The Chamber

Starring:Chris O'Donnell, Gene Hackman, Faye Dunaway, Robert Prosky, Raymond J. Barry, Bo Jackson, Lela Rochon, David Marshall Grant, Nicholas Pryor, Harve Presnell, Richard Bradford, Greg Goossen, Seth Isler, Millie Perkins, Sid Johnson, Blake Johnson, Josef Sommer, Leonard Vincent, Bonita Allen, Dick Stilwell
Director: James Foley
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Description

The Harry Potter Years 1-4 includes each of the four 2-disc sets of Harry Potter 1, Harry Potter 2, Harry Potter 3 and Harry Potter 4 (all widescreen versions).

Customer Reviews:

Harry Potter Movies.......2007-07-04

The movies are very entertaining and a must see for all who have read the books. I recieved my movies on time and am so happy with the service.

Good.......2007-07-01

I love the books, so the movies are never as good as the books, but they are good. They are fun and interesting and go quickly but keep true to the story. Good films that are fun. This is the order of the BEST FILMS (1 being best...4 being worst)
1. Prisoner of Azkaban
2. Sorcers Stone
3. Chamber of Secrets
4. Goblet of Fire

Disappointed customer.......2007-06-24

Very disappinted with my first buy from this seller.
Movies arrived on time, but it wasn't what I ordered or expected.
I bought a Box Set of Harry Potter, years 1-4, but 4 separated movies arrived, not a Box Set. Besides, the seller claims that he has the only Full Screen versions available on the market, one of the movies, Goblet of Fire, is NOT a full screen version, the box is a full screen version, but the DVD inside is marked and it is a Wide Screen version.
I would really like my money back !!!!!!!!!!!
Very, very disappointed indeed.

First Four Harry Potter Films on DVD: A Great Gift Idea!.......2007-06-21

In 1997, a children's book written by a then little-known author, J. K. Rowling, began to gain popularity in Britain. Entitled "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", the book's title was changed when it was released in the U.S. to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". A year later, children who had been mesmerized by the first book got to read its sequel, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets". Though a seemingly darker book than the first, more and more children (as well as adults) began to take interest in the amazing stories a boy name Harry Potter, who is also a wizard. As J. K. Rowling wrote each additional book, interest continued to rise as bookstores began to open at midnight upon each book's release date to the throngs of children and their parents anxious to read the next installment of Harry Potter's adventures at the magical Hogwart's School of Wizardry Witchcraft with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they battle the evil Lord Voldemort. To date, five books have been written. The third, fourth and fifth books are respectively entitled "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". And, the soon to be released seventh & final book is called "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".

With so much popularity, it was only natural that film producers would approach J. K. Rowling about transforming her wonderful books into big-screen films. The year (2001) following the release of her fourth book, the first film adaptation of her first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was released in theaters. This was followed by the subsequent releases of the film versions of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002), "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004) and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005).

Starring Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, each of these four films is quite good. Also starring in all four films are Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom, Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon Dursley, Fiona Shaw as Aunt Petunia Dursley, Harry Melling as cousin Dudley Dursley, Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid, legendary actress Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall and the wonderful actor Alan Rickman as the shadowy potions professor Severus Snape. Sadly, the brilliant actor Richard Harris (1930-2002), who played Professor Albus Dumbledore, died shortly before the second film opened in theaters. Stepping into the character in the third & fourth films was veteran actor Michael Gambon, whose seamless & identical portrayal of Professor Dumbledore was a true credit to his excellent acting abilities; though some were not as pleased with Gambon's performance as with Richard Harris.

A brief summary of each film follows:

1. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

At 11 years of age, Harry Potter has been taken care of from the time that he was only one year old by his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, who have a child of their own named Dudley. They have taken care of Harry because his own parents, James and Lily Potter (Lily was Petunia's sister) were killed by the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. The Dursleys want nothing to do with magic, and since Harry may be a wizard, they have not treated him very well. However, just before Harry's 11th birthday, he received a letter from the Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft; but the Dursleys won't let him read the letter. More & more letters from Hogwarts arrive until out of desperation, the Dursleys attempt to run away with Harry; but they are easily found and on Harry's birthday, a huge man by the name of Hagrid arrives to personally deliver Harry's invitation from Hogwarts to study magic. It is only then that Harry finds out that he's a wizard and that the Dursleys had lied to him about how his parents died. Harry leaves with Hagrid and begins his first year at Hogwarts, where he makes his first true friends: Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. It's an exciting story as Harry learns to play quidditch, learns potions with the unpleasant Professor Snape and becomes entangled in some secret affairs at the school. He may even have an encounter with "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named".

2. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

At age 12, Harry has been treated slightly better by the Dursleys over his summer holiday, but things begin to turn sour when an elf named Dobby suddenly appears in Harry's bedroom to give him a message: that he should not return to Hogwarts this year. Not accepting the warning, Dobby makes mischief while the Dursleys are entertaining. Uncle Vernon puts bars on Harry's bedroom window and refuses to let him return to Hogwarts, but a flying car carrying Ron Weasley and his brothers Fred and George arrive and rescue Harry. Harry's does finally get to Hogwarts, but students begin to be attacked by an unknown force and Harry starts to hear strange voices. That's when they learn about a legendary part of the castle known only as "the chamber of secrets", in which a horrible monster is said to dwell. Will Hogwarts get shut down, or can Harry and his friends figure out where the chamber is? Look out for Professor Gilderoy Lockhart (the brilliant Kenneth Branagh) and Moaning Myrtle (Shirley Henderson).

3. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

At age 13, after Harry accidentally causes one of his other unpleasant muggle aunts, Aunt Marge (Pam Ferris), to inflate like a balloon, he runs away from the Dursleys and encounters a large black dog before a magical bus appears. Harry has a wild bus ride to "The Leaky Cauldron" where he meets the Minister of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy), but he doesn't' get in trouble for inflating his aunt. Instead, there is something far more ominous: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), a very dangerous prisoner and convicted murderer, has escaped from Azkaban prison. Everyone at Hogwarts must be on guard, especially with the dreaded dementors on the prowl looking for Sirius. While Ron & Harry can't understand how Hermione is getting to all of her classes (some classes at the same time), Sirius Black is looking for Harry. When Harry finds out who Sirius Black is, he goes ballistic; but things may not be as they appear.

4. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"

This is an unusual year at Hogwarts: instead of the usual quidditch matches between the four houses, an international Tri-Wizarding Tournament is to be held. Limited to only upper-class students that are at least 17 years old, everyone is shocked when Harry (14 years old) is named to be one of its contestants. The Tri-Wizarding Tournament is somewhat dangerous to its participants, but Hermione finds herself in an affair with a world-renowned quidditch player, Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski), who is representing his school in the Tournament. In the meantime, Harry is attracted to a girl named Cho Chang (Katie Leung), but his life is complicated when he begins to experience strange visions of snakes and "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named". What is "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" doing? Harry will no doubt be caught in the thick of it and it may interfere with the Tournament! Keep a close eye on Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), who is at Hogwarts by invitation of Dumbledore himself!

Overall, I rate all four films together with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend them. In case you have a friend or family member that wants to watch/own all four Harry Potter films, but doesn't yet have any of them, the "Harry Potter - Years 1-4" DVD collection would make an excellent gift.

Harry Potter DVD Boxed Set.......2007-05-31

First four Harry Potter movies special wide screen edition. Each movie comes with a second disc with special features. Movie one and two come with "special edition" case.

If you like the books then you'll enjoy the movies, although they are sometimes very different from the original writings.

Average customer rating:

THE Shaolin Temple movie
Gordon Liu Pre-Kill Bill 1+2
AKA Master Killer
One of the best kung fu movies I've seen...

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
Starring: Gordon Liu , and Lo Lieh
Director: Lau Kar Leung
Manufacturer: Weinstein Company
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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King Boxer (aka 'Five Fingers Of Death')
The One-Armed Swordsman
My Young Auntie
Hard Boiled (Two-Disc Ultimate Edition)
Above the Law

ASIN: B000MM0LEG
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Customer Reviews:

THE Shaolin Temple movie.......2007-06-27

Gordon Liu (also known as Lau Kar Fai) stars as a young man who's friends and family have been killed by the new government. He wakes up at the Shaolin Temple, a place he has only heard about a couple of times. When he realizes he is at the best place possible to learn kung fu, he begs and begs to learn so that he can revenge his family. He does finally get taught, but has to start with the basics. Every part of his body must become stronger before he can learn how to fight. After he finishes the first stages of training in record time, he is now highly respected and moves onto learning actual fighting styles. He breezes through this and becomes a great fighter in only 5 years or so. This is not one of those movies that has 1 or 2 training sequences. Gordon is shown in at least 13 of the chambers and half of the movie is spent at Shaolin. So after he has become a master fighter, he is given a high honor and told that he can become second in charge of any of the 35 chambers. A senior monk played by the great Lee Hoi San objects to this and says that he can't have this honor unless Gordon defeats him in a weapons duel. Lee Hoi San does not play a villain, but he does not think that Gordon is a good enough fighter to receive so much praise. His plan works better than he could have ever imagined. He ends up helping Gordon improve as a fighter and as a person. Gordon is told he can leave Shaolin now, and he goes to take revenge on the evil General who killed his family.

One thing that sets this movie apart is that it tries to be a real movie, and it succeeds. Watching Gordon grow up into a man is remarkable to see. The commentators didn't notice, but a lot of the stuff in this movie is very real. When Gordon has to use the pole with the wieght on the end to hit the bell over and over again, that is a real weight on the end of the pole! Gordon talks in the interview (included on this disc) about how the sabres that Lo Lieh uses in the final fight are real, and it just makes the movie that much better. Dont expect your average tale of revenge. I was touched deeply when I first saw this and there are not many kung fu movies that have as much meaning and feeling.

Rating- 5/5

Picture quality is remastered very well. It does get a bit darker and lighter in some scenes, but other than slight print damage once or twice, the picture quality is perfect. The Mandarin, Cantonese and English tracks all sound excellent. In fact, I have never heard the English dub sound this good. The subtitles should have been written better, and the English dub is actually a better translation. They are not horribly written, but could have been a lot better. I am not complaining though since this is the only fault on the DVD.

Special features include a great commentary from The RZA and this Andy Klein guy who does not know very much about the genre. Luckily RZA is there to help him point out actors like Lau Kar Wing, Wilson Tong and Hsiao Hou. I found the commmentary enjoyable. RZA talks about his experiences with this movie, and he is definitely a 36th Chamber expert. And I found it pretty funny that he seems to think Gordon Liu is a monk in real life.

The 17 minute interview with Gordon Liu is very interesting. He talks about many things such as training day and night and how great of an honor it was to work with a megastar like Lo Lieh. Gordon skips over the years like people should know what he is talking about, but just in case you don't, I will fill you in. In 1974 Lau Kar Leung was Chang Cheh's top action director and Gordon Liu was cast as a villain alongside Johnny Wang Lung Wei and Leung Kar Yan in movies like '7 Man Army'. When Lau Kar Leung split up with Chang Cheh he started directing his own movies for the Shaw Brothers, starting with 'Spiritual Boxer'. In his next movie 'Challenge of the Masters', Lau Kar Leung cast his younger adopted brother Gordon Liu as the lead. This is what led to Gordon becoming the star of 'The 36th Chamber of Shaolin', the greatest Shaolin Temple movie ever made.

There is a 17 minute documentary on Shaolin that is basically another 17 minutes of awesome info from Gordon Liu.

The 8 minute interview with film critic/scholars Andy Klein and David Shute is a very good description of how great of a movie this is.

The RZA gets a 10 minute interview where he talks about where he first started watching these movies and also gives his thoughts on the Shaw Brothers and explains why the Master Killer in his rap group took that name.

The trailers are the best special feature. The trailer for 'Shaolin Mantis' is very unique. Instead of showing clips from the movie, the actors introduce what kind of kung fu styles are going to be used (be sure to look for Lily Li!). Lau Kar Leung is the director of 'Shaolin Mantis' and doesn't even have a role in the movie, but he gets to show off his ultra awesome kung fu skills quite a bit in the trailer. I think I have watched this trailer about 50 times, and I will eventually master that Shadow style!

Also included are ORIGINAL trailers for 'The 36th Chamber', 'Return to the 36th Chamber', 'Disciples of the 36th Chamber', '8 Diagram Pole Fighter', 'My Young Auntie', 'One Armed Swordsman', 'Infernal Affairs 3' and the original Master Killer US TV commercial.

The last special feature is a gallery of original movie posters and movie stills.

Gordon Liu Pre-Kill Bill 1+2.......2007-06-21

Here he is in his most important role EVER!!!! OK well that's a matter of opinion but it is in this movie that gordon Liu cements his position in the martial arts movie lexicon by totally nailing this role. He would go on to play a mon many times after this but this is the best of those movies, hands down. For years it's only been available in the dubbed version that many of us probalby saw many years ago. but this beautifully restored and fully remastered version should be a part of every martial arts fans movie collection.

AKA Master Killer.......2007-06-21

This is an excellent martial arts classic. It is a must see flick. Typical of martial arts films, there is a training period, and the training this young monk endures is quite interesting and entertaining (don't want to give anything away).

It is one of the few martial arts films I can watch over and over. There are some moderately humorous parts that keep things moving along (not as funny as Jackie Chan, but still some fun).

If you haven't seen this one, you should.

One of the best kung fu movies I've seen..........2007-06-19

What can I say about this movie that hasn't been said before? A classic. Yes. Influential? Absolutely. Entertaining? Most definitely. This movie is as good a place to start as any if you're interested in the Kung Fu cinema. And if you're already into Kung Fu, you've probably heard of this in the least, and I can't imagine why you haven't seen it. As to this release, really the best I've seen. The picture and sound are great, and the language option is nice. Most of the features are nice as well. Though I don't know how useful the Wu-tang clan video was. Still...a worthy DVD to a great movie.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 2)

Average customer rating:

My favorite movie!
If You Liked The Book, See The Film!
Despite Warnings, Harry Returns to Hogwarts
Pretty Cool!
Liked The First One Better

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 2)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint , Emma Watson (II) , Richard Griffiths , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Chris Columbus
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 1)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00008DDXC
Release Date: 2003-04-11

Product Description

The next installment in the Harry Potter series finds young wizard Harry Potter (DANIEL RADCLIFFE) and his friends Ron Weasley (RUPERT GRINT) and Hermione Granger (EMMA WATSON) facing new challenges during their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they try to uncover a dark force that is terrorizing the school.
Running Time: 161 min.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

First sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors. Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents with younger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of several Hogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in the monster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giant spiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and Kenneth Branagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vainglorious charlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visual punchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack of depth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises established themes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as does the late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor, Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

My favorite movie!.......2007-06-30

This is my favorite movie and whenever I get to pick the movie for movie night, I pick this one. This is the best movie I have ever seen and the acting is truly amazing. You don't have to wait forever for it to get to the plot (like most movies), and the the director definatley didn't have a budget when it came to special effects. I recommend this to any Harry Potter fan!

If You Liked The Book, See The Film!.......2007-06-27

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) is probably MY favorite book in the series (besides Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) because, in my opinion, they are both equally fantastic). However, I have to admit that this movie is an amazing interpretation of the book. Usually, I dislike the idea of books being brought on to the big screen because most of the time, the book gets ruined with a horrible interpretation. Well, it's not so with this book/movie! Every single deatail from the Dursleys to Dobby to Gilderoy Lockhart to The Flying Car to Moaning Myrtle to Tom Riddle's Diary to Aragog to The Basilik are completly amazing and just how I pictured them when I read the book. I have to say that watching this film will get you the same as reading the book because every page from J.K. Rowling's great work is portrayed incredibly without a single detailed spared (almost)! Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) is one of the best books I ever read, and this movie is one of the best that I've ever seen! It gets you hooked instatly. I highly recommend buying this, whether or not you've read the book. This is GREAT for mystery lovers. ***Oh, yeah! The plot: Harry Potter is a young wizard who goes to a school called Hogwarts that helps him develop his magical abilities. During his second year there, someone has opened The Chamber Of Secrets, and has released a great evil that is turning the students to stone!

Despite Warnings, Harry Returns to Hogwarts.......2007-06-26

All that is keeping Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) going through the summer is the thought of returning to school. Once again, his relatives are treating him poorly. And now that he knows he's a wizard, Hogwarts is the only place he feels at home.

But he almost doesn't make it back. First an elf appears and warns him to stay away. Then the entrance to the train platform is sealed to him.

Things quickly turn serious once he does show up at Hogwarts. Harry keeps hearing voices in the walls that no one else can hear. And then there is the warning written on the wall in blood. What is the chamber of secrets? Why can only Harry hear the voices? Are the students safe?

As with the first movie, this one brings Harry's world to life beautifully. And once again, the movie sticks very closely to the book. Since I liked this book better then the first one, I like this movie better, too. The cast from the first movie returns and hits all the right notes with their characters. Joining the cast this time is Kenneth Branagh as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and he's a riot in the comic relief role. Unfortunately, this is Richard Harris' last performance as Dumbledore. I loved his grandfatherly take on the character.

Over the course of this movie, Harry faces a family of giant spiders and a giant serpent. These scenes are a little scary and could frighten small children. If your kids scare easily, you might want to view the film first.

Fans of the books will be delighted with this film. It perfectly captures the book on which it is based.

Pretty Cool!.......2007-06-13

I liked this movie a lot. I watched it in class. It was good, other than the violence. Dobi was pretty funny. He was the alien creature that appeared in Harry's room. I watched this in class, too. It was funny when there was a shadowy girl floating in the bathroom! It was a fun movie.

NOTE: Rated PG. Parental Guidance Suggested--Some Material may not be suitable for Children.

Rated PG for scary images, mild creature violence and some brief mild language. May not be appropriate for young children under age 8.

Liked The First One Better.......2007-05-25

I liked the first one better, probably because everything was new. But this one is really good too. You need to read the book though, that's why I'm really posting this, to tell people to read the book. It has so much more.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Full Screen Edition) (Harry Potter 2)

Average customer rating:

My favorite movie!
If You Liked The Book, See The Film!
Despite Warnings, Harry Returns to Hogwarts
Pretty Cool!
Liked The First One Better

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Full Screen Edition) (Harry Potter 2)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint , Emma Watson (II) , Richard Griffiths , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Chris Columbus
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 1)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00008DDXL
Release Date: 2003-04-11

Amazon.com

Description

DVD Features:
DVD ROM Features:Over 15 animated puzzles, sliders, screensavers, matching challenges and magical trading cards.Keep track of events withthe Hogwarts official animated timeline
Deleted Scenes:19 additional/extented scenes
Interviews:Exclusive interviews with author J.K. Rowling and screenwriter Steve KlovesInterviews with actors who play Harry, Ron, Hermione and other students and professors
Other:Escape the Forbidden Forest, sneak into the Chamber, visit Lockhart's class.Crystal-clear self-guided tours of the Chamber of Secrets, Dumbledore's Office and Diagon Alley, including places never shown in the film.

Customer Reviews:

My favorite movie!.......2007-06-30

If You Liked The Book, See The Film!.......2007-06-27

Despite Warnings, Harry Returns to Hogwarts.......2007-06-26

Pretty Cool!.......2007-06-13

Liked The First One Better.......2007-05-25

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Music
Fantastic!
Andre Rieu - The Homecoming
Andre Rieu - The Homecoming
andre does it again!

Andre Rieu - The Homecoming
Starring: Andre Rieu
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Andre Rieu - Christmas Around the World
Andre Rieu - New Year's in Vienna
Andre Rieu - Tuscany
Andre Rieu - Live in Dublin
Andre Rieu - Live at the Royal Albert Hall

ASIN: B000H0MNIU
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Description

Part one
1. Carmen Overture
2. Aviator's March
3. You're Worth Your Weight in Gold
4. Song of Vilja
5. Today is the Most Beuatiful Day (Heut' ist der schÃ¶nste Tag)
6. Oh, I have in My Heart (Ach Ich Hab in Meinem Herzen)
7. Concierto d'Aranjuez
8. Swinging bells of Limburg
9. Funiculi Funicula
10. The White Horse Inn
11. Second Waltz
12. Chianti Song
13. Maastricht Anthem
Part Two
1. Radetsky March
2. Whether Blond or Brunette, We Love Them All (Ob Blond, Ob Braun)
3. I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady
4. With a Little Bit of Luck from My Fair Lady
5. Juliska from Budapest
6. Memories from Cats
7. A Bright Young Man - Medley
8. Toselli Serenade (Nightingale Serenade)
9. Libiamo
10. La Donna Ã¨ Mobile - Medley
11. Auld Lang Syne
12. Ode to Maastricht
13. Lullaby
14. Entry March
15. Maastricht, City of Jolly Singers
Bonus Features:
songs - My Father's Favorite, Halleluja, Milord.
specials - 'Limbourgeois' (behind the scenes TV special), Two Weeks in Two Minutes

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Music.......2007-06-23

I really enjoyed the Platinum Tenors. Their voices blended so well. When they were singing in unison it was difficult to tell that it wasn't just one voice. When I listen to "The Three Tenors" I always feel like it is a competition, Not so with these guys.

The to Brazilian sopranos are magnificent. I especially liked the one who sang "Juliska from Budapest." She has a marvelous upper range and quite a stage presence. BTW, her name is Carla not Clara.

The Dutch Blonde, on the other hand, was a disappointment. She has a nice little voice, suitable for musicals and light opera, but not the caliber of the two Brazilians. She needs to work on her enunciation and pronunciation. There is a difference between "begged" and "bagged" as well as between "memory" and "mammary." She is the main squeeze of Pierre Rieu, Andre's son and and stage manager.

I got a kick out of the violinist playing the banjo, the clarinetist playing the bag pipes and the dancing harpist.

The brunette in the Choir (can 5 women be classified as a choir?) sure knows how to use her eyes.

I thought the choreography left much to be desired. Something you might expect from a high school production

I really enjoyed the bright colors in which the women members were dressed. The fact that everyone was smiling and seemed to be enjoying themselves was also a plus. I'm sure that much of that was arranged, but it came across well. The audience surely enjoyed themselves.

He is a bit of a ham, but it comes across well. BTW, that is a Strad he is waving all over.

Fantastic!.......2007-06-07

If you can purchase only one DVD this year, this should be the one you buy!

Andre Rieu - The Homecoming.......2007-05-19

My wife totally loved this DVD. However, I was not nearly as pleased as she was. When I ordered this DVD I thought I was ordering a totally different artist. Imagine my surprise. However, not all bad - my wife now thinks I have class.

Andre Rieu - The Homecoming.......2007-05-09

Enjoyable. Full of music that was well selected, well played and well sung.

andre does it again!.......2007-05-08

As usual Andre and his performers entertain greatly and this one is no exception. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended.

Average customer rating:

We Haven't Left Italy Since!!!!!
Don't miss the wonder of Andre Rieu in Tuscany
Good shipping time and excellent DVD
ANDRE RIEU IN CONCERT LIVE
Andre Rieu in Tuscany

Andre Rieu - Tuscany
Starring: Carmen Monarcha , Carla Maffioletti , and André Rieu
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Andre Rieu - Live in Dublin
Andre Rieu - New Year's in Vienna
Andre Rieu - Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Andre Rieu - The Homecoming
Andre Rieu - The Flying Dutchman

ASIN: B0002OOQMW
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Amazon.com

Those who have enjoyed this program on PBS need only be told that it is available on home video. André Rieu is a master of light classical music, and here he is at his best. The program was taped live, outdoors in the Piazza de la Republica in the Italian cty of Cortona. Rieu addresses the audience in fluent but sometimes charmingly awkward Italian, with English subtitles. From the opening moments he has the vast crowd in the palm of his hand. They whistle for him in "Chanson d'amour," clap in unison for the "Toreador Song" from Carmen, the "Radetzky" march, and the galloping finales of the William Tell and Light Cavalry overtures, and sing along in "La donna e mobile," the drinking song from La traviata, and, most movingly, the Italian national anthem and "Va pensiero," which is almost a national anthem.

The music is basic classical top-40, with an emphasis on opera and a lot of Italian music, including "The Carnival of Venice" and the Grand March from Aida. The performances are full of energy and technically skilled. Rieu conducts, plays his violin, and generously shares the spotlight, notably with soprano Carmen Monarca, mezzo-soprano Carla Malfioletti, and several singing and dancing young ladies who might have stepped out of a Botticelli painting. Visuals include, besides the concert, a charming Tuscan landscape and a ride in a Venetian gondola. --Joe McLellan

Description

1. The Godfather (Love Theme) 2. Strangers In Paradise 3. Romance Anonyme - Jeux Interdits 4. Once Upon A Time In The West 5. Chanson d'Amour 6. O Mio Babbino Caro 7. William Tell Overture 8. Opera Potpourri 9. Italian National Anthem 10. L'Italiano 11. Marina 12. Roses From Tyrol 13. Lagune Waltz 14. The Rose 15. Italiana 16. Barcarole 17. La Paloma 18. Light Cavalry 19. All Men Shall Be Brothers (Ode To Joy) 20. Radetzky March 21. Vino 22. La Montanara 23. I Love You

Customer Reviews:

We Haven't Left Italy Since!!!!!.......2007-05-13

Watching this video makes our family feel as though we've been magically transported to Tuscany and haven't left there since! What a magical, lively, soothing masterpiece of modern day classical music coupled with just the right mix of Rieus' entertaining charisma set in one the the most beautiful locations in the world!!! A definite item for the do not miss list!!!

Don't miss the wonder of Andre Rieu in Tuscany.......2007-05-03

On April 21st, Alessandra Prado, Carmen Bradley, Lina Navarini, Alexander J. Ariano and I had the opportunity to see Andre Rieu, LIVE, at the Bank Atlantic Center, in Sunrise, Florida, which he kept up calling Fort Lauderdale.

As he enters the room, the sounds of his violin capture our spirits and we knew we were in for a delightful experience. All orchestra members dressed to replicate the times when the Waltz was at its best, to share the magic of Vienna with fans, and to provide us with sheer enchantment through his music.

This is the second time we choose to see him in South Florida and something tells me that we shall continue to go to his concerts for as we watch him we fall under the spell of a man, who seems to love what he does so much, that as we watch we are filled with joy, as he conducts and plays some of the best music ever written.

So, we bought his Tuscany DVD to enjoy this program, which was taped live, outdoors in the Piazza de la Republica of the Italian city of Cortona. One of the amazing characteristics of Andre Rieu is his ability to speak whatever language his audience speaks, and here his charming Italian pronunciation captures our hearts.

This DVD offers English subtitles, an excellent feature if you do not want to miss any of his oratory, which puts his audience in sheer delight.

The music is superb, from the love theme of The Godfather, to Chanson d'Amour, to the classic William Tell Overture, to one of my favorite songs, La Paloma. He plays the Italian National Anthem to the delight of all present.

As with all his DVDs, all we have to do is close our eyes and see him on stage, his broad smile worn as a badge of courage to live life to its fullest, the twinkle in his eye making us wonder what to do to make sure we live our lives in such a way that we too learn to share the best of ourselves with humanity.

Sincerely thank my good fortune to be alive during the times when Andre Rieu is with us, for I have enjoyed his music tremendously.

Our group has decided to follow Andre Reiu's recommendations and we are planning to travel to Vienna 2008... to enjoy his music in Vienna, Austria... thanks to Andre Rieu... we shall visit in 2008!

Good shipping time and excellent DVD.......2007-04-10

I enjoyed seeing this show on cable tv and wanted to buy the dvd of it. It wasn't long after ordering this dvd that it arrived, which was nice. The dvd is excellent quality and I have enjoyed watching and listening to the beautiful music this genius plays!

ANDRE RIEU IN CONCERT LIVE .......2007-02-18

MY SECOND PURCHASED DVD OF LIVE CONCERT. EXCELLENT SHOW WITH MANY, MANY EXTRAS BEYOND WHAT WAS SEEN ON PBS. WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO LIKES A MIXTURE OF LIGHT CLASSICAL AND SOME MODERN AND ALSO MUSIC TO FIT THE LOCATION OF THE CONCERT.

Andre Rieu in Tuscany.......2007-02-08

After watching the show on public TV, I decided to order the DVD. I invited few friends and we spent the evening enjoying this wonderful mixture of great music,beautiful sceneries, a charming conductor and orchestra without mentioning the participation of the people present at the show in the "piazza". I was happily surprised to discover that the DVD is actually longer than the TV show and gives great insight of the production. Since then I had to order three more of the same DVDs for friends and I doubt that this will be the end of it. Enjoy it! Listen, sing, laugh and cry!

Average customer rating:

New Year's in Vienna
Excellent Entertainment
Andre Rieu brings us enjoyment without equal!
New Year's in Vienna
Andre Rieu- New Year in Vienna

Andre Rieu - New Year's in Vienna
Starring: André Rieu
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Andre Rieu - The Homecoming
Andre Rieu - Tuscany
Andre Rieu - Live in Dublin
Andre Rieu - Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Andre Rieu - The Flying Dutchman

ASIN: B000BF0DS8
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Description

What could be more magical than Andre Rieu and his world famous Johann Strauss Orchestra performing before a live audience in Vienna on New Year's Eve! Join Andre and his musicians and guests as they celebrate the year's most special evening with this collection of all time favorites captured live in concert. Track Listings: Gold and Silver, Waltz, Without A Care, Come, Zigany, Emperor Waltz, Juliska of Budapest, Vienna Blood Waltz, Funiculi, Funicula, Gypsy Princess Medley, Adieu, Mein Kleiner Gardeoffizier, Blue Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Strauss & Co. Medley, Rigoletto Potpurri, Chianti Song, Carnival of Venice,Circus Renz, Second Waltz, Stars and Stripes Forever, Brazil Symphony.

Customer Reviews:

New Year's in Vienna.......2007-07-05

As usual, Andre's music is super. The only complaint I have about
this performance is the lighting used. There are bursts of bright
light throughout the performance which I would call glare. Otherwise
the DVD is well worth watching and should be included in anyone's
music collection.

Excellent Entertainment.......2007-05-19

I am a huge fan of Andre Rieu, and I think this DVD is excellent entertainment. The marimba selection is fantastic.

Andre Rieu brings us enjoyment without equal!.......2007-05-07

On April 21st, 2007, Alessandra Prado, Carmen Bradley, Lina Navarini, Alexander J. Ariano and I had the opportunity to see Andre Rieu, LIVE, at the Bank Atlantic Center, in Sunrise, Florida, which he kept up calling Fort Lauderdale.

As he enters the room, the sounds of his violin capture our spirits and we knew we were in for a delightful experience. All orchestra members dressed to replicate the times when the Waltz was at its best, to share the magic of Vienna with fans, and to provide us with sheer enchantment through his music.

This is the second time we choose to see him LIVE in South Florida and something tells me that we shall continue to go to his concerts for as we watch him we fall under the spell of a man, who seems to love what he does so much, that as we watch we are filled with joy, as he conducts and plays some of the best music ever written.

So we bought Andre Rieu' New Year's In Vienna to enjoy over and over his world famous Johann Strauss Orchestra performing... LIVE, in Vienna on New Year's Eve!

All we have to do as we watch this DVD is... is remember when we saw him on stage, his broad smile worn as a badge of courage to live life to its fullest, the twinkle in his eye making us wonder what to do to make sure we live our lives in such a way that we too learn to share the best of ourselves with humanity.

With this DVD you get to enjoy our all time favorite music. They play the Emperor Waltz, the Vienna Blood Waltz, Funiculi, Funicula, Gypsy Princess Medley, and best of all... the Blue Danube Waltz.

As with all other reviews of Andre Rieu, I take the time to thank my good fortune to be alive during the times when Andre Rieu is with us, for I have enjoyed his music tremendously.

As a child I read the story and own the books and the DVDs that capture the lives of the Emperor of Austria, Franz Josef as he meets, falls in love with, and then marries the Austrian princess Sissi.

This couple lived during the times of Johan Strauss, and Sissi inspires many of the wonderful waltzes played by Andre Rieu.

Our group has decided to travel to Vienna 2008... to enjoy his music in Austria... a nation we shall visit in 2008!

New Year's in Vienna.......2007-04-10

A delightful entertainment. Andre Rieu knows how to inspire his audience with excellent musical skills, selected and proven favorites, good pacing and balance of types of music, alternating from slow to fast numbers. I highly recommend it for music lovers that prefer lyrical melodies as distinct from pure inarticulate noise of rock and the like.

Andre Rieu- New Year in Vienna.......2007-02-08

It made for a good relaxing evenings entertainment. Subtitles were good and clear.

Average customer rating:

Almost
gut-wrenching, heartfelt...
Never again!
Grim and unrelenting realism
The Grey Zone

The Grey Zone
Starring: David Arquette , Velizar Binev , David Chandler (IV) , Michael Stuhlbarg , and George Zlatarev
Director: Tim Blake Nelson
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Military & War | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Holocaust | Jewish Heritage | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Out of the Ashes
Uprising
Escape from Sobibor
Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg
Triumph of the Spirit

ASIN: B000087EYX
Release Date: 2003-03-18

Amazon.com

The title of Tim Blake Nelson's harrowing drama of Jewish death camp prisoners who rise up against their captors to "destroy the machinery" refers as much to the compromise and cloudy morality of collaboration as to the gray world coated in the smoke and ash of the crematoriums. Inspired by real-life events at the Auschwitz death camp, The Grey Zone stars David Arquette as a soul-deadened laborer whose being fiercely jolts to life when he finds a young girl alive among the gassed corpses. He's the heart and soul of an outstanding cast that includes Steve Buscemi and Daniel Benzali as revolt leaders, Allan Corduner as the shunned camp doctor, and Harvey Keitel as the commandant. Nelson's rapid pacing, intimate shooting, and terse, jagged dialogue give the moral debate a discomforting immediacy as it races a deadline. When doom hangs in the air, sure death creates unique priorities. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Almost.......2007-06-29

This is an almost impossible topic to do well; Nelson and company came very close. There are a few historical errors, and the relationship between SS and prisoners - with the exception of the people like Nyszli - was rarely as "conversational" as the film suggests. The hierarachy within the sonderkommando itself is also missing, which was a key part of what they had to contend with. Typically, SS spoke directly (in the form of giving orders) to non-Jewish kapos; not to the class of prisoners who figure centrally in the film. Likewise, the frenetic pace of the work when there was a transport to be "disposed of" was not shown here. I assume this was in the interest of everything being "matter of fact," which _is_ generally true to the sonderkommando's everday adaptation to their task.

I found the mix of accents confusing - why did only the Germans get them? And some of the interaction around planning the rebellion needed a bit more context, I think.

That said, there is more here that is _essentially_ true than in most Holocaust films. The grayness of the film itself fit its subject. When the "ash speaks" at the end, in the form of the incinerated girl, I was initially put off. Why this flight of poetry in the midst of such an unpoetic film. But it was short and on point enough to add at least something.

gut-wrenching, heartfelt..........2007-06-12

The women in this astounding film are incredible; Mira Sorvino, in particular--who turns in another Oscar-caliber performance. What I can't get over is the fact I had no idea she was even in it. The entire time I was watching this tremendous re-enactment I kept thinking (whenever her character was on screen) who is this woman? Where did they find her? I simply could not connect her to the wonderful, scene-stealing job she did in Mighty Aphrodity; the actress is that good here.

I do my best to keep from writing lengthy reviews (very often skip over them as well when wanting to find out about a film am interested in, etc.) so I won't go into the plot and what happens. Will only say that, although I always look foreward to seeing Harvey Keitel on screen, I only wish that he had refrained from going with a German accent. Not many American actors can do a foreign accent and do it well, not even Meryl Streep--and I don't care what some people might say about that. Accents never sound right. They should have just hired a German actor to play the part, etc.

All in all, kudos to the folks for making the film. It just might leave you choking back a sob or two. Strong stuff. Am currently reading Eyewitness Auschwitz by Filip Muller (and I have read others on the subject.) This film struck me as pretty authentic--and am glad it was made.

Thank you to one and all for all the hard work that made this unforgetable motion picture possible..

Never again!.......2007-06-02

This movie takes you into the holocaust in a way that makes the characters more than ciphers. There is a story here, and images that will haunt you for years to come. Yes, the Jews had to do a lot of the Nazis' dirty work - it was part of the torture that the Nazis designed, as they thought they could never be held accountable. The Jews who cooperated maybe got to live a little longer, maybe got a little more food, an extra blanket. It's amazing what the will to survive will do to a human being. And, without those survivors telling their stories, holocaust deniers would not even need to exist. There would be nothing to deny.

Again, the images in this movie are haunting, moving, and should cause one to think and to dig deeper into what we think we know about the holocaust, and about man's inhumanity to man. We may think we know what horror man is capable of. We can only remain aware as long as our eyes remain open - and our hearts remain connected to our souls.

Auschwitz - Inside the Nazi State

Grim and unrelenting realism.......2007-05-27

Prior to watching this dvd, I had read accounts of the true events it depicts, namely the heroic but futile uprising of the crematoria sondercommando at Auschwitz in 1944, during the Germans' frenetic gassing of the half million Jews of Hungary. These men, whom Auschwitz survivor and acclaimed author, Primo Levi, called "the ravens of the crematoria" were all Jews and were kept alive for the grisly work of herding their fellow-Jews into the gas chambers and then burning the bodies in the crematoria ovens. They received privileges denied other Jewish prisoners for carrying out this hellish work but were themselves murdered and replaced after about 3 months because the Nazis considered they knew too much about their heinous crimes. With Dantesque and nightmarish realism the movie depicts the horror of the men's existence, their brutalisation and their simultaneous efforts to cling to a shred of humanity, for example saving the girl who survives the gas,and to make a stand against the monsters who have forced their moral corruption. Also noteworthy is the courage of the Jewish women who smuggled explosives to the men of the sondercommando and who were themselves subjected to hideous torture and subsequent execution.
This is not an easy film to watch, but it helps to lay to rest the oft parroted claim that the Jews of the Holocaust did not fight back at the same time as it reminds us of the barbarism and appalling inhumanity of Nazified Germans in WW2.

The Grey Zone.......2007-03-11

Based on the real-life events in WWII, a special squad of Jewish prisoners, who staged the only armed revolt that would ever take place at Auschwitz. Historical film showing the troubles that prisoners had to deal with in Auschwitz. A bone chilling story.

Average customer rating:

A Must Have for ALL Hilary Hahn Fans
The most honest portrait of an artist you will find.
Talent of the Century
Hilary Hahn - No One Better.
{~~}==# HILARY HAHN --- SUPER --- simply SUPERB!!! --- A MUST for all of HILARY HAHN's fans!!!!!

Hilary Hahn: A Portrait
Starring: Hilary Hahn
Director: Benedict Mirow
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1; Spohr: Violin Concerto No. 8
Midori - Live at Carnegie Hall / Robert McDonald
Alexander Markov - Paganini's 24 Caprices
Nathan Milstein - In Portrait
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr)

ASIN: B000KF0NNE
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Customer Reviews:

A Must Have for ALL Hilary Hahn Fans.......2007-06-13

This DVD is what it says it is, a portrait. Hilary Hahn comes off as genuine and insightful throughout. She is also a talent of wit and humor as well, such as in her tour of Curtis Institute that had a real improvised quality about it and spontaneity. The concert footage is very good. For example, we get to see Hilary perform the entire Korngold concerto (a personal favorite of mine), live in concert. A definite treat is to get to see her play violin for those that don't get to see concerts very often. She gives us a view of what her years at Curtis were like, (sitting at the back of the violins in the school orchestra and pumpkin carving), views on the contemporary recording process, as well as what it is like to travel around the world at the top of her profession. Lots of interviews, lots of candid footage.

The most honest portrait of an artist you will find........2007-05-13

Fans of Hilary Hahn will be familiar with her honesty, through the liner notes of her albums. They will also be familiar with the unique power of selection in the music recorded on her albums.
Her music is both uniquely beautiful, and unbelievably difficult. I believe she is drawn to pieces that have been accused of being unplayable. This is what makes her music so easy to love.
Any Hilary Hahn recording is worth every second of your time. You will be left staring in disbelief at your speakers, possibly listening & relistening to particular passages, thinking that you can't have just heard what you thought you just heard.
Her honesty shines throughout the DVD. With other artists, one wonders quite frequently if they are just saying things they want you to hear as opposed to being honest. Hilary Hahn is as honest with her fans, and I believe more importantly, as honest with herself as one can be.
Again, worth every second.
Play it & replay it, along with her albums (or is "cd" a more proper term these days?).

Talent of the Century.......2007-02-20

What a great idea, to make a documentary of violinist Hilary Hahn traveling around the world and concertizing. Undoubtedly at the top of her profession, Hahn never fails to amaze with her unmistakably gorgeous tone, enviable precision, and brilliant musicality. This DVD "portrait" includes personal footage of Hahn backstage at the Philharmonie in Berlin, as well as a tour at the Curtis Institute, a recording session at Abbey Road Studios, and a trip to Hong Kong. In an age of music commercialism, Hahn is refreshingly real and self-deprecating. Included on this DVD are excerpts from the Korngold Concerto, Mozart Sonata for Piano and Violin in G major, The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams, Chaconne from Partita in D minor by Bach, and the Paganini Concerto No. 1. On the menu there is additional concerto footage, which includes the Korngold Concerto and Mozart sonata in their entirety - thank goodness, because there's nothing more aggravating than replaying excerpts. If for nothing else, buy the DVD for these complete live recordings, because they are absolutely sublime. The outer movements of the Korngold sound a lot like film music, which the classical music lover may or may not like, but the second movement is incredibly beautiful and highly recommended. The Mozart sonata is also very well played, but this is nothing new as Hahn has already released a recording of this. This DVD is important because it contains video footage of Hahn performing - the only other DVD where you can find her playing is The Last Night of the Proms, in which she plays the Mozart Concerto No. 4 in D Major and Presto from Sonata No. 1 by Bach, but the sound quality is somewhat lacking and certainly doesn't do justice to Hahn.

Hilary Hahn - No One Better........2007-02-19

I have not even gotten to watch the entire DVD yet and already I am very impressed. Some the the insightful things Ms. Hahn says regarding her performances could (and should) be used for college, or even high school, speech classes. But the music is what makes the DVD. Any classical music fan, especially any fan of Hilary's, needs to buy this DVD.

{~~}==# HILARY HAHN --- SUPER --- simply SUPERB!!! --- A MUST for all of HILARY HAHN's fans!!!!!.......2007-02-10

SUPER HILARY HAHN!!! It is very nice to see that such a young and fine artist, even in her early years, releases a DVD on which she gives us - her audiences and fans - an insight into her concert and every-day travelling life. What makes me write this even before the official release day (February 13, 2007 [more than half a month earlier than in Germany!]) of this DVD is that I have seen this "Portrait" already when it was broadcast on several German TV stations. "HILARY HAHN - A PORTRAIT" was already made in 2004 and its director Benedict Mirow ACCOMPANIED - to our great delight! - HILARY HAHN for a year on her concert tour and accompanied her also to those places which she saw and attended besides and "around" concert halls. For example, HILARY HAHN gives us a short tour of the place at which her violinistical and artistical skills had developed to the greatness that SHE SHOWS US today in her concert performances as well as on her CDs - HILARY HAHN GUIDES us THROUGH the "CURTIS INSTITUT of MUSIC" in Philadelphia! And she also gives us some insights into the backstage area, and in some interviews she expresses her opinion on various topics, which relate to musical as well as to non-musical subjects, which the young violinist thinks about. So, this REALLY makes this DVD movie a TRUE P O R T R A I T OF HILARY HAHN which also gives HER audiences and fans an insight into HER CHARACTERISTICAL as well as ARTIST's SIDE. "A Portrait" shows us a very well-educated, intelligent and, of course, not to forget, beautiful young violinist who expresses herself really maturely and thoughfully. This impression, which one will get from this young violinist, provides a VERY PERSONAL VIEW OF HER. BRAVISSIMO!!!

Therefore, this DVD is a MUCH REMARKABLE and RECOMMENDABLE one - it's a MUST for ALL TRUE (not only for the "crazy") HILARY HAHN FANs - my FULL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IT!! So, I give A THOUSAND STARS for this WONDERFUL IDEA and FOR MAKING IT COME TRUE by providing us with some kind of an ACCESS to HILARY HAHN's LIFE AS AN ARTIST/VIOLINIST on this DVD!! Let's hope that other young violinists and instrumentalists will give us similar insights into their concert and artists' lives as well, and that they will sometime also make us happy allowing us to take a closer look at their lives as artists on DVD.

However, it is a pity that this otherwise EXCELLENT & DELIGHTFUL DVD has got quite a short playing time of only about an hour, and there are only short clippings of the violin concerto of Erich Wolfgang Korngold and a clipping of Hilary Hahn's performance in the Berlin "Yellow Lounge" as well as of her recording session in the Abbey Road Studios in London, but complete performances of these pieces are lacking during the playing time of "A Portrait". Throughout this, there are only short clippings in which Hilary Hahn can be seen play her violin - however, fortunately, a complete performance of the KORNGOLD VIOLIN CONCERTO as well as of a complete MOZART SONATA were added to this tremendous DVD! And, much to my great delight (!), a very beautiful cover picture was chosen this time which shows Hilary Hahn play her violin and deeply lost into playing it and her music - my great compliment on this to the designer of the DVD cover and to the one who made such a really great photograph of HILARY HAHN!

There is a wonderful BACKGROUND MELODY in this "roadmovie-style PORTRAIT" which comes from the two movement VIOLIN CONCERTO COMPOSED FOR HILARY HAHN BY bassist and composer EDGAR MEYER; the first notes from it can be heard right at the beginning of "A Portrait" as well as at its ending. I think that it's just these spirits and moods, bars and sounds of the violin concerto composed for Hilary Hahn which give "A Portrait" a very personal touch and provide it with a very "smooth finish" which makes this DVD so wonderful and special; this violin concerto composed for Hilary Hahn "opens" and completes "A Portrait".

I hope a lot that Hilary Hahn will provide us with her next DVD (or DVDs) in the upcoming years - especially, because many other virtuosos, e. g. Chinese pianist Lang Lang and German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, have released quite a great(er) number of DVDs. So, I think it's about time for Hilary Hahn not "only" to record a concerto/concerti or recital on a CD for us to hear and listen to, but also to make her music to all of her loyal and enthusiastic and delighted fans audio-visible on a DVD/video!! HILARY, you could do it just the same way as our German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who's with your lable DG, and release a DVD in parallel to the release of a CD, which contain both the same violin concertos, sonatas or whatever violin pieces YOU HAVE RECORDED! THAT would be GREAT and IT is MY PERSONAL URGENT DESIRE or REQUEST TO YOU, HILARY! So far, only Mozart's 4th violin concerto KV 218 as well as the Presto from sonata No. 1 by Johann Sebastian Bach (as an encore) are audio-visible from Hilary Hahn on the DVD "The Last Night of the Proms".

A THOUSAND STARS from me for this VERY NICE & WONDERFUL DVD of HILARY HAHN & my VERY BEST RECOMMENDATIONS for WATCHING, LISTENING & BUYING THIS DVD!!!!!

A Piano Evening with Martha Argerich [DVD Video]

Average customer rating:

Let's be honest
Another Outstanding Argerich Performance
Why she is the greatest of the age, and perhaps of all time...

A Piano Evening with Martha Argerich [DVD Video]

Manufacturer: Tdk DVD Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

Schumann & Martha Argerich
Barenboim on Beethoven - The Complete Piano Sonatas Live from Berlin
Kissin in Tokyo - Yevgeny Kissin
Volodos Plays Liszt
Haydn: Piano Works [DVD Video]

ASIN: B000NOIWV2
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Customer Reviews:

Let's be honest.......2007-05-24

I'll get right to the point. The orchestra is so atrocious as to make this DVD almost unlistenable. If you want to see a performance of the Schumann sonata, perhaps this is for you. But be warned. If you can get through the Triple Concerto without cringing, you are a better man than I. The Prokofiev? A student work by a second-rate composer, performed by a third-rate orchestra. Gee, does it get any better than that? Even the redoubtable Argerich can't rescue this disaster.

Another Outstanding Argerich Performance.......2007-05-22

While I agree with the previous reviewer (M.G.) that this is a marvelous DVD, I had some trouble getting past all his hagiographic gushing about Martha Argerich, larded as it is with superlatives. Admittedly she is an amazingly talented pianist, certainly among the greatest of our age, but his claims for her abilities -- 'perhaps (the greatest) of all time' -- seems over the top. Has he ever heard Liszt, Alkan, Thalberg, Busoni, or Godowsky, or whoever play? One notices also that in his review he doesn't mention either the conductor, Argerich's long-time collaborator both as conductor and duo-pianist, Alexandre Rabinovitch (or Rabinovitch-Barakovsky as he's called here), or the young and enthusiastic Flanders Sympnony Orchestra. He is so focused on Argerich that he doesn't mention the one piece not involving the piano, the concert's opening work, the invigorating Classical Symphony of Prokofiev. Nor does he mention that this is an outdoor concert, although it must be said that from an audio point of view, one would never have known it; the audio is just fine, as is the camera work.

But he is right in saying this is clearly Argerich's show. Following the Prokofiev symphony is his all-too-rarely-played First Piano Concerto in D Flat which, when I hear it, always makes me feel all's right with the world. That long vaulting first melody in the first movement is a creation of genius. Argerich plays the whole thing with panache and grace as well as surpassing virtuosity.

And since this is a 'Piano Night with Martha Argerich' the pattern of most orchestral concerts is broken by the appearance next on the bill of Schumann's First Violin Sonata with Renaud Capuçon and Argerich. Schumann wrote reams of chamber music and most of it gets played a lot, but one rarely hears the violin sonatas for some reason. It's certainly not because the First Sonata is a weak work; indeed, it is a quintessentially Romantic piece which, if one allows it, can sweep one away in a storm of emotion. I particularly liked Capuçon's tender approach to the delectable middle movement and his scampering lightness in the finale. Capuçon is a rising violinist star in the international music world and his playing here makes it clear why. But he is as much as anything else a chamber music player, often with his equally talented brother Gautier, a cellist. So this is not a virtuoso violinist star turn, but a truly collaborative effort and it is not surprising that Argerich is no shrinking violet as an accompanist; this is as it should be. Indeed, the piano is an equal partner to the violin in this sonata.

The concert concludes with Beethoven's Triple Concerto with Argerich, Capuçon and the latter's brother, Gautier, cello. It is often said that the triple concerto has an 'easy' piano part, especially when it is compared with the violin and cello parts. I've never quite understood this notion, as there are some pianistic fireworks that only very good pianists can bring off. Further, the pianist provides much of musical glue for the work just as the piano often does in piano trios. This is fairly typical mid-period Beethoven (1804) coming as it did just before the Fourth Piano Concerto. The performance here is exalted. The frères Capuçon are marvelously matched tonally and musically and Argerich is clearly of one mind with them; her experience as a chamber music player is, of course, well known and that comes in particularly helpful here. The orchestra, for all its enthusiasm, is perhaps a notch or two below world-class. This didn't bother me particularly but it does bear mentioning. Rabinovitch conducts with sensitivity and a freedom of pulse that allows the soloists to breathe.

One notes that Argerich plays from score in the Triple Concerto and I say huzzah to that. I've never quite understood while soloists must play from memory. But a discussion of that is, I suppose, for another day.

A hearty recommendation, and especially for Argerich's legion of fans.

Scott Morrison

Why she is the greatest of the age, and perhaps of all time..........2007-05-04

This is a remarkable DVD, featuring Mart