Customer Reviews:
polishing a turd.......2008-03-15
Have you seen that film, Trading Places, where one old stock market guy bets another that he can elevate a bum to the heights of success while at the same time ruining a high-flyer?
One gets the feeling that record company execs play that same game regularly. "I bet I can ruin Robbie Williams and bring back the rejects". And the people who need to be told what music to like, lapped it up as usual.
Incredibly good - for many tastes too.......2008-03-11
I'm not an old Take That fan. Being in my 50s my boy band was the Beatles! That just means I've seen a lot of rock-pop over the years and can appreciate a top act when I see one. This concert is just great theatre by anyone's standards.
Their material is also maturing and they are recreating themselves in an enduring way. They are doing 'professional naturally sexy and talented individual men' rather than 'boys' now. Gone (almost) are the old cutesy gestures that to my mind look a bit odd on guys of this age (unless you are trying to recreate nostalgia for old fans). I have heard 'Could it be magic' in many incarnations but this version is the ultimate version. This is not only because of the Cirque de Soleil type treatment visually but because it is sung with such feeling (which I dont think this group has even put into it before). So often when performers go for the big show look they do it with plastered theatrical smiles. What Take That offers instead is the poignant and powerful emotionality put into this and all numbers and I see this ultimately as their big strength. Should they get beyond their dancing days this is what should give them longevity as performers. I like the way they are using the group more individually rather than sticking to the boy band formula. There is a lot of individual talent among them and it shows them more as talented in their own individual right beyond any manufacturing.
I have even now bought the CD this concert showcases - and they sing even better in the show. 'I'd wait for life' is a new favorite after the show -such feeling!
I can't say I did relate to the pole dancing thing as another reviewer. These guys are naturally sexy and dont need this contrived stuff. They also move their largely female audiences with their ability to hit and convey deep and personal emotion. This is beyond cheap sex and I'm not sure whether this is really their fan's fantasy - and I could do without the fire item-I feel nervous about the potential. However these are small quibbles.
There must be a comment on the filming too. This should be compulsory viewing for those shooting concerts for DVD. There is a lot of variety with shots chosen that pick the moods and emotional moments. The colour, lighting, staging and set design etc are also truly state of the art: interesting and magic (with one intriguing surrealist coordinating of the real with a projection -you'll have to see it- and the wonderful show-stopping 'Shine' number.
What more can I say than a loud applause and if you havent been into this lot before they are well worth the journey.
take that tour 2007.......2008-03-08
what an amazing d.v.d the best by far you have made im going to hold a take that nite for all friends to come and watch it all i can say is wow,absolutly amazing, A++++++++++++ from Becky manchester gary your one in a million thanks for the great songs that you write and produce.
Excellent package - Disc 2 as good as Disc 1.......2008-03-08
Ok, let's say it loud and clear: watching them live is WAAAAY better than watching a DVD in your living room, but this DVD is the closest you will ever get to that emotion. And there is a plus: disc 2 in which you can find the concert, again (and if you watch carefully you will see that there are some different angle shots from the ones on disc 1), with commentary by the band; a photogallery and a documentary called "the journey", which is highly enjoyable. About disc 1 all I can tell you is one thing: I watched the gig in Milan(I live in southern Italy) and brought a friend along with me. She is not a fan and knew very little about them but she went CRAZY and danced and enjoyed herself all night. This means that every open minded pop music lover can enjoy this DVD!!! For those interested the audio this time is much better than the one on "The Ultimate Tour". One last note: I envy anyone who watched them in Manchester, because they got the guys singing "Mancunian Way" which is one of the best tracks on the "Beautiful World" album.
The most amazing live DVD ever!!!.......2008-03-07
This is definitely the most amazing live DVD ever...performances are super, the show has no precedents, the emocion, the dancing, the lights, the images, is absolutely INCREDIBLE. And you if you a Take That fan, this is a MUST. The lads do give everything on stage, they leave with nothing else to give, the performances show sooo much passion, it really is a pleasure to watch it. The DVD with the extras is SUPER! especially if you happen to be a Take That fun, there's lots of humor there and you can see how the tour was planned from scratch. There is also a band commentary about the DVD where they are their own cristics, its fascinating!
Amazon.co.uk Review
Music & Lyrics is frothy and sweet, like the top of a perfect cappuccino shared a deux. Hugh Grant is a self-professed "happy has-been," playing his befuddled, adorable persona more spot-on than he has since Four Weddings and a Funeral. As Alex, former member of an '80s pop band who years later is playing at water parks and high school reunions, he's settled into a life of lesser expectations. Drew Barrymore, quietly radiant, is Sophie, the underachieving girl Friday who arrives to water--make that overwater--Alex's plants--and to explode him out of that comfy rut. If the plot's a bit farfetched, it matters not, since the two lead characters are so likable--and make such beautiful music together. Big bonus: the supportive role of Kristen Johnston as Rhonda, Sophie's older sis (and longtime Alex fan) whose hilarious performance threatens to steal the show whenever she's onscreen. (The owner of a chain of successful weight-loss centers, Rhonda tries to comfort a rattled Sophie: "Want to do some stress eating?") The film also marks the remarkable debut of Haley Bennett, who plays a pop star of Britney/Cristina proportions with deadpan sincerity radiating through her skimpy outfits and mega-extensions. As Alex and Sophie work on crafting musical magic, something else is taking hold. It's music to the ears of anyone needing a sweet romantic comedy that hits all the right notes. --A.T. Hurley
Customer Reviews:
A Little 80's nostalgia.......2008-03-06
This movie won't be everyone's cup of tea - and some people think its the corny of all cornyness. But who cares!?!? this is the ultimate throwback full of corny 80's style music and corny 80's romance - I enjoyed it...
they tried bless em.......2008-03-02
Hugh 'king of the romcoms' Grant teams up with Drew Barrymore. He is a washed up 80's popstar scraping a living from past glories. Barrymore looks after the plants in his apartment, during a visit she displays an unlikely talent for lyrics to add to Grants melodies. Thats the tenuous plotline. Romance ensues, and they even have success in the pop market.
There is the occasional funnny line ( mostly from Grant)
Everything is tied up with a neat little bow at the end. Has Chickflick all over it. Put brain in neutral, uncork the wine and enjoy.
Fantastic!!!.......2008-02-22
This has got to be the best romantic comedy ever! A lovely story well written, Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are excellent and work really well together. It's a giggle a minute, a great pick-me-up, so silly that you'll laugh out loud. Hugh Grant really surprised me in this, a faultless performance and a hidden talent that I, for one, wouldn't have expected. And call me sad, but the music is fabulous, in fact, I've just ordered the soundtrack! My husband loved it too so it's not just for the girls!
Fun nostalic movie.......2008-02-02
Really captures the 80's Accept it for what it is - fun, light entertainment. Actors perform well. Extras are good.Liked it. Exceeded expectations
music and lyrics.......2008-02-01
Cant fault this film. surpassed all expectations! Absolutely fabulous viewing and very funny. Fantastic to see such a great film with no vulgarity or bad language. Thought my husbands views would be different but he classed it as "brilliant"
Amazon.co.uk Review
This re-mastered, pan-and-scan 30th-anniversary edition of that kiddie-car caper is flawed but solid family fare. It retains a quaint charm while some of the songs--including the title tune--are quite hummable. A huge plus is Dick Van Dyke, who is extremely appealing as an eccentric inventor around the turn of the century. With nimble fingers and a unique way of looking at the world, he invents for his children a magic car that floats and flies. Or does he? The special effects are tame by today's standards, and the film is about 20 minutes too long--but its enthusiasm charms. The script was cowritten by Roald Dahl and based on the novel by Ian Fleming, best known for his James Bond adventures. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Amazon.co.uk Review
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang entranced and thrilled children and their parents when it puttered into the cinema in 1968. More than three decades later, and despite the eventual arrival of a stage version that throws the full weight of blockbuster effects at the story, the original remains the real thing for fans of all ages. The flying car is the star and it's impossible not to feel a surge of thrilling relief as the wings kick in when she plunges over the cliff and soars off on her great adventure. The songs might not be the greatest in musical history, but they are delivered with great charm by Dick Van Dyke as Caractacus Potts (a toned-down version of his infamous Bert in Mary Poppins), Sally Ann Howes (Truly Scrumptious) and the children.
And then there is Robert Helpmann's child catcher, a terrifyingly sinister figure who exudes a pungent whiff of undiluted evil unmatched by any character since Dorothy squared up to the witch in The Wizard of Oz. Cameos from British character actors abound: Benny Hill, Lionel Jeffries, Anna Quayle, James Robertson Justice and Max Wall all put in appearances that add some fibre to the overall sweetness of the story. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the ultimate nostalgic confection for family viewing.
On the DVD: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Special Edition comes to DVD in widescreen format with a Dolby soundtrack to recreate the authentic cinematic experience for everyone who remembers it from the first time round. The picture quality is robust, revealing some rather homespun aspects to the special effects. Extras are dominated by Dick Van Dyke remembering his time on the film, plus a short item on the origins of the car itself and various trailers. --Piers Ford
Customer Reviews:
Amazon sent me disc2 Bonuses and not the damn movie!.......2007-08-04
I have had to resort to writing a review because - I use the Rental system which I must say is very good - however my daughter wanted to watch 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' so I ordered it. Low and behold Amazon sent not Disc 1 (the movie) but only Disc 2(the bonuses)! If anyone has found a way of emailing Amazon or actually able to speak to anyone please let me know as YOU CANNOT CONTACT THEM, EVER! Amazon please, be more customer facing - have a phone number, have an email address - it's called CUSTOMER SERVICE oh and yes, please send me THE MOVIE, my daughter did not want to watch 10 variations of the TRAILOR! Yours, Frustrated from the Cotswolds!
Wonderful children's film.......2007-03-18
This is a wonderful film for small children, and adults will be pleasantly surprised by how little it has dated.
I saw this film as a small child when it first came out and loved it.
Recently I was reminded how good the music of the film was when I happened on the song "The Roses of Success" on the internet, and my children appeared in my office in ten seconds flat to see what Daddy was listening to. So I thought I would get them the DVD.
It held their attention for several playings, and the music was as good as I had remembered.
The original books were written by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, and were quite dark in tone. The film version, however, is a light musical comedy.
Dick van Dyke plays Caractacus Potts, who is a poverty stricken inventor, and a widower with two small children. He buys and rebuilds a famous former racing car, which his children name Chitty Chitty Bang Bang after the distinctive noise made by the car's exhaust. (Fleming put a note in the books to the effect that there really was a famous racing car which had this nickname for precisely that reason.)
The Potts family meet Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes) daughter of the local sweet magnate Lord Scrumptious (James Robertson Justice.) After they get off to a bad start, she tries to help Caractacus Potts raise the money to restore the car. Initial plans to raise money fall through, but Caractacus gets the necessary funds by pure chance.
Restoration completed, Caractacus takes his children to the beach and again they join up with Truly Scrumptious. He tells his children an imaginary story about a wicked foreign potentate, with a wife who hates children, and who wants to steal this wonderful car - a car which can turn into a boat, and also fly. Foreign agents first try to steal the car, then kidnapp Caractacus's father. The viewer is caught up in the story.
Most people will know the ending but I'm not going to give it away for those who don't.
Excellent performances from van Dyke, Howes (was she really 38 years old when this was made?) and James Robertson Justice. Other cast members included Lionel Jeffries, Benny Hill, and Barbara Windsor (long before she was famous). Roald Dahl and Ken Huges did the screenplay.
Perhaps the most memorable part of the film is Richard M Sherman's wonderful music and lyrics.
Wacky, crazy vintage musical!.......2007-03-01
This must be the craziest, zaniest, and crankiest musical ever to hit the silver screen! It's a movie that 'flits' in and out of fantasy like drifting in and out of sleep! It's full of innocent charm - much which I suspect is lost on children of today; modern society and change having ruined so much...
Sally Ann Howes shows her marvellous talent, both as a singer and also as an extremely talented actress (though we already knew it from when she was a child star) when she plays her part as the mechanical figurine on a music box - no easy feat! Robert Helpmenn is simply magnificent as the 'Child Catcher' - what a performance!
One of the funniest scenes is when two big names in TV; Barbara Windsor and Arthur Mullard are at a fairground, and Arthur's character steps into an automatic hair-cutting machine, only to come out of it again with a mohican haircut! This results in his chasing Dick Van Dyke all around the fairground - seeming never to give up!
The only slight problem, was Dick Van Dykes difficulty in mastering the English accent - he had the same problem in 'Mary Poppins'. One ought to note, that it is far easier for an English person to pick up an American accent, than it ever is the other way around... Very few Americans can master this, but those that do are particularly adept.
This is a fabulous movie, with all the charm and innocence that is ideal for the whole family!
Great for Children in the 1960s, Now Just Memory Lane.......2006-12-13
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" has the unique position in my life as being the first movie I saw I the cinema. When I was 3 or 4 or whenever I saw it, I believed I loved it. My vague memories are wonderful. Now, watching again at age 40, in 2006, it does not carry over well.
Why?
It was probably no help to watch the much superior "Mary Poppins" just before. Dick Van Dyke is a great character actor, with a range of skills that make him the perfect clown actor. However, unlike in "Mary Poppins," he was not given the right materials.
His female co-lead is weak - Sally Ann Howes is no Julie Andrews. The children actors could not have been more bland. The plot was hard to follow, even as an adult.
There is one catchy song played too often, based on the onomonopoeticism of the sound the car made while rumbling down the road. Had there been more up tempo songs, or wittier lyrics, I think the movie would have twice the staying power. The other songs sound too close to lullabies.
So why it is so popular, and why do I still give it four stars? I'm sentimental perhaps, Dick Van Dyke is so good at doing that Dick Van Dyke thing, or I still find the idea of a car that can fly, float, and look retro-cool fascinating. James Bond would have loved the car, and, why not? Ian Fleming, Bond's creator, wrote the book upon which the movie is based.
The premise is that a well-meaning, hardworking inventor played by Van Dyke, single parents two pretty good kids who help push him forward in life. The kids, by force of accident, introduce him to candy heiress Truly Scrumptious. Although they start off awkwardly, the two quickly treat the children to a fantasy of a kingdom without children, flying buildings, international espionage, and romance.
For me, the difficulty was that the plot flowed in and out of fantasy. Knowing which was which was hard, and when the ending finally comes around, it seemed as if the worlds became one. I felt confused.
Did I like the movie? Yes. If I were shopping for a sweet children's movie, and I wanted something with more classic values, I would consider "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." It would not be the first DVD I picked up, but it would be a far better choice than the latest toy-based Saturday morning cartoon series.
Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com
A classic!.......2006-03-26
I loved it as a kid, I love it as an adult... I just love it!
As a kid, me and my sister wore it out on VHS, and if thats possible with DVD well I am sure I will be buying it again in the future.
The songs are great to sing along with, the campness of the film, the effects achieved for the age of the film... its all great fun!
You must get this!
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Workout.......2008-03-08
I've just loved using this workout...it works you hard but is a lot of fun too. I also have the first Pump it up with Deanne Berry and she is a great motivator.
I am a big fan of home fitness and have tried a lot of them out over the years. The music in this is great and I'm pleased to say that there is no-one annoying in the background either.
I lost loads of weight! yehoo!.......2008-03-03
For me this DVD has been the best way of losing weight....and the most fun. I tried dieting, jogging, swimming but BY FAR this DVD helped the most.
I do it 3 times a week before work and because there is one warm up and then 4 different work outs to chose from, i always do a different one. There is:
An Aerobic section which last for 15 mins and is quite hard but there is someone demonstrating the lower intesity version of the same workout so it's not too bad - sure as hec sweat!
A Dance section which also lasts 15 mins but i never do this one because it's more about the dance than the work out and i suck at dancing and i get embarrassed doing it.
A Boxing section -My favourite, as it get's you sweating, is really fun but isn't too intense -15 mins
And a Toning section - this really burns but like in every other section there is a lower intensity version of the workout.
All of the sections are easy to follow for simple people like me. Deanne Berry (instructor) is very clear on what move comes next so you don't spend the whole time figuring out how to do it - I LOVE IT :)
Oh yeh - the cool down sucks, it works but you do the same thing over and over again. zzzzzzzz
Ouch! Pass the water!.......2008-02-04
You will be gasping for water after 20 minutes, trust me. This workout will leave you dripping with sweat.
After the warm up, you do the Aerobox section which is quite intense. However, lower impact versions of the moves are shown for those who are not very fit. The Pump It Up section gives you a chance to catch your breath and for me, this is the section I enjoyed the least. It is based on dance moves and the workout loses the momentum gained from the aerobox section. The work out is re-energised with the Beatbox section and is basically kickboxing to music so plenty of kicks, jabs etc which are great for toning and improving flexibility, coordination as well as cardiovascular fitness. Below The Belt provides more toning for the abs, thighs, hips and glues and following the beatbox section, it really supplements the focus on that area. The cooldown completes the work out.
If you are unfit, the warm up alone will probably exhaust you but stick with it, and you will increase your overall fitness, flexibility and tone.
Excellent.......2008-02-02
i recieved this dvd yesterday and i tried it this morning and i can guarentee it did something i was out of breath and i could tell it really worked because i could feel the burn in all the right places. Some of the move are quite difficult to grasp but im sure in time i will get used to them. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who like me is trying to loose weight i could really feel it working. one small tip is if you want to loose weight exercise first thing in the morning before you have eaten because if you exercise after you have eaten you are only burning off the calories you have just eaten not the calories you dont want.
The best in the series........2008-01-31
I don't really have that much to say about this dvd. Only that I think it's the best in the pump it up series. It works!!
Amazon.co.uk Review
Grease was a phenomenal hit with its target teenage audience when it was released in 1977. The songs dominated the pop charts and brought heady success for its lead actors, John Travolta (Danny) and Olivia Newton-John (Sandy) despite the fact that--as with their energetic co-stars--their own teenage years were some way behind them. As they seize the chance to relive their schooldays, their verve and enthusiasm explodes from the screen. The real class, though, comes from Stockard Channing as feisty Rizzo and, in a couple of cameos, wisecracking silver screen actresses from yesteryear Eve Arden and Joan Blondel.
Based on the 1972 stage show and adding several new numbers, Grease is at heart a rites-of-passage movie with plenty of feel-good moments and a euphoric buzz. "You're the One That I Want", "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "Summer Nights" became the soundtrack for a generation of high-school students on the cusp of adulthood. Today, it looks like a pastiche of those 1950s Connie Francis rock & roll beach films. But the steady stream of double entendres and knowing body language render it more accessible to the less innocent late 1970s. It's overwhelming nostalgia for anyone in the vicinity of 40.
On the DVD: The 25th anniversary special edition of Grease rolls back the years: the 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation transports you instantly back to fifth-form heaven in the local fleapit. The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound ensures that the songs--ever the staple of MOR radio--complete the nostalgia trip with real zip. The main extra is a short series of fond reminiscences from the actors and director Randal Kleiser, actually filmed for the 20th anniversary. --Piers Ford
Customer Reviews:
GET THE GEL OUT.......2007-09-24
I can't believe you haven't seen Grease!! A classic you can watch time after time and enjoy it every time. A fresh faced duo of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John will have your feet tapping throughout.
In a violent, bloodthirsty world this is escapism for all. Enjoy
How could anyone NOT love Grease?.......2007-08-19
This just has to be one of the top films ever made. Great acting, storyline, music and everything else.
The sogns are addictive, you will end up singing them for days afterwards, but thats fun!
Buy it, you know you want to!
An enduring classic.......2007-07-19
The film that turned John Travolta from a superstar into a megastar... Grease is also the first album I ever bought and the first film I saw at the cinema, so this film is about more than music and dancing, it's nostalgia. Strangely, nostalgia was one of the overriding factors in its success - it was a fond look back at the 50's from the 70's, deliberately using older actors so that older viewers would be able to relate. And this is the strange thing - the film actually has some quite 'adult' content and themes, yet was considered a family film. As a child I didn't quite get all the references but even I sussed there was something fishy going on with that hotdog bun and something a little 'adult' about going to 'flog your log'. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John are the perfect foils for each other and the rest of the gang are not 'filler' they are all distinctive and handled with affection. The songs are legendary and will likely outlast all of us. John Travolta and the Bee Gees could do no wrong back then - and unless you were there it's hard to imagine just how huge they were and just how vicious the backlash against them was. Grease tackles age-old themes: virginity, peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, image, the school dance and the trials and tribulations of High School. Everyone can relate to it in some way, and even if you couldn't, it would still likely get your foot-tapping. You really should have this in your collection.
Grease is OK Musical.......2007-06-03
Grease is an ok Musical Its not the Best Musical in the World it Good I will see this a Certin Time.
For Me High School Musical is the 100% better and Than Grease The Songs are Catchy but the Acting and Storyline is a bit OK but i thought it would be better
Brilliant Soundtrack and adaptation of hit play.......2007-05-11
Grease is the story of Danny Zucko and Sandy Olsen (or Dumbruski) two high school seniors who fall in love over the summer. They have a wonderful summer together and are sad to see it end. The first day of school arrives and little does Danny know him and Sandy would soon be reunited. But Sandy is shocked to find the nice guy she meet at the beach is the leader of a greaser gang called 'The T'birds' Meanwhile Sandy is trying to fit in with her new "friends" the T'birds female counterparts The Pink Ladies. Will Sandy and Danny ever be together again? Along with this plot comes song that will be stuck in your head for centuries. Such songs include Summer Nights, Beauty School Dropout and the now famous song Greased Lightining. Grease is a timeless classic that will have you singing and dancing by the end of the movie.
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant !!!!!.......2008-03-11
I bought this dvd for my 19 month old daughter as ahe loves watching Justin on Cbeebies
The verdict.......she absolutley loves it. She hasnt stopped wanting to watch it. She loves all the songs and is starting to learn the actions and we have had it less then a week!!
HIGHLY recommended. Im sure it will have your children entertained for hours!
Brilliant!.......2008-03-05
This dvd is really lovely. My 2 year old daughter loves the nursery rhymes. Excellent.
Let's Sing Nursery Rhymes With Justin Fletcher.......2008-03-02
This dvd is FANTASTIC! My little boy who's 2 loves it so much he can't wait for me and has subsequently learnt to put it on the dvd himself!!!! Don't let that put you off though, the grand old duke is his favourite! I'm only writing this review as I have to buy a new one anyway because it's worn out and I need to get one as a present for a friend!
Excellent for a peaceful 1/2 hour.......2008-02-15
I wasn't sure if our son Luke (14 months) would take to a nursery rhyme DVD but he does like watching Justin on Something special so I thought I would try it out. Straight away he was captivated and sat quietly with me on the settee for more than 1/2 hour which is totally unheard of.
Justin is an excellent childrens entertainer and I was so impressed that I have now bought the party CD to see if this can also create a little magical peace in the house!
I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone with small children.
Two year old daughter and five year old boy love it.........2008-02-06
I bought this DVD for my little girl - who has just turned two, and she loves it. My son, who is five (and normally loves everything that is gruesome) also thoroughly enjoys it and giggles everytime. I think it's set at a good pace with a great mixture of classic nursery rhymes.
Well done Justin again..
Amazon.co.uk Review
Although it's not as bold as Oscar darling Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera continues the resuscitation of the movie musical with a faithful adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical. Emmy Rossum glows in a breakout role as opera ingénue Christine Daae, and if phantom Gerard Butler isn't Rossum's match vocally, he does convey menace and sensuality in such numbers as "The Music of the Night." The most experienced musical theater veteran in the cast, romantic lead Patrick Wilson, sings sweetly but seems wooden. The biggest name in the cast, Minnie Driver, hams it up as diva Carlotta, and she's the only principal whose voice was dubbed (though she does sing the closing-credit number, "Learn to Be Lonely," which is also the only new song).
Director Joel Schumacher, no stranger to visual spectacle, seems to have found a good match in Lloyd Webber's larger-than-life vision of Gaston LeRoux's Gothic horror-romance. His weakness is cuing too many audience-reaction shots and showing too much of the lurking Phantom, but when he calms down and lets Rossum sings "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" alone in a silent graveyard, it's exquisite.
Those who consider the stage musical shallow and overblown probably won't have their minds changed by the movie, and devotees will forever rue that the movie took the better part of two decades to develop, which prevented the casting of original principals Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Still, The Phantom of the Opera is a welcome exception to the long line of ill-conceived Broadway-to-movie travesties.
DVD Features
The two-disc edition of The Phantom of the Opera has two major extras. "Behind the Mask: The Story of The Phantom of the Opera" is an hourlong documentary tracing the genesis of the stage show, with interviews by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Harold Prince, producer Cameron Macintosh, lyricists Richard Stilgoe and Charles Hart, choreographer Gillian Lynne, and others. Conspicuously absent are stars Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Both do appear in video clips, including Brightman performing with Colm Wilkinson at an early workshop, and Crawford is the subject of a casting segment. Other brief scenes from the show are represented by a 2001 production. The other major feature is the 45-minute making-of focusing on the movie, including casting and the selection of director Joel Schumacher Both are well-done productions by Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group.
The deleted scene is a new song written by Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart, "No One Would Listen," sung by the Phantom toward the end of the movie. It's a beautiful song that, along with Madame Giry's story, makes him a more sympathetic character. But because that bit of backstory already slowed down the ending, it was probably a good move to cut the song. --David Horiuchi
Important note: Initial playback of this DVD defaults to the DTS (Digital Theatre System) soundtrack, therefore customers without such equipment will not hear any sound. Please note that this is NOT a fault with the DVD.
If you are not in possession of a DTS compatible sound amplifier, you need to change the film's soundtrack type from the main menu.
In order to do this, please follow the instructions below:
1. Click the "set-up" option.
2. Select either Dolby Digital Surround Sound or Dolby Digital Stereo as appropriate.
3. Select "Play Movie". The film will now play with a universal audible soundtrack.
Customer Reviews:
The Phantom of the Opera is here inside my mind..........2008-02-02
Anyone who watches this musical and fails to be enthralled and captivated by it's pure beauty and tragedy isn't human. Not as good as the live performance in London, but close enough to offer a fix for those who can't afford to see it as often as they'd like.
Wonderful buy.......2008-01-28
Since I bought the DVD, I've watched the scenes with Gerard Butler more than 100 times. I would say it was the best money I spent for a DVD. Do not listen to the silly critics. I found his acting absolutely superb and I believe this to be case with most open minded people who do not have their fixed idea of what Phantom of Opera should be like. His voice was fascinating. Otherwise, I would not have bought CDs to listen to his songs on the way to work and on the way back home. After 5 months, I still love his songs. And I know many who adore his singing voice.
Some criticised him that his acting was overdone when Christine took his mask off in his lair. Noncense. The phantom was supposed to have quite a temper. And you would act exactly the same if you had been beaten everytime your face was shown. His acting makes the Phantom perfect and real.
Don't watch this film........2008-01-12
I was really looking forward to watching this film having heard such great things about it; to say I was disappointed would be a major understatement.
I thought it was terrifically boring and the singing really did my head in - I knew it was a musical and I like musicals, but god, shut up already!
The only excitement came in the last ten minutes (having sat through almost two hours of crap) and then it ended all of a sudden and I was sat there like "what the hell?" with no clue as to what really happened!
It was god awful, and unless you would like to waste two hours of your life, don't watch this film.
Bored out of my skull..sorry Gerry.......2007-11-27
I only sat through this because I'm a Gerry Butler fan, because I generally don't like musicals. I still don't like musicals. This was a very lush production visually. Emmy Rossum is a stellar singer and Minnie Driver offered some welcome comic relief with her over-the-top character, but Patrick Wilson was so bland he could not possibly offer any real competition against the Phantom for the affections of the heroine of the piece. Sigh. Gerry sings surprisingly well, but I found the raw, rough edge that they opted for in some of his songs not always successful. I always thought it was Carlotta whom the Phantom murdered not some backstage hand. Couldn't understand the decision to go that route because it makes the Phantom less sympathetic if he just seems to randomly murder someone rather than doing it of his obsessive love of whats-her-name. Oh well. Not my kind of film, but not their fault, they certainly tried hard enough.
The best film ever!!!!!!.......2007-11-19
What can i say, this film is amazing!!!! The cast is fantastic and gerald butler is absolutely delicious - Minus the make up!
Customer Reviews:
Definitely the best.......2008-01-22
This DVD is MY absolute favourite. After trying out a lot of others, I keep going back to my first love. The workout is great, I can't get enough of the music, and Deanne Berry is one of the best instructors I have seen. She explains clearly what the next step is going to be and even seems to enjoy herself. I have been working out three times a week for three months now, and I can clearly see the results. I have changed nothing else in my lifestyle, so that must be it !
If you want to to feel fit, lose weight/fat, this is the best investment you can do.
superb energetic workout.......2008-01-16
I wasnt entirely sure a workout dvd would get rid of the extra pounds id put on over christmas, but i read the reviews for this and purchased it, im glad i did, it is an extremely fun workout, with great music, it gets you working hard, but its enjoyable, the high energy section i would reccomend if you are quite fit, i did the video 5 times before i attempted it and i did find it hard going, but i definatly felt it the next day, iv already done the dvd about 10 times and i can already feel it working. definatly a fantastic workout dvd.
Fun Fantastic Fitness!.......2008-01-13
I love this DVD, its easy to follow, enjoyable and you just want to get to their level of fitness.
Once you are familiar with the dance/aerobic moves you really start to enjoy it and the music is just superb.
You don't have to be into ministry of sound to appreciate this DVD.
pretty good.......2008-01-13
i got it as a present and thought it would just be 'another one of those dvds' which don't do anything for you and are repetitive, but i was wrong! i can't say anything for the warm up and cool downs as i dont bother doing them and think they are a waste of time on any dvd but the bums and tums section is great and has really made a difference. i do it every morning and every evening and in a week i felt better and could start to see a (smallish but still great) change! Other sections are good and have something for eveyone. if you are into getting fit and toning up then i would recommend this!
So toning it should be illegal!!!!.......2008-01-05
This is my prized possetion.
love it!
yoo wont find a fitness DVD as good....GARENTEED! i have tried for so long to beat it but every time i go to work out it has to be the one i end up putting on.
i use it atleast 4 times a week, it really works, and i never get bored of it.
PUMP IT UP!!!! LOVE IT!!!!
Amazon.co.uk Review
Hollywood's legendary "woman's director", George Cukor (The Women, The Philadelphia Story), transformed Audrey Hepburn into street-urchin-turned-proper-lady Eliza Doolittle in this film version of the Lerner and Loewe musical. Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady stars Rex Harrison as linguist Henry Higgins (Harrison also played the role, opposite Julie Andrews, on stage), who draws Eliza into a social experiment that works almost too well. The letterbox edition of this film on video certainly pays tribute to the pageantry of Cukor's set, but it also underscores a certain visual stiffness that can slow viewer enthusiasm just a tad. But it's really star wattage that keeps My Fair Lady exciting--that and such great songs as "On the Street Where You Live" and "I Could Have Danced All Night". Actor Jeremy Brett, who gained a huge following later in life portraying Sherlock Holmes, is quite electric as Eliza's determined suitor. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
TOP DRAWER MUSICAL.......2007-10-26
Grab your pearly duds and adopt a London accent.
What a great film this is, great soundtrack and choreography. You feel a nice warm glow throughout and even the most Bolshy musical hater must be impressed.
Nice One Audrey
On the street where you live.......2006-11-24
Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) who specializes in the English language makes a bet with Colonel Hugh Pickering (Wilfrid Hyde-White) that he can take someone who speaks with a lower-class language and by correcting the speech can pass off as upper-class or royalty. Overhearing this bet is a flower girl Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn); she wants to work a flower stand. But they will not take her unless she can speak more "genteel". Professor Higgins takes up the challenge.
Will he succeed?
What does her father (Stanley Holloway) thing finding that she moved in whit the two professors and did not want any clothes?
This is a musical version of the movie Pygmalion (1938), based on a play by George Bernard Shaw.
As people find that music and movies bring memories of the time in which they heard or viewed it. His movie has a meaning to me as I too was in love and found my self singing "On the street where you live." One of the strengths of the movie is that many of the songs instead of being classical and just stuffed into at odd times actually are songs that you would initiate in your life and they did so in the lives of the characters in the movie.
No me gusta..........2006-09-06
To be fair I don't generally like musicals. I got this because I love Audrey Hepburn, and found myself diappointed. The songs were all right, but unnecessary. Though Hepburn was charming as usual, the rest of the movie fell short. It was misogynistic, classist, too long, and lacking romance or any sort of human connection. I'm not sure how it stood the test of time.
Fantabulous.......2006-02-16
A splendid film, ever seen by this generation. It is worth a million tons of appraisal.
My Fair lady.......2003-10-25
I am no movie buff. This film however must surely be one of the greatest films of the 20th Century. The sustained witty, melodic sumptuousness of the production, the visual delight of the DVD play and the engaging beauty of Audrey Hepburn are simply stunning and the film can be watched with renewed pleasure time after time. You will not buy a better DVD
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding!.......2007-05-26
I recently bought the DVD as my videos of both this and Stage By Stage are getting rather old now. I readily confess to being a bit of a Miz fanatic, also owning two French versions on CD as well as the Complete Symphonic Recording (on cassette - could do with updating to CD!) and having seen the production some years ago in Manchester.
This anniversary concert (10 and a half years old already!) brings together some of the finest performers, a wonderful orchestra and huge choir in an atmospheric, emotionally-charged performance. I agree with others that, whilst Colm Wilkinson is the Jean Valjean, his perfomance here is maybe not quite his finest but all the emotion is there. Michael Ball slips easily back into the role that first brought him to prominence. Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway bring the house down as the vile, but comedic, Thenardiers. Ruthie Henshall plays Fantine well, though not sure if she's my favourite in the role, whilst Lea Salonga is well-suited as the feisty Eponine - she and Michael Ball sing A Little Fall of Rain beautifully.
Highest praise though must go to Philip Quast as Javert, a role he has truly made his own. His two main pieces - Stars and Javert's Soliloquy - are outstanding. He has such a rich and beautiful voice that moves me every time I listen to/watch this. (18/7/07 - have just found my theatre programme and it turns out Philip was playing Javert when I saw it back in 1992. As I had already had the Complete Symphonic recording for about 3 years by that point, I must have appreciated seeing/hearing him live, but can't quite recall it now 15 years on!)
My only criticism of the DVD is that it skips out the speeches, which precede the encore of the 17 Valjeans, and the final encore of One Day More. So for that reason I shall be keeping hold of my original VHS version.
It's not quite the complete show, but it is a superbly-staged performance of one of the best-loved musicals in the world.
Nothing like it.......2007-03-10
Me and my family were blown away by this, even if it was just the cast members doing it in a concert like format, they were still good and you could tell they were acting as well.
I liked the performances of Lea Salonge, she is a very beautiful woman and so is her voice. My other favourite was Ruthie Henshall who I think is an incredible Fantine. You could say I like all of the performances, not one of them was bad.
I did this when I was at school, my part was the mean factory girl in the song ' At The End Of the Day' although I wanted to be Fantine.
If I was to watch it again I'd be singing every word, they have all stuck in my memory. That has to be the reason why this is the most moving musical ever produced and I think that everyone should see it.
The best story ever told!!!.......2007-01-31
After watching this DVD, I immediately bought tickets for the stage show. A must for all Les Mis fans. If you have never seen the stage show, then buy this DVD and be prepared to be spellbound. It has been claimed that this is the greatest musical ever.......It is and by a country mile. But don't just buy it for the songs. This is as powerful a story as you will ever hear. It would be unfair to single out any of the cast for a special mention, but since others haven't mentioned her, I'll just say that I was blown away by the voice of Lea Salonga. This is the best money you will ever spend!!!
A CONCERT, NOT PERFORMANCE.... NO ACTING!!.......2007-01-16
I recently bought this dvd, but it's not a performance! It's just singers singing the songs in costume, no acting, just a repetoire of the songs, as if it's a CD (which I already have)!
I am very disappointed as I was really looking forward to watching a performance and this dvd has had excellent Amazon reviews.
Sheer Class.......2007-01-07
Bought it for my 16 year old son, who played role in amatuer production last year. He loves it, and I love it. Couldnt switch it of. Absolutely brilliant concert version of the music and songs from the show. And what a special ending with all the lead singers from around the world all coming on stage at the end. Sheer Class.
DVD Review:
- Teddy Pendergrass - From Teddy, With Love [2002]
- The Alexander Brothers - Scotland We Love You [2004]
- The Beatles - The First US Visit
- The Clash - London's Calling [2006]
- The Corrs - Royal Albert Hall / Lansdowne Road
- The Millennium Collection - Karaoke 70s Hits
- The Old Grey Whistle Test - Vol. 3 [1971]
- The Pixies - Acoustic: Live In Newport
- The Seekers - At Home And Down Under [2003]
- The Selecter - Live from London [2003]
DVD Review List
DVD Review
Concerts
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Music DVDs
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Categories
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DVD
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Video
"Take That"
The Little Book of "Take That"
!['Take That - For The Record - Official Documentary [Digipak] [2006]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000E1IFRK.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
'Take That - For The Record - Official Documentary [Digipak] [2006]
Rule The World
![Stardust [2007]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000Z2GQZG.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
Stardust [2007]
![Music and Lyrics [2007]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Pd-cdqJxL.jpg)
![The Holiday [2006]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000N6SRG0.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![The Pursuit Of Happyness [2006]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000O59B42.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Notes On A Scandal [2007]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000PE0JA2.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Miss Potter [2006]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000J3FDNM.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![A Good Year [2006]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000NOKLT8.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2 Disc Special Edition) [1968]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/213N5MBP4WL.jpg)
![Bedknobs And Broomsticks [1971]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005U1Y3.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![The Wizard Of Oz [1939]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005NMWB.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![The Wizard of Oz (2 Disc Special Edition) [1939]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000B7KXIG.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Grease [1978]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21S86QSH8EL.jpg)
![Grease 2 [1982]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000J4S694.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Dirty Dancing [1987]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000H8RW5Q.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Fame [1980]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0000AISK9.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Evita [1997]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00004D35R.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![The Hotpants Workout [2002]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00006JY14.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Nell McAndrew's Ultimate Challenge - Ultimate Results [2004]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0006J2A1C.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![My Fair Lady [1965]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21WPWP1CTDL.jpg)
![Singin' In The Rain [1952]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000057H8P.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Seven Brides For Seven Brothers [1954]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00004SC8Q.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![High Society [1956]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000092WD7.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Gigi [1958]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000094P4W.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Cats - Ultimate Edition [1998]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000064215.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
![Les Miserables [2000]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0002W19KQ.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)