are highlighted, but many other notable groups less familiar or unfamiliar to those outside of Ireland are given their dues.

There's even a relationship shown between Irish rock and "Riverdance".

If you are a serious student of rock, and seek understanding of Irish Rock's unique importance, this DVD is indeed for you.

Here is the violinist who came from where Chopin was borned. He was first prepared by Auer's assistant ( in St Petersburg ) and then as recommended by Huberman learned from Carl Flesch. He later also bacame a pupil of Thibaud in Paris. He was the one who had taught Ida Haendel, the Queen of Violin and whom Mutter craved so much for his comments.

First, it must be pointed out that when the Beethoven was filmed before his sudden death in 1988 when Szeryng was still at his best: there wasn't any sign of aging whatsoever. His Beethoven was absolutely in command.

However, one is left in amazement as how the Maestro was able to get support from this rather amateurish orchestra. But the fact is clear: HE DID! They got on nicely and beautifully.

But the angle of view is not the best one would expect: seeing the back of his left hand most of the time, rarely any depiction of his fingertips nor the vibratos. Nor was his right hand is sufficiently covered. But the quality of photography is perfect and so is the sound. His tones and lyricism are well captured. To some, he may sound more like Mozart than Beethoven. But I suspect his interpretation is exactly what Beethoven intended it to be. Anyway, it's classical in approach, very lyrical and yet powerful.

The quality of the B/W is not equally well in terms of the picture and sound. For the first B/W, the picture quality is especially poor. Fortunately the sound is acceptable. Who cares about these things when we have a Maestro playing right in front of you anyway?

When you hear these pieces recorded in 1960-- some 28 year before his Beethoven, we see the difference. Well, not so much in terms of his command or facility. Rather I would say it's natural change of mentality. Must we compare the beauty of Spring or Summer with say Autumn, even if we do have some preference?... Yet, we do have two Bach's Fugues here, one from each period with the latter blessed with perfect sound if not with equal drive.

Not only does his Bach conatain everything one could or should hope for, I especially take delight in his little pieces say, his Brahm's Hungarian Dance, Sarasate's Zapateodo, Suk's Damour or the Mexican Lullaby: each is fairly and squarely a gem. Only Menuhin could compare with his colourful tone, yet the latter is often too strong and too condensed for easy enjoyment.

My only complaint is, this DVD is rather short: only 79 minutes in total.

My top three favorite violinists of all time include David Oistrakh, Leonid Kogan, and of course Henryk Szeryng. There is a reason they all have performance DVDs available.

This video contains a mixed bag of performances presenting two telecasts nearly 30 years apart. Performances include:

>December 25, 1988 (color)
1)Beethoven - Violin Concerto
2)Bach - Fugue from Sonata 1
3)Marroquin - De Mi Patria
>Feb 1, 1960 (black and white)
4)Pugnani - Largo Expressivo
5)Bach - Fugue from Sonata 1
6)Brahms Hungarian Dance 17
7)Marroquin - Mexican Lullaby
8)Sarasate - Zapateado
9)Suk - Chanson d'armour
>Bonus/Audio Only/1951
10)Bach Violin Concerto 1

If there is any doubt regarding the ability of Mr Szeryng consider that almost everyone I know consider his performance of the Bach Sonatas and Partidas to be the best ever recorded.

The footage from 1988 was after he was in his prime and was recorded around the time of his death so his playing is not up to what it once was in the 60s and 70s but Im such a huge fan that it doesn't matter.

The recital from 1960 will leave you in awe because of his ability to play rediculously difficult passages with grace and completely effortless technique and then turn around and stun you with his expressive phrasing and vibrato. His tone is also fantastic and his sence of timing is just so there. My only complaint is I wish there was more footage.

When you see this video you will understand why Mr Szeryng is one of my top three all time violinists. If you like this, make sure to get the Kogan and Oistrakh DVDs if you are looking for more examples of virtuosity and the ability to speak with every note.

This is a Must-Have for ballet lovers and ballet historians alike. The DVD combines two prior VHS releases onto one DVD:

"Complete Bell Telephone Hour Appearances" and "Maria Tallchief in Montreal."

Tallchief made 5 guest appearances on the Bell Telephone Hour, with a starry assemblage of leading male dancers. The performances were broadcast in 1959,1961,1962,1964 and 1966.

The Bell Telephone Hour performances include:

Adagio from the "Scotch" Symphony (with André Eglevsky) music: Mendelssohn; choreography: George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust telecast of April 9, 1959

Grand pas de deux from Don Quixote (with Erik Bruhn) music: Minkus; choreography: Marius Petipa telecast of January 6, 1961

Pas de deux from Flower Festival in Genzano (with Rudolf Nureyev) music: Helsted & Paulli; choreography: Erik Bruhn, after Bournonville telecast of January 19, 1962

Allegro brillante to Tchaikovsky's Third Piano Concerto (with Nicholas Magallanes) music: Tchaikovsky; choreography: George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust telecast of February 25, 1964

"Balcony Scene" pas de deux from Romeo and Juliet (with Conrad Ludlow) music: Prokofiev; choreography: John Butler telecast of February 13, 1966

The second part of this DVD is "Maria Tallchief in Montreal."

These magnificent performances are the earliest known recordings of Tallchief's magnificent dancing. The performances were live telecasts from the archives of Radio-Canda, recorded between 1954 and 1963. Contents include:

1963 Pas de deux from Les Sylphides - Maria Tallchief, Royes Fernandez music: Chopin; choreography: Michel Fokine telecast of November 5, 1957

Pas de dix - Maria Tallchief, André Eglevsky, and Corps de Balletmusic: Glazunov; choreography: George Balanchine after Marius Petipa telecast of March 25, 1954

Swan Lake - Scenes from Act II - Maria Tallchief, André Eglevsky music: Tchaikovsky; choreography: George Balanchine after Lex Ivanov

Total running time of the DVD is about 83 minutes. That may seem short, but for these kinds of rare recordings, you'll treasure and cherish every moment!

I really got an idea of why she is such a legend. Thanks

Celentano's one of the best movie

This is a great hilarous movie about 2 con artists how escape from jail. they both try to out smart one another but later on they join together to fool others. Anthony Quinn is the wiser con artist Adriano Celentano is like the student who learns fast. This is a very funny movie how the student out smarts the teacher.

I agree with everything the first reviewer said except about the visual qualities of the DVD. Clearly, this was in the early days of video recording. The lighting is sometimes harsh; the singers sometime stand outside the light; they sometime stand in one another's light so a singer sings in shadow.

All that in mind, so what? Opera is, first and foremost, singing. The singing on this DVD is pure heaven. And that's not to say that this DVD is not visually striking, it is. Tebaldi and London occupy their roles through voice and stage presence that makes for a great, video recorded opera. Tebaldi is Tosca; and London is one of the best Scarpia's I have seen or heard. The remaineder of the cast, Eugene Tobin especially, perform with nary a missed step. The orchestra? Well, the tremendously hard french horn passage that opens the third act is near perfect; the french horns play as one instrument.

This may not be the most visually accomplished Tosca (it was recorded 40 years ago), but even in black and white anyone with a drop of imagination can see the beauty of the costuming, the sets and the singers themselves. It is the singing and the fullness with which Tebaldi and London create visually believable characters that make this DVD a must. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.

This extraordinary DVD brings the talents of Renata Tebaldi and George London to digital excitement.

The picture is smooth and very detailed, while the sound is of CD quality. For those who have this performance on video, this release tops it, in both sound and picture. The menu photos are glorious, and the natural sound of the original venue comes through like never before. This DVD is playable in ALL regions, and comes with optional English subtitles.

This is the BEST quality of an actual opera performance, complete, with Renata Tebaldi and George London. In fact, it's London's ONLY complete opera captured on video. It's also terrific to jump to favorite parts of the opera, as well as repeat those you love. The packaging is sleek as well. Truly a DVD for your library.

Let's hope that the CHENIER and OTELLO find their way to DVD as well. But none will have the quality of this Stuttgart TOSCA. Grab it now!!!

Friday, October 04, 2002

Creativity bursts forth like a 'super nova' in 'Women as Butterfly'. 'Women as Butterfly' reflects Ann Saint John Hawley's awakening. Ann Saint John Hawley, in her mid-seventies, buries her husband, goes through a grieving process and then rises like a 'Phoenix'! Ann embodies what each human being wants to be; a brilliant star in the universe. Ann Saint John Hawley's revelation of the world as 'art' is only superceded by the insight of the filmmaker. 'Women as Butterfly' captures how truly magnificent we human beings are and places the realization in your lap. 'Women as Butterfly' made me cry, laugh and my spirit sore with newfound passion. Bravo! Thank you Michelle for your insight into what life is about.

I enjoyed "Woman As Butterfly" very much. It is an inspirational story for any age, any gender, any human! I would like to give this movie to my family to show how good things can come from tragedy ~ I would like to give this movie to my friends to express how creativity can set the spirit free!

All I can say to the film maker is, well done!