Russell Watson Live

Starring:Russell Watson, Faye Tozer, Hayley Westenra
Studio: Decca
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Two things quickly become clear about Russell Watson, an excellent if slightly unpolished tenor: He has an outstanding voice, and he has studied with commendable care the recordings of Luciano Pavarotti, not to imitate but to learn. He speaks English like a member of the British working class, but he sings Italian (give or take one or two little grammatical slips) like a native of Naples.

Amazon.com

Two things quickly become clear about Russell Watson, an excellent if slightly unpolished tenor: He has an outstanding voice, and he has studied with commendable care the recordings of Luciano Pavarotti, not to imitate but to learn. He speaks English like a member of the British working class, but he sings Italian (give or take one or two little grammatical slips) like a native of Naples.

Customer Reviews:

Horrible Recording.......2007-07-01

The recording is poor. The signing comes out well, but the symphony is drowned out and muted. Hopefully the next one will be better. This is not his fault but whoever produced the recording of the DVD. He sounds so much better on CD.

Great to finally see him perform.......2007-03-31

Excellent DVD both visually and audibly. It was a pleasure to finally see Russell perform live. I was almost wondering if the voice was for real or if it was studio magic. After seeing this DVD, Russell is the REAL DEAL. He sounds exactly like he does on his CD's. What a talented performer! If the voice doesnt inspire you, his magnetic personality will surely draw you in and entertain you. I cannot begin to imagine the logistics involved in pulling off such a large scale concert. From start to finish, this is a truly professional presentation.

Maybe DOC should run a recording school?.......2006-08-14

Since so many others had written in (see amazon.co.uk) about the wonderful production and sound of this DVD - I thought I'd recommend that DOC have his hearing checked. I've heard this DVD on just about every level of audio, and it sounds fantastic on every one of them. That goes for both the stereo and 5.1 available on this DVD.

If DOC were an expert, he'd know that feedback occasionally emanating from the stage monitors (especially in an outdoor show attended by 100,000) will occasionally happen. The stage monitor mixer has a very difficult job tracking the nuances of a singer with such a wide dynamic range. It's not as easy for a performer like Russell to hear himself and the orchestra as a listener might think. An expert would also know that that when feedback happens- it will spill into every microphone on the stage, and thus be impossible to "edit or mix out". These "mistake"sounds are part of any live show - and they are part of the special and unique aspects in live performances captured for all to enjoy, like scars on fine leather. If DOC were a pro - he'd more likely be congratulating Russell for singing
through those diconcerting moments - instead of nitpicking. An expert would additionally know that most "live" shows are best songs edited together from multiple dates. This show in Auckland was one night only. I suspect DOC should probably stick to Muzak - there are no mistakes, blemishes, or chances taken.

In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy this wonderful show. I'll continue to watch a wonderful performer delight 100,000 people. These same 100,000 people also heard the 3 or 4 seconds of feedback - as the live mixer for the venue could have done nothing to "fix it". They still cheered, and demanded multiple encores.

Sound editing/mixing extremely bad.......2005-12-26

I've long been a Watson fan and have put off getting any of his live DVDs until now. While the quality of the sound mixing sounds fine on the first track, the rest of the performance has to be some of the worst sound mixing I've heard. At one point you begin to hear some feeback from the stage monitors!

While the vocals can be heard fine, and clear, the orchestra ranges from being hardly heard to sounding just plain muddled. Not only is this annoying, it's just plain unacceptable.

If you're a Watson fan who thinks he can do no wrong, you'll probably be happy with this. There are lots of places where he shows off some personality. If you appreciate fine sounding classical audio this will drive you nuts.

Underwhelming!.......2005-11-14

OK, I've been following this Russell Watson "phenomenon" for years now, and I have to admit that, on occasion, he's managed to create some alright sounding recordings. However; those were STUDIO recordings, which is precisely why I bought this live concert DVD. I wanted to see what he has to offer outside of the studio and now that I've seen the DVD, I can honelstly say that it's not much at all!

As for the highlights....there weren't any to speak of.
The concert starts with one of my fave Neapolitan numbers "Torna a Surriento" but even from the very beginning, he ruins the song with torrid pronunciation, wrong words, and even forgets the second verse. He tries to cover that blunder up by repeating the first verse, but then gets confused and ends up mixing parts of the second verse with parts of the first!!

Then he does an equally unfocused "Ave Maria" and takes a break! That's right, he does all of TWO songs and takes a break!

There is much I could note as to why my opinion of this guy has worsened after having seen this, but let's suffice it to say that he's just not very good.
There are some guest "stars" appearing with him, but they do nothing to improve this trainwreck.

I will say that he does have a nice voice.....as long as he sticks to the POP stuff that is.
Once he tries the classical stuff he's totally out of his territory.

One last thing. Many of you who are familiar with his previous recordings will be curious about how he did with the "Nessun Dorma" on a live stage.
One word. Terrible! Not only is his utter lack of understanding of the Italian language a HUGE deterent, but he sings the aria a half step lower than is written.This is a BIG no-no unless the tenor is beyond his years or vocal peak.....the latter may well be applicable. Except, Watson simply never had the voice to do this sort of music to begin with.

In conclusion, many of you will love this DVD. You will look beyond the linguistic, vocal, and stylistic deficiencies this kid is plagued with, and you will be gald you bought this thing.
Some of you however, will be very disappointed, and perhpas even wish you'd not bought this DVD at all.

If anyone wants my copy, e-mail me.....I'll gladly sell you mine. I certainly won't be watching it ever again.

Average customer rating:

Frank Herbert's Dune TV Miniseries
Still not the definitive Dune, but very good nevertheless...
Better than star wars, better than the matrix.!! best movie i have ever seen!!!!!
Makes your realise how good david lynch is...
good adaptation

Frank Herbert's Dune (TV Miniseries)
Starring: William Hurt , Alec Newman , Saskia Reeves , James Watson (IV) , and Jan Vlasák
Director: John Harrison
Manufacturer: Live / Artisan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Sci-Fi Action | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (TV Miniseries)
Dune
Dune Messiah (Dune Chronicles, Book 2)
Dune
God Emperor of Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 4)

ASIN: B00005O5BA
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Amazon.com

It's a mixed blessing, but Frank Herbert's Dune goes a long way toward satisfying science fiction purists who scoffed at David Lynch's previous attempt to adapt Herbert's epic narrative. Ironically, director John Harrison's 288-minute TV miniseries (broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in December 2000) offers its own share of strengths and weaknesses, which, in retrospect, emphasize the quality of Lynch's film while treating Herbert's novel with more comprehensive authority. Debate will continue as to which film is better; Lynch's extensive use of internal monologue now seems like a challenge well met, and Harrison's more conventional approach is better equipped to convey the epic scope of Herbert's interplanetary political intrigue.

This much is certain: this Dune is a sumptuous treat for the eyes, with sets and costumes that were conceived with no apparent limits of budget or creativity. In terms of architecture alone, this is one of the most impressive films in science fiction history. And although the special effects fall short of feature-film quality, writer-director Harrison (who rose from an extensive background in TV) admirably tames the sprawling narrative that pits the opposing houses of Atreides and Harkonnen in a struggle to control the lucrative market for the spice melange. This is as accurate as any Dune adaptation is likely to get (i.e., there's no need for another attempt), and even then, it can be tricky to keep track of who's doing what to whom. Unfortunately, the film's biggest flaws are the casting of a nearly comatose William Hurt as Duke Leto, and a wooden Alec Newman as the messiah-to-be, Paul Atreides. These are regrettable shortcomings, but this Dune remains altogether respectable. That Frank Herbert would be impressed is perhaps the biggest compliment one can pay. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Frank Herbert's Dune TV Miniseries.......2007-05-13

It was hours of excitement. Well worth the price.

Still not the definitive Dune, but very good nevertheless..........2007-05-11

This Made-for-TV mini-series is exceptional, if compared to the Theatrical counterpart, made many years before by David Lynch.

It keeps pace is scope and grandeur with its cousin.

It has been lavishly produced and the actors, although only a few truly known, just like William Hurt, do their jobs with dignity and are very believable in their respective roles.

Some special effects were even taken over from the theatrical movie, such as the Sand Worms on Arrakis (the Dune Planet), which were made in both cases by creature designer Carlo Rambaldi. Only this time, they truly come alive and are really menacing.

Even the music, although more Earthbound, and "orientally" exotic, seems to work when compared to Toto and Brian Eno's music score of the theatrical movie.

Everything seems to come alive and even though some artistic license has been taken with Frank Herbert's novel, this is probably one of its best transliterations to date.

The transfer on DVD is very well done and presented in a matted 1.78:1 image ratio and is compatible with 16:9 TV sets. The sound is clear and polished. You can understand the dialogue clearly, even during explosions or other sound effects taking place.

Highly recommended for the entire family, although for its complexity of themes and plot structure, it would be advisable to have an adult present to explain to minors the more difficult passages.

Highly recommended.

Better than star wars, better than the matrix.!! best movie i have ever seen!!!!!.......2007-04-21

godamn, even though it was a mini series, i believe this was one of the greatest min series/ movies ever put on film........just incredible!!!!

Makes your realise how good david lynch is..........2007-03-29

I read all the reviews here and bought these DVDs with much anticipation, but am very dissappointed with this series. It is nowhere near as good as the movie - not even close. The casting is mediocre, compared with the outstanding cast in the movie, and the scenes are poor - especially the desert scenes that dont even seemed to have been filmed in a desert. I have read all 15 dune books and I can tell you that the film captures the essence of dune much better than this series. The Baron in particular is just way too nice in this series. Chani, also, is harsh and unattractive, and you just end up wondering what Paul is doing with her. The actress that plays Jessica tries hard, but it would be impossible to compete with Fransesca. Julie Cox (Irulan) is the standout in the series, but unfortunately her part is not large enough to carry it. I would rate this series as 'watchable' but any comparison to the David Lynch masterpiece is futile as this doesnt come close.

good adaptation .......2007-03-14

I love the books, and I believe that this series is very well done and has a very good resemblance with the original story

Average customer rating:

Cliff Richard - Live in the Park (dts)

Manufacturer: Warner World Korea
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

Cliff Richard - Countdown Concert
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ASIN: B000BT9ZNS

Product Description

Live In The Park was filmed in Londons Hyde Park during one of three 'Route of Kings' concerts in July 1999. This midsummer extravaganza is the ultimate event, showcasing one of the most popular talents in show-business history. Watch as Cliff leads you through the glittering array of hits that have made him a music icon for more than four decades. TRACKS: 1) On The Beach; 2) In The Country; 3) The Minute You're Gone; 4) Dreamin'; 5) Human Work Of Art; 6) Power To All Our Friends; 7) Medley : Congratulations / Do You Wanna Dance / Dynamite; 8) Can't Keep This Feeling In; 9) Living Doll/The Young Ones; 10) Summer Holiday; 11) Move It; 12) Vita Mia (with Russell Watson); 13) Nessun Dorma (with Russell Watson); 14) We Don't Talk Anymore; 15) Daddy's Home; 16) A Little In Love; 17) Let It Be Me (with Elaine Paige); 18) Miss You Nights (with Elaine Paige); 19) Wired For Sound; 20) The Miracle; 21) It's In Every One Of Us. ++++ DVD FEATURES: This extraordinary concert was filmed especially for video and officially released by Warner World Korea and is All-Region NTSC Code 0 (will play worldwide) with 4:3 Full Screen display, dts, Dolby 2.0 Stereo and Dolby Digital Surround Sound in ENGLISH (no subtitles). PLEASE NOTE: This DVD has a disconcerting lack of synchronicity between audio and video.

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