Amazon.co.uk
The Invasion deserves a second chance on DVD. This ambitious sci-fi thriller represents a flawed yet worthy attempt to bring contemporary vitality to Jack Finney's classic science fiction novel, previously filmed as Don Siegel's 1956 classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Philip Kaufman's suspenseful 1978 remake, and Abel Ferrara's highly underrated Body Snatchers from 1994. And while those earlier films are superior in many respects, The Invasion is not without strengths of its own, particularly for those who prefer action and suspense. Unfortunately these strengths were compromised by the unpredictable misfortunes of production: Original director Oliver Hirschbiegel (hired on the strength of Downfall) was eventually replaced by James McTiegue (V for Vendetta), and the Wachowski Brothers (of Matrix trilogy fame) added high-octane action sequences to the original screenplay by David Kajganich. Perhaps the movie had a curse on it (star Nicole Kidman was almost seriously injured in a stunt-car mishap during last-minute re-shoots), but it's really just a matter of disparate ingredients that don't always fit together, resulting in a slick-looking film that can't decide if it's a sci-fi mystery, action thriller, or political allegory. It tries too hard to be all things at once.
Despite this, Kidman rises to the occasion with a solid performance as Carol, a Washington, D.C. psychiatrist who's convinced (with the help of costars Daniel Craig and Jeffrey Wright) that a flu-like virus is spreading throughout the population, its alien spores turning victims into soulless "pod people"... only in this case without the pods. The idea is that you'll be fine if you don't fall asleep, and especially if you don't let anyone sneeze or vomit on you. (There's a lot of vomiting; don't say you weren't warned.) With a crashing space shuttle to deliver the alien threat, cute tyke Jackson Bond as Carol's threatened son, and a nod to Kaufman's film with a small role for Veronica Cartwright, The Invasion will surely fare better on DVD than it did in theaters. If nothing else, it proves the timeless relevance of Finney's original premise, which continues to inspire a multitude of variations. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
The Invasion.......2008-03-14
I remember watching the original Invasion of the body snatchers years ago, so couldnt wait to get this movie, i wasnt disappointed neither, thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, what a great actress Nicole is, she plays the part perfectly.
Thumbs up from me.
Senseless, confusing and (yawn) boring.......2008-03-11
I watched this on an evening flight movie, and sitting in the dark, I was hoping and waiting to be scared or even tickled thrilled. The movie started off OK until the alien invasion got full steam. When "hell broke loose", it became confusing and draggy. The casts, Kidman and Craig, did an OK job of trying to keep the pace going. But the only exciting part was the short car chase where Kidman was running away from the aliens. Alas after that, the movie got so bad that I changed to another more entertaining film "The Nanny Diaries".
Enjoyable........2008-03-09
I suprisingly enjoyed this; i usually hate zombie "i am legend" type films, they prey on my mind too much, but this was fine. I thought the acting was superb, Jackson Bond is the best little actor i've seen in a movie aside from Dakota Fanning of course. Nicole Kidman once again portrayed her character perfectly and Daniel Craig; well 007 can't faulter really! Overall it's an easy watch, even though the ending got on my nerves a bit because it seemed to leave too many loose ends.
'The' Invasion?.......2008-03-08
3rd remake of the original 1956 thriller Invasion of the BodySnatchers!
This is a slick looking movie, though an inconsistant story.
A poor script (In places) doesn't help! But Kidman gives a good central performance if a little on the cool side.
One has to ask; Why remake this then?
With only a novel new 'Take-over' sequence and a slightly more focused look at the aliens being more benign towards each other, than humans are to each other. There is just not enough here to recommend this version over ANY of the others!
Not a terrible film by any means, it just seems too pesimistic for it's own good! A VERY AVERAGE MOVIE.
Not another remake ... poor hollywood ending........2008-03-07
This isnt a bad movie, in fact itas quite watchable. That being said, this is yet another remake of the classic 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'. The original was a classic and the 70's remake was excellent .... Invasion however is (by my counting) the forth attempt at remaking the film. This film just didnt need to be made. One thing that does make this film inferior to some of the others is its hollywood happy ending. Kidman and the rest of the cast are good, the script and story runs at a good pace and there isnt a lot of negative things I can say about it ..... I think what I am trying to say is that this film is as average as you can get, and it didnt help that this is the 4th version that I have seen of this movie. The 1970's version of Invasion of the Body Snatches is still way, way better than this.
Customer Reviews:
At last!!! A Yoga DVD which gives you a good workout!.......2008-03-03
After continuously reading about the benefits of Yoga I have been searching for a yoga class or DVD that I have enjoyed.
Of the three classes I have tried they all focused on very few poses and a lot of relaxing! As a very hyper person I wanted to take advantage of Yogas muscle building skills and not the relaxing part!!! (I know I should enjoy both!)
Anyway, the couple of DVD I have bought have also been far too slow paced.
Now this one....................thrst time I tried it I was sucked in straight away. It is well explained, easy to follow and a real good workout!!! The next day all of my muscles ached and I haven't felt like that since I started working out 10 yeasr ago.
It is brilliant and I really feel like I have had a brilliant workout. Definitly try it, it is hard going but great!!!!!! 5 STARS!!!
Difficult at first but rewarding.......2008-03-01
As neither a complete beginner or an expert i decided to buy a yoga dvd that i could do at home when i had the time. I read plently of reviews on amazon and this looked like one of the best.
I would definately recommend watching the dvd through first without attempting it to get an idea of what some of the names mean (especially if you are a beginner). This is because the movements are quite fast paced and it is off putting to keep looking up to try and follow what Rodney Yee is doing. This however is not a weak point as after completing the section you feel fully stretched out and relaxed. There are a variety of positions that work your entire body.
The positions are set to relaxing music and can be fairly difficult but with practise they become easier and you become more supple and focused.
dynamic, challenging, engaging.......2008-02-05
This is a great way to get a lot out of a home yoga practice. I practised in the morning for several years and attended a weekly class with a very inspiring teacher until I moved and couldn't find a new class. I got this and found it does the job of a class pretty well if you can't get to one. It starts off gradually waking your body up by slowly coaxing it into sun salutations before adding variations such as extended side angle. Of the four sections, I only use the first and last as I have neither the time nor the strength to do more.
Rodney Yee's directions are pleasantly quiet and clear but they are few which means that this would really not suit a beginner. However, his instructions are very insightful and helpful in the tiny actions of a pose which make it come to life. I finally overcame my difficulties with triangle pose (and it is now one of my favourites) through his guidance which I think is a remarkable feat for a DVD.
This is a very challenging practice but for the guidance you receive and the energy, strength, focus and alignment you develop it is excellent.
A challenge with good results... My favourite!.......2008-01-17
I love this DVD, combines flexiblity/stength/relaxation very well and i don't need to look at the moniter to follow either Rodney Yee explains this very well.
Not for beginners, would need to be of resonable fitness to follow this.
But perfect for those who are bored doing the celebrity dvds with numberous child-pose's.
Great!.......2008-01-08
This is a great Yoga DVD. It is definitely not aimed at beginners but those with a fair amount of yoga experience will find this session easily accessible. Rodney's tuition is clear and precise, and as said above he seems to say the right things that help you into your asanas. You find yourself following his instruction with ease, which is not always the case with Yoga DVDs. It allows you to develop your practice, you definitely feel that you are pushing yourself physically during the session whilst the calming voice of Rodney and the beautiful setting in which he practices settles the mind. Highly recommended!
Product Description
Get hot, sexy abs with Shaun T's exciting new program! Using his revolutionary Absolute Engagement TM technique you'll TILT, TUCK & TIGHTEN your way to get flat abs and a leaner body without sit-ups or crunches. Even if you've never danced, you'll learns his easy Hip Hop moves in no time! - SECRETS TO FLAT ABS: Are you ready for a secret? The secret to flat abs, that is. Shaun got his rock-hard abs without sit-ups or crunches, and now you can too. Shaun shares his targeted training technique, TILT, TUCK & TIGHTEN, which activates your upper, middle, and lower abs and obliques at the same tiem so you get beautiful, flat, sexy abs! - FAT BURNING CARDIO: This is not your mama's aerobics video. A mazimum calorie burn that targets your ABS, so you burn off the fat while revealing a tight, toned, sexy midsection. Shaun's energy, hot music, and exciting moves like the "throw down" and "up-rock" make the time fly by. - AB SCULPT: Are you ready for your very own six-pack? Shaun teaches you the most innovative standing ab and core moves you'll ever experience! With Shaun's TILT, TUCK & TIGHTEN technique you'll really fire up those ab muscles and melt the flab! - TOTAL BODY BURN: This head-to-toe workout combines cardio with total body sculpting, while you target your midsection - so you burn off the fat and reveal a tight, toned body ... Say goodbye to love handles and say hello to a slimmer waist and flat, sexy abs! - BONUS LEARN TO DANCE: Take It to the Dance Floor.
Amazon.co.uk Review
When dieting guru Rosemary Conley declares that the Ultimate Whole Body Workout is her last fitness video, cynics might either be relieved that the population is finally to be spared her evangelical diet-speak, or conclude that she's "past it". However, this programme is not so easily dismissed. There might be nothing new here, but there is no doubt that a great deal of Conley's success comes from her ability to motivate. Conley first runs through the key moves featured in the work-outs, cleverly eliminating the problem of figuring it out during the sessions--and the risk of giving up. The 35-minute aerobic workout and the 20-minute body conditioning session are designed to be done on alternative days, while the final chair programme is for those with limited mobility (including pregnant women) who still want to burn calories. With no expense spared on the original soundtrack, a series of pop hits make this all the more easy to go along with. Conley punctuates her instruction with references to members of her backing team and their weight-loss successes. This is a work-out for the woman committed to being slim against all odds, and for whom dieting is likely to be a lifestyle.--Lorna V
Customer Reviews:
Quite good exercise DVD.......2008-03-04
Maybe it's the age difference but I didnt find this DVD appealing. The pluses are that it's a good set of exercises if you fitness level is not great and you are only starting. It does make you work quite hard and you can vary the intensity level. Excercise are varied and interesting although you will have the feeling you have done/seen that before. I would call it 'sunday night' exercise DVD - one of these that you do because you are cannot be bothered but you know you must do something. Minuses as I mentioned - not really for young and energetic girls in their 20s. There is absolutley no encouragement and motivation from Rosemary - you will never hear 'well done' or 'good job'. Forget that - it's very mechanical - 'this is the exercise we do and that's how we do it, that many times'. All in all, great DVD for people above ceratin age group but a bit too dry for young women.
Good Workout.......2008-01-27
I like rosemary conleys dvds this one I like the best some of the music tracks are naff but I like the fact that it doesnt matter how fit you are you can work at your own level and also there a clock that counts down how long you have left on each workout.
Give it a go.......2008-01-21
I am 25 and although not over weight at 5'6" and 9st, was very unfit before starting this DVD.Up until 2005 I had smoked 20 a day sice I could remember and always skived off PE at school. Generally lazy, after having my daughter 18 months ago I never got motivated to join a gym or do anything about toning up again etc, although I would shy away from home DVDs as well telling my self they would be a waste of money sitting on the rack and never being used!!
Then I joined Amazon and came accross this DVD. I picked it one because it was cheap and two because Rosemary has been around longer than me and is a trusted house hold name. I wasn't disappointed.
There are 3 workouts; A fat burner lasting 25 mins, a body toner lasting about the same and a chair workout for people who for whatever reason need a prop. Rosemary advises doing the fat burner and toning on alternate days , but you can combine to get a total body work out.
The fat burner is energetic enough to make you out of breath and cover your forhead in a film of sweat. I really have seen an improvement in my fitness after just 4 weeks,(do the excersise about 5 times a week). Rosemary has 4 women working out with her at differentl levels so as your fitness improves you can change mentor or, as I do, swap during the workout depending which routine you are doing. It is old school aerobics at it's best with 'box steps', 'waist bends' and 'Travel overs' all done to 90's ORIGINAL pop tracks. I can't see me getting bored of this DVD and I think it's a perfect choice for those just starting out or ladies who are quite a bit over weight because you feel results so quickly which keeps one motivated, and the diversity in levels means it will take a long time to complete.
If however you are very fit to start with or want the '6 pack' look I don't think this is for you. The toning part is just that; gentle toning. Not muscle building
All in all I am thrilled with this DVD and I have lost 4lbs already!
Pretty good........2008-01-17
When I bought this I had been looking for a workout for some time, but to be quite honest I find all this trite garbage where naturally slim celebs tell us fatties how to lose weight more than a bit aggravating. The workout itself is fine and if you do it with enough vigour it improves your fitness well. I am looking for something a bit different though (this is very much like every other workout on earth), and it would be nice to get a workout represented by a celeb who I know has lost a lot of weight and so knows what he/she is talking about. I might try the Rebecca Wheatley one next, and I know that Natalie Cassidy has a workout at the moment. It's a shame Fern Britton hasn't done one, as she's done really well on her fitness programme.......
Outdated but still fun.......2007-07-13
I bought this because I wanted a lower impact workout than I normally get from the Nell Mcandrew videos due to an ankle and shin injury. If you can see past the painfully embarrassing music (it sounds like a mixtape from a 12 year olds birthday party!!!) then it wont drive you too mad. The workout is pretty standard stuff, warm up, aerobic dance moves and cool down, with some non-challenging tone up exercises after. This dvd is probably best suited to people who never exercise, people with a lot of weight to lose and older people who want to work out without injuring themselves. As a young woman who is fit and healthy I found this workout dated (the moves are straight out of the 80's "This Morning" classic workouts) and not much of a challenge at all. The best thing about it is that there is an extra who is working out at a low impact, one doing a moderate workout and two clearly fitter extras who are doing a far more higher impact version, this is helpful as you can choose to up the pace or not depending on your ability. The two fit extras clearly did NOT get as fit as they are from this work out though as they are heavily muscled and dont even break a sweat! I think this is much more suited to my mums generation than mine as (at 24) I would prefer something funkier that involves less "prancing" and a bit more sweating. Three stars as its great for beginners but just wont cut it for people who want to push themselves and work hard.
Customer Reviews:
A reasonable workout.......2008-02-21
I'm no stranger to exercise, in my younger days I did step aerobics, circuit training, jogging and many different exercise vidoes, so was interested to see what this one was like.
It certainly looks as if it's worked for Tricia Penrose according to her before and after photos, but I don't think she got her new body just by doing this DVD alone.
It does give you an all over workout - concentrating on the upper and lower body as well as a fat burning session and ten minute blitz - but the DVD is very amateurely put together. At one point during the upper body bit for the arms and shoulders, the instructor seems to forget what he's meant to be doing. I also didn't like the way it stops between each section and goes back to the main menu - you can't fast forward it to stop it doing that either.
That said, if done everyday, this will give you an effective enough workout if you want to maintain your fitness level, but don't expect miracles.
Good Workout.......2008-01-22
You really feel like you have done a workout after this DVD, after a couple of times the steps come together and it is easy to follow. You can make it harder or easier depending on fitness, so hopefully this DVD will be useable even as my fitness develops
not bad.......2008-01-10
got this dvd yesterday and did it last night, music was good and did work up sweat. Did find couple bits hard to follow as the instructor is quite and does new moves fast but after doing dvd few times you would get no problem. The bit i didnt like is the toning sections especially the abs, as the are too short, the instructor tells you to do as many reps as you want at home which is fine, but you will be doing it to the dvd menu with no music which is not much motivation. Its advertised as her workout that toned her body, yet they dont tell you how much toning she did to get it as they just show you basics, is good workout but i work and have 8 month old son and have trouble finding time to exercise anyway without having to do more toning after dvd is finished.
Kellimay.......2008-01-09
This dvd is a fantastic way to introduce a beginner to exercise, if, like me, you buy the dvd's with good intention, but end up sitting down with a bar of chocolate and laughing at all the skinny minnies ponsing around, you'll probably be a bit sceptical, but this is different...not patronising at all. I would recommend this to anyone who isnt quite as motivated as they should be but wants to tone up and lose weight. The routines are simple but effective and you really work up a sweat!
The different sections are great...warm up...fat burner...10 minute body blitz...upper body tone...lower body tone...cool down...
All as hard working as the next...give it a try
Fantastic!.......2008-01-07
I've never done a fitness DVD before, nor wanted to, but in the spirit of New Year I gave this a go and I thought it was fantastic! I did the whole workout in one and felt amazing afterwards.
Music is great and routines are easy to follow. Tricia is brilliant and really inspirational.
I would really recommend this DVD!
Customer Reviews:
Busy schedule? get this dvd!.......2008-01-06
I love this dvd!
I'm a final year law student and struggle to find time to buy food let alone exercise! But this dvd is brilliant!
Its easy to use and its great being able to chose how long you want to work out for. You don't really feel like you are working that hard when you are doing the exercises but you do feel it the next day. I've been following the dvd for a week now and I feel much better and healthier already and I hasten to add my legs have toned up quite quickly.
I usually do about 20 min rountine each day (plus warm up and cool down) and I really am feeling the benfits.
If you struggle to find time to exercise then this dvd is for you!
Give it a go!
Ive lost so much weight !!.......2007-01-14
Ive just had a baby and a pelvic problem so I have to have some less strenuous exercises to do. I didnt think they were that challenging but in 3 months Ive dropped to my pre pregnancy weight and dress size and lost a further stone !! It must work ! Also if ur a big girl like I was 16 stone when i gave birth you dont want to do all that running about cos it hurts your bits that bouce around. I dont feel silly doing the exercises either ... also i found that you can do it with your own music too !
Good for Beginners.......2006-10-31
Nice layout - a little confusing at first but once understood makes much more sense.
Not very challenging however. For someone who knows how to warm up my body and how my body feels, I felt that the warm up and cool down were not satisfactory, however with a little extra stretching, etc, it is perfect.
Good sections. Interval training is very effective. By doing a certain level for just under a week around 3x per week you can build up your stamina well. However, be careful to know that if you are to do the warm and cool down you must add 10-11 mins on tot he workeout time.
Good for beginners and just want to build up your stamina; advanced - try somehting else.
Good for beginners, but not challenging enough.......2006-03-24
I bought this DVD as I'm also following the weight watchers diet plan. I liked the idea that you could pick how long you had to work out and the DVD would automatically choose a workout program for you. However I have used this DVD twice now and I did not feel challenged at all. I think it would be suitable for a beginner but if you exercise regularly you will probably find it too easy. The background music is not the best, and I found that the trainer was sometimes off with her timing which was off putting. The different segments often included the same exercises and I found that they tried to squeeze a full body workout in 5 mins segments rather than concentrating on one body part in the segment. This was frustrating as you were doing floor exercises then standing up within 5 minutes and then the same in the next segment. However Claire Sweeney looks great in it but she does say in the food section that she has been running etc so her weight loss is probably not all down to the exercises in the DVD!
Buy this DVD.......2006-02-26
I would recommend this DVD to anybody who is trying to lose weight or tone up their body or both. I have been using this DVD for 6 weeks now and I have really noticed the difference in how my body looks. I havent been following the weight watchers plan but another diet plan but the exercise part of the DVD makes no mention of weightwatchers anyway.
The exercise sessions are split into 5 minute sessions and you can do a minimum of 10 mins up to 60 mins. This is good for me as I get bored easily so it keeps it interesting. Also, as long as you reach your weekly target of 24 x 5 minute sessions per week, it doesn't matter when and how long you do so its good for fitting in when you don't have much time.
Worth every penny.
Amazon.co.uk
The Invasion deserves a second chance on DVD. This ambitious sci-fi thriller represents a flawed yet worthy attempt to bring contemporary vitality to Jack Finney's classic science fiction novel, previously filmed as Don Siegel's 1956 classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Philip Kaufman's suspenseful 1978 remake, and Abel Ferrara's highly underrated Body Snatchers from 1994. And while those earlier films are superior in many respects, The Invasion is not without strengths of its own, particularly for those who prefer action and suspense. Unfortunately these strengths were compromised by the unpredictable misfortunes of production: Original director Oliver Hirschbiegel (hired on the strength of Downfall) was eventually replaced by James McTiegue (V for Vendetta), and the Wachowski Brothers (of Matrix trilogy fame) added high-octane action sequences to the original screenplay by David Kajganich. Perhaps the movie had a curse on it (star Nicole Kidman was almost seriously injured in a stunt-car mishap during last-minute re-shoots), but it's really just a matter of disparate ingredients that don't always fit together, resulting in a slick-looking film that can't decide if it's a sci-fi mystery, action thriller, or political allegory. It tries too hard to be all things at once.
Despite this, Kidman rises to the occasion with a solid performance as Carol, a Washington, D.C. psychiatrist who's convinced (with the help of costars Daniel Craig and Jeffrey Wright) that a flu-like virus is spreading throughout the population, its alien spores turning victims into soulless "pod people"... only in this case without the pods. The idea is that you'll be fine if you don't fall asleep, and especially if you don't let anyone sneeze or vomit on you. (There's a lot of vomiting; don't say you weren't warned.) With a crashing space shuttle to deliver the alien threat, cute tyke Jackson Bond as Carol's threatened son, and a nod to Kaufman's film with a small role for Veronica Cartwright, The Invasion will surely fare better on DVD than it did in theaters. If nothing else, it proves the timeless relevance of Finney's original premise, which continues to inspire a multitude of variations. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
The Invasion.......2008-02-28
This is a very disapointing film. It tries to be to clever and instead of making a genuinly scary or tense film you instead get a film that shows you maybe we would be better off if we were "invaded" as would lead to peace. Throughout the film the action stays pretty mild and whilst waiting for an exciting dramatic ending it is just as damp as the rest and the final end just wraps everything up quickly, unrealisticly and stupidly. The extras consist of 3 2min documentries which are basically promotional videos for the film stuck together and a boring 20min documentary about "invasion" with no relevance to the film at all. The picture quality was great as was the sound but they are the only really good features. best to save the money and buy it on DVD or wait till its on Sky.
unfortunately.......2008-02-03
This does update the classic 1956 body snatchers,
its a good thriller, with a modern twist
unfortunately not as superior to the Don Siegels or Abel Ferraras films. its still a good buy.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing dvd..........2007-11-20
I used to practice yoga alot, I wanted to try something different. i had a choice of 3 different dvds... The reviews for this particular pilaes was so good.. And everyone had a great experience with it, I had to buy it! And it truly is a great dvd... I do it everyday, easy to use, Great instructions.
Thankyou for everyone who reviewed this, I brought the best dvd! So happy about it!
She knows her stuff.......2006-02-18
Fabulous!
I've taken Pilates classes for years, and Lynne Robinson knows what she's doing. People who complain it's not challenging enough are either not doing the exercises correctly or are supremely fit. Pilates is very subtle, you have to concentrate, and aside from 'the hundred', most people won't work up much of a sweat. I wouldn't suggest an absolute beginner try to learn Pilates without the help of an instructor, but this is the next best thing. Lots of close ups to show how the exercises are done, usually demonstrated by a fellow who is easy on the eye. Each of the workouts covers a variety of muscle groups and the whole series taken together is quite thorough.
Excellent, easy DVD.......2005-12-21
I am new to Pilates so I didn't know what to expect when buying this DVD BUT it's fab! I suffer with back problems and had whiplash nine years ago and still suffer from the occasional neck strain. I found this to be gentle enough for me but hard enough to feel the results. I would definitely recommend this to anybody who wants to tone up,feel more supple and generally better. I don't think this is for someone who wants a cardio workout but more for toning and stretching and Lynne says you will change your body shape (but I haven't got that far yet but I do feel more toned). You have to concentrate on your breathing throughout but this helps with relaxation and concentrating on your position. Lynne is very easy to follow and she gives you enough time to be in the right position. There's a nice bloke to look at too and he shows you the beginners version and next to him is a young woman who shows you the more advanced version so you can take your pick. The music is not intrusive at all - I hardly noticed it. It's fun to do and even my three old boy joins in with me and he motivates me to put the DVD on! Enjoy.
excellent instruction, but rather boring!!!.......2005-07-31
I bought this DVD as I wanted something that I could do in a limited amount of time, and I also wanted reminding of the pilates basics as it is some time since I have been to a class, and some of my other pilates DVDs don't give adequate instructions.
This DVD consists of three workouts and a pilates basics section. The workouts last about 35 minutes each. The pilates basics bit is great for beginners, and a good refresher for those who have already done some pilates. I thought the first 2 workouts were OK, but for some reason hate doing workout 3.
My only critism is that this DVD is very slow paced, and I find it a bit boring so don't do it as often as my other DVDs.
An excellent all round Pilates DVD.......2005-07-21
I have used plenty of the Body Control Pilates videos and DVDs in the past. I was wondering what a new DVD would have to offer and I am pleased to say it has new exercises and a new look. Lynne Robinson instructs two people how to do the exercises. The man (very hunky!), shows the beginners version and the lady shows the more advanced version. They also workout on 'raised blocks' which is not extra equipment to buy, but rather gives a new look and stops Lynne Robinson bending down!
The music is unobrusive and relaxing. There are 3 workouts (and a back to basics section), and on the DVD you can choose which workout you want to do or even a particular exercise. I found this very useful.
I also like the way you are given such clear and consise instructions from Lynne Robinson. And as you do the exercise she is there giving watch points (eg 'keep lengthening the spine'). In fact it is very hard to do the exercises incorrectly! Nothing is rushed either (something which other Pilates DVDs could learn from!)
Customer Reviews:
Good all over workout.......2008-02-25
I wouldn't say it's the best workout DVD I own, but it makes a valuable addition to the rotation (I get bored easily). Would make a good introduction for beginners but people coming to it already fairly fit would need to use ankle weights and carry hand weights throughout it to really get the best out of it. The music is good.
Great for all levels.......2008-02-07
I really love this workout - it is set out in a circuit format, with 3 aerobics sections and 3 toning sections which alternate. The aerobic sections are enough to get your heart pumping (esp. the 3rd) if you are of an intermediate fitness level, putting in maximum effort, and the toning sections are fantastic for all levels. Elle does put in the odd cheesy comment here and there, but its good fun and the instructor is great and really knows what she is doing. Due to the format I think this workout would be excellent for beginners as well, as the toning sections give you a chance to get your breath back before the next aerobic section whilst still working your body. Highly recommended
Still the best workout DVD around!.......2007-02-05
I bought this on VHS about four years ago and it still the best workout DVD I've ever used! I've been through them all - Cindy Crawford, Aerobics Oz Style, Tae Bo, pilates, yoga, salsa... the list is endless, but Elle is the one I go back to every time.
I'm in pretty good shape,but this is challenging enough to get my heart rate right up - overall at about 75% of maximum, (which is an ideal aerobic rate, especially is you're looking to shift that extra weight!) but the final cardio section takes me up to 95%. If however you're not used to working out you can easily hold back on the cardio sessions and work at your own level - just make your movements smaller and you'll find it perfectly easy. The third (last) cardio session is the hardest - they throw a few jumps in here, but if you cut out the jumps and keep it low-impact you'll be fine.
The conditioning exercises are effective and the instruction is very clear, which avoids risk of injury. You need some small weights for the conditioning sessions, and you can get a pair of those for about £5 in Argos/Amazon.
This is the only DVD apart from Billy Blanks' Tae Bo that works me hard enough to make it a substitute for going to the gym. The Tae Bo DVDs are HARDCORE and I just can't face them most of the time, so I needed something a notch below that!
I can't recommend this enough. WHATEVER your fitness level, you will get a good workout.
This one's a classic!.......2006-07-07
The music may be so 80's, but this workout is just as good and fun as it was a few years ago when it first came out. It's a combination of hand weights and legs sections after which come short aerobics sections with some really cool moves, so you get a bit of toning and a bit of fat burning all in one. It's not excessively intense, but the second and third aerobics intervals do get my heart rate up and I work up a reasonable sweat after the 60 minute workout. Both for beginners and intermediate, very enjoyable (not easy to say that about exercise, but this one actually IS fun!!)
Elle Macpherson.......2006-02-04
I bought this after reading the other reviews; I aleady cycle and walk and wanted soemthing to complement my Cindy Crawford workout. Elle's workout is clear and easy to follow but didn't really raise a sweat; felt more like a brisk walk than a full workout. However, it is varied and works all the body (watch out - you need to stretch at the end a bit more)including abs and arms, and I haven't found it boring. Can do the lot in 45 mins whihc is very useful and better than a cycle on a freezing cold morning! Worth having if you are fairly new to home exercise, but not if you are looking for seriouslyy intense stuff.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent - it works!.......2005-05-04
I have just ordered the DVD, but the video is excellent! It really does work. You must follow the work out and use it regularly, every day if you can for three months, then as you can. At least three times per week. Every day revitalizes you with energy, you lose inches, and gain shape. Very, very good with Radu.
OK for toning but too serious.......2005-01-07
This is similar to her previous vid where it can be repetitive and a bit boring. It is effective though and you do know you've toned your muscles.
This is purely toning and not cardiovascular.
We could do without the touchy feely of the trainer though....hmmm
Way Too Hard.......2004-09-06
This excercise vid is great if you really want a solid, good and serious workout. And when ever I do this vid my body really aches all over. And you will see results. I have.
But I have found that I am way too lazy to do this one. Instead I tend to chose easier and more fun ways to excercise. Elle McPherson's Body excercise for example is a lot more easy going and lot more fun to do, not as hard as this on but you still get the desired effects.
Cindy Crawford on the other hand is a great motivator and she actually seems like a nice person. But I just find this one way to serious and too hard.
Great, Great, Great.......2004-08-06
I love this video. Ok so it's a bit old, and certainly looks quite dated when you watch it, but it is the single best exercise video I have ever done.
I am quite an exercise video-a-holic, with no motivation to go to the Gym I do manage to do 1 to 2 hours a day at home. This video seriously had me exhausted, and I had to have a break for a few days afterwards. I like to think I am quite fit, but this video really toned up areas I did not think could get more toned up!
The only reason I have knocked off a star, is the saftey aspects have a lot to be desired. Cindy warms up WAY to fast, especially around the neck and back areas. She provides little explanation of the safe way to complete the exercises and does not give enough opportunity for stretching. Quite how practical exercising in a little pair of denim hotpants is, I'm not sure.
If you take the warm up at your own pace, slow the actions down and add your own stretches this video is worth twice the price.Not really for beginners.
fun.......2003-06-12
I like it a lot. This video and New Challenge I have for about 6-7 years. Cindy does great job, and excercises are giving me energy and motivation. I play viola and have to spend many hours practicing. And those excercises are giving me energy that I need to keep up with my busy schedule.
Great attitude, great music...and fun.
UK DVD:
- The Three Faces of Eve [1957] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Thin [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Total Circuit Training: Aerobics & Strength Conditioning [2004] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Tribal Fusion NYC (Bellydance) (All Regions)(NTSC) [2007] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Wai Lana's Little Yogis, Vol. 1 [2003] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Wai Lana's Little Yogis, Vol. 2 [2003] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Wai Lana Yoga: Relaxation Workout (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Wai Lana Yoga Toning Workout (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Work It Off: Cardio Sculpt [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Yoga 4 Fertility (Brenda Strong) [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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