Diva

Starring:FrÃ©dÃ©ric AndrÃ©i, Roland Bertin, Richard Bohringer, GÃ©rard Darmon, Chantal Deruaz, Jacques Fabbri, Patrick Floersheim, Thuy An Luu, Jean-Jacques Moreau, Dominique Pinon, Anny Romand, Wilhelmenia Fernandez, Raymond Aquilon, EugÃ¨ne Berthier, GÃ©rard Chaillou, AndrÃ©e Champeaux, Nathalie Dalyan, Laurence Darpy, Michel Debrane, Etienne Draber
Director: Jean-Jacques Beineix
Studio: Anchor Bay
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Although it's not as bold as Oscar darling Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera continues the resuscitation of the movie musical with a faithful adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical. Emmy Rossum glows in a breakout role as opera ingénue Christine Daae, and if phantom Gerard Butler isn't Rossum's match vocally, he does convey menace and sensuality in such numbers as "The Music of the Night." The most experienced musical theater veteran in the cast, romantic lead Patrick Wilson, sings sweetly but seems wooden. The biggest name in the cast, Minnie Driver, hams it up as diva Carlotta, and she's the only principal whose voice was dubbed (though she does sing the closing-credit number, "Learn to Be Lonely," which is also the only new song).

Director Joel Schumacher, no stranger to visual spectacle, seems to have found a good match in Lloyd Webber's larger-than-life vision of Gaston LeRoux's Gothic horror-romance. His weakness is cuing too many audience-reaction shots and showing too much of the lurking Phantom, but when he calms down and lets Rossum sings "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" alone in a silent graveyard, it's exquisite.

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Those who consider the stage musical shallow and overblown probably won't have their minds changed by the movie, and devotees will forever rue that the movie took the better part of two decades to develop, which prevented the casting of original principals Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Still, The Phantom of the Opera is a welcome exception to the long line of ill-conceived Broadway-to-movie travesties.

DVD Features
The special edition of The Phantom of the Opera has two major extras. "Behind the Mask: The Story of The Phantom of the Opera" is an hourlong documentary tracing the genesis of the stage show, with interviews of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Harold Prince, producer Cameron Macintosh, lyricists Richard Stilgoe and Charles Hart, choreographer Gillian Lynne, and others. Conspicuously absent are stars Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Both do appear in video clips, including Brightman performing with Colm Wilkinson at an early workshop, and Crawford is the subject of a casting segment. Other brief scenes from the show are represented by a 2001 production. The other major feature is the 45-minute making-of focusing on the movie, including casting and the selection of director Joel Schumacher Both are well-done productions by Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group.

The deleted scene is a new song written by Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart, "No One Would Listen," sung by the Phantom toward the end of the movie. It's a beautiful song that, along with Madame Giry's story, makes him a more sympathetic character. But because that bit of backstory already slowed down the ending, it was probably a good move to cut the song. --David Horiuchi

More on The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera (Special Extended Edition Soundtrack) (CD)
The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) (CD)
The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast) (CD)

Evita (DVD)
Andrew Lloyd Weber: The Royal Albert Hall Celebration (DVD)
More Broadway DVDs

Description

Musical Drama based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's celebrated musical phenomenon. The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius (Gerard Butler) who haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, waging a reign of terror over its occupants. When he falls fatally in love with the lovely Christine (Emmy Rossum), the Phantom devotes himself to creating a new star for the Opera, exerting a strange sense of control over the young soprano as he nurtures her extraordinary talents.

DVD Features:
Additional Scenes:"No-one Would Listen" Approx. 4 Mins.
DVD ROM Features
Documentary:Behind the Mask - The Story of the Phantom of the Opera
Easter Eggs
Featurette:The Making of The Phantom of the Opera in 3 Spellbinding Acts: Preproduction, The Director, Production

Customer Reviews:

amazing.......2007-06-30

This set is amazing! The only thing I wish that was different is that you could get all the non song parts too. Other than that, the songs are wonderful, the music is amazing, and I've learned all the words!

Visually stunning but could have been much better.......2007-06-30

Although I have never seen the stage production, I do own a soundtrack of the original cast. I must say this pales in comparison. The two largest problems with this is that Emmy Rossum can sing but not act and Gerard Butler can act but not sing. Hardly a recipe for something wonderful. Rossum goes through the movie with two expressions, open-mouthed horror and open-mouthed awe. Butler, while he can keep pitch, does nothing close to justice to the incredible songs he has to sing. The actor of Raoul was fairly disappointing as well, not being what one would imagine a young dashing hero to be. The scene of him arriving on a white horse was especially cliched. It didn't help that the fight that follows was pretty unexciting.
That being said, it is a gorgeous looking movie. The sets and costumes are incredible and actually seeing what is happening does clarify some things on the soundtrack. I was let down by the masquerade ball however. Having everyone in black and white didn't make any sense, especially in contrast to the lyric's description of the ball itself. The Phantom in red could still have been stunning without the rest of the costumes being so drab.
All in all I was disappointed. They certainly could have picked better actors/singers to play the leads.

Captivating movie.......2007-06-28

Talk about total obsession, I bought this a year ago and held on to it until I saw the play the other nite, I have to say this is a well made movie, Gerard Butler as the Phantom was absolutely the man for the movie, I cant imagine anybody else playing his part, I saw the clips from the original with Sarah and there's no comparison, Gerard was so powerful as an actor, the way he portrayed the part especially when he was trying to seduce Emmy,sooooooooo sexy, anyway, I give this movie a 5 star.

Nice adaptation BUT some poor performances.......2007-06-23

PROS: For those of you that love the play, this is a great way to enjoy it from home. Emmy Rossum provides a great performance as a very credible Christine Daae.

CONS: It's hard to believe that there was no one better than Gerard Butler to play the Phantom. He just can't sing to save his life. Raoul is also very regrettable.

Magical Enchantment!!!.......2007-06-20

I borrowed a copy "The Phantom of the Opera" (Widescreen Edition)May 3, 2005, 141 minutes Disc-One Set from a Friend and just finished viewing the DVD Tonight!!!! You will want to get the Special Edition, May 3, 2005, Two-Disc Set if you want to view the Special Features which includes Two Major Extras. "Behind the Mask: The Story of The Phantom of the Opera" is an hourlong documentary along with the other Major Extra a 45-minute Making-of the Movie along with some minor extras. I prefer the Special Edition Two-Disc Set over the One-Disc Set where the Special Features are omitted but has only the Theatrical Trailer!!

This 2005 Movie Directed by Joel Schumacher is simply a "Grand Opera Movie" worthy of a 5 Star Rating!!! So, Turn up the DVD Volume and Enjoy!!

If you appreciate the World of Arts and Music you will not be disappointed with Andrew Lloyd Webber's Score!!

Emmy Rossum(Christine)Stole the Show with her Acting and Heavenly Singing Performance!!
Gerard Butler(The Phantom) was the Handsome Phantom with a Good Voice that was Physically Fit allowing his character to be very active in the Movie Opera Play. Gerard's incredible performance of "Music of the Night" was Outstanding and better than Michael Crawford's Voice Bass Notes!!
Patrick Wilson(Raoul)Singing was Good and his Character played the Alleged BoyFriend that was to Rescue Christine from the Evil Phanton!! Supporting Actress Minnie Driver and Miranda Richardson had limited but Solid Roles!!!

The Movie was able to capture the Magical Live Opera Essence with A Wonderfully Lavished Colored Staged along with a complete supporting cast for this Movie Stage Musical!!

This Movie allows the viewer to feel the Musical Opera without actually being at your Local Opera House!!

Magical Enchantment begins in a 1919 Auction at the Paris Opera Populaire when the Populaire VICTORIAN Ceiling Light Fixture CHANDELIER that was damaged long time ago is prepared for lighting before Auction bidding starts where the auctioneer, porters and bidders are present with Two Mystery Bidders???

A Bright Flash of Light!!, like the "Rebirth of a Rising Phoenix from the Ashes" transports the Entire Audience back to the Past in 1870 when the Paris Opera was at its height of Magical Enchantment!!!

The Paris Opera Populaire actually Rises very Slowly and Mystical like a Phoenix before your very Human Eyes until the Magical Live Opera Essence of it's Beauty is fully Transformed and Alive!!!!!

Nothing will replace the Live version of "The Phantom of the Opera" coming to your city but it will be Definitely Easier to Live without until the Live Opera version of "The Phantom of Opera" Arrives!!

The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

amazing
Visually stunning but could have been much better
Captivating movie
Nice adaptation BUT some poor performances
Magical Enchantment!!!

The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , and Minnie Driver
Director: Joel Schumacher
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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The Phantom of the Opera (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack)
Phantom of the Opera: Film Companion
Attila
The Phantom of the Opera: The Original Novel

ASIN: B0007TKNIS
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Those who consider the stage musical shallow and overblown probably won't have their minds changed by the movie, and devotees will forever rue that the movie took the better part of two decades to develop, which prevented the casting of original principals Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Still, The Phantom of the Opera is a welcome exception to the long line of ill-conceived Broadway-to-movie travesties. --David Horiuchi

Description

Customer Reviews:

amazing.......2007-06-30

Visually stunning but could have been much better.......2007-06-30

Captivating movie.......2007-06-28

Nice adaptation BUT some poor performances.......2007-06-23

Magical Enchantment!!!.......2007-06-20

The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

amazing
Visually stunning but could have been much better
Captivating movie
Nice adaptation BUT some poor performances
Magical Enchantment!!!

The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , and Minnie Driver
Director: Joel Schumacher
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Phantom of the Opera (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack)
Phantom of the Opera: Film Companion
Attila
The Phantom of the Opera: The Original Novel

ASIN: B0007TKNII
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

amazing.......2007-06-30

Visually stunning but could have been much better.......2007-06-30

Captivating movie.......2007-06-28

Nice adaptation BUT some poor performances.......2007-06-23

Magical Enchantment!!!.......2007-06-20

Average customer rating:

Whitney's Dubious Dramatic Debut
WHITNEY WHEN SHE WAS A SUPERSTAR
You'll watch it over and over
The Bodyguard
I love this movie!

The Bodyguard (Special Edition)
Starring: Kevin Costner , Whitney Houston , Gary Kemp , Bill Cobbs , and Ralph Waite
Director: Mick Jackson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006N2EZ0
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Amazon.com essential video

This 1992 crowd pleaser made almost as much money for Whitney Houston as its chart-busting soundtrack. A high-wattage star vehicle as only Hollywood can make, The Bodyguard stars Houston as a pop-music diva (now there's a stretch) and Kevin Costner as the stern bodyguard who is assigned to protect her after the singer receives some nasty death threats. Pop star and bodyguard don't hit it off at first, but they wear down each others' defenses, and before long Houston is baring her tonsils with a rousing rendition of the Dolly Parton chestnut "I Will Always Love You." The film, written by Lawrence Kasden, was originally intended for Steve McQueen, but the script languished for years before Houston took an interest in the project. A proposed sequel would potentially have starred Costner and Princess Diana, until Diana's tragic death precluded that possibility. --Jeff Shannon

Description

The Bodyguard stars Whitney Houston as a pop-music diva and Kevin Costner as the ultra-serious bodyguard assigned to protect her in teh aftermath of several death threats. Initially repelled by each other like water and oil, a passion ignites between them as teh danger increases, transforming them as everythign around them explodes.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary by Director, Writer, Producer, Houston and Costner
Interviews:Never before seen on set footage and interviews with Kevin and Whitney
Music Video:Houston's remake of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You"
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

Whitney's Dubious Dramatic Debut.......2007-06-20

Fans of Whitney Houston will certainly enjoy this movie. It captures her at close to her career peak and features a few of her better known hits (including her version of "I Will Always Love You" and "I Have Nothing"). Neither she nor co-star Kevin Costner fare as well on the acting end. Since Houston later proved to be effective in WAITING TO EXHALE, I would guess that she either suffered from first film jitters or that she needed better direction--or both. The script is generally weak and the dialogue is stilted, and there are moments when the line readings are so off, you almost wonder if the stars' first language is something other than English. And if the mark of a good director is the ability to coax a credible performance from a child actor, then Mick Jackson's abilities could be questioned on that basis alone: the young actor playing Whitney's son is stiff and awkward. But given his "mom's" stilted line readings, it could be viewed as some kind of genetic condition.

Amazon reviewer Jeff Shannon above jokes that Whitney's role as a show biz diva must have be a real "stretch" is clever. But it's just possible that Whitney might have fared better with a role that was less close to her own life experience. Getting out of high show biz mode seemed to help her performance a few years later in EXHALE, although it could also be the case that she was simply a bit more comfortable onscreen by that time.

The supporting cast is also just OK, for the most part, although many have done better work elsewhere, so you do know they can act. Ralph Waite, as the Costner's dad doesn't have a lot to do, but he brings a certain gravitas to his small role. Probably the only performer who gets to shine in a real emotive moment is Michele Lamar Richards who plays Whitney's sister and manager. Even that moment may strike some as a bit overdone, but at least you know that this is an actress who can summon real tears when they're needed.

It's very easy to come away from a movie like the BODYGUARD feeling like you've been manipulated, but actually, it would have been naive to expect much else. Hollywood movies about Hollywood life have an odd tension in them. On the one hand, they can poke a few jabs at the superficiality and the glitz of So. Cal. "culture," on the other hand they assume that the dream factory really is the object of fascination (and dreams) of their audience. And maybe they're right to an extent. But watching this movie some 15 years on, I couldn't help flashing on some of Ms Houston's subsequent career set backs and thining that this '92 film really is a sort of (inadvertant) indictment of show a biz culture that spoils and corrupts its "players" no matter how talented they are and, rather than fostering the creative process, actually works AGAINST it.

WHITNEY WHEN SHE WAS A SUPERSTAR.......2007-05-28

The Bodyguard (Special Edition)

Highly entertaining musical crime drama. Whitney's songs, including a few super hits like "I Will Always Love You" are terrific. Whitney in ultra hot costumes and Kevin Kostner with short hair and a buff body both look great. Kevin and Whitney are sizzling with electric chemistry. Highly engrossing finale with a psycho murderer trying to kill Whitney at the Oscars. THIS IS A MUST OWN CLASSIC.

You'll watch it over and over.......2007-05-23

This was Whitney Houston's debut film and she did herself proud. And here's the thing about Kevin Costner--he plays his characters so naturally that you don't realize he's really a brilliant actor. He just seems like a normal guy on screen. Here, you just believe he is that troubled bodyguard. I loved this film. I saw it plenty at the theatre in 1992 and I've played it plenty on both VHS and DVD over the years. It's just a great chick flick--so many great scenes even in addition to the many vocal performances by Whitney. If you like a who-done-it film, amazing music, watching Kevin Costner, as well as just the right mix of romance and damsel in distress, you've got to get The Bodyguard (and get the sound track while you're at it).The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album

The Bodyguard.......2007-04-08

I found this movie to be very entertaining. Kevin was good and believable and Whitney was refreshing.

I love this movie!.......2007-01-31

I had been looking for this movie everywhere and finally remembered that I probably could find it on Amazon and I did. The movie is great and I especially love the video "I will always love you." by Whitney Houston. I also enjoyed the behind the scene interviews.

Average customer rating:

Great musical
If you love Phantom, this is a MUST HAVE
In dreams he came
Great transfer
Video Quality Review (Blu-ray)

The Phantom of the Opera [Blu-ray]
Starring: Imogen Bain , Paul Brooke , Alan Cumming , Ciarán Hinds , and Kevin McNally
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Drama | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Musicals & Performing Arts | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000JLSLZQ
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Description

Customer Reviews:

Great musical.......2007-04-13

I bought this movie from Fry's. My whole family loves it. It has beautiful musical, and story. It is totally beyond my expectation. On 50" 1080i plasma with HDMI, the image is crytal clear and gorgeous. A great buy.

If you love Phantom, this is a MUST HAVE.......2007-04-01

At less than $20, this is a no brainer. If you are planning to own the movie, have it in blu-ray.

Aside from the well known picture quality differences between DVD and the blu-ray, this disc includes special features that must be close to two hours. From how this phantom project got started, to the casting of the crew, to showing all the team members (singing to the tune of the phantom), these special features simply help complete the story.

I LOVE the original musical, this movie version only adds to it. Of course, movies are not as intimate as watching live theatre, however, the camera angles, the visual effects, the costume all makes this a really nice movie to own. Love the movie cast!

Last but not least, a DVD upscaled provides a nice picture already. However, having it in high definition just makes the scenes and details so real.

In dreams he came.......2007-03-19

Sumptuous, rich, lush and inviting. Like a gilt-edged dream, Joel Schumacher's "Phantom of the Opera" is a triumphant love note to beauty, song and scenery.

Adapted from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical (and Gaston Leroux's novel), this movie ends up being beautiful in every scene, with solid acting and and a tragic antihero. The singing, the sumptuous sets, the acting -- all are the ingredients of a musical tour de force.

In 1870, a Paris opera house is under new management -- just as diva Carlotta (Minnie Driver, a glorious diva-from-hell) is almost killed by a stage curtain, and stomps out. Fortunately Christine Daae (Emmy Rossum), taught by a mystery tutor, can take over the soprano's role, and soon becomes famous for her singing. Even better, it catches the attention of her childhood sweetheart, Vicomte Raoul (Patrick Wilson).

But Raoul doesn't realize that Christine was taught by a disfigured, tortured genius who hides under the opera house. And the Phantom of the Opera is not only determined that Christine should be the star, but also be his wife. And he's willing to kill for it. Can Raoul break the Phantom's hold over Christine, or will she embrace "the music of the night"?

Watching this, it's hard to believe that it was directed by the same guy who did "Phone Booth" and the awful "Batman and Robin." Instead it looks as if the love child of Jean Cocteau and Peter Jackson decided to direct a musical, swathed in masks, roses, gilt angels, snow and velvet.

And it all wraps around Webber's solid songs ("Turn your face away from the garish light of day/turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light/and listen to the music of the night!") from the stage musical. Most of the lines are sung, which surprisingly doesn't detract from their believability. And there's plenty of fun with the cameras, whether it's the dizzying views of the backstage, or a zoom through a stone floor to the Phantom's face.

Schumacher also adds a few extra scenes, including a sword fight between Raoul and the Phantom, which makes the vicomte seem more passionate; and a flashback to the Phantom's horrific childhood. What's more, the story is framed by scenes from forty years later -- sepia-toned scenes in the dusty remains of the Opera.

The three most prominent roles are what make or break this movie, and in this case, the casting is nearly ideal. Rossum has the ingenue looks -- and the powerful pipes -- to carry off the role of Christine, torn between her love and her passion. Similarly, Patrick Wilson gives some brains and strength to Raoul, and despite the romantic appeal of the Phantom, Raoul isn't hard to cheer for.

Gerard Butler is a bit more difficult. Most of the time his singing is solid, and his acting is powerful and tragic as the "loathsome gargoyle, who burns in hell, but secretly yearns for heaven." The scene where he tries to seduce Christine is deeply sensual. But occasionally his performance gets really hammy, such as the unmasking, where he flings himself around screaming, "You little prying Pandora! You little demon!"

And how does the blu-ray measure up? Well, the regular DVD was hailed for its sumptuous colours and visuals, as well as the lovely songs. Those things are all enhanced by the blu-ray release -- everything just seems so much more brilliant.

Lush, exquisite and passionate, "The Phantom of the Opera" is a solid adaptation of Webber's musical, with good acting and excellent direction. A triumph for "the music of the night."

Great transfer.......2007-02-19

I haven't seen the musical, but have the soundtrack to it. I think this movie is a faithful rendition of the musical. The video transfer is great quality, the colors are fantastic! There were some jerky frames at the beginning for some reason. The audio is also excellent. Great dynamic range and clarity. I highly recommend this disc!

Video Quality Review (Blu-ray).......2007-01-31

The Phantom of the Opera has been the premier demo disk for High Definition TVs and Projectors for some time now. When trying to show off, at various trade shows, not only the detail but the contrast of a new product the HD-DVD of The Phantom of the Opera would always find its way on screen. Now we have it on Blu-ray, the same encoding in fact. It isn't just the transfer, near perfect, which makes this disc such a treat but the lavishness of the film itself. Rich colors, ornate details, vibrant bright scenes next to detailed dark ones; a sense of depth is throughout this musical. What little film grain there is is in keeping with a perfectly maintained film source. This is a top shelf Blu-ray release that will bring out the full range of color and contrast that your TV can display.

(PS3 - 1080p projector - 92")

Sarah Brightman - Diva: The Video Collection

Average customer rating:

interesting but little more, disappointing
Wow!
More than just videos
delighted
Well worth the wait , Sarah Is The Crossover Goddess!!!

Sarah Brightman - Diva: The Video Collection
Starring: Sarah Brightman
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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

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

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Diva: The Singles Collection
Sarah Brightman - Live from Las Vegas
Andrea Bocelli - Under the Desert Sky [CD Included]
Sarah Brightman - La Luna (Live in Concert)
Sarah Brightman - Harem Desert Fantasy

ASIN: B000HKDECY
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Customer Reviews:

interesting but little more, disappointing.......2007-05-19

I still love the music, but the video was mostly boring and often very little substance. Just stick with the CD, you'll be happier.

Wow!.......2007-05-11

If you are a Sarah Brightman fan like me, you must have this DVD. The videos themselves are pretty bad. They're poorly made and pretty uninteresting. But, there is something that is truly wonderful - Sarah introduces each of the videos, telling a little story about them and the making of them. Here in the U.S., we don't get to see Sarah lots on TV or hear her actually talking, so this is a nice treat. This woman has the most amazing career and to hear her tell the stories of being married to Andrew Lloyd Webber, singing with Bocelli and Pavarotti - it's just magical. Definately worth the investment. Buy the CD, too!

More than just videos.......2007-05-09

Each video is introduced by Ms. Brightman. She gives nice background information and interesting anecdotes. The videos cover a wide range of time and styles. The DVD menu is easy to use and allows you to play only the videos if you have heard the introductions already and only want to hear the music.

delighted.......2007-04-10

I was very happy to recieve the dvd and was delighted with the content. However I was sorry to find that it was not in widescreen .

Well worth the wait , Sarah Is The Crossover Goddess!!!.......2007-04-03

A must have video collection.Sarah brightman looks to beautiful on this collection.The only thing that kept it from being the definitive video collection,was that many videos of Sarah's were left out of this collection!I love Sarah,she is an amazing singer and a visionary artist.All Sarah fans will love this dvd!!!!!!!!

The sound quality is excellent,and the picture quality is too.It is obvious they remastered the picture quality,it is very sharp,and the colors are beautiful.This is a nice collection of sarah videos,that represent her virtuosity and her extraordinary voice.Sarah brightman,I have to say,also looks very sexy in these videos.She is one of the most beautiful divas on earth.I also thought she looked divine on the video how can heaven love me,she looked a little like shannon doherty with that fab hair cut she had!
I love all these videos,it's hard to pick a favorite.The pie jesu,is really lovely.Amigos para siempre always makes me cry,and the ave maria is very sexy.I also liked the interviews,sarah sounded really fun,and looked gorgeous as usual.This collection spans her 25 years in music!

Average customer rating:

Woody's Best Light Comedy?
"You better get in the mood, honey, 'cause he's payin' the rent."
Toot, Toot, Tootsie it's good!
A Classic that alot of people over look
Everything is a Trade Off

Bullets Over Broadway
Starring: John Cusack , Dianne Wiest , Jennifer Tilly , Chazz Palminteri , and Mary-Louise Parker
Director: Woody Allen
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305327068
Release Date: 1999-04-20

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One of Woody Allen's best films of the '90s, Bullets over Broadway stars John Cusack as a virtual Woody surrogate, a neurotic, Jazz Age writer whose new play sounds wooden and unrealistic to a low-level mobster (Chazz Palminteri) assigned to watch over his boss's actress-girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly). When the hood starts contributing better story ideas and dialogue than what the official playwright can conjure, questions (not unlike those of Amadeus) about the price we pay to make art at the expense of other responsibilities are intriguingly raised. Palminteri gives a very interesting performance as the enforcer waking up to the desperate (and almost feminine) demands of his own creative psyche, and Dianne Wiest (who won an Oscar), Tracey Ullman, Jim Broadbent, and Jennifer Tilly are very funny together playing the ensemble cast of Cusack's play. --Tom Keogh

Description

Big city mobsters and the Broadway stage collide hilariously in this side-splitting all-star comedy that had audiences and critics rolling in the aisles! John Cusack (SERENDIPITY, HIGH FIDELITY) stars as David Shayne, an idealistic young writer who'll do anything to get his first Broadway play off the ground -- even if it means teaming up with the mob! Surrounded by a wacky cast of characters including a gangster's ditzy girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly, LIAR, LIAR), a tipsy actress (Dianne Wiest in her Academy Award(R)-winning performance -- Best Supporting Actress, 1994), and a mob hit man (Chazz Palminteri, THE USUAL SUSPECTS), Shayne's got to pull it all off before the curtain falls and bullets start to fly!

Customer Reviews:

Woody's Best Light Comedy?.......2007-04-18

For the most part, you can fit each of Woody Allen's movies into one of three categories: serious drama, dark comedy, or light comedy. "Bullets Over Broadway" definitely falls into the third category. Though some critics have suggested there are allusions to Allen's own life and beliefs (a recurring them is that an artist makes his own moral code), the movie mostly ignores the darker, philosophical things that Allen typically covers in his more introspective comedies.

"Bullets Over Broadway" is the story of a struggling playwright from Pittsburgh (John Cusack). In order to get his play financed in New York, he accepts funding from a gangster and in turn casts his talent-less girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly) in a major roll. As an added bonus, he has to deal with her bodyguard (who takes an interest in the play) and troublesome actors. The leading man has a constantly expanding waistline, the leading lady is a manipulative, alcoholic has-been (played excellently by Diane Wiest), and Tracy Ullman plays temperamental supporting actress with a yapping dog.

As a writer, Allen is at his best when he's dealing with darker subject matter, but that doesn't mean he's not capable of creating a flawless, sophisticated comedy when he wants. "Bullets Over Broadway" is probably too fluffy to be considered among Allen's best, but it's definitely in that second tier, along with "Zelig" and "Radio Days." In terms of tone, it's probably most significant to "Manhattan Murder Mystery," although Allen doesn't make an appearance in this film.

"You better get in the mood, honey, 'cause he's payin' the rent.".......2007-03-07

Set in 1920's New York City, "Bullets over Broadway" (1994) tells the story of a young playwright David Shayne who tries to produce his first play. He "stands on the brink of greatness. The world will open to him like an oyster. No... not like an oyster. The world will open to him like a magnificent vagina" but he needs to find money for production first.

The money comes from the gangster Nick Valenti on one condition - Nick's stunningly untalented bimbo girlfriend Olive ("She ruins everything she's in. She ruins things she's not even in") has to play a psychiatrist. Olive is accompanied to each rehearsal by hit-man/bodyguard Cheech who knows how the real people talk and turned to be a greater writer than David. David's leading man, Warner Purcell eats compulsively every time he gets nervous (and there are plenty of reasons for him to get nervous). David's relationship with the girlfriend Ellen suffers when he begins an affair with the talented leading lady Helen Sinclair ("I'm still a star. I never play frumps or virgins.") who is "in the last couple of years... better known as an adulteress and a drunk."

"Bullets over Broadway" is one of my favorite comedies by one of the favorite directors/writers, Woody Allen (I love you Woody, always have, always will - please make your gems, and I will be there to watch them). It has everything I look for in a comedy - brilliance, wit, clever writing, hilarious and sinister twist in the plot, amazing performances, authentic feel of the era and great musical score. "Bullets over Broadway" is pure delight from the beginning to the end. The best I could describe the film - to paraphrase the famous line from John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address: "Ask not what Art can do for you -- ask what you can do for Art".

9.5/10

Toot, Toot, Tootsie it's good!.......2007-01-30

This is a very entertaining Woody Allen farce (with no acting appearance by Woody) that will especially appeal to anyone who loves the Roaring 20's, gangster movies or backstage stories. John Cusack is perfect as David Shayne the young writer desperate to get his play produced and though the whole cast of offbeat characters is great Chazz Palmanteri deserves special mention as a mob hit man with literary flair. The soundtrack of period 1920's music is excellent and this is all around a very entertaining film. Warning though it is a dark comedy so not everyone gets a happily ever after ending.

A Classic that alot of people over look.......2006-07-21

Lets face it Woodey Allen has produced so much a few of his things sort of slip past some of us. I have found this one did for many people.

It's the kind of movie you watch more then once you have to wonder did the actors fill in some of those lines 'improv' or were those w. allens?

Everything is a Trade Off.......2006-07-09

A neurotic struggling writer (John Cusack playing a young Woody) makes a deal with the devil when he begins to collaborate with a genuinely talented amature playwrite (Chazz Palminteri). The fact that the amature playwrite happens to be a mob hitman and bodyguard is merely a minor complication until the amature decides to take over the play's production and starts whacking the less talented cast. Woody makes his best comedy when he is darkly comic. Here, both Broadway and mob stereotypes get the treatment. Woody seems to be saying: everything comes at a cost. All successes and all loves are, in the end, products of compromise and longing. What do you want most and what part of you are you willing to give up for it.

Average customer rating:

Good DVD
zappa fans
What did you expect?
The Best
Genius @ work & play

Frank Zappa - Baby Snakes
Starring: Adrian Belew , Bruce Bickford , Dale Bozzio , Terry Bozzio , and Warren Cuccurullo
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

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

Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Stop-Motion & Clay Animation | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Frank Zappa: Dub Room Special
Does Humor Belong in Music? Frank Zappa Live
Real Frank Zappa Book
Frank Zappa: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation
One Size Fits All

ASIN: B0000JML7G
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Amazon.com

Touted as "a movie about people who do stuff that is not normal," Frank Zappa's Baby Snakes chronicles a late-'70s Halloween stand in New York City (a zany enough proceeding in its own right) with digressions throughout the first half for backstage antics, band interviews, and some outlandish clay animation from Bruce Bickford, with whose work Zappa was obviously smitten. Onstage, Zappa is a live wire, the audience is appropriately rambunctious, and the band--an especially potent incarnation of the famous Mothers of Invention--is tight as could be. The film amounts to a three-hour musical carnival whose participants lack any trace of artistic or personal inhibition. Zappa, who died in 1993, always worked with consummate musicians, and Baby Snakes showcases the cream of the crop: Terry Bozzio (one of the greatest drummers ever to command a kit), bassist Patrick O'Hearn, keyboard wizard Tommy Mars, and even pop chameleon Adrian Belew.

The DVD packaging, with its deluxe miniature dossier on Zappa and the film, is fabulous, and the sound and picture seem about as good as they could be, under the influence--that is, the circumstances. Undeniable are Zappa's intelligence and charisma, which flicker and blaze every second he's on screen. The progressive-leaning rock and jazz music is frequently interrupted for meandering spoken interludes and is certainly not for all tastes. But Frank Zappa was a force to behold, and Baby Snakes offers a unique cultural education for anyone bold enough to give it a spin. "Without deviation," Zappa wrote, "progress is not possible." Baby Snakes is one of Frank's most fervent contributions to progress. --Michael Mikesell

Customer Reviews:

Good DVD.......2007-06-13

I really liked the animations, they're pretty crazy.
But it is pretty much documental. I was expecting something else

zappa fans.......2007-04-09

if you are an FZ fan and want some excellent live footage then this is a great movie to own. I have been to many FZ concerts and the last 1 1/2 hours of this film capture the type of event it use to be.

What did you expect?.......2007-03-09

GOD Bless Frank Zappa; May GOD Strike down his wicked estate! His Children Suck!!!!!!!!

The Best.......2007-01-26

If you like Zappa you have to 1979 Concert/Animation/Claymation/Documentary/Home Video movie
It is a good look at Zappa circa 1979 with Terru Bozzio on drums, Ed Mann as Percussoid, Tommy Mars and Peter Wolf on keyboards, Adrian Belew and Patrick o'hearn on bass, Frank Zappa on vocals and most importantly GUITAR! bruce bickford animation, too which is just plain amazing and trip-tastic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GRADE A SLOP, comes with free no-d glasses!

Genius @ work & play.......2007-01-16

Where to begin? If you know nothing of Zappa or are a devotee, this will thrill you. The claymation is amazing. The tunes are even better. The stage show remarkable. These guys LOVE every second, every note of their craft and it shows. This film hasnt aged a bit, in fact it still seems avante garde.

Average customer rating:

Talent ~~Talent~~~Talent!!!!!!!
Superb talent on display...
Live from Radio City Music Hall.
Liza's legacy, her talent
LIZA IN NEW YORK!

Live from Radio City Music Hall
Starring: Liza Minnelli , and Terri White
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

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

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Liza with a "Z" - A Concert for Television (Collector's Edition)
Barbra Streisand - One Voice
The Complete Capitol Collection
Palais Des Congres Des Paris - Featuring Charles Aznavour & Liza Minnelli
Judy Garland Live at the London Palladium with Liza Minnelli

ASIN: B000H7JCIW
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Customer Reviews:

Talent ~~Talent~~~Talent!!!!!!!.......2007-06-14

I came across my homemade video of this wonderful concert.
I sat mesmerized and even missed Jeopaedy to watch it.
Liza is ( in my Opinion ) the ultimate performer.
Her rapore with her demon divas,her Bob Fosse numbers, the costumes,the orchestra, were all topnotch.
It is top on my to watch again and again list.
I might even splurge on the DVD.
Mother should see her now !!!

Superb talent on display..........2007-05-12

This show was one of the very best of its kind I have ever seen> Liza was at her top-notch best that night and this DVD has captured it in a rare moment of superb talent being reproduced by the technology of the day. Both are seldom seen with such clarity,color and sheer fun to watch.I confess I am prejudiced where Liza is concerned since the night I saw her live with Frank and Sammy. Nobody did it like Liza,even her moyher. Sadly,her demons threaten to overtake her now but buy this DVD and re-live one of the great moments in entertainment history.

Live from Radio City Music Hall........2007-02-26

I upgraded this amazing show from video to DVD. Beautifully transferred. This dynamic, and visually stunning show, showcases Minnelli's talent in a way I've never seen before in any other filmed perfomance. The tap section with her dancing demon diva's is spectaular to say the least...

Liza's legacy, her talent.......2007-01-25

Liza gave an outstanding performance and her vocals were amazing. This was a concert of a lifetime Live from Radio City Music Hall.
The undeniable and magic conection Liza had with the audience was another sign of her great talent as a performer and singer. I am a huge fan of hers and her mother Judy Garland and I think Liza is one of the best performers in the music industry after her mother.
I have never seen a performer that fits right in with her audience like Liza did in this live concert. Her interaction with the people was just wonderful. She was born to sing and perform.
The New York, New York song was a winner in this concert. Liza's versatility to work with every song was superb and her more mature voice gave the audience the opportunity to have a real taste of talent. I only wished I was there to see her perform.

LIZA IN NEW YORK!.......2007-01-11

THIS DVD OF MINNELLI'S PRESENTS HER IN TOP FORM AND WITH GOOD TASTE IN
SONG AND PERFORMANCE. SHE COULD ONLY JUST DO WITHOUT THE 12 "DEMON DIVAS"-
THEY ARE NOT THAT GOOD, AND SHE ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT NEED THEM!
LIZA MINNELLI HERSELF OF COURSE IS GREAT IN THIS PERFORMANCE AND
SHE STILL IS TODAY!

Average customer rating:

Avoid This
Consider only if you can get a dollar rental
I dont Hate Paris Hilton, But after this movie I might
a film that hardly stands out but it's a good pass time!
Amazing!

National Lampoon's Pledge This!
Starring: Paula Garcés , Rick Najera , Heather Chasen , Kerri Kenney , and Diva Zappa
Director: William Heins
Manufacturer: Film Mates
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Satire | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

School Days | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( N ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

American Pie - The Naked Mile (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
National Lampoon's Dorm Daze 2: College @ Sea
National Lampoon's Barely Legal
My Super Ex-Girlfriend
Beerfest (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000I8OMEO
Release Date: 2006-12-19

Description

Get ready for the raucous, unrated version of National Lampoon's Pledge This! starring Paris Hilton and Paula Garces (Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle). A group of freshman female misfits will do anything to get into the Gamma, Gamma Sorority but first they'll have to impress Gamma president Victoria (Paris Hilton) . Soon it's all out class warfare between these pledges and the beautiful "it" girls who rule the sorority scene. It's a hilarious comedy in the over-the-top tradition of the Old School and Van Wilder comedies.

Customer Reviews:

Avoid This.......2007-05-29

In "National Lampoon's Pledge This!" Paris Hilton is "Victoria English," president of South Beach University's fiercely exclusive sorority "Gamma Gamma." Everyone adores her, worships her and wants to be accepted by her, and everyone wants to be like her ... are you still listening?

Reese Witherspoon might have this uninspired story watchiable with her comedic talent. Sorry, no such luck here because Ms. Witherspoon was not available. Instead you see Paris Hilton doing nothing particularly great, except gliding around the campus in expensive dress or saying something silly smugly. Actually she does nothing even during the film's pie-throwing scenes (yes, there is!) because no pie hits her.

There are toilet jokes (about school toilet "eating" a poor girl, and ... er ... about one exploding toilet, no, I'm not kidding) and of course, lots of nudities. But there is more to come after these gross-out gags and the film gets worse. A group of freshmen arrive, mostly stereotyped "outcasts" or "misfits" and they have to undergo humiliating "initiation" in order to be member of the sorority. This part is not just unfunny, but repulsive.

Finally I didn't write the names of co-stars and cameos because most probably they want to forget anything about it all and must have already deleted the name of the film from their CV by now. So please, listen, here is my advice; Avoid this.

Consider only if you can get a dollar rental.......2007-05-09

I rented this movie from a video machine at our local grocery for a dollar. Had I rented it from a movie store for $4, I would have felt cheated. This is a dumb movie and not very funny. It is hard to believe so many reviewers are giving it 3 and 4 stars. When I think of National Lampoon, I think of Animal House and Vacation. This movie is not in the same league or even close. It seems this movie was written for Paris Hilton, as the charater she plays is a carbon copy of her in real life. Maybe die hard Paris Hilton fans will find more to appreciate than I did.

I dont Hate Paris Hilton, But after this movie I might.......2007-04-29

PARIS PARIS PARIS, where do I begin

I know you are a lil rich kid, who is trying to make it as a media star, you know TV seroes, record deal, pin ups. and movies...and your choice are farely great to highlight you...However, this movie is a step back for even you.

This National Lampoon film is neither an ANIMAL HOUSE nor a VACATION. It is real weak film versions of the American Pie series combined with Bring it On and Legally Blonde films without the cheerleading. John Waters could have made a better film in his sleep..and I think he has!

The plot is confusing story line. Also with 30 year old adults trying to play college cut ups, it seems like these "KIDS" seem too old to do some of this CRAZY STUFF.

Their sight gags may make anyone gag. The pie scene steals from ANIMAL HOUSE's & Blazing Saddles's food fight and old three stooges movies..and Paris, you get not a drop of pie on you (AMAZING since you are inthe middle of the tossing)

The one star is for the star of the film, Ms Hilton...who is her screen time makes herself seen. It does not always advance the plot much, but she is beautiful to watch.

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

a film that hardly stands out but it's a good pass time!.......2007-01-31

I like this film because several reasons, unlike most of the National Lampoon's I've recently seen, this was the least silly & disgusting. there was a better plot to it, Paris Hilton is a fine actor! alot of people would say she's playing herself in this movie but if u think that, then u don't really know her. but I'm not getting into that. now to the plot, Veronica(Hilton) is the hottest girl in the school, popular, dating the "hottest" guy on campus & is totally rich! looking to win a chance to get a photoshoot for FHM, she needs the hottest girls to compete with her. only that doesn't go so well when she starts treating some of the wannabees like crap & they decide to retaliate. there is a journey of self-discovery, lessons to be learned but it's not a big part of the film & kinda comes from nowhere. lots of this doesn't make sense but who cares. it's a very cheesy flick but it has humor, nudity, all the things u'd want from a National Lampoon's flick & I give it points for trying something new & actually having a point to the film! I say it's a good film to see, though maybe not a family film, it's still worth your time!

Amazing!.......2007-01-17

Ok, everybody who left those bad reviews were Hilton haters. This movie is a lot of fun and I would suggest it to anybody who DOES like Paris Hilton. The movie is the best I have seen her in and I really hope she will be in more like this one. I thought it was really funny!

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