Close Up (Sub)

Starring:Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Hossein Sabzian, Ali Sabzian
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

One of the BEST 'chick flicks' of all time!
Robert Redford-Still Handsome At 60
I second that emotion, Jake!
Pretty much the best movie
Redford Does it Again

Up Close & Personal
Starring: Robert Redford , Michelle Pfeiffer , Stockard Channing , Joe Mantegna , and Kate Nelligan
Director: Jon Avnet
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305428034
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Amazon.com

Here's a classic Hollywood star vehicle. Up Close and Personal--the story of Tally Atwater (Michelle Pfeiffer), an inexperienced but ambitious TV news personality, and her well-weathered journalistic mentor, Warren Justice (Robert Redford)--was carefully tailored to fit its stars. What began as a screenplay based on the biography of troubled TV anchorwoman Jessica Savitch (Golden Girl, by Alanna Nash) took more than eight years to reach the screen, written and rewritten, on and off, over the years by husband-and-wife team John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion, mainly because they needed the work to qualify for the splendid Writers' Guild health-insurance plan. Although the considerable charisma of Pfeiffer and Redford go a long way, in many respects Nash's original nonfiction book (and even Dunne's peculiarly disingenuous "insider" account of the writing of the screenplay, Monster: Living Off the Big Screen) offers tales more compelling than the one that eventually made it to the screen. But, all things considered, that's a little like comparing apples and oranges, since the slick Up Close and Personal bears about as much resemblance to its gritty original source material as...well, an apple does to an orange. Critic Roger Ebert, who awarded the movie three stars, nevertheless said he was reminded of the time producer Samuel Goldwyn commissioned a screenplay about the Lindbergh kidnapping. Only, to quote Goldwyn, "it can't be about kidnapping, which is against the Code. For legal reasons, we have to change the name from Lindbergh. And the kid's father shouldn't fly." Read the book, see the movie, read the book about writing the movie. Anyone interested in how movies are made will learn an entertaining lesson about the studio system by devouring all three. --Jim Emerson

Description

Hollywood favorites Robert Redford (SPY GAME) and Michelle Pfeiffer (I AM SAM) sizzle together in this acclaimed story of heated passion and burning ambition! When aspiring news reporter Tally Atwater (Pfeiffer) tries to break into television, only veteran newsman Warren Justice (Redford) will give her a shot. In time, he teaches her everything she knows about news ... and she teaches him how to love again! But with her rise from local TV weather girl to network anchor, Tally and Warren must balance the dream of success ... with their desire for each other. Also featuring Celine Dion's #1 hit single "Because You Loved Me" -- you'll find this entertaining motion picture an absolute must-see!

Customer Reviews:

One of the BEST 'chick flicks' of all time!.......2007-06-14

Most women look for the best chick flick ever! I know I've found it!!! This movie will have you going through the tissues by the box fulls, so you better stock up!!!!

Robert Redford-Still Handsome At 60.......2007-01-05

I absolutely love this film. Not only does Robert Redford got the looks, but he's also got the talent. He's starred in numerous classics, like The Way We Were and The Natural.

Tally starts as a naive worker at Channel 9, and Warren keeps her around, but not giving her what she was hoping for. Eventually she does grow and mature, while also snagging the anchor position and Warren himself. Surprise ending that will have you leaving the room...

Another Redford recommendation is The Horse Whisperer, which is also a love story and costars a young Scarlett Johansen.

I second that emotion, Jake!.......2006-08-11

I have to "second that emotion" over Jake's reveiw! He really is a Class A guy, a real stand up reviewer, when it comes to these things, you catch my drift?

This movie rocked, and I don't care what those "smarmy" reviewers said! Anyway, they suck!

MC White said: Check it out!

Pretty much the best movie .......2006-08-11

I must say I'm shocked this film was overlooked when it came to the big awards.

Why do the Oscar voters hate love so much? Is it because they're all shallow phonies out of touch with real human emotion? I think we all know the answer to those questions, right?

Heck, I don't go around calling people names and feeling good about it. But when a film of this caliber is called "drivel" by one critic and "horse manure" by another. It sort of gets my goat, you see where I'm going with this?

And another thing, just because something has a happy ending doesn't mean it's not an artistic success, understood? I could write all day about how real art needs to reflect life and be honest about the miserableness of life, but who wants to read realistic views like that, you follow?

Anyway, Redford really phones in a great performance and Michelle P. is radiant as a TV reporter with mad skills and a questionable attitude.

Redford Does it Again.......2006-07-28

Robert Redford starred in one of the undisputed great romance films of all time, The Way We Were. Up Close and Personal takes many aspects of this film plus many other great romance classics, like Pygmalion and A Star is Born.

Sally Atwater (Michelle Pfeiffer) is an ambitious woman who wants to break into the nightly news game. She fakes an audition tape and sends it every news department. She gets a bite from a small station in Miami. Channel 9 news is headed by veteran Warren Justice (Redford). He immediately sees through Sally's disguise but he sees something in her.

Sally keeps on trying and absorbing everything about the news. And one day, the weatherman walks off and Warren puts Sally on (but changes her name to Tally.) Tally is an unmitigated flop but according to Warren "the camera eats her up." Warren takes her under his wing and turns her into a first rate journalist. Eventually, she becomes an anchor.

During a sweeps story at a penitentiary, Tally gets caught up in a prison revolt. But this gives her a unique opportunity, she is the only reporter on the inside. Her coverage goes national and she becomes a media sensation. It's not long before the networks come knocking on her door but Warren has escaped that rat race and is not interested in returning.

With Tally a star, Warren decides that it is time to get back into the game but on his own terms.

This is the return of Redford, the romantic actor. He proves two decades later he still has it. Pfeiffer, like her character, was coming still coming up and this helped prove she could handle a romantic lead. This film also features two great supporting performances from Stockard Channing and Kate Nelligan as two of Warren's exes.

This is a great date film or to watch after a break-up. And it has the only great Celine Dion song - Because You Love Me.

DVD EXTRAS: NONE

Average customer rating:

Southern eccentricity
Thank you , Mr.Altman
Cookie's Fortune
Stay the course of this gem
A sweet film from an American master

Cookie's Fortune
Starring: Glenn Close , Julianne Moore , Liv Tyler , Chris O'Donnell , and Charles S. Dutton
Director: Robert Altman
Manufacturer: Polygram USA Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Gingerbread Man
Dr. T & The Women
Ready to Wear
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ASIN: B00000JRWE
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Amazon.com

Dedicated fans of Robert Altman will want to check out this drowsy Southern comedy, which is shot through with the director's feel for location and his musical sense of storytelling. Non-Altman fanatics might want to tread more carefully. Cookie's Fortune begins beautifully, as handyman Willis (Charles S. Dutton) staggers home from a blues club in the small town of Holly Springs, Mississippi. In the wee hours of a warm night, he has an affectionate chat with elderly matriarch Jewel Mae "Cookie" Orcutt (the grand Patricia Neal) and the gentle history of their friendship is sketched in a few brief exchanges. Soon enough, Cookie has checked out of this world to join her dear departed husband, prompting her nieces to make the suicide look like a murder---to protect the dubious family name, of course. They are the local drama diva (Glenn Close), a Scarlett O'Hara in her own mind, and her dreamy sister (Julianne Moore), who ain't quite right in the head. Will Willis be blamed for the murder? Will the inheritance go to the nieces? Will Liv Tyler and Chris O'Donnell find a place to express their lust? None of these questions is especially burning, and Altman doesn't seem terribly anxious about the answers. Instead, he aims for a particular kind of laid-back quirky southern comedy, unevenly filtered through his screen of sour irony. Like a jazzman blowing improv, some of this works and some of it doesn't. Speaking of music, the film boasts a nifty R&B soundscape devised by former Eurythmics man David Stewart, with a boost from blues belter Ruby Wilson. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Southern eccentricity.......2007-04-23

Southern gothic is a pretty tough genre to tackle, especially in movies.

But Robert Altman gave it his best with "Cookie's Fortune," a little black comedy taking place over the Easter weekend. He crammed it with eccentricity, odd twists and likably atypical characters, but the second half gets a bit carried away by self-consciousness weirdess and melodrama.

It's the day before Easter in the Southern town of Holly Springs. Pushy, self-righteous spinster Camille Dixon (Glenn Close) and her mentally challenged sister Cora (Julianne Moore) are rehearsing the Easter play, "Salome." Cora's rebellious daughter Emma (Liv Tyler) has just come back to town, as her naive boyfriend (Chris O'Donnell) has become a cop.

Meanwhile, eccenric matriarch Cookie Orcutt (Patricia Neal) has become obsessed with joining her dead hubby, Buck. So she shoots herself, minutes before her Camille arrives. Fearful of the scandal a suicide would cause ("Suicide is a disgrace! Only crazy people commit suicide!"), Camille fakes a robbery and murder scene.

There's only really one suspect: Willis (Charles S. Dutton), Cookie's handyman/cook/best pal, who lives on the premises and was polishing the guns the night before. As Camille revels in her presumed inheritance, Willis and Emma help piece together the evidence left behind -- and unwittingly unearth some peculiar family secrets.

"Cookie's Fortune" isn't a typical murder mystery. Sure, the cops are ferreting out clues and motives, but Robert Altman creates a town that basically moves along at a steady, languid pace, and nobody really gets worked up -- even a murder doesn't ruffle them enough to make them lock the cells.

And Altman stirs up plenty of black comedy and amusing dialogue ("A condition under which, in times of extreme stress, her blood will not clot properly.You ever seen her suffer from this condition?" "Unfortunately not"). He even manages to weave in some subtle commentary on family and hypocrisy as well as some racism -- nothing explicit, but you can sense it in the way Camille treats Willis.

The problem? At times Altman tries to be melodramatic, but only ends up seeming overwrought. And similarly, he piles on the down-home quirkiness too thickly at times, such as a sheriff announcing that he knows Willis is innocent "'cause... I've fished with him!"

Dutton is the heart and soul of this movie, as the lovable, friendly Willis, who finds himself arrested for a crime he didn't commit just because nobody can think of another suspect. Patricia Neal and Julianne Moore turn in solid performances as the crabby matriarch and the backward Cora (who isn't as "dumb" as she appears). Liv Tyler's performance is a bit stilted, but she evens out by the last half.

"Cookie's Fortune" is one of those movies that is enjoyable despite its flaws. It's too self-consciously quirky at times, but still amusing and well-written.

Thank you , Mr.Altman.......2007-02-17

Dear reader,
Please see this movie.
It glows with human warmth and sympathetic humor.
It will definitely touch your heart if you will let it.
I was raised in the south and this movie makes me weep with appreciation.
...Grew up surrounded by the wise innocence, requisite tolerance and careful humor ,that strange small town eccentrics require of others.
It is touching to see how big city values and expectations are out of place in a small town where everyone knows everyone else quite well.
There is a wonderfully wry depiction of the role of a certain brand of Southern Protestantism as an acceptable, necessary, but rather shallow and ridiculous source of moral values.
Altman shows there is virtue in the lives of those who just live respectfully while bewildered , affectionately loyal and playful with those they find around them.
It is my favorite movie, along with LOCAL HERO.
note:
There was a non-racist south that is seldom talked about and largely unknown to the the outside. Not the intellectual and moral heros
who served the underground railroad to help slaves escape.
That of course was noble and great.
There was also the texture of small rural outback communities where there was interbreeding of Native Americans and Afro-Americans with the
various Europeans. A mutual understanding , shared passages, and live- and -let- live, was more the character of this phenomena.
It is good to see an understated honoring of this historical fact.

Okay. Thanks for listening.

Love, and hope ya'll catch some.
Wes

Cookie's Fortune.......2005-09-25

You may never have heard of this movie but it is a Robert Altman gem. I'm afraid I can't say too much for giving too much of the hysterical plot. It is a decidedly black comedy but the characters are really 3 dimentional. It has a secret to reveal and a suprising ending. If you liked Gosford Park you will love Cookie's Fortune.

Stay the course of this gem.......2005-07-11

Okay, we saw some people do some things, and saw diferent people doing different things, and, well, it's Robert Altman . . . And I apologized to my husband, who is NOT a film buff. Then the delicious connections appear, a fascinating small Southern town with characters who are real, not contrivances. Watch for the Willis-Cookie exchange, the mother-daughter-aunt exchange, see the sheriff's character evaluation. Marvelous cast filling interesting characters speaking interesting dialogue. And when you've viewed, watch it again for all the subtlities. Treat yourself! You're worth it!

A sweet film from an American master.......2004-08-06

A necessary corrective to the female relative who at any cost must keep up appearances, this film by Mr Altman sees him in fine form exploring small town society in the Deep South. A humane, wise film, with great acting by all concerned and some great lines " How do you know he didn't kill her?" asks the District Attorney, "We go fishing" replies the Deputy Sherriff.

Average customer rating:

Shania who????
Shania is Captivating!
A MUST for Shania &/or AKUS Fans
Shania's best DVD so far!!
Real musicianship

Shania Twain - Up Close and Personal
Starring: Alison Krauss and Union Station
Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Shania Twain - Up (Live in Chicago)
Shania Twain - The Platinum Collection
Shania Twain - Live
Shania Twain - The Specials (Winter Break / Come On Over)
Faith Hill - When the Lights Go Down

ASIN: B00063F7OK
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Amazon.com

Shania Twain's Up! Close and Personal concert is both a follow-up to her bestselling 2002 album and an intimate show featuring Alison Krauss and Union Station. It's hard to imagine two superstars in the same general style being as different as Twain and Krauss, and it's surreal to see the latter singing backup on "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under," but the combination works. Up! featured both pop and country versions of its 19 songs, and while the intent here is to favor the country approach, the bluegrass sound of AKUS is more listenable than the album's twang and pedal steel, and "From This Moment On" could almost be mistaken for a Krauss song. It's still Twain's show all the way, though, as she sings lead for every song, including "I'm Gonna Getcha Good," "You're Still the One," and a cover of "You Shook Me All Night Long," which her husband Mutt Lange produced for AC/DC many moons ago. Dressed in relatively conservative black leather (!) and forgoing the aerobics, step dancers, and other pyrotechnics of older shows, Twain is personable and chatty with the audience that surrounds the stage (though no one is invited up), so much so that she can only get through 12 songs in the hourlong show. A 25-minute behind-the-scenes featurette helps fill out the disc. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Shania who???? .......2007-05-09

LOL I don't mind Shania, but to be honest I just got this because Alison Krauss and Union Station are her backing band for this live acoustic concert - adn they're brilliant! What generous, self-effacing people AK+US are to do this. Shania comes off as sounding good but a complete ditz in this.

Shania is Captivating!.......2007-03-13

Shania is delightful and captivating in this relaxing show where she sings many songs from UP! and other favorites. She looks great and seems to enjoy being herself with the audience and the backup band. Union Station is excellent playing and singing with her. And Alison Krauss and Shania have fun bantering back and forth, as well as producing wonderful harmonies.

A MUST for Shania &/or AKUS Fans.......2007-01-12

Shania sounds better when she sings with AKUS (Alison Krauss & Union Station). Their bluegrass style suits Shania's voice and range perfectly. I wish they'd do this again! Alison and Union Station are EXCELLENT on their own, but when performing together with Ms. Twain, they all sound better. All the music on this DVD is good. The talking you can 'fast forward' through (I found it only semi-interesting the first time around). Shania's voice is complemented very nicely by AKUS' musical talent. There is a much more down-home feel & sound to Shania's songs when accompanied by AKUS - it doesn't sound "packaged" like her usual material (for which she's been criticized - I think unfairly - by the industry in the past). Worth the $18. if you are either a Shania fan or an AKUS fan, and definitely worth it if you are a fan of both, like me! I'd certainly like to find the songs on audio CD if possible [..]

Shania's best DVD so far!!.......2006-11-01

With a very similar set-up as Elvis' Comeback Special - small audience,
no yellin' no stompin' like on the Üp Concert, dressed up in black leather
as well, Shania Twain together with the superb Alicia Krauss & The Union
Station present us a wonderful show with her biggest hits. The whole
atmosphere is very "catchy" and shows us constantly that this woman
can really sing and does not need those sometimes loud and molesting
POP bands behind her. This show definitely sounds more country-like
which really were her roots when she started out. No doubt, this
is the best and most authentic Shania you can listen to nowadays.
She's having a good time as well and explains quite profoundly the
whereabouts of each and every song she's gonna sing for us. A real
pleasure.

Real musicianship.......2006-08-22

Every song (all written by Shania and her husband) on this DVD is undeniably catchy, but I admit I bought it solely because Alison Krauss and Union Station were the back up band. I kept wondering how this bluegrass oriented band was going to pull off her up tempo pop hits, but they deliver every time in spades. They are consumate, and incredibly generous, musicians, letting Shania be the star, but adding their unique touch and bringing each song to another level. As she said herself, they make her look good. That being said, Shania proves that she can keep up with the "big boys" in terms of musicianship, and that she deserves her success.

Average customer rating:

Kids liked this at the time.
Awesome....you will not want to pass up this one
OH JESSE
This is a great DVD
jesse mccartney up close dvd reviewed by michelle geffen

Up Close
Starring: Jesse McCartney
Manufacturer: Hollywood Records
ProductGroup: DVD
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Live: The Beautiful Soul Tour
The Biggest Fan
Beautiful Soul
Popstar
Disney Artist Karaoke Series: Jesse McCartney

ASIN: B000AMJGCG
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Description

MUSIC VIDEOS Beautiful Soul She's No You Because You Live Good Life She's No You - Special Performance Video

LIVE STUDIO PERFORMANCES Beautiful Soul - Sessions @ AOL She's No You - Sessions @ AOL What's Your Name - Taiwan TV Without You - Taiwan TV Blackbird - Raw and Real Stripped Stupid Things - Raw and Real Stripped

BEHIND THE SCENES At the video shoots: Beautiful Soul She's No You Get Your Shine On On the Beautiful Soul Tour

IN DEPTH INTERVIEWS

BONUS MUSIC FEATURE She's No You REMIX featuring FABOLOUS produced by CHAD HUGO of THE NEPTUNES

Customer Reviews:

Kids liked this at the time........2007-01-05

The kids liked this at the time but don't really watch it anymore.

Awesome....you will not want to pass up this one.......2006-10-20

I'm going to assume that if you didn't like Jesse, you wouldn't even be on this page right now! So I don't think there's too much that I can say that would make you want to buy this DVD anymore than you probably already want to (that's if you haven't got it already!!). But I think it's awesome. It has pretty good interviews, and some newer clips to his old songs. If you are any kind of major fan of Jesse's, you will not want to pass up this one.

Just keep doing that thing you do Jesse!!

OH JESSE.......2006-09-25

I loved the dvd. everything is awsome and he is soooo sexy with that hair.- (too bad he's not gay)-lol

This is a great DVD.......2006-09-11

Jesse McCatrney has done some pretty decent stuff. Thought he is a teeny Bopper, his vocals are quite enjoyable to listen to; he's not bad to look at either. This dvd contains some of his music videos, plus performances, intervews and alot of extra stuff. It would have been great if they had released this later so the disc could have been released with the official video for 'Because you live' and the unreleased 'Why don't you kiss her'. Still They might be available later on.

jesse mccartney up close dvd reviewed by michelle geffen.......2006-03-19

I thought this disc was so cooool!! and i cant stop watching it.I love jesse mccartney.This dvd is great fun to see and it has such awesome features like music videos, interviews and so much more.You get a close look at the making of his beautiful soul album and it was amazing.jesse mccartney is so hot and if you are a jesse mccartney fan you have to see this dvd

Average customer rating:

Had to have the DVD version of this!
To Know Some More About Kiss
Kiss...real, honest and making no excuses for having fun
Everything you wanted to know
At that price its definatly worth

Kiss - Konfidential & Xtreme Close Up
Starring: Kiss
Manufacturer: Island / Mercury
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Kiss - Rock the Nation Live
Kiss - Kiss My A**
KISS - The Second Coming
Kiss - eXposed
Kiss - Kissology - Volume 1 (1974-1977)

ASIN: B0006A9TBK
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Customer Reviews:

Had to have the DVD version of this!.......2007-05-30

I got this DVD last week and I was disappointed to find no bonus features, but I am happy to finally have this on DVD. Otherwise, there is really no reason to buy this item if you already own the tapes.

To Know Some More About Kiss.......2007-03-20

Both videos are based on the Revenge (1992) era, paying some tribute to the past. Konfidential is much like Alive III interpolated with some '70s footage and X-Treme Close Up is a testimonial given by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons about Kiss history.
The package has a good cost X benefit relation. Highly recommendable.

Kiss...real, honest and making no excuses for having fun.......2007-03-09

This is not for younger viewers! It is an open, make no excuses, in your face video...what a ride! I especially loved the flashbacks to the 70s and the pull no punches commentary from Paul, Gene, Bruce and Eric.

Everything you wanted to know.......2006-02-01

This is very cool DVD. The one thing about KISS is their videos are sometime hit or miss. The Animalize Live and eXposed videos are really cool but then Crazy Nights is just videos. This one is definately a must have along with KISS my aSS. These and the eXposed video are pretty much all you need to see the evolution of KISStory. The other videos out there are pretty much just money makers for the Simmons/Stanley camp.

At that price its definatly worth.......2005-11-30

the dvd is featuring two optionnal movies from the early 90`;konfidential wich is a shorter version of the alive 3 concert,and extreme close-up which follows the band `s carrer until 93.the first mode `konfidential` is folowing the guys on the alive 3 show when you see it its so great they perform like good as usual plus bruce kulick does a killer part on guitar.the show is great with funny backstage scenes and funny stuff.i would have liked it better if they included the full lenght alive 3 concert but that way is also good.the concert is awesome!

for the maniacs like myself there is a close up documentary who follows their carrer with cool videos( but unfortunatly short )like unholy and others as well as concerts video from japan and such it has a good description of their carrer until `93 the date it was made.they tell stories about most c.ds and includes ,any videos that are not the full version most of the albums until 93 are there exeption would be unmasked.the dvd is great but there are no special features or old release so it lacks new old things but that was the only thing so it deserves a 4star rate.

of course your opinion might be better or different than mine.good if you want a peak of the band.i got into KISS by watching these two dvds and i probably watched em for 50 times at least there really enjoyable and are a good value for 10 bucks here at amazon.recomended to all fans of KISS.this one looks well in the KISS video collection.

Average customer rating:

the most emotionally powerful films I've ever watched.
Perhaps Kiarostami's best work -- but you have to be patient
A Simple Film...
This movie will get you snoozing faster than ..........l
"There's nothing about this case that's worth filming."

Close-Up
Starring: Abolfazl Ahankhah , Mahrokh Ahankhah , Mehrdad Ahankhah , Monoochehr Ahankhah , and Haj Ali Reza Ahmadi
Manufacturer: Facets
ProductGroup: DVD
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The Wind Will Carry Us
Taste of Cherry - Criterion Collection
Ten
The Cow
The Children of Heaven

ASIN: B000060MU4
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Customer Reviews:

the most emotionally powerful films I've ever watched........2005-11-19

I've greatly appreciated most of Kiarostami's films as well as other distinguished Iranian filmmakers' works. I recall when I got this film, it was a little late night, and I was already quite sleepy, but I played it anyway. Yes, I must admit that I had a somehow hard time to concentrate on its plot. Perhaps, this film is not a film that you may find out in your local rental stores, neither a film that contains certain predictable film elements that most of majority films do. From the middle of the film, Close-up completely woke me up, and then I couldn't sleep anymore the rest of the night; I watched it once again with full attention.

Close-up moved me deeply and the music hit me; just knocked me down. The subject matter was so strong. Especially, in the ending part, the flower held by the main character came to me as a metaphor of rare hope that sustains our life in which neither such promise nor despair. This is one of the most emotionally powerful films I've ever watched.

Perhaps Kiarostami's best work -- but you have to be patient.......2004-12-26

The basic story has been summed up by other reviewers, so I won't repeat that now. What I do want to give is a personal account of my experience with this film, that I hope will motivate a few to take a look -- and to be patient. The film doesn't work its magic right away -- and in fact the beginning can be somewhat disorienting.

I'll admit, I'm biased. I've become fascinated by the work of Kiarostami in the past few years. Plus, I am very much drawn to films where reality and fiction intersect and overlap in interesting ways. Still, I'm convinced that with a bit of patience -- if you just give yourself the time to let the film work on you without bringing to it expectations that it won't fulfil -- anyone would be overwhelmed by the marvelous simplicity of this film.

Kiarostami has a way of finding the fantastic in the mundane. Somehow, he sets up his films in such a way that I can find myself for the most part merely interested wondering what it is all about, and then suddenly surprised to find myself overwhelmed, surprised by an emotional response that was not manipulated from me with music but somehow, mysteriously. This happened to me while watching ABC Africa, and even more powerfully during this film. His style, the way he achieves this, can almost be thought of as an anti-style -- I know that may not make a lot of sense, but it would take longer than I have here to make clear what I am thinking when I say this. It seems like he is doing very little, but the effect is (in my experience) magical, unexplainable and overwhelming. (For those familiar with Paul Schrader's exceptional work on transcendental style in Bresson, Ozu and Dreyer, I'd suggest Kiarostami as another who works in this vein -- but whose work is quite distinct from these three).

A Simple Film..........2003-12-09

Elegant, mystifying, sad, beautful, these are just some of the words and feelings which come to mind having watched Close Up. The mixing of genres; is it fact, is it fiction etc. all leave you wondering afterwards, asking yourself what is reality, what is fiction?

That a movie as deceptively simple as this one has the power to stimulate one's mind in such a profound way is a great tribute to the filmaker. It also goes to show that there is a part of our brains, by-passed by almost all contemporary, Western cinema, which is open to simple stories about humble humanity and it's wayard dreams.

If all this sounds a little bit o.t.t., then watch the movie for yourself, allow it wash over you and I guarantee you will get an itch somewhere deep in your head, the part which actually makes you human.

This movie will get you snoozing faster than ..........l.......2003-08-06

I have attempted to watch this movie more than 5 times in the last 6 months, only to find myself bored beyond belief within the first 15 minutes.

In fact, just to be fair, on several occasions I even invited friends and family to watch the movie with me.... Only to find myself bombarded by derogatory remarks.

This movie is 100 times worst than the "Taste of Cherry".

Don't waste your money on this movie, because it's not even worth the price of a "rental"

"There's nothing about this case that's worth filming.".......2003-01-22

Nothing less than a narrative nesting-doll of reality informing illusion that's based on reality that might be illusion, etc. etc. This legendary film from Abbas Kiarostami concerns itself with a true-life case in Iran involving an imposter who -- for no real motive other than a "love for cinema" -- presents himself to a well-to-do Tehran family as the famous Iranian director and Kiarostami colleague Mohsen Makhmalbaf. The movie begins with the apprehension of the imposter from the family's gated residence. It then becomes quite documentary-like: Kiarostami, with back turned toward the camera, interviews the suspect in jail, asks permission of the local bureaucrat assigned to adjudicate the case if the trial may be filmed (to which the bureaucrat replies bemusedly, "There's nothing about this case that's worth filming"), and then finally sits in on the actual trial itself, which is shot in an inferior film stock that would seem to indicate that we're watching the proceedings as they're happening rather than watching an actual movie. This whole "is-it-live-or-is-it-Memorex" feel continues on to the meeting between the actual Makhmalbaf and his imposter. During this scene, you can hear Kiarostami griping to his sound man in the background as the pair exchange hugs. Then the sound starts cutting out as the camera crew follows the pair through Tehran on a motorbike. (Don't get mad at your DVD -- it's on purpose.) All this would seem to tip the scales towards actual documentary, but perhaps Kiarostami is simply having a bit of postmodernist fun with us. The film has a happy resolution, but questions remain: WHY did the imposter pretend he was a famous director? "Love of cinema" doesn't seem to quite cut the mustard as a motive. WHY, once he ingratiated himself into this wealthy family's daily life (he claims to be making a new film and wants the young adult son, who's a Makhmalbaf fan, to be the star of the picture), didn't he burglarize their home? Clearly, money wasn't the motive. Perhaps he did it for fame . . . which brings up the final haunting question: is the imposter being genuine in this movie, or is he once again playing a role, this time as the guy who was playing Makhmalbaf to a credulous family? In either case, the imposter got the fame he perhaps wanted. It goes without saying that this endlessly subtle film, rippling with layers of widening significance like a lake on a windy day, has only added to Kiarostami's fame.

Average customer rating:

no.
Masterful instruction from a master

Up Close, Steve Gadd
Starring: Steve Gadd
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers Pub.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

In Session, Steve Gadd
Jeff Porcaro
Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD
David Garibaldi: Tower of Groove, Vol. 1 and 2
American Drummers Achievement Awards Honoring Steve Gadd With A Special Tribute To Armand Zildjian

ASIN: B00008AVAS
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Product Description

Steve is the most recorded drummer of all time. His credits include recordings with Chick Corea, Paul Simon, Steely Dan and Al Jarreau. On this DVD Steve discus ses his influences, plays some incredible solos, and shows how he applies rudiments to the drum set, demonstrates his bass drum technique and more. (60 min.) ?

Customer Reviews:

no........2005-08-07

the fact that steve is so obviously under the influence of drugs during the taping is just terrible. an embarasment to the viewers and to himself. playing in his white pyjamas doesn't help either. has the guy no shame..

Masterful instruction from a master.......2004-12-01

The format of this "instructional" DVD is an interview, with Steve Gadd not only answering the questions, but demonstrating in response. While this is not as warm and personal as, say, Tommy Igoe's approach that is epitomized in his instructional "Groove Essentials" (ASIN B00064YTKM), it nonetheless gives you keen insights into Steve Gadd's techniques and underlying philosophies.

Material is wide ranging, covering every topic from how to apply basic drum rudiments into live playing, to bass drum technique, to time keeping and how to approach practicing. A highlight is Steve's deconstruction of his drumwork on Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover", and the amazing discussion/demonstration of his four stick technique on Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening". The segment on Samba patterns is another part I especially liked on this video.

Other material includes how to approach recording sessions, breathing techniques, and how to quickly get the essence of a piece from charts - and Steve does strongly emphasize the importance of reading music.

I am a big fan of Steve Gadd and love this DVD because it both teaches and gives rare glimpses into his thoughts and approach. Any drummer, Gadd fan or not, will learn a lot from this by watching it multiple times, letting the information sink in, and watching some more. Even after a few dozen viewings something new will surface.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing from one of the Best Instructors.
Caution maybe a defect in this Title

Close-Up on Bongos & Timbales, Vol. 2
Starring: Richie Gajate-Garcia
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers Pub.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Adventures in Rhythm, Vol. 1: Close-Up on Congas
Ultimate Beginner Series: Have Fun Playing Bongos
Mel Bay Bongo Drumming/Beyond the Basics Book/2 CD Set

ASIN: B0001I54KW
Release Date: 2003-03-23

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing from one of the Best Instructors........2006-04-10

You expect an instructional DVD to show an item once slowly, then at normal tempo and then in a live situation (Play Along) - Right ? - WRONG.
Too much Yak, frustrating short snipets of the patterns result in frustrating rewinds.
For example in the timbales section on basic pattern we get yak (2mins-50secs) and (8secs)example of the pattern at full speed. On the Bongo Martillo yak(45 secs) and (13 secs) example.
Bongo Tuning (A-La, G-Sol or F-Fa) with an octave different (Macho to Hembra).
It covered Maracas, Guiro, Bongos (Martillo y Bolero-Son Martillo?), Bongo Bell, Timbales (Cascara, 2-3Clave, Guajira-slow Guaracha-Mambo, Cha Cha-Guajira, Ababuci (5-7-9 strokes), Closed Roll (5-7-9 strokes)

Tip:
Word of advice if your set is new and of real skin, soak them first and then tighten, else you might get a split/tear developing along fault lines.

I was tempted to give a 2* but the inclusion of the pamphlet with sheet music and some timbales exercises partly made up.
My advice - save your money and get his excellent book+CD instead 'Play Bongas and Hand Percussions'ISBN:0757910653.
Richie, edit out some of the yak and put it into the pamphlet. Synchronise the pamphlet notes with that of the book (Martillo for example), add Repique and soloing tips for the Bongos.
Add a lot more to the Timbales (maybe Ralph Irizarry might do one ?)and Bongos ( Solos, repiques, Play Along etc).
Show more variations and exercises.
Beef up the Play Along section with inshots for each of the instruments in question, have a continuous play/repeat loop for these parts.
Get the menu sorted, why does the menu have to flip back to the top menu when you are playing a particular submenu (you then have to keep going to the next and next menu list to get your submenu item !!
PS: I love the shirts, any idea where we can get some ?

I would recommend Kalani's Ultimate Hand Percussion: Ultimate Bongo Jam ASIN: B000EU1OPQ DVD and for Timbales (books & CD)
'The Art of Playing Timbales'[MimFilms]0967309824, 'Tito Puente's Drumming With the Mambo King' ISBN: 0634019562 and 'Changuito: A Master's Approach to the Timbales' by Quintana & Silverman ISBN: 0769214355

Caution maybe a defect in this Title.......2006-03-12

I first order this title last summer and was suprised that the DVD didn't played. I noticed there wasn't any engraving in the DVD. It was just a blank DVD. Amazon gracefully replaced it for another one but this one also ended up being blank, no engraving on the DVD and wouldn't play. I order Close up on Congas Vol. 1 by the same company and series and this one played. Which conviced me that this title wasn't being made properly in the factory. Is there anyone who did buy this DVD that was playable? I would be carious if any one else had the same problem. I tried emailing to the company and producer but never received any reply. So be careful with this title. I would recommend the "Close up with Congas Vol 1' DVD. Very good and informative.

David Bowie: Up Close & Personal (w/ Book)

Average customer rating:

David Bowie: Up Close & Personal (w/ Book)
Starring: David Bowie
Manufacturer: Hurricane Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Proto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Description

This is the true story of David Bowie. Follow him through his many incarnations as we talk to the people who knew him best. A 72 page book features track by track analysis of Bowie's music with full color photos from throughout his career.

Average customer rating:

Unfinished Piece for the Player Piano
Director: Nikita Mikhalkov
Manufacturer: Close Up Int
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Burnt by the Sun

Product Features:

digitally remastered
Close up
russian language only

ASIN: B000LY9JDY

Product Description

The film is based on the works by Russian writer Anton Chekhov. This is a picture of life of the Russian gentry in the late 19th century. Without a grain of sentimentality, the director reveals the moral bankruptcy of his heroes. A village teacher, Platonov, is undergoing an emotional crisis. He believes his life has had no purpose. He is tormenting both himself and his young wife, Sashenka. The films another protagonist Doctor Terletsky hates his patients and his work. The guests staying with a generals wife, Anna Petrovna, are talking about the pleasures of a simple village life, not really believing what they are saying. The retro style chosen by the director and the masterly cinematography (a credit to Nikita Mikhalkovs permanent cameraman Pavel Lebeshev) combine to make this film a real treasure for the lovers of Russian classics. Played in the film is the music by G. Donizetti, F. Liszt, S. Rachmaninov. Awards: Big Golden Shell at the San Sebastian IFF, 1977; Special Jury Prize for Best Acting (Alexander Kaliagin) at the Cartagena IFF, 1977; Golden Plate Prize at the Chicago IFF, 1978

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