IPhone 3G used's review (Guess it's a matter of opinion - I Loved this movie!) 『I thought this movie was one of the better thriller movies I've seen in a long time. Having no premise of the movie beforehand except what the video box said I had no expectations. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next and who was up to these terrible crimes. I will say that I thought Denzel's character was alittle too "smart" and ahead of things - it was hard to believe that even a person with years of experience in a field could figure out clues right the first time. But, if you didn't pick that apart and just watched it for what it was it's an enjoyable movie. I've seen worse! My opinion is to rent it yourself first - only you'll know if it's worth buying for yourself or not.』 fetish『 Animated: 2 on 1 』
『Plot summary for
Beauty Shop (2005)
You thought you'd heard it all in the barbershop, but you haven't heard anything yet - the women get their own chance to shampoo, shine, and speak their minds in Beauty Shop.
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Plot summary for
Last Holiday (2006)
In morte veritas. Georgia Byrd clerks at a New Orleans department store. She defers pleasure: cooks gourmet meals, eats Lean Cuisine; likes a co-worker in silence; has savings, but hasn't left Louisiana. All that changes when a CT Scan discloses she has three weeks to live. She cashes her savings and heads to Europe's Grandhotel Pupp, where Chef Didier presides. She checks into the Presidential Suite, orders everything on the menu, snowboards, and comes to the attention of the chef and the hotel's powerful American guests: a Congressman, a Senator, a retail magnate, and his mistress. She has nothing to lose, so she tells them what she thinks. Will the truth set them free?』 fetish『 HAIRSPRAY (2007) - Sneak Preview Promo DVD - Behind-the-Scenes - Circuit City 』
IPhone 3G used's review (The Memphis Belle Deluxe Edition) 『First of all I thought it was the movie and second of all it won't play. I need to return it.
Shari』
(Hand on my Heart) 『This is an excellent docudrama type government propaganda collection of short films that are done very well, given the time frame of the mid 40s. I had seen the film "the Memphis Belle" several years back and with this "Deluxe" version as a background, it rounds off and completes the the whole event for a very special time in our Air Force history well worth remembering.』
(The Genuine Article) 『This is it, folks, the standard by which all WWII aviation flicks must be measured. A documentary, yes, but brilliant and riveting. Only "12 O'Clock High" comes close to the artistry of this movie. By contrast, the modern-day, Hollywood-ized "Memphis Belle" makes me retch. A must-see for any aviation buff!!! Also, Bob Morgan's book, "The Man Who Flew The Memphis Belle" is a good complement to this film.』
(Memphis Belle is High and Mighty -- Powerful WWII Aviation Flick) 『When I first saw "The Memphis Belle" as a kid, I was absolutely riveted to the screen. This is the legendary movie that inspired a Hollywood film (not great but not terrible -- made just before digital effects came into the world that would have produced a far better film) and has become the touchstone document of what WWII was like for the bomber crews. It's been said that none other than George Lucas used Memphis Belle in the rough cuts of Star Wars to create battle sequences. One watching of this movie and you will understand why -- harrowing close calls and dead on the screen as B-17s tumble out of control, it just leaves you breathless. The moving commentary and score make it all that more amazing. It still blows all but the best that Hollywood made, such as "12 O'Clock High" off the screen. This deluxe edition version of the film is truly outstanding, and features several other films about the B-17 and has a wonderful recruiting movie starring who else but James Stewart, my favorite Hollywood actor.』 『Shot in 1944 in England and over the skies of war-torn Europe, the documentary "The Memphis Belle" is perhaps the most famous film to emerge from WWII. Filmed by legendary Hollywood director William Wyler, the movie chronicles the 25th and final combat mission of a B-17 and its crew.
A moving and realportrait of courage, "Memphis Belle" stands as the definitive chronicle of the air war.
Featured on this new,Special Deluxe Editionis a new, digitallly enhanced transfer of "The Memphis Belle" and four rare films made during WWII about the B-17 Flying Fortresses and the U.S. Army Air Corps. These include "Winning Your Wings" featuring actor-turned-aviator Jimmy Stewart, "Mission Accomplished" and "The Case of the Tremendous Trifle" showing how bombing missions against Germany were planned and accomplished.
Color and black and white films. Over 110 minutes of material.Please note: this DVD is in the DVD-R format and may not be compatible with older DVD players. Check your DVD player's manual for more information.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Brimming with fun and delight.) 『I am in general agreement with "A Viewer's" interesting assessment.
This DVD has a delightfully bucolic flavour to it but one should not be misled by the apparently provincial nature of the setting nor the seemingly rustic character of the production - this is a highly professional, very imaginative and delightfully effective realization of an opera which is always fun although not always funny. However, this staging (which I imagine to be close to a contemporary production), whether it be the creatures of the forest or the occasionally lewd behaviour of Papageno, is full of mirth and belly laughs where the drama allows.
Nor should one suppose the orchestra to be a scratch band in fancy dress; the Court Theatre is much in use with the permanent players and Arnold Ostman continually engaged in dramatic music at a high level.
Stage direction and the unforced acting are to an unusually high standard. The noise of the well operated scenery mechanics just adds to the jollity. To compare this production with something from The Met is to miss the point totally - the two are anything but analogous; anyway, this is The Flute - not Otello!
I very much like Ann-Christine Biel in the role of Pamina; her voice has an adolescent simplicity which suits the part admirably. Other soloists are equally accomplished with Stefan Dahlberg (Pamino) occasionally giving us some nice Heldentenor delivery. The ensemble singing is tight and well executed, the orchestra excellent and nicely balanced; both within itself and with the vocal performances.
Sadly, I have to say that I find the Queen of the Night wholly unconvincing with vocal and dramatic performances irritatingly below the standard set by the rest of the cast.
Sound quality is first class; video is not. I do not know if the requirements for stage lighting are different from those of television but given that this production was aimed at the latter, I would expect a much better picture than this - it lacks contrast and definition. Of course, the lighting may have been intended to simulate a period atmosphere but if so, I don't think it worked.
Notes accompanying DVDs often are disgracefully scanty; this offering is as bad as any in this respect. Frankly, the one-sided, single sheet of "Scene Selections" is little more than useless and very much "short changing" on the part of the publishers who can and should do much better than this; given the price one has to pay for the video, this situation is shameful. One has to wait 160 minutes for the film end-credits to determine who has sung what.
Nevertheless, this DVD provides wonderful entertainment on a number of levels, not the least of which is that of introducing children and others to the wonders of the operatic genre (and to whom comprehensive notes would be a boon). Despite my critical observations, I commend it highly for this is a really delightful production of enormous fun.
』
(Very good as a secondary recording) 『The cast, though of relatively obscure soloists do a very good job. The "trade mark" of this opera is the queen of the night aria, which is ok, but not as brilliant as in other recordings (I'd given it 5 stars otherwise). However the Sarasto soloist is a terrific bass, and I doubt there is a better playing of the Monostatos. The later is truly unique and let alone it is worth the purchase of this DVD.』
(Charming performance - save for one shocking piece of casting) 『In many respects, this is a lovely performance. Stefan Dahlberg is superb as Tamino - what a lovely tone and secure technique he has, and this is one tenor who looks the part, too. While I'm not a huge fan of Ann Christine Biel, she does a good job with Pamina here - it's not as good a performance as Barbara Bonney or Lucia Popp in the role, but it's nice work, nonetheless. The Sarastro is very nice indeed - a good true bass without any problems. Papageno is sung delightfully with a light touch.
The sense throughout is one of intimacy and charm... So far, so good.
But there is one thing that marrs this for me beyond words. Birgit Louise Frandsen sings the Queen of the Night - or, no, to be frank, she attempts to sing the Queen of the Night.
It is the most unforgivable piece of miscasting I've encountered in my life. I do not exaggerate. How CAN it have escaped the attention of the previous reviewers that this soprano has so little coloratura ability that all she succeeds in doing is shredding the role entirely? During the triplets in her second aria, Der Hölle Rache, the conductor ACTUALLY SLOWS DOWN THE TEMPO to half-speed in order to give her a chance of negotiating the notes. The voice itself is like sandpaper and blancmange - irritating and with distressing wobbles.
Had a good Königin been cast in this pivotal role, I'd have given this DVD a 4.5 to 5 star rating. I feel I'd be dishonest, however, in assigning it more than 3 stars to "forgive" the atrocious Queen of the Night.
This is a DVD to own for the sake of the other singers, in particular the wonderful Dahlberg. I feel ashamed that I have to fast-forward some of the most spectacular music Mozart ever composed just to watch this otherwise lovely DVD.』
(Watching a real opera on stage right in your living room) 『I am not an opera fan, but I've always been curious about it, so I ordered this one just to see what it's like to go to an opera house and watch a live opera performance with a real orchestra playing. I got exactly what I wanted.
This DVD doesn't have as good a color as a Pizza Hut commercial, but it is by no means inferior. It is obviously an expensive production done in a German-speaking opera house, so it feels authentic. The props look fancy and expensive, and the acting and singing are superb. Part of it is kind of boring, but I find several songs very charming. Some are familiar; now for the first time I know what those tunes are about. All the actors and actresses look about the right age, and Princess Pamina is a beautiful woman. Prince Tamino isn't as handsome, but still OK.
In particular, my 7-year-old finds the beginning scene of the monster chasing the prince rather fascinating, and in general shows a lot of interest in this opera, to my surprise. So if you are looking at starting your kids on opera, this is probably the best choice.
Runtime: 160 minutes. German with English subtitles.
I also found the entire lyrics (libretto) with side by side English translation here:
It's good if you wish to learn to sing some of the songs. 』
(Fine Performance of Delightful Opera!) 『Another reviewer penned it so well, that this production is not "pretentious," and I believe that is why many enjoy it so much. It is not slick "techno" glittery Americanized hype production, but simple sets and passionate performers who seem to delight in performing it so much.
Was taken very much by the orchestration, so well done in this case the Drottninghom Court Theatre Orchestra and Chorus directed by Arnold Ostman on period instruments. Bravo!
Each of the opera writter by Schikaneder was very well done, but my favorite is the delightful Pagageno! What charisma this guy Samuelson exudes in this part! He is the best! Also, the queen's three and the three boys who lead the trials are excellent as well!
The story is delightful, but spiritually is troublesome, due to Isis et al. Too much of Mozart's and Schikaneder's Freemasonry in this for me. The serpent, sin and evil, are themes but not dealt with in true spiritual reality. If this is proposed as the fairy tale which permeates it, then so be it.
All in all, just a delightful opera so well produced and performed. Wonderful entertainment!』
『A delightful fairy tale, Mozart's final operatic legacy remains a great work in the spirit of the Enlightenment. Intertwining music of awesome purity and beauty with the conventions of musical comedy, it explores Man's search for truth and his confusion between the forces of light and dark. This production from The Drottningholm Court Theatre is conducted by Arnold Ostman and played on authentic period instruments.』 『This charming production of Mozart's last opera lacks the big-name stars and spectacular special effects found in otherMagic Flutevideos, and its ambiance may strike patrons of the Vienna State Opera or the Met as quaintly provincial. But it is musically excellent and visually very close to what Mozart must have had in mind when he wrote the music.
The 400-seat Drottningholm Court Theatre in Stockholm flourished in Mozart's lifetime but was closed in 1800, leaving scenery, costumes, and stage machinery intact. Reopened (essentially, rediscovered) in the 1920s, it is now the scene of an annual summer opera festival featuring 18th-century works. A Drottningholm production is like time travel, with even the orchestra in period costumes playing period instruments.
Like the staging, the performance is scrupulously faithful to the opera's text and spirit. Two kinds of interpretation are required; operatic for the principal roles; folk or pop for the comic roles of Papageno and Papagena. Both requirements are expertly filled.--Joe McLellan』
IPhone 3G used's review (Prom at the Palace) 『Really enjoyed Prom at the Palace, had a lot to ofter in talent and music. The Brits know how to put on a great concert, most enjoyable. I would recommend it to all those who like the Brits and the Queen.』
(Wonderful setting for musical legends to perform) 『You'll never see a gathering of musicians like this again. Rostopovich, now deceased, 12-year-old monster prodigy clarinetist Julian Bliss, opera stars, ballet, orchestra, gospel--all honoring the queen for her 50 years of reign. Fantastic performances, fantastic setting, fantastic recording. As a musician, I recommend this DVD to my students. As a friend, I recommend this to others as a great performance with many genres to enjoy. I generally dislike music DVDs, instead preferring CDs. However, this is superb.』
(IDEAL CLASSICAL MUSIC VIDEO&ENTERTAINING TOO) 『FIRST THOUGHTS: UNREAL ATMOSPHERE - BUT IT IS REAL!
All through this concert one could see both the grounds and surroundings of Buckingham Palace, as the sun set. Really pleasant to look at. There were interiors with the Ballet and outdoor fireworks in this eclectically balanced live presentation. Queen Elizabeth was our host too!
WHAT I LIKED MOST:
There was a lot to like and there was no time to yawn during this 2-hour program because the pieces were short and very varied.
The 12 year old Clarinetist Julian Bliss gives an amazing rendition of "Messager's Solo de Concours," which was my favorite.
"Jupiter" from "The Planets" by Holst was the reason I wanted this DVD and it was well done, but the entire work is 53 minutes compared to about 8 minutes for this movement.
Of course there were fireworks and ballet and choruses, all in a very well blended order.
ABOUT THE DVD: GREAT SOUND AND VIDEO
FEATURE: You can select scenes by artist or by the scene, which is very easy to use feature.
BOTTOM LINE: WORTH SEEING FOR THE SCENERY ALONE BUT THE MUSIC IS GREAT 』
(Interesting music, fascinating look at the Palace) 『I got this one mostly for a look at the Palace and grounds, haven't listened to all of the program yet. The music is pretty much classical, seems well done, if you like that sort of thing you should find a lot to appreciate here. I found it interesting that a couple of selections were by a black choir (The London Adventist Chorale?), spirituals, I guess favorites of the Queen. I liked seeing inside, and out, of the Palace (unlike Elton John's Party at the Palace selection you could tell that these were live performances by seeing the crowds outside the windows), Swan Lake was done in the Ball Room and Bachianas Brasileiras no.1 was performed in The Music Room, my greatest complaint was that the cameras seemed to spend a lot of time examining the ceilings. If you buy both Prom at the Palace and Party at the Palace I think that you'll find this one to be the better arranged program although I think news reports said that the Party concert itself was actually better organized.』 『One of the most remarkable things about this recording of the Queen's Golden JubileeProm at the Palace--quite apart from the musical goodies on offer--is the opportunity to glimpse inside the royal garden, and see what Her Majesty's principal home looks like from the back. Voyeurism aside, director Bob Coles also catches the palpable sense of occasion and excitement that surrounds the concert, with some swooping camera angles and exciting crowd shots. The music is a mix of classical favorites (Zadok the Priest, "Jupiter" fromThe Planets, Handel'sMusic for the Royal Fireworks) and a few lesser-known items.
The outdoor acoustic is generally handled well, and the soloists all sound wonderful; Angela Gheorghiu stops the show with a passionate account of "Vissi d'Arte" (fromTosca) and 13-year-old clarinetist Julian Bliss gives a remarkably assured performance of Messager'sSolo de Concours. Occasionally the BBC Symphony Orchestra loses concentration, but overall this is a fine souvenir of a historic concert. All profits from the sale of the DVD will be donated to the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Trust.--Warwick Thomson』
大満足！北国のホタテ・いくら・ボタンエビがぎっしり！
