Picasso

Starring:FÃ©odor Atkine, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso
Director: Didier Baussy
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
This 80-minute survey of the works of cubism's great master is a little slow, granted. Other titles in the Portrait of an Artist series move faster and explore the lives and philosophies of the artists in more depth and more personally. But Pablo Picasso isn't your everyday artist, and his work and philosophy can't be summed up even in 80 minutes with great ease. This documentary focuses heavily on the art per se, and in sequential order--passing from Picasso's traditional, post-Impressionist still lifes and portraits into his increasingly abstract work. The sheer number of paintings presented here is impressive for any video of this nature; usually directors choose to showcase only a few typical pieces. But here we find beside Picasso's well-known cubist works and legendary allegories--such as Guernica--exposure to the untamed, moody early Picasso, the somber, blue Picasso. There are paintings here not usually featured in Picasso exhibitions--paintings that may surprise you, paintings that don't at first seem representative of his work we know best. The narrative of the documentary uses a choppy voiceover that evokes in its own way, perhaps a bit pretentiously, the modernist style in most of the work. And then there is the metal-gate motif: each new set of paintings is first presented hung from the grating of a large, industrial metal gate and slid before the eyes of the camera on the gate's tracks. Lights then highlight or shade the next painting for consideration. It's a stark, somewhat alienating approach--but not inappropriate. Less stark but no less provocative is the interspersal of scenes of a Spanish bullfight, in all its gory detail. If you are new to abstract modernism, you may find this video a bit over your head, but for hardcore Picasso enthusiasts, there is much here to satisfy. --Erik Macki
Description
The genius of Picasso is universally acknowledged. His works are uniquely identifiable, yet no painter has developed so many styles of painting. At each stage his work seems to find stylistic resolution, but then comes a revolutionary change that leads to new and surprising directions. Picasso has dominated Modern Art--his works are a constant revelation and more than any other testimony, they illuminate the paradoxes of this elusive man. Acclaimed art film director Didier Baussy-Oulianoff has given us a unique and personal look at the man and his art.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Average customer rating:

Parrotts of Telegraph Hill

A must for bird lovers

The Bird Man of ... San Fran....

A Helping Hand in Friendship

Touching Tale of Parrots

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Starring: Charles Mingus , Gary Scott Thompson , A. Pushkin , Claude Picasso , and Helen Olive
Manufacturer: NEW VIDEO GROUP
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000BB1534
Release Date: 2005-12-26

Amazon.com

Quiet patience and an observant eye turn a seemingly unpromising subject into a rich and fascinating movie. The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill captures the life of Mark Bittner, a gentle homeless musician who's befriended a flock of wild parrots in a neighborhood of San Francisco. Following Bittner, the

camera zooms in on individual parrots, revealing their individual personalities and the traits of their species. This leads to Bittner's own life, the network of friendships that support him, and the ways in which the parrots--a non-native species--interact with both the natural ecosystem and the city government; just about every topic opens up another until a flock of colorful birds represents a microcosm of nature and society.

Filmmaker Judy Irving has created an exemplary documentary simply by paying attention to the details of the world around her subject.

Everything you expect from a Hollywood blockbuster--romance, violence, humor, sorrow, strong personalities in conflict--is here in spades, except that the heroes and heroines have bright red and green feathers. Utterly rewarding. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description:
An "engrossing, delightful film" (The Washington Post), The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is the bonafide sleeper theatrical hit of the year. The film's endearing guide is Mark Bittner, an aging bohemian, but the supporting cast members, a rambunctious flock of urban parrots, are the true stars, and their surprisingly humanlike behavior makes for a wondrous and rare experience. The film follows the ups-and-downs of these wild birds within the green niches of San Francisco as Bittner befriends, feeds, and names the members of the flock. Along the way, we meet many unforgettable characters: among them Connor, the grouchy yet lovable outcast of the flock, crying for a mate but luckless in his pursuits, and "the lovers," Picasso and Sophie, inseparable until Sophie is forced into mourning when Picasso disappears. More than a mere birdwatcher, Bittner finds solace in his immersion with these strikingly beautiful creatures - but how will he cope when he's evicted from his sanctuary and forced to live away from the parrots? Packed with romance, comedy and a surprise ending that "makes you feel like you could fly out of the theater" (San Jose Mercury News), The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill shows just how wondrously similar the human and animal worlds really can be.

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Description

An "engrossing, delightful film" (The Washington Post), THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL is the bonafide sleeper theatrical hit of the year. The film's endearing guide is Mark Bittner, an aging bohemian, but the supporting cast members, a rambunctious flock of urban parrots, are the true stars, and their surprisingly humanlike behavior makes for a wondrous and rare experience. The film follows the ups-and-downs of these wild birds within the green niches of San Francisco as Bittner befriends, feeds, and names the members of the flock. Along the way, we meet many unforgettable characters: among them Connor, the grouchy yet lovable outcast of the flock, crying for a mate but luckless in his pursuits, and "the lovers," Picasso and Sophie, inseparable until Sophie is forced into mourning when Picasso disappears. More than a mere birdwatcher, Bittner finds solace in his immersion with these strikingly beautiful creatures - but how will he cope when he's evicted from his sanctuary and forced to live away from the parrots? Packed with romance, comedy and a surprise ending that "makes you feel like you could fly out of the theater" (San Jose Mercury News), THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL shows just how wondrously similar the human and animal worlds really can be. DVD Features: Origins of the Flock; Urban Legends; Update: Mingus at the Oasis; Parrots Music Video; Mark Bittner's Home Movies; Flock Updates; Deleted Scenes; Theatrical Trailer; Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; California Quail Bonus Short; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

Parrotts of Telegraph Hill.......2007-07-09

Fascinating story of one man's crusade to feed the parrotts of Telegraph Hill, San Francisco.

A must for bird lovers.......2007-07-09

As a conure owner, it was easy for us to see how easy it was to become owned by an entire flock. Their behavior in the wild is fascinating as is his story.

The Bird Man of ... San Fran...........2007-07-04

Mark Bittner, a semi-homeless Jerry Garcia look-alike befriends a flock of wild parrots and becomes obsessed with them. This short movie is an engaging profile of the Bird Man of San Fran and his love of feathered wild things. A few reactions and comments:

Humans tend to anthropomorphize animals. We project onto them emotions and motivations that we feel ourselves. This may or may not be justified. Does a parrot "grieve" over its lost mate? Does it feel love for a human? Who knows? We all do it, but is it justified or does it really make for a better story line?

No comment is made about the introduction of this non-native parrot species on the local ecosystem. It presumes as a given that the preservation and survival of these non-native parrots is a good thing, and maybe it is. However, it would be interesting to hear from an ecologist on the issue.

The film should have been underwritten by the San Francisco Tourist Bureau, not because it is a propaganda piece but because the movie is a lovely postcard to the beauty of this city by the Bay. From a street level, it is easier to overlook the spectacular vistas that surround San Francisco. The movie makes you want to visit there just to drink in the beauty of the city.

Worth seeing!

A Helping Hand in Friendship.......2007-07-03

I was impressed with the bond that was created on both sides. Each teaching the other about love and compassion. This movie taught me to see nature in a different way.

Touching Tale of Parrots.......2007-07-03

This was a great DVD. It's educational and just fascinating. Really great documentary about this family of parrots and the one guy who befriended them. I highy recommend it for anyone interested in not just birds, but nature itself. It's a story you wont forget.

Average customer rating:

WOW! and WOW again!
I've finally seen A Picasso being created.
A film as a priceless treasure:
For artists or Picasso fans only
Picasso exposed

The Mystery of Picasso
Starring: Pablo Picasso , and Claude Renoir
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00007ELEI
Release Date: 2003-01-04

Amazon.com

Just as visual artists understand the relationship between positive and negative space in their work, France's master filmmaker Henri-Georges Clouzot (Diabolique) understood--and set about demonstrating via The Mystery of Picasso--the relationship between creation and destruction in the artistic process. In 1955, Clouzot teamed with his friend Pablo Picasso to capture as many aspects of the brilliant painter's working methods as possible. Clouzot innovatively placed the camera in front of Picasso while the latter worked, thus capturing astonishing reverse images of brush strokes and "bleeding" inks in volatile motion. The result is that Clouzot's film--the screen, the frame--become Picasso's canvas, and we find ourselves inside his prodigious genius as works of beauty spontaneously burst forth and are instantly crushed beneath the weight of new images, new ideas. A viewer would be forgiven if, more than once, he felt like screaming at such nonchalant carnage. --Tom Keogh

Description

Like a matador confronting a bull, the artist approaches his easel. As he wields his brush, the painting dances into being before our eyes. Pablo Picasso, the most influential artist of the 20th century, is making art, and famous French director Henri-Georges Clouzot (Diabolique, The Wages of Fear) is making a movie. This entirely new kind of art documentary captures the moment and the mystery of creativity; for the film, the master created 20 artworks, ranging from playful black-and-white sketches to widescreen color paintings. Using inks that bled through the paper, Picasso rapidly created fanciful drawings that Clouzot was able to film from the reverse side, capturing their creation in real time. When the artist decided to paint in oils, the filmmaker switched to color film and employed the magic of stop-motion animation. By contract, almost all of these paintings were destroyed when the film was completed. Unavailable for more than a decade, "The Mystery of Picasso" is exhilarating, mesmerizing, and unforgettable; it is simply one of the greatest documentaries on art ever made. The French government agrees; in 1984 it declared the film a national treasure.

Customer Reviews:

WOW! and WOW again!.......2007-06-11

This DVD is startling. It shows Picasso painting (by placing the camera behind the canvas). It shows him work through a painting, or dash through a painting, all with great glee. You can acutally see him make a decision, then change his mind, then change it again. I had no idea this is really how painters paint.

This won the Palm d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in the late 1950s. It's easy to see why. I would love to watch it with a young child and then see what happens.

I've finally seen A Picasso being created. .......2007-05-27

This is a remarkable, swift, simple, beautiful, profound, fun and candid vision of the blank canvas turning into A Picasso. Director Henri-Georges Clouzot does just enough to infuse himself and the documentary presence of film, allowing the master to riff a couple dozen times. Simply watching the images appear and then evolve is a treat, scored with music. Picasso too brings some of himself to the film, but the dialogue is minimal, again focusing on the images he creates.
This is a very memorable work. It could succeed in a classroom for elementary, high school or even college students. It could play on a loop at a party. An artist could play and rewind a particular sequence, perhaps wanting to copy Picasso's brilliance.
Great.

A film as a priceless treasure:.......2007-04-15

A-one-of-a-kind look at the artistic process, the unique art documentary captures the creativity itself. Two friends, the great painter and the great director, Pablo Picasso and Henri-George Clouzot decided to do what Goethe's Faust had dreamed about - to capture and to store forever the moment of beauty and inspiration. Picasso conceives, sketches, and paints twenty canvases before our eyes as the camera rolls. The film did not solve the mystery of Picasso who had said about himself, "When I was 9 years old, I could paint like Rafael; as an adult, all my life I tried to learn how to paint like a child" but it lets us to be the eye-witnesses of the amazing process - the birth of twenty works of art into existence. Twenty exiting moments the only Artist could live through are captured forever for us to enjoy again and again. Clouzot uses a specially designed transparent 'canvas' to provide an unobstructed view and different techniques including slow motion animation to let the main character, the invisible Picasso's brush speak for itself. The film is accompanied by exquisite music and gorgeous photography by Claude Renoir, grandson of impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir and nephew of Jean Renoir. The paintings created by Picasso in the film cannot be seen anywhere else. They were destroyed upon completion of the film. The French government has taken over the preservation of the original negative and has declared this truly unique and priceless documentary a national (and I would call it an international) treasure.

Criterion DVD also includes "Guernica", a short documentary directed in 1950 by Alain Resnais before any of his feature films. Picasso's "Guernica" is one of the most famous paintings of the 20th Century which was created by the artist in response to bombing and destroying the ancient Basque town of Guernica by German aviation on April 27 1937 during Spanish Civil War. The painting is a passionate protest against war as well as the fascinating work of art. Resnais' 13 minutes short film is based on paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Pablo Picasso from 1902 until 949 including "Guernica" and is set against the ode written by French lyrical poet Paul Éluard and recited by Jacques Pruvost and María Casarès. In his early short film, Resnais already uses his famous jump cuts and cross-fades. "Guernica" is a valuable feature which goes well together with the marvelous "The Mystery of Picasso" and adds to understanding one of the most prolific and mysterious Artists of the last century.

For artists or Picasso fans only.......2007-01-27

Historically worth watching to see a shirtless, smoking Picasso creating several spontaneous drawings and paintings on the fly. Starting from markers and moving up to oil paints the drawings and paintings vary from straight forward sketches to his more well known cubist style. Best if watched in fast forward. You still get the point but in half the time. The cover painting is shot in a ten minute span but actually took five hours for Picasso to paint. The cubist paintings are fascinating to watch as Picasso starts with a sketch and morphs it into cubism, seemingly adding and subtracting layers in a random fashion. Interesting but ultimatley boring. Most of the paintings are crap and this is coming from a huge Picasso fan. It makes sense that all twenty paintings were destroyed after the filming. A wonderful guide for a painter wanting to watch Picasso's creative process but possibly not very interesting to the casual viewer.

Picasso exposed.......2007-01-05

An overview of the works and life of Picasso, as innovative as the man himself. Interesting techniques revealing the master's own techniques.

The Andy Sidaris Collection Vol. 2: Picasso Trigger/Guns/The Dallas Connection

Average customer rating:

Bullets,Bombs & Babes Say's it all
A mix between Roadhouse and Skinemax and Bond
andy sidaris knows how to make a movie part 2
repetition is bad
Well done.

The Andy Sidaris Collection Vol. 2: Picasso Trigger/Guns/The Dallas Connection
Starring: Andy Sidaris , Erik Estrada , Dona Speir , Roberta Vasquez , and Cynthia Brimhall
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse
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Gwendoline - Unrated Director's Cut (aka - The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik Yak)
Femalien

ASIN: B000B8IAJE
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Customer Reviews:

Bullets,Bombs & Babes Say's it all.......2006-11-10

That's the credo for the series of lighthearted sexy spy spoofs created by Andy Sidaris.If you were a fan of late night cable then chances are you are familiar with his work.A quick review of Andy Sidaris movies.Shot on the cheap,shot quickly,featuring at least a half a dozen Playboy Playmates or Penthouse Pets,studly guys,lots of wild action usually involving guns and or explosives,simplistic if sometimes silly plots,ample nudity and an overall sense of plain fun.This particular 3 disc set features 1988's Picasso Trigger,1990's Guns,and 1994's the Dallas Connection.My favorite is Dallas Connection but Picasso Triggers fun too.Guns is mediocre compared to other Sidaris films.Playboy Playmate Dona Speir stars in Picasso Trigger and Guns while Julie K. Smith and Julie Strain carry the ball in Dallas Connection.I won't take up much space telling you the plots of the 3 films .The basic gist is Speir and her partners( Hope Marie Carlton or Roberta Vasquez) are agents trying to bust various bad guys trying to destroy the world.Samantha Phillps leads the agents in Dallas Connection and Strain's Black Widow is their nemises.Chips alumini Erik Estrada is the villian in Guns the evil Rodrigio Oberegon is the villian in Picasso Trigger and Dallas Connection.If you are a fan of campy not to be taken as art cinema I highly recomend any of the Sidaris films( well up until Day of the Warrior where he started losing it).

A mix between Roadhouse and Skinemax and Bond.......2006-03-09

First off, these movies are completely retarded. They're ridiculous and are far from being quality films, but that doesnt mean they arent entertaining... I watched Picasso Trigger and had to change my shirt because I spit beer all over myself when watching the motorcycle "chase" scene. 80's Playmates riding motorcross bikes in tank tops (and no bra's!) and using an explosive boomerang to take out one of the bad guys is just one of the highlights.

If you're in to bad dialogue and bad acting, these movies are a gold mine. Seriously -- RoadHouse, Stone Cold, Point Break, etc. dont even come close. If the Coen brothers tried to make a bad movie, it'd probably look like these... I just realized that that's probably an obtuse compliment, even if it may be insulting. Whatever... Where can you get three hilariously lame movies for less than 20 bucks? I highly recommend it.

andy sidaris knows how to make a movie part 2.......2006-01-01

pacasso trigger, guns, and the dallas connection are the films in this second collection of his films. mr. sidaris was a cameraman for a.b.c. sports for years and on his off times he and his wife made some of the best drive-in movies ever made. i saw them when cable t.v. hit our area in the early 80's and they were great. no deep meaning, just action, and fine looking babes. not for the kids but for the adults who never really grew up. much fun and action to be had here so sit back and just enjoy an actoin and babe packed movie.

repetition is bad.......2005-12-24

I love the andy sidaris films,the action,the girls, its like watching a james bond movie. But why have some of the same movies from Vol.1 appear in other volumes? each volume should have totally different movies,and why only 3 movies in the 2nd and 3rd volumes? where is FIT TO KILL,SEVEN,DO OR DIE,and HARD HUNTED in the other volumes? I hope another volume comes out that includes these films.

Well done........2005-11-23

The rest of the film distribution community could learn a thing or two from the team of Andy and Arlene Sidaris. They make films with the budget some directors spend on groceries every week, and they do it well. But if you're reading this, you already know that. You want to know how the DVD's are, especially since the last four Sidaris movies that didn't see release yet are being released one a piece in each of these new box sets.

Never fear. Nothing has changed from the previous releases. Same director's commentaries, same featurettes, same film school lessons. Hell, even the same menus. Nothing has changed but the cover art and the packaging, which is also well put together for a multi-disk set. Everything is secure, and the box is stout and sturdy enough to make it through a rather long shipment without getting jiggled too much. That's a good thing, because if the contents of the box got jiggled and scratched, then you couldn't watch the intended jiggly parts that the shiny pieces of plastic contain. (It's funny, because I'm talking about breasts.)

The next two sets are listed to come out on Valentine's Day (isn't it appropriate?). If you keep an eye on them and preorder, each of these sets of three obscenely fun movies can be obtained for less than the cost of the individual movies from the previous distributer. Buy them. Buy them good and hard, and help the Sidaris family finance their next picture, Battlezone Hawaii.

Average customer rating:

perfect
The one to watch...
PICASSO DVD
THE BEST DVD ON PICASSO
ON-LINE PICASSO PROJECT

Picasso: Magic Sex Death
Director: Waldemar Januszczak
Manufacturer: Bfs Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Picasso: The Man and His Work - Part 2 (1938-1973)
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ASIN: B00009ME9S
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Customer Reviews:

perfect.......2006-05-02

I can't imagine a DVD set being more complete. It details his personal life as well as huge amounts of art, and how the two mingle. With interviews of friends, shots from places made famous (like 4 Cats), and work I'd never seen before, this documentary is a masterpiece. I've watched it over and over; it's like a live-action coffee table book. If you like Picasso, this is the most valuable and substantial thing you can own.

The one to watch..........2005-09-26

For anyone with an interest in art or Pablo Picasso in particular - this is 'THE' dvd to own. But coming from Richardson (whose two books on the young Picasso are among the best there is - Still awaiting the third!) I couldn't have expected any less. No murky footage on this dvd (unlike many other of those old dusty art bios) crystal clear images, good interviews, and lots of interesting info throughout. For all involved in it's making - My thanks! It's been a joy to watch again and again...

(Now if you'll excuse me... have to go muster some 'Voodoo' of my own... ;O)

PICASSO DVD.......2004-01-22

In addition to a wonderful film by John Richardson, the DVD-ROM contains a PICASSO TIMELINE (754 pages of text) edited from the ON-LINE PICASSO PROJECT, an on-line catalogue raisonné of Pablo Picasso's entire artistic production. The ON-LINE PICASSO PROJECT, directed by DR. ENRIQUE MALLEN (Texas A&M University), currently catalogues nearly 7,000 artworks. New artworks are added on a regular basis. Users may visit the ON-LINE PICASSO PROJECT.

THE BEST DVD ON PICASSO.......2004-01-04

Excellent documentary film by John Richardson. A second DVD-ROM also included contains an astounding amount of information selected from the On-Line Picasso Project by Dr. Enrique Mallen. This is an essential two DVD set for anyone interested in Pablo Picasso.

ON-LINE PICASSO PROJECT.......2003-10-04

I love this documentary by John Richardson. It is an honor to have been asked to contribute to this great DVD with a lengthy selection of biographical and critical material from the ON-LINE PICASSO PROJECT.

Picasso: The Man and His Work - Part 1 (1881-1937)

Average customer rating:

Made with the complete collaboration of Picasso

Picasso: The Man and His Work - Part 1 (1881-1937)
Starring: Pablo Picasso
Manufacturer: View Video
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ASIN: B00007F8OA
Release Date: 2002-11-15

Description

V.I.E.W. VIDEO is proud to present this enhanced video anthology of Pablo Picasso, considered by many to be the greatest painter of our time, and perhaps of all time. This unique film and the many bonus features reveal many unknown aspects of his work and personality and contains over 600 of his works, many never seen in public. Furthermore, these are the last pictures ever taken of Picasso during his lifetime.

HOW THIS SERIES WAS MADE:
Edward Quinn, photographer and filmmaker, had the complete collaboration of Picasso, at work and at play. Filmed where Picasso lived and worked, Quinn was allowed to do as he liked, provided that Picasso was free to do what he wanted. Using intimate and exclusive home movies and photos, Quinn has created a screenplay showing Picasso as if he were going through the scrapbook of his life. With many flashback sequences showing the mutations and evolution of his work in progress, we chronologically follow his works and the episodes of his life in parallel.

PART 1 (1881-1937)
Starting in 1896, when he was only 15, we trace Picasso's artistic development, exploring his work as a youth, from the Blue period to the Pink period and his first steps into Cubism in 1906. Then we discover the Chrysteline period where he went from analytical to synthetic Cubism until entering his Neoclassical period in 1918. Part 1 culminates with the painting of his masterpiece "Guernica" in 1937.

Customer Reviews:

Made with the complete collaboration of Picasso.......2004-03-06

Picasso: The Man And His Work is a two volume DVD anthology that painstakingly researches and portrays the life of revolutionary modern painter Picasso. Part 1 covers 1881-1937 and Part 2 covers 1938-1973. Originally made with the complete collaboration of Picasso himself, this artistic presentation unfolds in flashback format, alternately showing scenes of Picasso's life, and in turn displaying how his life experiences deeply affected his work. An absolute "must-have" for fans of Picasso's pioneering style, Picasso: The Man And His Work: Parts 1 & 2 is very highly recommended viewing. A core addition to art school and community library Art History collections, each DVD biographical documentary is in black-and-white, with a running time of 45 minutes plus 60 minutes of bonus features including art galleries, director's memoirs on Picasso, bonus music, and more.

Picasso: The Man and His Work - Part 2 (1938-1973)

Average customer rating:

An absolute "must-have" for fans

Picasso: The Man and His Work - Part 2 (1938-1973)
Starring: Pablo Picasso
Manufacturer: View Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00007F8OB
Release Date: 2002-11-15

Description

Winner of...
Cannes Film Festival Official Selection

PART 2 (1938-1973)
Through the war years and life on the French Riviera, Picasso's work moves on to include ceramics, sculpture, pottery and graphics. The period from 1946 to 1973 is made up primarily of home movies, showing his relationships with his children and the women in his life, and emphasizing the enormous amount of work accomplished by Picasso during his last 20 years. We observe Picasso, 90 years old, working on a copper plate engraving as we follow the progress and changes made through 6 different stages.

Customer Reviews:

An absolute "must-have" for fans.......2004-03-06

Average customer rating:

Great film, bad politics
TOKYO JO
Under Fire
Taking sides
Sound Quality is Extremely Awful! Buyers Beware!

Under Fire
Starring: Nick Nolte , Ed Harris , Gene Hackman , Joanna Cassidy , and Alma Martínez
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Salvador (Special Edition)
The Year of Living Dangerously
Missing
The Killing Fields
Uncommon Valor

ASIN: B00005LOKX
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Amazon.com essential video

Under Fire is a savvy political thriller of journalists in war-torn Nicaragua circa 1979. Clayton Frohman and Ron Shelton's (Bull Durham) script follows ace photojournalist Russell Price (Nick Nolte, in a key marquee performance) from the jungles of Africa to the Central American boiling point. Along with the usual band of fellow journalists, Price finds himself involved in a love triangle with Claire (Joanna Cassidy in her best role) and Alex Grazier (Gene Hackman, perfect again), who believes he's one career-making story from a lofty news anchor position. In Nicaragua, Price finds his own deadly mission: to photograph an unknown rebel leader.

Although the setup is traditional, Roger Spottiswoode's film feels as alive and vital as the best of the genre. Showing his ambiguity for the lives he shoots, Price is just as friendly with the impoverished in Africa as with an icy mercenary, Oates (Ed Harris in a role the polar opposite of his breakthrough performance in The Right Stuff the same year). On one level, Oates and Price are simply Americans doing their jobs in a foreign land. But soon Price has a change of heart. Blessed by a splendid final-act action sequence that is unforced and emotionally charged, the film is stuffed with color and energy, a good dose of which is supplied by Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar-nominated score. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

Great film, bad politics.......2007-05-02

This film is about professional news correspondents in Nicaragua during the Sandinista overthrow of President Somoza. It is well directed and produced and is very entertaining. That said . . . let's talk about this film.

This movie has been very favorably reviewed and hyped and I had high expectations. I read the Amazon reviews in advance and felt disdain for those that expressed negative comments toward the film regarding it being Marxist or having a dumb love story embedded in it.

Now, after having viewed the film, my observations are: It is Marxist and the love story within the plot is needless and dumb. Specifically, the plot gave a nod to the notion of filing intentionally false news reports in the interest of aiding the noble left-wing revolutionists. It's clear which side the producers were on and the bias detracted from the story. Oh, the love story. It was in the way and awkward.

The location sets were awesome. Great cinematography. The actors: Gene Hackman on his game as always. Ed Harris provides sinister comedy and is great. Joanna Cassidy generally earned her paycheck but I can't figure out why anybody considers her "hot". I loathed the younger Nick Nolte although he improved nicely with age and became something of a talent. Here, he is not mature yet.

Entertaining, well made flick. I don't like being preached to, however (at least this wasn't as bad as your typical Steven Segal project).

TOKYO JO.......2006-12-01

WELL, GREAT ACTING, GREAT MUSIC, GREAT COSTUMES. TO BAD THEY RUINED THE MOVIE BY MAKING IT A PRO MARXIST MOVIE. I HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME ENJOYING A MOVIE IN WHICH THE STARS ARE IN LOVE WITH A MARXIST REVOLUTION. WOW! WOULEND'T IT BE GREAT TO HAVE A COMMUNIST GOVERNMENT IN NICARAGUA.

Under Fire.......2006-02-01

This is a complicated, convoluted political thriller combined with a love affair between the three stars. Nick Nolte, Gene Hackman and Joanna Cassidy. There is action but the action punctuates the plot and character development as opposed to being the point of the film. It was made in the mid'80's and you need to know it plays like a mid '80's film instead of the explosion every five minutes mentality of today.

Taking sides.......2005-10-30

Under Fire is one of the few mainstream American `political' movies to emerge from the studio system, but along with Missing it's probably the best. On one level it grafts a traditional romantic triangle onto its story of American war correspondents in Nicaragua gradually finding themselves drawn to taking sides instead of taking pictures, but at least it's a convincingly grown-up relationship that allows Nick Nolte, Gene Hackman and a never better Joanna Cassidy to really shine. It's a shame that Cassidy never got more opportunities like this: a last-minute replacement for Julie Christie, she's extraordinarily good here. The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, with a star-making turn from Ed Harris as an amiable but deadly mercenary a standout, although Jean-Louis Tritignant's deceptively unsubtle CIA man gives him a run for his money (not so much for his performance - his English was non-existent and it's obvious he's learned his lines phonetically - but because he has most of the film's best dialog). Extremely well directed by Roger Spottiswoode with a promise he never really fulfilled, it's an impressive albeit partisan portrait of a country decaying in the last stages of revolution and also boasts what is possibly Jerry Goldsmith's finest score (which is saying quite something). Impressive stuff, but it's a shame that so little effort has gone into the DVD - the film is more than worthy of a special edition.

Sound Quality is Extremely Awful! Buyers Beware!.......2005-06-30

Again a defected product from MGM! sound quality is awful. in most of the scenes you have to guess the speeches or read actors lips! worse is there is no english subtitles. only french and spanish. Luckily i simply rented this movie and I strongly recommand everyone to rent it and watch. I can't reduce this movie's rating even cause of bad DVD release! but beware of buying this DVD cause of low quality of sound.
This movie deserves an Special Edition release with behind the scenes and real doumentaries. but the DVD is simple. only theatrical trailer. Thanks to god it's at least Dual-layer!

Scipio Africanus: The Defeat of Hannibal

Average customer rating:

A Fascist Adventure!
VICTORIAM AVT MORTEM
Ancient Spectacle
Scipio Africanus: The Defeat of Hannibal
a good classic

Scipio Africanus: The Defeat of Hannibal
Starring: Annibale Ninchi , Camillo Pilotto , Fosco Giachetti , Francesca Braggiotti , and Marcello Giorda
Director: Carmine Gallone
Manufacturer: International Historic Films, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Hannibal
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ASIN: B000065VVG
Release Date: 2001-11-15

Customer Reviews:

A Fascist Adventure!.......2007-07-07

The scene where the Carthaginian queen drinks the cup of poison has to be the most glamourous death scene in film. Eventhough it wasn't made in Hollywood it probably defines the decadent/femme fatale motif that is Hollywood. It's almost ritualized the way she takes up the cup -- very Kenneth Anger and very Salome. The rest of the film is a sight as well. For students of history, political science or anyone with a fascination with fascism should watch this movie. The constant Roman salutes and brandishing of the fasces are absolute propoganda spectacle! Oh, and the elephants are actually getting butchered.

VICTORIAM AVT MORTEM.......2005-06-23

"Victory or death!" This is one of the principal themes of Carmine Gallone's 1937 film: a superb work in which its collosal production is carried by a brilliant direction, a clever screenplay, a tight script, and good acting. The film is also unprecedented in terms of its incredible historical detail. Released in 1937 and backed by Mussolini's government, this film was the most expensive Italian production of its time with 30,000 extras, 6,000 horses, and 50 elephants. The cinematography is excellent and parallels Reifenstalh's contemporary works under the Nazi regime in Germany. Unlike German propaganda films of that time however, this film is rather unintrusive in terms of propaganda and carries no racist ideology such as with Goebbels' films: the historical setting is simply conducive to fascist Italy's ideology of restoring the nation to the level of its glorious Roman past as desired by Mussolini.

The film is presented from Scipio's point of view and covers the last part of the Second Punic War where Hannibal retreats from Italy to Carthage with haste to defend his home and fight the final battle of Zama. Hannibal is presented as an honorable foe who, like Scipio, is bound to follow his destiny and serve his nation no matter what the cost. Political intrigue arises when Hasdrubal's daughter, Queen Sophonisba, uses her seductive charms to coax her Numidian husband Syphax and his rival Massanisa to fight the Romans. The level of historical detail is probably the most faithful than any other film on Roman history. All of the clothing, architecture, military equipment and tactics are presented with exact accuracy. The legions are shown with the proper uniforms, armaments, and tactics of that period. The tactical maniple formations are shown as opposed to the cohort formations of the Late Republic. The quinquireme galleys were produced to exact scale and made fully functional: they also include the innovative hooked and swiveling boarding ramp (corvus) used during that time. The battle scene of Zama is the most impresive and graphic ever presented in a film on antiquity using 50 elephants and replicated at 1/10 the scale with 30,000 actors. The battle scene is extremely graphic even in comparison to modern films with some very violent close quarter combat. This is probably not a film for animal lovers as, unfortunately, some of the elephants were speared and butchered to add realism to the film: Mussolini felt that historical realism outweighed the lives of these poor animals. The English script, written and dubbed in 1937 by an American company, is also outstanding and as stoic as the speeches recited in Livy's histories on the wars with Hannibal.

Some of the downsides of the film are antiquated acting techniques in which some of the actors are still using theatrical methods prevalent in silent films which don't really work well with sound films. As a result, some scenes come out as over-dramatic, particularly in the minimal romantic subplots which are fortunately and short and sparing. Shortcomings aside, the lavish sets and cinematography are stunning and remained unmatched until later period films such as 'Cleopatra' and 'Spartacus.' As a matter of fact, one can see that both Mankievicz and Kubrick were heavily influenced by Gallone's direction and camera work along with the grandiose sets in this film. This is simply an outstanding film that completely outclasses the later and atrocious 'Hannibal' with Victor Mature. This is an excellent film that is a fine addition to any film lover's collection: particularly for those who are Roman history buffs or scholars of fascism and 20th century propaganda.

On a final note, contrary to the previous reviewer E.R. Curry's claims, the Roman salute is anything but a fascist invention of the 20th century attributed to Ancient Rome. Jaques Louis David portrayed the Roman salute in his 1792 painting "The Oath of the Horatii" showing the legendary Roman Horatii brothers saluting their father with the Roman salute as they go to war. This painting was completed over 200 years before socialism, fascism, or film ever existed. Fascist ideology in principle seeks to apply the Roman concept of the dictator to modern times in which one's full allegiance to the needs of the state is imperative above everything else. It is akin to Cincinnatus accepting his appointment as dictator and leaving his farm to fulfill his sworn patriotic duty no matter what the sacrifice may be. The Nazi or fascist salute is therefore a revivance of what was thought to be the original Roman salute as portrayed in David's painting and other classicist or neo-classicist works of art. Although no one can be certain as to when the Roman salute came into existance and whether it was indeed Roman, it unquestionably came into being long before Mr. Curry claims to have been the case.

Ancient Spectacle.......2004-10-13

Even if this is propaganda the movie provides a handsome production. The viewer can certainly see the attempt to link Moussolini with Scipio. The fascist salute is everywhere, even if the Romans did not actually salute in that fashion themselves. My opinion is that you look at a film like this as a period piece. Both in terms of the time it is portraying as well as the time it was made in. Both are revealing. There is no question that we must regard Scipio as the good hero of the film. From what we know of him he was a considered one of the great generals of antiquity, and he did arouse firece loyalty in his troops. Then again, most Roman generals did, as it was part of the political process to do so. The interesting thing about the movie is the fact that Scipio lived during the time of the early Roman Republic. Moussolini would have more in common with the later imperial Roman State. Still, these are matters which should not concern ourselves with here. There are numerous contrivences in the film. It is doubtful that Scipio's wife was captured and brutalized by the Carthagenians. Hannibal is portrayed as evil, yet likeable at the same time. His dovation to staying in Italy reflects the fact that he had spent 18 years there attempting to subdue Rome. What is admirable is the production value here. There are no computer graphics showing those large armies and giant Triemes! This is a prodction on an epic scale.

The film shows an interesting relationship with queen Sophoasisba, one of the great femme fatals of antiquity if we are to believe Livy! She was involved with both the key Numedian leaders, Syphax and Massinissa. The film shows her attempts to keep both against Rome as she was a Carthagenain princess. The film makes her luridly beautiful, and her fall is all the more likely against the honest Scipio. She drinks her cup of poison just as described by Livy in his accounts. The scene ends dramaitically.

The highlight of this film is the final battle of Zama, 202 BC. Here we have a faithful, large scale recreation of the event, complete with lumbering elephants. The battle scenes are impressive, and the fate of the elephants will be disturbing to some perhaps. I wonder if they actually killed any for this production. The movement of the Roman infantry formations appears quite accurate, and the viewer can get a good idea what the old Legions looked like. The battle shows the ebb and flow of events, massed cavalry action, Elephant attacks, and massed infantry. The battle developed similar to what the film shows.

The massed elephant attack was beaten off by the Romans with relative ease because they had grown accustomed to fighting against them in all their battles against Hannibal. The alliance of the Numideans ensures Scipio a comfortable cavalry superiority which is the decisive factor in winning the battle. After they crush the weak Carthagenain horse, they turn and attack Hannibal's old verterans from behind and crush them. This was not one of Scipios most impressive battles, but since it was against Hannibal it has come down as one of the decisive battles in history. The film does a decent job showing all of this, and is certainly worthwhile for those interested in this period, as well as Fascist cinema.

Scipio Africanus: The Defeat of Hannibal.......2004-06-16

This is a great and historic film. In fact you should view these four films as a set: the American "Ben-Hur" (1907), the Italian "Nerone" (1908), "Spartaco" (1914), and "Cabiria" (1914). These films were the origin of the "Roman salute" myth because these films show examples of a straight-arm salute. The "Roman salute" myth is the myth that the straight-arm salute was an ancient Roman custom, later borrowed by the long-time socialist Mussolini and by the National Socialist German Workers' Party. The myth arose in part because of the made-up Hollywood portrayals in these films. These films are notable also because they led to the historic discovery by America's leading expert on the Pledge of Allegiance (the author of "Pledge of Allegiance Secrets") that the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance was the origin of the salute of the monstrous National Socialist German Workers' Party. The "Roman Salute" myth grew because the viewing public forgot that the early U.S. Pledge used the straight-arm salute. The creator of the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance was a National Socialist in the U.S. (Francis Bellamy). The salute is not in any Roman art or text. Research posted at the American Philological Association supports the historian who made the discoveries.

On a final note, there is another reviewer who calls himself "Octavious" and not only is he in error but his name alone allows him to hide and removes any credibility from him. He also likes to use the f-word to cover-up for the National Socialist German Workers Party. He is so confused that in his efforts to reference "ancient Rome" he references a 1792 painting by Jaques Louis David: "The Oath of the Horatii." He then shows that he is unaware that the painting is fictional, and also involves a old myth. Also, even fictional, it does not show the Horatii brothers saluting their father with the Roman salute as they go to war, it shows them reaching for weapons. The painting was not completed over 200 years before socialism ever existed, and that was not the point anyway, as Octavius is simply evading because Octavius actually concedes that the earlier comments are correct, as Ocativus does not dispute the actual points made. Even Jacques Louis David did not use the term "Roman salute" and did not say what Octavius is trying to imply.

a good classic.......2002-09-24

this is a very good movie for the era which it was filmed. also makes a good find for silent movie buffs. I hope the remake of HANNIBAL featuring VIN DIESEL will live up to it's billing, (as well as the LEONARDO DiCAPRIO movie about ALEXANDER the GREAT)....
EL

Diaghilev, Cocteau - Picasso and Dance / Paris Opera Ballet

Average customer rating:

Had hoped for more
Ballet -- Vibrant and Amusing from the Early 20th Century
These ballets aren't seen much anymore, and I kind of know why ...
Remarkable Massine,
Diaghilev wanted to be amazed and he was!

Diaghilev, Cocteau - Picasso and Dance / Paris Opera Ballet
Starring: Elisabeth Maurin , Clotilde Vayer , Fabrice Bourgeois , Françoise Legrée , and Eric Quilleré
Director: Yvon Gérault
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

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The Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky / Sheherazade, La Spectre de la Rose, The Polovtsian Dances, The Firebird
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Cesare Pugni - La Fille du Pharaon (The Pharoah's Daughter) / Zakharova, Filin, Alexandrova, Yanin, Lacotte, Bolshoi Ballet
Delibes - Sylvia / Aurelie Dupont, Manuel Legris, Nicolas Le Riche, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Jose Martinez, Paris Opera Ballet

ASIN: B000BZIT4S
Release Date: 2005-12-20

Description

Between 1917 and 1962, Picasso was involved in creating the designs for nine ballets including Parade, Pulcinella and L'Après-midi d'un Faune, in collaboration with such artists as Jean Cocteau, Erik Satie, Igor Stravinsky, Claude Debussy, Léonide Massine and Vaslav Nijinsky. Le Train Bleu dates from 1924 and Le Tricorne from 1919. These two historic ballets, created originally by Sergei Diaghilev, have been revived by the Paris Opera Ballet. Le Train Bleu (The Blue Train): Scenario by Jean Cocteau, Music by Darius Milhaud. Perlouse: Élisabeth Maurin, The Handsome Youth: Nicholas Le Riche, The Tennis Champion: Clotilde Vayer, The Golfer: Laurent Quéval. Le Train Bleu is an operetta dansé of a chic and flippant society. Jean Cocteau, who wrote the scenario, mockingly celebrates the cult of open air life, fine bodies and sport. The dances are inspired by golf, tennis, swimming and acrobatics. Le Tricorne (The Three-Cornered Hat): Libretto by Gregorio Martinez Sierra, Music by Manuel De Falla, Choreography by Léonide Massine, Stage Curtain, Sets & Costumes by Pablo Picasso. The Miller: Kader Belarbi, The Miller's Wife: Françoise Legrée, Magistrate: Fabrice Bourgeois. Le Tricorne is Spanish from start to finish. Picasso, a native of Andalusia, created sets, costumes, and a stage curtain, which evokes the atmosphere of the ballet by means of a typically Spanish scene. The story, told with humour and warmth, is of a miller's wife, her jealous husband and a senile magistrate by whom she is pursued. An accompanying documentary, The Story of a Marriage, traces the story of Picasso's involvement with designs for ballet. Orchestre Des Concerts Lamoureux, Conducted By David Coleman. Special Feature: Directed by Yvon Gerault, The Story Of A Marriage, A film by Didier Baussy-Oulianoff, produced and narrated by Robin Scott. With rare photographs and archive footage, this documentary traces the story of Picasso's collaboration with, among others, Diaghilev, Cocteau and Massine, and of his designs for the ballet, from 1917 to 1924, inspired by his Russian wife, Olga Koklova. Program language English, with subtitles in English / French / German / Italian / Portuguese / Spanish / Japanese.

Customer Reviews:

Had hoped for more.......2006-10-17

Very attractive performances of the Blue Train (24m of amusing "fluff") and the Three-Cornered Hat (37m). The latter is the star of the show with De Falla's music and Picasso's designs for the stage curtain, costumes and sets - recreated by the Paris ballet. Picasso had nothing to do with the Blue Train except that a picture of his was used for the curtain. Since the main reason I bought the DVD was for the Picasso connection I would have liked to have a more appropriate 2nd illustration, if such is available, and more of the very interesting documentation (20m). I really like what Picasso did for the Three-Cornered Hat but I do feel a bit "short changed".

Ballet -- Vibrant and Amusing from the Early 20th Century.......2006-06-26

The real Blue Train transported the affluent from Paris to the southern coast of France to vacation in the sun. Few could afford such luxury, like the "jet set" of the 1950s and '60s. In her ballet by that name, Nijinska gently poked fun at their pursuits: swimming and sunbathing (in costumes by Chanel, of course), playing golf and tennis, flirting and preening themselves, having affairs, and expressing their jealousies. At the end of the Blue Train, we find a enraged couple in a fight -- except, of course, when lovingly posing for photos, all this to the music of Darius Milhaud.

De Falla's Three-Cornered Hat has become an orchestral showpiece of vibrant, Spanish music; Massine matches it, transporting the vigor of Flamingo dance to the ballet stage.

The performance of the Paris Opera Ballet is splendid, and the introductory material is both interesting and informative. It is a shame that Kultur only provided stereophonic sound.

These ballets aren't seen much anymore, and I kind of know why ..........2006-04-08

When people think of Serge Diaghilev's "Ballet Russes," they primarily think of two choreographers: Mikhail Fokine and George Balanchine. Fokine choreographed at the inception of the Ballet Russes, and his ballets -- Les Sylphides, Firebird, Petrushka, Spectre a la Rose -- are still danced by companies around the world. George Balanchine joined the company during its final years before Diaghilev's death in 1929, and the rest, as we say, is history.

However Diaghilev had many other choreographers, and this video by the POB highlights two of Diaghilev's less famous choreographers: Bronislava Nijinsky, the sister of the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky, and Leonid Massine, one of Diaghilev's lovers/dancers. The two ballets in the video are Le Train Bleu and Le Tricorne. Both had set designs by none other than Pablo Picasso, whose involvement in the Ballet Russes (he was married to one of its dancers, Olga Koklova) is explained in the documentary preceeding the performance.

The two works could not be any different. Le Train Bleu, premiered in 1924 and it really celebrates the freewheeling "flapper" era. The ballet seems to take place at a sporting resort. The "corps de ballet" consists of men and women in swimsuits. The two main characters are two young, beautiful swimmers (Elisabeth Maurin and Nicholas Riche) who flirt and fall in love. There's also a tennis champion (Clothilde Vayer) and a golfer (Laurent Queval). It is not really a classical ballet at all -- no one is on pointe, the men dance barefoot, and the role for the male swimmer is full of athletic strutting. The female swimmer has to pirouette and leap, but she also often has her feet flexed upwards, unturned out, toes unpointed. At one point the male swimmer flexes his biceps. Does all this sound terribly silly? Well, it is ... except that it's also consistently enjoyable and entertaining. The score by Darius Milhaud is bright and tuneful. And best of all, it's short. This is a ballet whose premise could easily have become tedious and ridiculous, but it's over before we think, "Oh, what a bore." Maurin, petite and bubbly, is charming in the lead role. LeRiche is also appropriately energetic, muscular, and, well ... studly.

More "serious" is Le Tricorne ("The Three Cornered Hat") which was inspired by the Ballet Russes' tour of Spain. The score is by Hector Villa-Lobos. The ballet is 40 minutes long, but it seems like 400. The storyline is supposedly that of a miller (Kader Belarbi) and his lovely wife (a wonderful Francoise Legree), but I admit that unless one read the notes on the back of the dvd, it would be hard to understand anything about the ballet, because the ballet really isn't much more than strutting and dancing, Spanish style. The abstract sets by Picasso don't help. Not much happens, in terms of storyline, until a silly old magistrate makes a pass at the wife. Of course the husband gets jealous, but even then, the story goes nowhere. I think Le Tricorne is one of those ballets that wastes a lot of time. A ballet does not need a storyline, but it does need cohesiveness. The repetitiveness of the choreography, especially in the beginning of the ballet, makes the mind wander. What could have been a charming slice of Spanish life becomes boring. And this ballet attempts to have a storyline, but, as I said, 99% of the ballet is the miller and his wife and the locals dancing, Spanish-style. And, as I said, the choreography is way too repetitive and stereotypical to be of much interest after about 10 minutes. Surely there is more to Spanish dancing than a woman constantly sashaying her skirt and a man stomping his feet.

Overall, I admire ballet companies when they try to dig out forgotten works, instead of simply dancing Swan Lake a million times. However, these two works I think are forgotten, for good reason. Le Train Bleu is a charming bit of fluff, but that's all it is, fluff. I do like the lovely, lilting score though. Le Tricorne is repetitive and unoriginal. One understands why almost 100 years later, ballet companies are still dancing Petrushka and the Firebird. And why they are not dancing Le Train Bleu and Le Tricorne.

Remarkable Massine, .......2006-02-23

It was more than time for ballet lovers to have a piece by Massine on vídeo. Massine was one of Diaghilev's chief choreographers - together with Bronislava Nijinska and Georgy Balanchivadze - after Nijinsky sank into madness and Fokine left the company. Up to now there was only one ballet available - a pirated staging of "Gaitée Parisienne", poorly filmed and in black and white. "The three-cornered hat" is a feast for the eyes and the ears alike. Manuel de Falla's music is briliant, with melodic elements taken from Andaluzian folk music. Contrary to what has been written elsewhere, this is not a "neoclassical ballet", for most of the steps are adapted from the language of "flamenco" and no pointe shoes are worn. In fact, Francoise Legrée, the main ballerina, wears low-heel shoes. The star of the production is Kader Belarbi - whom I had known dancing a very sober and dignified Bridegroom in Nijinska's "Les Noces", also from the Paris Opera. There are no pas de deux with the traditional variations, but brilliant solos - Belarbi dances an amazing "farruca" - and some duets. Fabrice Bourgeois - who plays the Corregidor, a kind of Governor in XIXth Century Spain -has some very funny pantomime parts to act.The final "general dance" is a joyous burst of energy. Sets and costumes - colorful and imaginative - are by Picasso.

The second ballet is Bronislava Nijinska's "The blue train" (1924). Frankly, I thought it was rather boring. There is no storyline to follow. A group of tourists at a fashionable summer resort - possibly Deauville, in Southern France - swim, frolic, play tennis and engage in sentimental affairs. And that's it! The language is that of modern ballet. The male lead is danced by Nicholas le Riche. As I had seen only one other Nijinska ballet - the severe and constructivist "Les Noces" - my opinion about this often praised coreographer still remains a bit hesitant. Perhaps London's Royal Ballet should release "Les Biches", which I believe is in their repertory.

There is a very interesting documentary with rare color footage of Massine dancing the Miller's role. It also shows Picasso's sketches for the costumes and sets.

I hope we will have other Massine ballets in the future. The Paris Opera could offer "La boutique fantasque" and "Pulcinella", and London's the Royal Ballet could release "The good-humoured ladies".

Allow me to end this review by correcting a minor misinformation about Diaghilev's challenge to the French poet Jean Cocteau "Astonish me". The challenge was met with the production of "Parade"(1917), a cubist ballet with music by Eric Satie, libretto by Cocteau and sets and costumes by Picasso, two years before "The three-cornered hat" (1919),which had a libretto by Martines de Sierra, based on a novel by Pedro de Alarcón.

Diaghilev wanted to be amazed and he was!.......2006-01-14

The Paris Opera Ballet does a fantastic job on these two comedic, neoclassical ballets from the early twentieth century. Although they are very modern in concept, they use mostly classical choreography, including virtuoso solos and PDD for men and women. Historical backgroung material is included before each ballet, including color film footage shot by Jean Cocteau himself to document the choreography. If you are open to very modern scenarios in ballet, you should really enjoy these exiting performances.

Artists of the 20th Century - Pablo Picasso

Average customer rating:

Interesting - But Quality Of DVD Could Have Been Better
Basically just a glorified slideshow of selected artwork

Artists of the 20th Century - Pablo Picasso
Starring: Artists of the 20th Century
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Art & Artists | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Artists of the 20th Century: Henri Matisse
Artists of the 20th Century: Salvador Dali
Artists of the 20th Century - Wassily Kandinsky
Artists of the 20th Century - Marc Chagall
Artists of the 20th Century - Joan Miro

ASIN: B00019G8BU
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Description

The definitive biography of artist Pablo Picasso accompanied by spectacular images of his greatest work.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting - But Quality Of DVD Could Have Been Better.......2006-08-10

In the history of modern art, Pablo Picasso is a nearly mythological figure. Born in Malaga, Picasso was an innovative master of various media and as one of the most prolific artists in history, creating more than 20,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, and ceramics using all kinds of materials. First famous for his pioneering role in Cubism, Picasso's art developed with a pace and energy parallel to the sweeping cultural and technological changes of the twentieth century. Unlike many artists of his caliber, Picasso was an international celebrity as well as a profoundly influential figure in the art world. His work was exhibited on countless occasions throughout his lifetime, reaching the zenith of artistic recognition with the 1971 exhibition at the Louvre, in Paris, honoring him on his 90th birthday; until then, the work of living artists had not been shown there. Accompanied by images of the artist's greatest work.

Basically just a glorified slideshow of selected artwork.......2005-09-01

The first thing you need to know about the DVDs in the Artists of the 20th Century series is that they consist solely of artwork images - here, for example, you'll find no photograph of Picasso or the women in his life, no snapshots of the places he lived and worked, etc. - just images of his paintings and sculptures. The DVD jacket classifies this DVD as "a definitive biography accompanied by spectacular images of the artist's greatest work," but, strictly speaking, that just isn't so. Certainly, some biographical information finds its way into the narrator's script, but the details are sparse and quite limited. When it comes to the women in Picasso's life, by way of example, we are only told what happened to two of them, and denied anything resembling a sordid detail. I certainly don't feel as if I have a real handle on Picasso after having watched this 50-minute presentation.

Another thing you should know is this: I know next to nothing about art, especially modern art. I acknowledge the fact that Picasso is regarded as an artistic genius and has influenced modern art to an extravagant degree, but I personally just don't like his work. My tastes are strictly Renaissance, and Picasso pretty much put the final nail in the coffin of classical painting. Most of Picasso's work makes no sense whatsoever to me. It became somewhat amusing for me to listen to the narrator's descriptions once the presentation advanced past Picasso's blue period. I quickly got lost in all the -isms at play in Picasso's artistic life: Cubism, surrealism, and all manner of abstraction-isms. Painting after painting bore no resemblance to its title. The narrator would tell me that so-and-so clearly represents such-and-such, yet I couldn't even spot anything wildly resembling the so-and-so that was supposedly so visible. As Picasso aged, his artwork just became more and more impenetrable to my eyes. I wish I could learn to appreciate modern art - but this DVD makes it pretty clear that I never will.

I have seen one other DVD in this series (Salvador Dali), and I have to say I found this one much more impressive. For whatever reason, this Picasso entry seemed to have more information about the man behind the artwork. This is all well and good, but I still have to say that you would benefit as much if not more by seeking out Picasso's artwork on the Internet. I'm sure there are countless online galleries that give you much more detailed information about any given painting or sculpture than you will find on this DVD.

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