Making of a Don

Starring:Ice Cube
Studio: Azure
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

A fitting supplement to the feature-packed Matrix DVD, The Matrix Revisited provides a wealth of Matrix arcana, delivered by the 1999 blockbuster's principal cast and crew. The main course in this 163-minute feast is a two-hour documentary covering virtually every aspect of production, with teasing glimpses of fight training on the not-yet-released Matrix sequels. Of greater interest is the sheer depth of filmmaking coverage, with intelligent and amusing anecdotes and insights from all the major players (including graphic artist Geof Darrow, given overdue credit for his outstanding conceptual designs). Fight choreographer Yuen Woo-ping is also a fascinating subject, and his early action-blocking videos are included for comparative study. Another segment allows obsessive fans to express their fanatical zeal for all things Matrix, and a look at the in-production Matrix anime project gives them another source of inspiration. While you're pondering which pill to take (red or blue?), The Matrix Revisited should help you decide. --Jeff Shannon

Description

This just-completed project, a first-of-its-kind look at the development of a ground-breaking sci-fi trilogy, illuminates the phenomenal success of "The Matrix" with never-before-seen footage from the original film, new interviews with stars and filmmakers (Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, the Wachowski brothers, producer Joel Silver and fight choreographer Master Yuen Wo Ping), background on the origins of "The Matrix," how Academy Award®-winning special effects were developed and the actors' grueling training regimens. In addition, viewers will get a sneak peek of behind-the-scenes footage from "The Matrix's" upcoming sequels and a preview of "The Matrix" anime project including a first look at sketches, storyboards, interviews and footage with the animators. The DVD has more than three hours of hidden features including 188 minutes of music and seven minutes of concealed bonus video material.

Customer Reviews:

Needed.......2004-04-27

A much needed explaination disc full of information that was released after the 1999 movie. Great on it's own although really the extra disc that should have been made part of a two disc set.

Go to bed........2004-03-06

The making of the movie. It is also availible as a two-pack with the Matrix (if you can find it. Try www.deepdiscountdvd.com and search for "matrix".

The hidden features are neat, especially the jukebox. Lots of neat song on it.

There you are. go to bed..........

Before you buy it read this!!!.......2004-01-08

It sux
It doesn't even include the actual Matrix!!!!

DONT BUY IT

Are you people DAFT???.......2003-11-08

This is a documentary of the first matrix movie "The Matrix" not any subsequent releases. How can you be led to believe that this release is about the second film? If you actually watched it then you would know that it is about the first! so to the two of you that said it is a bad release because of bla bla about the second movie well that is BS.
this is a pretty good and extensive documentary!

An exhaustive (and exhausting) look at THE MATRIX........2003-07-09

Released before extras-stuffed DVDs were more and more the norm, THE MATRIX had a fairly thin selection of supplementary material: a couple of commentaries, a trailer, and that's about it. Rather than follow the "double dip" method, whereby the movie is released with a new set of extras, and forcing people to shell out for the same picture they already bought, the minds behind THE MATRIX produced THE MATRIX REVISITED, a completely separate DVD with all the "making of" goodies for which a film fan could ask.

THE MATRIX REVISITED consists primarily of a lengthy documentary on the development and production of the first film, and additional features drop hints concerning the new movies and about THE ANIMATRIX, a collection of animated shorts set in the fictional world of the matrix. Taken together, all of these materials will take viewers three hours or more to work through. Not a bad value at all.

It's true that THE MATRIX REVISITED won't be for all tastes. The documentary is exhaustive in its detail, even going so far as to discuss what fabrics were chosen for costumes inside and outside the matrix. Those with a low tolerance for extended forays into filmmaking geekery will doubtless find themselves bored stupid by the time this DVD stops spinning. There are no fight sequences to break things up here, and no profound revelations about the actors or the story they brought to the screen. Rather, THE MATRIX REVISITED is pure trivia. It's interesting trivia, but it's still trivia.

This dearth of fun material on the disk is a side effect of THE MATRIX REVISITED's release as a standalone product. If all of this had come with the original film attached, then viewers could excuse the excess. After all, the buyer would have picked up THE MATRIX and gotten all the rest of this as a bonus. Even if he or she never watched it all, so what? Purchased separately, though it sidesteps the dreaded double-dip, THE MATRIX REVISITED confers a sort of obligation on the buyer. If one buys the disk and doesn't watch every minute of it, one didn't get a very good deal.

Even die-hard MATRIX freaks will have some trouble getting excited after a while by handheld video footage of actors working out on a cold sound stage. There's a tiring sameness about the material in THE MATRIX REVISITED that sometimes makes watching it a trial. Thankfully the documentary has been structured in such a way that something truly interesting tends to pop up every few minutes. If the viewer can stay awake during the rest slow bits, these tidbits are a reward.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Awesome watching genius.......2007-05-27

There is no question that this video allows us into the mind of genius (and the mouth of madness). Watching Neal Morse working through the creative process is an inspiration. There are many stand out moments on this video, from driving along the interstate while Neal films from behind the steering wheel as he sings along to Transatlantic, to the studio rhythm boogie of Nick D'virgilio, to the tears that Neal sheds in the privacy of his home studio as he records The Great Nothing. This DVD set will not let you down. There is a concert film as well, but it takes a back seat to the documentary in this viewer's humble opinion.

Awsome concert and extras!.......2006-08-28

The concert portion of this package is a great show of the beard. Yes, the sound could be better. Besides the sound (which isn't all that bad), this is the beard at their progressive best. The musicianship that shines through is breathtaking.
The Making of V is awesome. To see these guys at work is inspiring to say the least. They don't check their emotions at the door. They invite you into their home, studio, etc. and let it all hang out.
The CD doesn't knock my socks off, but it is good. If you like out-takes and demo versions, there is some great stuff here.

A Very Worthwhile Watch...Despite Minor Flaws........2006-07-04

This DVD package documents the only (semi) professionally shot concert you are likely to find from this band. When I got into SB years ago, I had to get my hands on everything the band had put out to that point. After purchasing all their audio CDs, I set out searching for any video material that exsisted. With a couple mouse clicks I quickly found the one and only DVD offered by Amazon---and best I can tell, anywhere. Well it was a no-brainer to buy it right there and then...and I can say I'm glad I did. The concert portion of this package is a perfect example of Spock's Beard's ability to put on a "No frills-All about the Music" rock show, filled with plenty of interesting technical music, nice interplay and vocal harmonies and even the occasional quirky antics from the guys. While there is very little to be seen here of a massive, mega stage show, the band more than makes up for that by performing with great precision, passion and seemingly endless talent. Being a musician/vocalist myself, I can safely say that music of this caliber takes a great deal of skill to pull off live(this is NO 'Margaritaville' or 'Brown-eyed Girl').Along with material from the 'Day for Night' album, the band does a nice variety of songs from their first 3 releases(along with a 'worthy' rendition of Genesis' Sqounk). One of the cool things about this group is their ability to play various "roles" within the music. Besides Neal and Nick playing musical chairs between guitars, drums and vocals...both Alan and Dave double as effective backing vocalist(and much more on their studio albums). As for those flaws that have been mentioned by myself and other reviewers---the main problem with the production of this package is the lack of any audio options to choose from. No getting around it, the sound quality is not up to the standards the consumer has come to expect with DVDs in the last decade. However, I find it quite bearable to watch...and it hasn't stopped me from coming back for further viewings. The other non-production flaw concerns Neal's vocals---there are definitely a handful of spots in the show where his voice 'cracks' or is slightly 'off-key', but again, this is hardly a reason not to enjoy this show. I've actually grown to like his voice and lyrical phrasing, along with accepting his occasional vocal 'flaws' while on stage. He's no Steve Walsh or Bruce Dickenson, but he does have his own "thing" going that works well for the music.

As for other material/discs in the set, there is plenty more after you have 'soaked-up' the concert. Most notable is "The Making of V". This is a very neat and interesting documentary on what is considered to be the band's best release. I actually enjoyed this more than I had expected---without going too deep into the contents, I personally gained insight into the bands "down-to-earth" nature and studio/home recording techniques. I'm usually only good for one or two viewings of interviews and documentaries, however I find myself watching 'Making of' frequently. The DVD extras and audio CD are entertaining enough-though nothing I often return to. Bottom Line... if this is the only video documentation of the 'Classic' line-up of the band...I'll take it ALL DAY LONG!

Very Recommended, along with first 6 studio albums!

Excellent Show -- but there are tech problems with the discs.......2006-03-05

Another reviewer says the second disc won't play in his DVD player. For me, the second disc worked fine; the FIRST one won't play in my DVD player -- but it plays fine in my computer.

Obviously there are quality control problems with the package (but with all the companies listed on the box, just TRY to find which one to complain to).

This said, the music and the concert are all first-rate.

Sub par video quality and MONO sound.......2005-08-25

OK. With the stellar releases of `Kindness of Strangers', `Beware of Darkness', `V', `Day for Night' and on and on, Spock's Beard have created masterpieces in the modern Progressive Rock world with incredible musicianship and flawless production. Not so this DVD. Other reviews have talked about the great sound and perfect musicianship...all qualities that are not apparent here. Let's first address the sound. I had to look at the date of release. I know that it says 2002 but perhaps they meant 1942? The sound is in MONO people! Not Dolby 5.1, not Dolby Stereo, mono! In this day in age, that is totally inexcusable. My cheap camcorder records in stereo if you get my drift. A band that prides themselves in the quality of production should never have allowed this. Video quality is average at best, almost as if you are watching a VHS tape. Musicianship is stellar but Neal's vocals are definitely on the shaky side. He strains to hit high notes, etc. Maybe it was an off night, but again, they should have not released this as it was. It is great to see them live (they never came to my neck of the woods), but it is sad that there will never be a DVD that will capture them in a true digital 5.1 mix and in 16:9 widescreen glory. I am still a fan, but not of this release. If you are a fan, rent before you buy....

Average customer rating:

Waste of $ & Time
garbage and a waste of time.
Filled with knowledge
WHY? WHY? WHY?
Ice Cube "The Making of a Don"

Making of a Don
Starring: Ice Cube
Manufacturer: Azure
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00009UVY7
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Description

The true life tale of the great American dream. ONe man's rise from the streets of South Central Los Angeles to the hills of Hollywood. Witness how one of the architects of gangster rap started a solo career that's responsible for a number of multi-platinum albums and taking hip hop to the movies. "Ice Cube, The Making of a Don" takes you on a journey through his humble beginnings and through his extraordinary career that has spanned nearly two decades. Get up-close and personal with one of this generations most compelling artists and human beings.

Customer Reviews:

Waste of $ & Time.......2006-03-15

This unauthorized documentary is a waste of time to watch and a waste of money to purchase. It is very obvious that the creators of this film have very superficial knowledge of Ice Cube. The people interviewed are irrelevant to the topic, there is no Ice Cube music at all in the film, the graphic quality and animation is poor (looks like something done on PowerPoint), and the video footage of Ice Cube is minimal. The narration is dry, boring, unpleasant to the ear, and repetitive. The fact that much of the film features the narrator reading off the liner notes verbatim of Ice Cube albums show that the creators were desperate in finding relevant material. You will be displeased with this purchase, I do not recommend this. You will be better off reading about Ice Cube online than this DVD.

garbage and a waste of time........2003-09-29

This dvd was total trash. It told about cube and his life growing up then it went to the good life clubbers dissing him and saying he stole there style. I was like who did the director have to screw to get this on dvd. And the end was total garabage with the last guy talking jibberish showing his tattos And the people on the street acting like they didnt want to be bothered. Dont waste your time on this on.

Filled with knowledge.......2003-08-08

Every questions I ever had about Cube was answered in the DVD. Ive followed this man since his N.W.A. days. And not till I watched this Video did I realize how little I actually new about him. I feel closer to him than ever and I can truly call my self a fan!

WHY? WHY? WHY?.......2003-07-25

Why do people keep making these unauthorized projects that have no music, no real artist footage and just talk about garbage... i dont understand why this was even made.. i would have given zero stars if i could

Ice Cube "The Making of a Don".......2003-06-10

I thought this film was very indept and I definitely give it a rave review, it's a must see.

They Shoot Movies, Don't They? ...The Making of Mirage

Average customer rating:

Utterly pointless
I loved it.
In the name of Mizoguchi -- Don't see this movie!
They Shoot Movies Don't They?

They Shoot Movies, Don't They? ...The Making of Mirage
Starring: Tom Paul Wilson , Adele Baughn , Toni Gallagher , Craig Lachman , and Jack Hamblin
Director: Frank Gallagher (IV)
Manufacturer: Goldhil Home Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000BYA4RY
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Description

The line between fact and fiction is often blurred in Hollywood. A true story based upon a lie. Tom Paulson, a fledging baseball superstar suffers an injury and is forced to quit. Never to be held down, he follows his creative heart to the heart of Hollywood, where he scores a much sought after position with a large movie studio. But it doesn't turn out to be all the glitter he was expecting.
Just three years in, Tom leaves his cushy corporate job in Hollywood to pursue his own venture as a independent filmmaker. During the shoot, changes occur and things happen that result his funding being reneged. But he must finish the film. Tom begs and borrows to complete the picture, but to little avail. Viewers give tons of feedback, telling Tom that the film is "interesting," but still offer up little cash. As a last ditch effort, Tom sells his baseball card collection and heads East through the desert...
His story ends in a Vegas hotel room.
Customer Reviews:

Utterly pointless .......2006-04-04
This is a mock-documentary, but unlike the Christopher Guest movies or "This is Spinal Tap", this movie is not meant to be funny. We're supposed to care about a total loser who is trying to get finishing funds for his crap movie that nobody likes. Every aspect of this movie is poorly done, even the narration sounds amateurish. I can't figure out what the filmmakers had in mind with this. I had heard about it getting lots of attention when it showed on IFC. Now I know why: the movie is a big cheat. It tries to seem "real" and has what would be a very tragic ending, if it actually happened. But it didn't happen, none of it happened. Imagine the "Blair Witch Project" but without the scares. There are so many real documentaries about filmmaking that I can't imagine why anyone would waste their time with this.
I loved it........2006-02-13
I loved this movie! Never before have I felt compelled to write a letter like this, but I've gotta tell you these guys are frickin' geniuses! I was so taken in by the whole thing, I couldn't get to sleep until I did further research about the project/Tom. The back story was really digging at me and damn if they didn't cover all the bases! I went to the website, and even to IMDB, it took me awhile to find the truth, but they got me! They definitely have put together a masterpiece and I truly have nothing but the utmost respect for what they've accomplished here. Although I spent most of the morning praying for the poor boys' soul, I can honestly say I will recommend this movie to EVERYONE, (which I have all day), and I'll let them figure it out. This movie has instilled in me, a new desire to complete my own unfinished projects and although I truly believe that I'll never be able to reach the artistic heights that these film makers have, it will be something that I will strive for. This movie is the "Goal Post"! Thank you!!!!!
In the name of Mizoguchi -- Don't see this movie!.......2006-02-09
I hated this movie. I saw this some time ago on IFC and its memory has apparently stayed with me so I could write this review.

Here is a film that lacks all subtlety, humor, and intelligence. In its desperate attempt to portray "reality," it forgot about little things like writing, acting, and any kind of formal display of cinematic know-how. It's all very much in bad taste and completely unbelievable. If you want to see an unltra-cynical (read: ultra-stupid) take on filmmaking with a disdain for the human race then this is the stuff that will take you there. Do anything: read a book, watch a movie (read: a good movie), maybe even take a long walk - but don't see this. You will never get back the time this 'movie' steals from you.

Thanks for the space Amazon, it's been cathartic.
They Shoot Movies Don't They?.......2006-02-03
I thought it was great and it's fun to show to other people... I also agree with these reviewers I found...

DVD SAVANT
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
They Shoot Movies, Don't They? becomes kind of a reality cinema Citizen Kane, ...becomes sort of a Death of a Salesman. The ending is brutally honest

DVD BEAVER
Gary W. Tooze
It's a riveting film to be sure - I was reminded of Chris Smith's American Movie (1999), but certainly much darker. We certainly recommend seeing it...

DVD TOWN
Justin Cleveland
Amalgamates "American Movie" and "Waiting for Guffman." ...This is like both of those... and something completely original... it is a fascinating, gripping portrait, It is definitely worth a viewing.

JWR REVIEWS
S. James Wegg
...there's much to savour in Gallagher's work. The near freeze-frame reaction from Adele after blurting out "Maybe you know something I don't," is worth the price of admission alone.

ROTTENTOMATOES
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
It leads to a shocking twist ending, as Tom shows how deeply he's been affected by this setback and how far he's willing to go to settle things. His extreme reaction to the crisis is what makes the film controversial.

MICHAELS MOVIE MAYHEM
Reviewed by Michael E, Carver
They Shoot Movies has earned a place in the canon of Independent films...

LOS ANGELES TIMES
Reviewed by BRIAN LOWRY
...it truly blurs the lines between reality and fiction... perhaps more telling than Project Greenlight.
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