Showing posts with label australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label australia. Show all posts

Bush Buddies Review

Bush Buddies
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Bush Buddies ReviewI can play this dvd on my new dvd player. Just make sure you have or buy an all region dvd player. Thank goodness, Now I can watch the real Kath & Kim.Bush Buddies Overview

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The Velvet Underground - Under Review (2006) Review

The Velvet Underground - Under Review (2006)
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The Velvet Underground - Under Review (2006) ReviewI have to admit, I was kind of disappointed by this DVD. I knew that there would be little visual footage of the Velvets, but I guess I was expecting something more. Of course, the only real footage of the band in action comes from the 1966-67/Warhol period. The songs of the Velvets aired in the DVD are generally accompanied by stock video footage of New York, some of which seems recent despite its being in black and white.
Some true insights do come from many of the interviewees, especially Moe Tucker and Doug Yule but also many of the others, including critics like Christgau and Warholite Billy Name.
The DVD primarily consists of analysis of various songs from the Velvets' career done album by album, though the "Live 1969" and "VU" albums are pretty much just glossed over. The song analysis on the songs is generally insightful, but the history of the band is pretty sketchy, with little account of the band's formation or their very early days before meeting Warhol and Nico. The information provided in the book "Up-Tight" or the booklet to "Peel Slowly and See" is much more in-depth than what we get on the DVD.
Also, the narrator (who sounds quite bored and unenthusiastic) states that the VU boycotted New York gigs "for some strange reason," not mentioning that it was because New York radio stations refused to play their first singles. This inaccuracy makes me think that the producers didn't do any research other than interviewing people about the band.
Of course, Lou Reed and John Cale's lack of participation is a big negative, and the DVD can hardly be called definitive without it. Indeed, this DVD isn't really a documentary, and is hardly up to the level of, say, the "American Masters" series, which did an excellent biography of Lou Reed. Yet, "Under Review" isn't described as a history of the Velvets but only as an "independent critical analysis," and it does provide that. Still, I found the DVD lacking somehow, and anyone looking for more than just an analysis of the Velvets' musical significance is going to be disappointed.The Velvet Underground - Under Review (2006) Overview

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The Wiggles: Splish Splash Big Red Boat (2007) Review

The Wiggles: Splish Splash Big Red Boat (2007)
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The Wiggles: Splish Splash Big Red Boat (2007) ReviewOne of the best Wiggles productions available. Very entertaining with catchy songs and interesting backgrounds.The Wiggles: Splish Splash Big Red Boat (2007) Overview

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The Thorn Birds Review

The Thorn Birds
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The Thorn Birds ReviewFINALLY, a soundtrack is released!!!! How extraordinary!
YES YES YES YES, I agree with most of the critics written here, the quality of this soundtrack is exceptionnal. They did a fantastic job remastering the music score, and the stereo effect is astonishing (you must listen to the soundtrack with your headphones at least once, it's worth it, you will really get the dept of the sound).
And... after having discussed with a few people, I came to the conclusion that back in 1983, Mancini decided to record the soundtrack not with an orchestra, all at once, as usual. Nope, for the Thorn Birds, it seems he recorded the instrument groups individually, on different tracks, and he mixed them afterwards. Maybe he wanted to get the best out of every musicians? Personnaly, that's perfection. You may have noticed there is no orchestra mentionned on the CD...
The sad thing is that it seems the people who remastered the original soundtrack for the CD ommited (or lost?) some instruments during the final mix. The dulcimer that was suppose to play the main title theme of the very first track is indeed missing (yes yes it IS missing, i compared it to the opening credits from the DVDs), and the guitar seemed to have been filtered through something, it's not as clear as the original (as if they "cleaned" it too much!). Also, they ommited the dulcimer in the track "Drogheda" (track 3), where it was supposed to start the score, for the first 15 seconds (on the CD you only get the background music, guitar and harp). And... I've also noticed on the track 'Vacation's End', compared to the original score on the miniserie, there was suppose to be an electronic harpischord taking over the violins at 1 min 52 sec for a line or two. It's missing...
It's too bad... but hey... what can we do. Besides these little mistakes, I believe this music is still one of the greatest score I ever heard.
Besides, I would have like to get a few more scores : the piano when Ralph sees Meggy for the first time at the train station, or when he sees Meggy slowly coming down the stairs at Mary's birthday party... a few scores are missing from the CD... maybe they could give us a 'bonus' CD with new scores and the ones that were not mix proprely on this soundtrack CD set? That would be fantastic. Just a thought...The Thorn Birds Overview

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Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Jon English, Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler, Craig Schaffer Review

Gilbert and Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Jon English, Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler, Craig Schaffer
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Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Jon English, Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler, Craig Schaffer ReviewYou can tell from the overture that this will not be Pirates as written. Yes, most of the material is there, but it is re-orchestrated for synthesizer etc. And the cast appears to be VIPs from Austrailia's theater world rather than G&S singers. Rather like the Ronstat Kline US production. Most are amplified and that is at times distracting. Now if you can accept this you are in for a genuine delight. These folks are wonderful entertainers and the schticks flow fast and free. Not that the original is slighted. Look at it as a way to bring G&S up to date. Accept Australia's premise and prepare to be swept up in inspired lunacy.Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Jon English, Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler, Craig Schaffer Overview

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The Wiggles Magical Adventure - A Wiggly Movie (2003) Review

The Wiggles Magical Adventure - A Wiggly Movie (2003)
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The Wiggles Magical Adventure - A Wiggly Movie (2003) ReviewMy 22-month-old loves this movie ("WallyWallyWally," as she calls it--a reference to the theme song about the film's protagonist), and she will gladly sit through it several times straight through if I allow her to. Initially, I was surprised. She adores The Wiggles, and we own quite a few of their videos. Yet, at her age, her attention span is short, and she typically gets up and leaves the room after just a few songs, regardless of which tape she's watching.
So, when I sat down to watch this with her the first time and saw that it was a traditional movie, with dialogue and plot, I didn't expect much. But for some reason, it holds her interest, and she does her best to explain to me what's going on in the simple but pleasant story (regarding a sad-sack magician, Dorothy's disappearance on her birthday, and The Wiggles' efforts to find her in time for her surprise party).
After a few viewings, the film began to remind me more than a little of "Barney's Great Adventure," which my son became similarly addicted to five years ago. The two have a lot in common--similar plots and production, simple set dressings featuring bold colors, slapstick comedy, cheesey special effects, etc. But I would rather watch this film any day than that one, as I suspect most parents would.
The film isn't great, but it's not horrible, either. And over time, it's more likely to hold the kids' interest than the monotony of the song-collection videos from the group.The Wiggles Magical Adventure - A Wiggly Movie (2003) Overview

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Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne Review

Gilbert and Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne
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Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne ReviewWhen I saw that a DVD with "Trial By Jury" was coming out, that was all I needed to buy it. My last recording of it had been an ancient LP. With the advent of home theater, I was determined to wait for a DVD version of it that would provide the visual to go with the audible, as well as provide the connecting narrative parts as well at least in the case of H.M.S. Pinafore.
What I've gotten with this DVD is a wondrous delight. The live performances of both of these works was made before a gigantic crowd, which was there to enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan. Well, it's quite evident that the audience enjoyed both performances fully, and I can testify that this viewer was also well pleased.
Both performances are just fun! The cast has fun, the audience has fun and I believe that viewers of this DVD will have just as much fun.
By and large, the singers look convincing in their rolls. Their voices and their appearances complement each other, and contribute to the effectiveness of the whole.
As I mentioned, I purchased this DVD because it had "Trial By Jury". I really didn't want another copy of "H.M.S. Pinafore". I'm happy to report that this new version of Pinafore will probably become my favorite. It is well done in all regards.
I can recommend the addition of this DVD to the collection of anyone who loves the works of Gilbert and Sullivan; especially if you have also been looking for a DVD of "Trial By Jury".Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne Overview

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Pink: Funhouse Tour - Live in Australia (2009) Review

Pink: Funhouse Tour - Live in Australia  (2009)
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Pink: Funhouse Tour - Live in Australia (2009) Review
Let me start this off by making it clear that I'm not like most others that would be reviewing a Pink cd or concert video.
I am a middle-aged man in my 50s. I'm not exactly her demographic and I'm not a dirty old man either. I'm a retired musician and still make a buck or two as a writer and I wrote Pink off as another of the cookie cutter pop princesses that have littered the music business ever since Madonna first got watered down by Brittany Spears. Then I heard/saw the video for "Don't Let Me Get Me" and realized that she was anything but cookie-cutter. It was her Declaration of Independence from what the music industry wanted her to be. I bought the cd the next day and heard "Family Portrait." From that point on I was a fan. Good music is hard to find and Pink makes some VERY good music.
Now, on to the Blu-Ray concert. It doesn't look like Pink knows what she wants to be when she grows up. The first handful of songs she performs are in the standard diva mode we've seen from hundreds of others from Cher on down. With a big flashy stage and a heavily choreographed dance troupe she bounces and bops through some pretty generic modern dance music. In the midst of this is "Don't Let Me Get Me" and another of her big hits, "Just Like a Pill." Although the original rock arrangement sneaks in here and there the songs are designed to get her target audience of teenaged girls jumping and happy. There isn't anything wrong with any of this section if you're in the age group that likes that sort of thing. Understand, it's just not the sort of thing I'm into. It's also the sole reason I docked the video the 1/2 point in my subject header.
BUT!
No matter how old you are - even if you're an old coot "enduring" this video with your kids or grandkids, DO NOT LEAVE THE ROOM. There is an absolutely gorgeous extended piano movement that is placed to allow Pink time for a costume change. When she re-emerges the pianist (who is also the musical conductor) and the violinist join Pink for a slightly altered and riveting version of "Family Portrait." From this point forward you are in for a rare feast to the ears and eyes. There is a very personal acoustic mini-set in which Pink plays several songs dealing with the heartache of the failure of her first marriage. They are sprinkled with some lengthy banter with the audience that is just a touch too long in parts, but the songs themselves are nothing short of gorgeous. The fact that her voice isn't pure and perfectly pitched makes the emotional tone of them all the more vital and real. As a performer myself, I wondered how she was going to be able to transition back into giving her audience more of what they came to see. She does it by a lesser-known Led Zeppelin song that interweaves gentle vocals with sudden explosions of the heavy metal that made the Zep legendary. She handles the very difficult transitions in vocals extremely well, doing Robert Plant proud, disappearing during the final extended solo for another costume change. From that point forward she and the band kick into high gear. As others have mentioned, she does indeed perform "Bohemian Rhapsody" in its entirety only unlike Queen, she and the band remain on stage and sing through the very difficult operatic central section. The song is subtly enhanced with some of Queen's original vocal tracks but the live singers MORE than hold their own. Just when you begin to wonder if Pink isn't human at all, her voice breaks for a brief moment toward the end. She smiles over at the drummer with a brief, "what can you do" look and then finishes the song perfectly. Almost any other performer would have been finished at that point, knowing they'd taken it as far as they could. Pink is literally still getting warmed up.
In addition to kicking up the energy even further, you should keep in mind that Pink also (well harnessed because of insurance requirements) executes a fairly intricate single trapeze act some 25 feet above the floor WHILE SINGING. Although lip synching is rampant amongst female vocalists nowadays, Pink does NONE of it. You can hear her gasping for breath as the songs and athletics progress. She even tosses off a joking threat that she's going to start lip synching so she can do 9 shows a week with matinees.
The lady performs for almost 2 solid hours and never once lets up. Her voice only falters once or twice during the entire night and more than once she performs lengthy acrobatics high above the stage and audience. This is a woman at the absolute peak of her performance capacity and she is one of the few people I've ever seen that could pull a show like this off once, let alone for an entire world tour.
The extra features range from being valuable glimpses behind the scenes to a somewhat silly explanation of the history of "shredding the nar." (Pinkspeak for playing face-melting guitar) Make no mistake. This lady is an artist at a time when most of her contemporaries are either complete studio-enhanced frauds or so self-obsessed with their own talents that they become intolerable. Pink is the real deal and (despite some four-letter language in her lyrics that might make you a little careful viewing the show around small children) this concert video is worth three times what you will pay for it. I don't care if you're a young teen lion or one of the tame and toothless tabby-cat baby boomers, this blu ray concert joins Stop Making Sense and The Last Waltz as one of the three absolute best concert videos on the market. It is a MUST see.
So is Pink a teeny-bop pop icon or a hard-edged rock queen that will help bring back the rock sound that has been dead for well over a decade? I don't think she knows. She shows both personalities at various points in the show.
I'm convinced that she doesn't know what she'll be when she grows up.
After watching her talent, athleticism and musical diversity in this concert I deeply hope she never finds out.Pink: Funhouse Tour - Live in Australia (2009) Overview

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