DVD

Average customer rating:

Classic
Great Movie
a must have for family video library
wonderful
A timeless Hit!

Ladyhawke
Starring: Matthew Broderick , Rutger Hauer , Michelle Pfeiffer , Leo McKern , and John Wood
Director: Richard Donner
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Willow (Special Edition)
Dragonslayer
Legend (Ultimate Edition)
Labyrinth
The Princess Bride (Special Edition)

ASIN: 630469654X
Release Date: 1997-10-29

Amazon.com

This lushly produced fantasy has gained a loyal following since its release in 1985, and it gave a welcomed boost to the careers of Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rutger Hauer. You have to ignore the overly aggressive music score (critic Pauline Kael aptly dubbed it "disco-medieval") and director Richard Donner's reckless allowance of anachronistic dialogue and uninspired storytelling, but there's a certain charm to the movie's combination of romance and heroism. Broderick plays a young thief who comes to the aid of tragic lovers Isabeau (Pfeiffer), who is cursed to become a hawk every day at sunrise and Navarre (Hauer) who turns into a wolf at sunset. The curse was cast by an evil sorcerer-bishop (John Wood), and as Broderick eludes the bishop's henchmen, Navarre struggles to conquer the villain, lift the curse, and be reunited with his love in human form. The tragedy of this lovers' dilemma keeps the movie going, and Broderick is well cast as a young, medieval variation of Woody Allen. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Classic.......2007-07-09

I always enjoy watching Ladyhawke, it's such a great, timeless story of love and adventure. Rutger Hauer, Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfieffer were clearly perfect for the parts in this film. The story of star-crossed lovers is classic but Broderick (as well as the 80s synth score) add a great sense of humor to the plot. Definitely a must-have for your DVD collection. Enjoy.

Great Movie.......2007-05-21

This was a great movie, it has romance, action/adventure, betrayal and love, and of course, Matthew Broderick's smart mouth. The scenes with Rutger and Michelle were tear jerkers. I think they did a great job with the casting.

a must have for family video library.......2007-05-15

Humor, romance, drama, fantasy...this movie has it all. A family ready story of love denied. Matthew Brodrick at his best, using sly wit to counter the seriousness with which the others actors played their roles.

wonderful.......2007-05-07

What a great romance. I watched it when I was younger and I think I enjoy it even more now. It was such a moving story that your heart just goes out to the characters.

A timeless Hit!.......2007-03-26

Our family never gets tired of watching this classic love story, it's got it all. We love this movie!

Average customer rating:

Save your money on this one.
It's not really bad...but not really great either.
Okay...
Not too bad for a "Return", but was it worth it...?
Merlin's Apprentice

Merlin's Apprentice
Starring: Sam Neill , John Reardon , Miranda Richardson , Christopher Jacot , and Meghan Ory
Director: David Wu
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Merlin (Special Edition)
Merlin: The Return
The Mists of Avalon
The 10th Kingdom
Dark Kingdom - The Dragon King

ASIN: B000E1YW2M
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Amazon.com

A fanciful sequel to the successful 1998 miniseries Merlin, this 2005 multi-part series benefits greatly from Sam Neill's return performance as the legendary wizard. Taking place some 50 years after the first film, Merlin's Apprentice partners the magician with a young thief with untapped magic powers of his own (engaging Canadian actor John Reardon) in a quest to recover the lost Holy Grail, which holds the key to Camelot's protection and survival. Miranda Richardson, who enlivened the '98 production as the ferocious Queen Mab, also returns to provide some necessary drama as the Lady in the Lake. Solid production values (bolstered by the lovely Vancouver locations), confident direction by Hong Kong veteran David Wu (Bride with White Hair 2), and an abundance of fantasy-action make this a worthwhile adventure for fans of the first miniseries and sword-and-sorcery features in general. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

Save your money on this one. .......2007-06-26

The special effects are nothing compared to the first movie, Merlin. The plot is nothing. It's just an excuse to create a spin-off from the original Mervin.

I regret renting this.

It's not really bad...but not really great either........2007-06-22

This movie doesn't really tie into Merlin at all. It's still a fun movie to watch. Plus I love the music, quite lovely really!

Okay..........2007-05-29

but not that great. Way too much silliness for a "2nd." It didn't make very much sense and was pretty much a waste of time and money.

Not too bad for a "Return", but was it worth it...?.......2007-05-11

Sam Neill returns in this TV movie in his title role of Merlin the Magician and he is the only thing that shines this time (hence my three stars).

Not even Miranda Richardson, as the Lady of the Lake "incarnated" (Queen Mab disappeared in the original "Merlin"), can find any true joy in reprising her former role (which she played well the first time).

All the rest of the cast goes by numbers and are as stiff as statuettes.

The story is original, but that's it. It has absolutely nothing of the enchanted aura that was in the original "Merlin" (despite many attempts to make it so).

Granted, the storyline happens many years after the facts involving Morgain, Arthur and Mordred, but still, although gloomy in scope, it could have been developed a tiny bit better.

Indeed, nothing in this NON-sequel reminds us of what Camelot truly was for those who were involved with it (a few reminder flashbacks could have worked as well). Instead we are treated with a "younger" version of Merlin, who appears to be his very own son, with only a twist, he's also a thief and an adventurer...

The rest is deja-vu, and self-gratifying drama, mixed with some hurried action scene here and there, just to keep audiences from falling asleep in the process.

Some reviewers said that in its own right, this movie is as good as "Merlin". I must strongly disagree.

If it only had been a sequel, I would have praised it, but in the present form, I cannot accept the cheers...

Let's say we had a "recall" of Merlin from his "long sleep", because Camelot, or at least what was left of its glory, was about to be threatened by an adverse magician of equal powers if not stronger (just like in "Lord of the Rings" for instance), to those Merlin had, was about to destroy it and establish a new rule of terror on the Land, then and only then, would I have been interested in the plot.

Let's go one step further. What if as a result of this titanic feat and probable duel, resulted the beginning of the Medieval history of England, with say, Nennius as the ideal successor to Merlin?
Myth tied up with a touch of true history, would have helped things along and would have made this follow-up to "Merlin" even more believable, as well as closing the tale in a tightly knit loop between fact and fiction.

This would have been the movie that would have awakened audiences and would have also brought home some prices and praises.

This instead is only good to satisfy the very young and inexperienced audiences around, but not those who have either studied the tales, or are knowledgeable in the historic backgrounds surrounding the tales.

Nevertheless, after having stated all this, it is still a very watchable movie with some tiny good moments for the entire family, but I repeat, it is not for the very demanding audiences.

Merlin's Apprentice.......2007-03-11

Fun, but nothing to do with the legend. I enjoy Sam Neill as an actor and the era of the movie. It is OK

Average customer rating:

One of my favorite movies of all time
After decades, Enchantment Still Casts a Spell
Extremely Original Storytelling Technique
Go After Him!
Chamber music of eternal love.

Enchantment
Starring: David Niven , Teresa Wright , Evelyn Keyes , Farley Granger , and Jayne Meadows
Director: Irving Reis
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

David Niven: Happy Go Lovely
Pursued
Come and Get It
I'll Be Seeing You
Since You Went Away

ASIN: B0006TPE06
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Description

Two generations of lovers struggle to determine whether practicality or passion should guide their fate in this "heartwarming and delightful" (The Hollywood Reporter) tale. Starring Academy AwardÂ(r) winners* David Niven and Teresa Wright and "filmed with tenderness and rhythmic beauty" (Cue), Enchantment casts a captivating spell! As a young man, Rollo (Niven) was kept from his true love, Lark (Wright), by the scheming of his spiteful older sister. Years later, he's pleased to see his niece and Lark's nephew falling in love. But war is raging and the future looks bleak. Can Rollo keep another couple from losing their chance at happiness? *Niven: Actor, Separate Tables (1958); Wright: Supporting Actress, Mrs. Miniver (1942)

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite movies of all time.......2007-06-16

I first saw this movie when I was about ten, and it has stayed with me ever since. While watching it again last night, I was reminded of all the reasons why I loved it in the first place -- it's truly a beautiful film. The best scene of all is when Rollo and Lark kiss for the first time, and the scene leading up to it -- sigh! My heart goes pitty pat every time I think about it. The cinemetography is very well done, as a previous reviewer commented. I did wish they'd just stick with Rollo and Lark -- I wasn't near as captivated by Pax and Grizel. You must see this movie if you could yourself a romantic at all.

After decades, Enchantment Still Casts a Spell.......2007-05-12

This is a movie of moods, beautifully constructed and perfectly acted by David Niven, Teresa Wright, and Evelyn Keyes. Its dual stories capture the settled society of late-Victorian England and the urgency of romance during WW II. I remember seeing it when it first came out. It haunted me for decades, and seeing it again recently comfirmed that it still speaks eloquently to the heart. Masterful work, film at its classic best.

Extremely Original Storytelling Technique.......2007-04-30

58 years before "Monster House" - a film about a neighborhood terrorized by a house - there was "Enchantment" (1948); a film narrated by a house. I'm not kidding; the house provides a brief bookend voice-over commentary; introducing the story and then wrapping things up at the conclusion.

Fortunately this house is much better behaved than its 2006 successor because 95% of the film takes place under its roof. The modest set means that second-to-none cinematographer Gregg Toland's expertise is somewhat wasted. There wasn't much for him to apply himself to here other than some interesting lighting and a series of interesting match cut transitions (more about these later).

"Enchantment" is a romance, more precisely two romances as the film tells the story of wartime romances in a London family during both the WWI and WWII. Set in 1944, the film opens with retired General Roland (Rollo) Dane (a convincingly aged David Nivin) pining away over his lost opportunity for true love. Upon the death of his sister Selina he moved back into his boyhood home because it contains memories of his lost love Lark (Teresa Wright). Lark was an orphan his family adopted when she was eight. Rollo and Lark fell in love when they grew up but shrewish sister Selina managed to derail the romance. Lark marries someone else and Rollo pursues a career in the Army. They never see each other again.

Enter niece Grizel (Evelyn Keyes-Scarlett O'Hara's little sister) who comes to wartime London from America. Grizel is an ambulance driver who moves in with her great uncle Rollo. Grizel begins a romance with a wounded Canadian officer named Pax (Farley Granger), who turns out to be Lark's nephew.

Now this may not sound very promising, but "Enchantment" transcends ordinary romantic melodrama by the way in which it tells its tale (and I'm not talking about the talking house). The story is told by cutting back and forth between two parallel romantic story lines taking place in the same house; Rollo and Lark during WWI and Grizel and Pax during WWII. This device works quite well and is worth watching just to see the match cut transitions that move the film back and forth between the two romances. There are ten of these transitions. The camera holds on the door inside Selina's bedroom as the story flashbacks to the same spot 25+ years earlier. Then a place-setting at the dinner table takes the story forward. The transitions continue; using a chandelier, a mantle clock, the fireplace, the sidewalk, and the staircase. But this is more than just a slick editing trick. Each match cut is designed to draw attention to parallels between Grizel and her predecessors in the house. Which is why she is given Selina's old room. The climatic transition does not use the match cut technique, presumably to indicate that the later romance will have a more upbeat outcome than the earlier one.

The final match cut involves a set of house "keys"; probably not a deliberate play on a certain actresses' surname but a symbolic reference (i.e. the key to happiness). The sidewalk transition is the best one as Niven actually morphs into Granger at the same exact point on the sidewalk. This was a dolly tracking shot and the row houses in the background had to line up perfectly (remember this was before digital effects).

For pretty much everyone who has seen"Enchantment", the most memorable images involve eight-year old Lark and ten-year old Rollo; played by real life brother and sister Peter Miles and Gigi Perreau. Gigi totally hijacks the film at this point leaving viewers wishing she had more scenes. Peter (in appearance and style) may remind you of Freddie Highmore ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Finding Neverland").

In fairness to Selina (nicely played by Jayne Meadows), her resentment of the cute little waif is somewhat understandable. Lark immediately brings out the protective instincts of Selina's father and two brothers. Basically supplanting Selina and stealing her destiny.

Niven, Wright, and Keyes are quite good although Keyes never quite sells her shrewish side nor her attraction to Pax. I felt this was mostly due to Granger who was one creepy guy. Hitchcock cast him for his lead in "Rope" for this very quality and while it was an asset in that role it works to everyone's detriment here.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Go After Him!.......2006-03-31

I watched ENCHANTMENT with mixed emotions. The basic story is captivating: an orphan girl is thrust into the bosom of a family unprepared for her direct, earthy approach to life. Little Lark Ingoldsby is played by the luminous child actress Gigi Perreau. When she arrives at the Dane mansion she can't do much more than shiver and cry and fall asleep, her grief too large to contain within her skin. Selina Dane, a hideously rude girl possibly eight or nine years older than Lark, takes her in unwillingly, and determines to make her life miserable. Which she does for the next fifteen years or so.

To be fair to Selina (as a grown woman played by Jayne Meadows, quite well) she resents Lark for stealing the love of her father, her two brothers Pelham and Rollo, and in fact, everyone loves Lark and Selina feels very much on the shelf, playing second fiddle all the time. Though raised as brothers and sisters, both boys fall madly in love with Lark. It all seems vaguely incestuous. You can see it in the expression on Teresa Wright's face when, on her birthday, her "brother" Pelham gets carried away by passion and kisses her right on the mouth. Lark then worries that she's let things get out of hand. However she doesn't have any scruples when it comes to loving Rollo (David Niven) who is fairly charming in the part.

I think that Goldwyn should have borrowed Jennifer Jones from Selznick to play the part of Lark. It is so much a Jennifer Jones part that Wright seems distinctly uncomfortable in having to imitate Jones' ways in every scene. Whatever Wright's other virtues, she wasn't naturally sexy, and I think that the part calls for an actress with more of an erotic charge than "Young Charlie."

In the present day story, Farley Granger's as stiff as usual, and Evelyn Keyes is surprisingly warm and low key, a far cry from the noir roles for which we remember her best nowadays, but I can't get over their names! She is "Grizel Dane" and his name's "Pax Masterson." It's insane! The film climaxes in a mad chase across London as the V-1 rockets fall during rhe Blitz, quite an exciting sequence that demonstrates how far a woman will go to get the man she loves. As elderly David Niven has advised Grizel, "Don't stop to bargain for happiness, for in one wasted moment, a door may close, a ship may sail, a train may leave, a man may die. Go after him!"

Chamber music of eternal love........2005-09-30

I was deeply moved by this movie. Strickingly beautiful, enchanted story telling of love. It was a chamber music of joy and pain of eternal love.

Disney Princess - A Christmas of Enchantment

Average customer rating:

Service was awful!
Kids love it!!
Wow, what a horrible DVD!!!!
Not worth the money.....
VERY CLEVER

Disney Princess - A Christmas of Enchantment
Starring: Disney Princess-Christmas of Enchantment
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

All Disney Titles | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Disney's Princess Christmas Album
Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus
Cinderella (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Platinum Edition)
My Little Pony - A Very Minty Christmas
Disney Princess Sing Along Songs, Vol. 2 - Enchanted Tea Party

ASIN: B0009OUB2O
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Amazon.com

What if Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel, and Jasmine hung out in their own little girl group? The result would be the Disney Princess series, which brings the six heroines together for new learning adventures. In A Christmas of Enchantment, however, you don't get to watch the princesses in a fairy-tale holiday journey. You get to watch the princesses watch (make sense?) various stolen scenes from Beauty and the Beast: The Enchantment Christmas and Sleeping Beauty. (That scene where Aurora dances through the forest? They've Christmas-tized it by setting it to "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.") Throw in a couple classic cartoon shorts, a "Twelve Days of Christmas" sing-along, and bam! You've produced this DVD. If your child is in love with Disney princesses, best run out and buy the special edition of Cinderella instead of this re-packaged montage. - Ellen A. Kim.

Description

Welcome to a wondrous place of music and magic where your favorite Disney Princesses have gathered for their first-ever holiday spectacular: DISNEY PRINCESS -- A CHRISTMAS OF ENCHANTMENT. You'll enjoy the best seat in the house as you share holiday stories, songs, and surprises with Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White. Join Aurora as she waltzes to the "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy." Read along with Ariel as she tells a heartwarming tale about her very first Christmas, and learn how Belle brought hope and cheer to Beast one magical holiday. Plus, as a treat, the Disney Princesses perform an all-new song that celebrates the beauty of the season. Invite your little princess to join in this dazzling dream come true with all her favorite characters. Make Disney DISNEY PRINCESS -- A CHRISTMAS OF ENCHANTMENT part of your family's holiday tradition ... now and forever.

Customer Reviews:

Service was awful!.......2007-01-09

I ordered this product in early (very early) December -- it is now, the 2nd week of January & I still haven't received my item. This was to be a gift for my niece but I haven't received it yet. Amazon provided no reason for the delay, just that it was not being sent yet. Not a good reason.

Kids love it!!.......2006-09-20

I actually was a little bummed with the animation in this, but the songs are great, and my four year old watched it well into July then I finally had to "lose" it for awhile because I couldn't handle hearing anymore Christmas songs when it was over onr hundred degrees outside!

I have a 2 year old & 4 year old who love it more than anything!

Wow, what a horrible DVD!!!!.......2006-04-06

This DVD rehashes old Disney cartoons into a "Christmas" theme--I say "Christmas," beacuse a couple of the cartoons have little to do with Christmas. Additionally, the new animation that was created for this DVD is as bad as I've ever seen. If you like rehashed older cartoons that you can get on better DVD sets and crappy animation that makes the princesses look robotic, go ahead and waste your money on this one. Otherwise, skip it.

SHAME ON YOU DISNEY--THIS DVD IS NOTHING BUT A CHEAP AND SHODDY ATTEMPT TO GET A FEW DOLLARS!

IF I COULD, I'D GIVE THIS DVD A RATING OF "0"

Not worth the money............2005-12-28

My 3 year old was so excited to see that they had come out with a princess christmas movie so as soon as it came out, we rushed out to get it. Within minutes she was bored with the old clips and even found a few scenes scary. She has never watched it again and it was a waste of money in my opinion. I would not recommend for a disney princess lover as its not what you think.

VERY CLEVER.......2005-12-27

Disney took alot of old clips from many Princess Classics and mixed it in with some new songs and new clips about Christmas. My three year old watched it 3 times today and loves it. I think its a little boring but what does that matter? She finds it very entertaining. Its worth the $13. Buy it for your princess.

Charlotte Church - Enchantment (From Cardiff, Wales)

Average customer rating:

Incredible Voice at Work
Charlotte Church- Enchantment DVD
Sweet, Exciting, Wonderful Live Concert
enjoyable from start to finish
Was the Charlotte Church Dvd Full screen? It wasn't for me

Charlotte Church - Enchantment (From Cardiff, Wales)
Starring: Charlotte Church , and Josh Groban
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Charlotte Church - Voice of an Angel in Concert
Charlotte Church - Prelude: The Best of Charlotte Church
Dream a Dream: Charlotte Church in the Holy Land
Charlotte Church - In Jerusalem
Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand

ASIN: B00005Y6XP
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Voice at Work.......2006-04-22

One of the most gifted singers alive.. At this stage in her development, 15 I think, the performance alternates between that of a phenomenal singer bellowing out her tunes with amazing strength and beauty, and then when the song is over, she's a teenage girl again, acting as if she's putting on a show for a few dozen classmates at a school dance. It's a charming performance to watch, and the sheer beauty of some of the songs melts the heart. The production quality lacks just a bit, but for its quality of enjoyment, I give it the highest marks.
Thanks to God for such a gift!

Charlotte Church- Enchantment DVD.......2005-09-02

Her best effort to date since her 1st "Voice of an Angel" debut.
Enjoyed her doing Broadway tunes and a good mix for those who have not been introduced to this poised and mature for her age super talented singer. 1st class production values on this DVD.
Thank you Charlotte for sharing your gift to us all.

Sweet, Exciting, Wonderful Live Concert.......2005-06-25

Available in VHS or DVD this live concert is absolutely terrific. You can save some money with the VHS version if you wish as it is produced full quality in hi-fi stereo. It is almost 2 hours in length - a real treat. Charlotte and her beautiful voice are stunning. Apparently most Americans are not aware of this terrific video since it has not been reviewed in about 2 years. Rest assured, I think it would be almost impossible for you to be disappointed with this live concert. Please, please enjoy this terrific performance by Charlotte, guests and the orchestra.

enjoyable from start to finish.......2003-06-12

This was an enjoyable dvd to watch if you happen to like
classical music and you have followed Charlotte Church
for the past couple years now. You could probably buy the
best of and be just as happy.

Was the Charlotte Church Dvd Full screen? It wasn't for me.......2003-05-01

I just recieved this dvd and it wasn't what the description said it was. It's supposed to be 116 mintues long and on the back of the dvd it says 101 mintues and it's not full screen version. I just wanted to know if anyone else who has this was it full screen?

Handel - Alcina / Naglestad, Coote, Schneiderman, Romei, Hacker, Stuttgart Opera

Average customer rating:

On the contrary. . .(about the production)
Decent singing - too much heavy petting
Baroque Opera with a Twist of Erotica
Seeing is Distracting
Musically beautiful. Choreography stinks

Handel - Alcina / Naglestad, Coote, Schneiderman, Romei, Hacker, Stuttgart Opera
Starring: Handel , Catherine Naglestad , Alice Coote , Heinz Gerger , and Michael Ebbecke
Manufacturer: Arthaus Musik
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Handel - Rodelinda / Antonacci, Scholl, Streit, Chiummo, Winter, Stefanowicz, Christie, Glyndebourne Opera
Handel - Rinaldo / Bicket, Daniels, York, Prinzregententheater Munich
Handel - Tamerlano / Jonathan Miller, Trevor Pinnock - Bacelli, Randle, Pushee, Norberg-Schulz, Bonitatibus, Abete - Händelfestspiele Halle 2001
Handel - Ariodante / Bolton, Murray, Rodgers, English National Opera
Handel - Theodora / Peter Sellars · William Christie · Upshaw, Hunt, Daniels, Croft · Glyndebourne Opera

ASIN: B00008G61F
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Customer Reviews:

On the contrary. . .(about the production).......2007-05-24

Several reviewers have suggested that this production is little better than "porn," consequently entirely inappropriate and guilty of misrepresenting Handel's immaculate conception. On the contrary, "Alcina," one of the great Handelian opere serie, is the perfect place to introduce this kind of earth-shattering antithesis to the anticipated staid and dutiful production. It almost goes without saying that the librettist (anonymous, adapted from Riccardo Broschi, based on Ariosto's "Orlando furioso") saw the "feminine," as exemplified in the character of Alcina herself, as dangerous and subversive, oversexed and under-reasoned, whereas the "masculine," as exemplified in the character of Oronte, he saw as moral and upright, possessed of perfect propriety in matters sexual and socio-cultural. The libretto, through the disruption of Alcina's spell over her male "victims" and the destruction of the sorceress herself, depicts a victory of this idealized masculine over the idealized feminine.

How could any modern producer not see this arrangement as grotesque, as the creation of men for the benefit of a male-dominated society? The production, therefore, outwardly turns that arrangement and the society that created it on its head by suggesting that the victory of the idealized "masculine"--seen in the CONVERSION of Ruggiero from loving Alcina to loving Bradamante, and also from lesbianism to heterosexuality--is a travesty: a murder of beauty, a rapacious erasure of that part of the truth of the human journey that reveals itself through desire.

But who is speaking or singing this reversal, this bold assertion that the idealized feminine was better, had ALWAYS been better, than the idealized masculine? Is it Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito, the directors, for introducing a topless aria or a forced marriage sequence where the libretto suggests no such thing, or is it Handel for creating in the role of Alcina an overwhelming vocal presence? Does she not overturn, through the sheer power of the vocal writing offered up to her, the high estimation the libretto would seem to place on the idealized masculine? If so, then the directors Wieler and Morabito have done nothing more--through their emphasis on the undeniable physical allure of societal signifiers of femininity--than elect to hear Handel over the lexical clamor of his librettist. (Thanks to Carolyn Abbate for the spirit of this!)

On the one hand, it should be remembered that this production's upsetting of a perceived historical meaning is partially the accomplishment of a man--Sergio Morabito--and, therefore, in some way no less grotesque in its idealization of the feminine than the demonization of the same in Handel's time. On the other hand, Jossi Wieler (a woman) surely changes this dynamic, and finally it is Catherine Nagelstad (Alcina), Alice Coote (Ruggiero), and Helene Schniederman (Bradamante) who provide the physical source of the lasting sounds and images of the production, as even negative reviews of this DVD attest. It therefore seems to me that what has emerged through this "Alcina" is in fact a reassertion of the victory of the female voice over what is still in many ways a frustratingly male-dominated industry. I incriminate myself.

Decent singing - too much heavy petting.......2007-01-21

The singing is quite good in this video except for the men - the tenor is awful and the bass is barely adequate. However, the five ladies are all very enjoyable, particularly the Alcina and the Ruggiero. Coote, as Ruggiero, is very believable as a man and her acting is excellent. The sets are nothing to write home about but neither are they ugly or distracting. The costumes are fine except I saw way too much of Alcina's breasts. There is too much heavy petting in the direction, as though someone were trying to show us they weren't afraid to show women kissing each other and touching private areas, alot... and then some more...and even longer... That bit seemed a bit childish but for the most part, I enjoyed the video, and had a hard time pausing just to get up for a minute. If the tenor had been good, I probably would give it another star, but he was really bad.

Baroque Opera with a Twist of Erotica.......2006-07-28

For anyone who's interested (which should be all males in their right mind) Alcina's aria of exposure, 'ma clothé bosom pop outå', begins at the one hour, twenty-five minute and thirty-seven second mark (or to make things easy, chapter thirty nine). After that there's a five minute wait before the first bosom pops. Interested parties might want to skip ahead. I waited of course (because nobody told me when it would happen).

The aria is actually called 'Ah, mio cor! Schernito sei!' (Ah! My heart! You are scorned!) and it's a great one. Anyone watching it just to see Catherine Naglestad partially nude should end up mesmerized enough by the music and her performance of it to (almost) forget that her [...] end up exposed. The piece is a dramatic tour de force for her and for Catriona Smith who, though she doesn't sing, serves as a counterpoint for the action. Naglestad captures the character's fury and her emotional vulnerability beautifully. Her physical exposure serves that. Ultimately it helps in showing the imperious, spoiled and wanton Alcina as a multi-faceted human being more deserving of sympathy than scorn.

The cast is brilliant. Michael Ebbecke has the role that's both the least and most pivotal to the opera. His voice is the harshest of the cast members but he uses it to convey an air of authority. Claudia Mahnke brings the uncertainty and passion of youth to the role of Oberto. Her voice is rich and, very powerful. Rolfe Romei has a strong tenor voice that's never harsh. He brings complexity, insecurity and sexual ambiguity to a role that (under many directors) could have been a throwaway. Catriona Smith and Helene Schneiderman are standouts. Catriona Smith is wonderfully vulnerable as Alcina's sister, Morgana. Her pain from the abuse by her lover and her sister is tangible. The love she has for both of them is never less than real as well. She sings in bell like tones that suggest despair or passion with equal aplomb. Helene Schneiderman has that wonderful middle range unique to mezzo sopranos that's as much a caress as delivery of song. And she's an extremely expressive singer. Her use of body language is exceptional as well. It's largely due to her work that this production is so emotionally and erotically charged.

But the production belongs to Alice Coote, Catherine Naglestad, (conductor) Alan Hacker and the Staatorchester Stuttgart. Alice Coote has a rich mezzo soprano voice that's positively silken. Her turn as Ruggerio, the bewitched lover who finally scorns the temptress Alcina, is entirely convincing. And she sings it so well ...hers is a voice that every listener will want to hear more of. Catherine Naglestad is mesmerizing as the bewitching Alcina. She is at turns powerful and heartrendingly vulnerable. Her sensuality borders on feral. And her singing is something to marvel at. Nothing defies her range. The ways she has of shading tones are rich and varied and her notes soar over the stage. Alan Hacker does a beautiful job with both the orchestra and the singers. His interpretation is elegant and refined but never lacking in drive. The score, as he presents it, supports the singers and the eroticism implied in the production. The highest compliment I can give to it is that it becomes more of a joy to listen to as it becomes more familiar.

The only problem with the staging lies with the backdrop. The set is laid out well but the wallpaper on it is too busy. It's not a problem when the camera is close to the action. But when the stage is shown in full view it's distracting. There are a couple of technical shortcomings as well. There are no scene selections in the main menu. A few of the subtitles have errors. The divisions between acts aren't marked during the performance. There's only one audio track (PCM Stereo) and there's a moment where most of it seems weighted toward only one channel. It doesn't last long but it is noticeable. And it's distracting. There are a pair of bad edits near the end too. The first appears to have been done to shorten what would have been a pause in the action. The second might have been to bring the lights down on camera before they actually went off on the stage. Whatever the case they make the finale of what was a very good production quite awkward.

But none of these points are worth missing this production over. The staging by Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito is (despite the two-for-one wallpaper) imaginative, effective and engaging. The most important characters are fully realized. The singing and acting is great. The PCM audio track is (with the exception of that single weak moment) vibrant and bright. Alice Coote, Catherine Naglestad and the orchestra under Alan Hacker, are magnificent. And of course, the music is glorious! This performance gets a five star rating and even the busy-as-an-ant colony wallpaper doesn't affect that. The loss of one star is due entirely to the technical shortcomings.

Baroque opera with a twist of erotica: it can't be beat.

Seeing is Distracting.......2006-06-30

I have no beef with the performance, it's excellent and does honor to Handel's genius. The Stuttgart Staatsorchester under Alan Hacker and the cast did a fantastic job, but...geez, I wanna see porn I'll see porn. I'm no prude, there is a place for purience, but "Alcina" ain't it. The licentiousness of this performance is overwhelming, embarrassing, in very poor taste, and an insult to music lovers. If you buy this DVD, turn you back to the screen or better still, save your money, get the CD and let your imagination soar with the music and when it's done you won't have a bad taste in your mouth.

Musically beautiful. Choreography stinks.......2006-06-23

This is one of Haendel's most popular opera. An expansion of a side story from 'Orlando Furioso'. Ruggiero the soldier got spellbinded on Alcina's enchanted island. His fiancee and their wizard come to rescue. After much mistakened identities and preposterous romantic intrigues, everybody escape leaving Alcina broken both magically and emotionally.

The staging is bare and modern. Same set the whole show with 'thru the looking glass' huge window in the middle that sometimes offers the view to a back room, and sometimes to the real world from an enchanted illusion. Guys wear suits and gals wear dresses... of varying degrees of revealing-ness.

The romantic choreography goes overboard. I'm no prude, but this show gets quite distracting to me. I know that sexual seduction is a big part of the story, but this one crosses the fine line between showing a motif and show-casing it. That the singing actresses keep their clothes on is about the only thing that keeps it from being pornographic.

Come to think of it, Ms Naglestad's tops are of such see through quality that it really wouldn't have made that much difference had she taken it all off (and then there's that infamouse wardrobe malfunction during 'Ah, mio cor'...)! How she sings so well while doing all that is beyond me. A 'Di cor mio' that will send any male's heart pounding, a wonderful acting singer caught in a stage production that distracts away from her assets!

I was looking for a more melancholy 'Verdi prati,' but Ms Coote does better with the militant 'Sta nell'ircana' even with a rather average trill (the voice is strong but not very agile). Generally she is a good Ruggiero.

Ms Smith is a fine Morgana and copes well with the virtuosic 'Tornami a vegghiar' (unfortunately most of her acting has to do with molesting Bradamante), and Frau Schniedermann is vocally assured as Bradamante/Ricciaro but looks to be old enough to be Ruggiero's mom rather than his fiancee. The rest of the cast are ok.

An above average Alcina musically, to be sure, the musical performance earns the 3 stars. Tho I dislike how the stage direction seems to think it necessary to exploit sex scenes between beautiful singing actresses. It cheapens the show.

Average customer rating:

Care Bears: Land of Enchantment
Starring: Care Bears
Manufacturer: Sterling Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Kids & Family | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Care Bears: Fun in the Sun
Care Bears: Tenderheart Tales
Care Bears: Starry Skies
Care Bears: Dreamland
Care Bears: Celebration

ASIN: B0006UTN5C
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Product Description

Care Bear Cartoons 3 Episodes as follows: Forest of Misfortune, Concrete Rain, Runaway

Average customer rating:

My 6yo watches this over and over
Did not capture my daughter's interest

An Angel For Christmas
Starring: Angel for Christmas
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Holidays | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Kids & Family | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

Silent Night: The Story of the First Christmas
Magic Gift of the Snowman
Annabelle's Wish
Night Before Christmas/Christmas Elves
Red Boots for Christmas

ASIN: B0000AZT3V
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Customer Reviews:

My 6yo watches this over and over.......2007-06-11

Very sweet story about giving. Includes a little about the very first Christmas. My six-year-old son LOVES this one.

Did not capture my daughter's interest.......2007-01-11

She put this dvd in and watched for about 2 minutes, and wanted to stop it. I also did not feel this DVD to be entertaining.

Average customer rating:

Vivien's review
Typical Sequel

Merlin's Apprentice
Starring: Duncan Fraser , Sam Neill , Miranda Richardson , Garwin Sanford , and John Reardon
Director: David Wu
Manufacturer: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Merlin (Special Edition)
The 10th Kingdom
Merlin: The Return
Fantasy Quest
Dark Kingdom - The Dragon King

ASIN: B000E1YW1S
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Product Description

The Search for the Holy Grail is on. The great sorcerer Merlin has returned to Camelot, a kingdom now vulnerable to ill fates and war since the theft of the Holy Grail, its greatest gift and protection. With the help of Jack, an irascible young beggar-thief imbued with his own unruly magic, the fight against unknown dangers begins--to find the Grail, restore it to its rightful place, and bring Camelot back to its glory days. DVD Features include interviews with cast members.

Customer Reviews:

Vivien's review.......2007-07-06

This is a absolutely great movie. I have always been interested in Merlin and the Arthurian legend. This movie portrays Merlin in a way that really is believable. Love it!!!

Typical Sequel.......2007-01-16

Got this as a package deal with the first movie. Didn't really follow the story from the original, but loved Sam Neil as Merlin, so we gave it a chance. Different Lady of the lake, and the plot stalled a couple times. It was pretty good, as a stand alone. As a sequel, not up to par and I'd rather watch "Merlin" instead.

Average customer rating:

Care Bears (5 pack)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVD:

DVD

A River Runs Through It [1993]

DVD: Trigun - Puppet Master (Vol. 7)

Various Artists - Classic Video Collection, Vol. 1