5 comments about King Kong: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. Compared to the milestone, classic soundtrack of the original KING KONG, this CD of Peter Jackson's remake has a lot to live up to. In the new KING KONG movie, the music fits in well, even if it does not take on a life of its own, as did the original Max Steiner soundtrack for the original KING KONG film. But this new music really works best as a complement to the onscreen activities only, and is not so engaging on CD, without the story visuals.
   
   Some Soundtracks are great with just the music, this one really needs the movie visuals for the best enjoyment.
   
   This CD seems to follow the chronological order of the events in the film, but this is one CD Soundtrack where they might have been better off changing the song order for a better flow, on CD only (which is a common practise on other soundtrack CDs, like for the STAR WARS films, for example). The early songs are too slow to get moving into the action, and later songs have slow and fast parts, so it becomes a little frustrating, waiting for action, then getting a little excitement, then crashing into stillness again.
   
   Individually each song seems good, but when I try to listen to the whole CD, I get restless waiting for something interesting. I think I will resequence the songs and burn my own CD in a more appealing song sequence (that's legal since I own the CD, of course).



2. Not the best score I've ever heard. Certainly not bad, some tracks were very nice. Unfortunately, a good deal of them are too action-oriented for my liking, or simply boring. The best piece of music from the film, the beautifully haunting female chorus played over the spider pit scene (best part of the movie!), is sadly nowhere to be found on this disc. I don't doubt Howard's talent as a composer, but the music for King Kong, sadly, doesn't have the same bite as the movie.



3. After Lord of the Rings collaborator Howard Shore had his fully written score rejected due to the ever popular "creative differences" in Peter Jackson's film, James Newton Howard stepped in and had about a month and a half to write a monumental amount of music. He stepped up to the challenge and wrote a blowout score that awes and amazes at each turn. I can only imagine what kind of score he would have come up with if he had a much longer period of time to write the score, but in any case, he succeeds all the same.
   King Kong has an established theme throughout the score, represented by a 7-note motif that is both ominous and bold. It is featured whenever the big ape is on screen, as well as when he is somewhere lurking about on the island. Since the film takes place in the 1930s, Howard wrote some period music in many cues of the first half of the score, which feature appropriate pianos and jazzy woodwinds.
   As the crew makes their way to the island, the music shifts into a more ominous and more action-oriented approach, as they try to survive and capture the beast. The music throughout the majority of the second half of the album is awe-inspiring, resilient, and frankly breath-taking. The orchestra is strident, the chorus is bold, and the percussion is propulsive. "Tooth and Claw" is a very impressive action-oriented track with plenty of fast-paced, heavy brass lines, whirling strings, and racing percussion. The "awe-factor" is present in most of the cues, such as "It's Deserted", where you can only imagine viewing the island for the first time as the ship nears its destination.
   The grand finale consists of "The Empire State Building" as well as "Beauty Killed the Beast" (not how the Disney film ended as you may recall...). Here the orchestra and chorus give everything they've got, building and building to an emotional and powerful climax as the great beast falls to his demise.
   This is one of James Newton Howard's finest works, which proves that he is one of the best composers out there. A highly recommended score with 74 minutes of outstanding music. You would be a fool to pass this one up!!



4. I watched the Extended Deluxe Edition of King Kong recently. When the opening credits ran I knew I HAD to get the soundtrack. I found it here and ordered it. When I recieved it I was very pleased. It has become one of my favorite scores by Newton Howard.



5. While I expected a certain amount of powerful action music--in keeping with the fact that King Kong is an action film--I felt this cd soundtrack focused excessively on action music, and that the touching and beautiful selections in the film's more tender scenes were woefully ignored. They are there, but in what feels to be abbreviated forms, as though the powers behind the cd decided to add them as a brief afterthought. If you found the more sensitive music in the film is what drove you to consider the cd (as I did) then you'll find this cd too abrasive for too long to just enjoy easy listening. The quality of the musical compositions is not lacking--it's good action music--but this is not a cd comfortable to listen to for long periods. If you are producing a back yard play, and need some pounding action music that goes on and on, then this cd is for you. If you don't have a headache, and would like one, then this cd is for you. They ought to release a secondary cd that contains only full-scale versions of the beautiful instrumentation present in more sensitive scenes. Now THAT'S a cd I'd enjoy.

5 comments about Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series).

1. This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway



2. THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.



3. This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.



4. Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.



5. The first three discs were only OK. I had forgotten how much better the later Broadway musical recordings were. The last two discs were very good, maybe because I could relate better to the shows or perhaps the productions were better.

5 comments about Classic Wynton.

1. I'm not a professional musician and don't have a trained ear but Wynton Marsalis has provided me with a very delightful hour of extremely good music.



2. This is such a wonderful mix. I especially love the Haydn concerto finale in E flat. I was listening to this cd when my grandson (almost 3) heard the glorious music of the trumpet for the first time. He loved seeing the photos of Mr. Marsalis (which I embellished, albeit true, saying how difficult it is to play the trumpet - hence the need for a handerchief to wipe his brow in one of the photos). This awakened his awareness of trumpet music where he now loves to listen to one of his Baby Einstein cd's in the car. Specifically, he told his mother "louder" when the trumpet piece was played - repetetively.



3. Classic Wynton is the most glorious display of musicianship I have ever heard. No other trumpet player even comes close to Wynton. Don't listen to anything the editorial review says though, it must have been written by a complete ignoramus. Wynton Marsalis not having a clear or recognizable tone? Please...That's like saying Kobe Bryant isn't a good shooter. I can't believe that garbage is on a credible site such as Amazon.



4. Classic! What else is there to say? As an introduction to the other, many classic recordings of this superbly talented trumpeter, it is as good a guide as possible.



5. It's easy to think that the culture is in decline (mostly because it is), but Wynton is proof that we are not done for yet. He is the real thing, whether you like classical or jazz or whatever. He is a master. I love this recording of some very familiar pieces, recorded here by a real virtuoso. Just as we were getting used to mediocrity, Wynton comes along and reminds us all that perfection is worth pursuing despite our teachers' insistence that we can feel good about ourselves no matter what we do. Here is the personification of artistry and the claim that greatness is worth pursuing and is achievable.

5 comments about The Very Best of Beverly Sills.

1. She was one of a kind and very much America's soprano. Who else but "Bubbles" Silverman could get away with singing with Miss Piggy, with Carol Burnett -- and at the Met! This is a fine collection -- we will miss her.



2. The Very Best of Beverly Sills, and Beverly Sills are why I believe that Beverly Sills is the American Pavarotti. Outstanding!



3. This CD gives scenes from three operas on first disc instead of isolated arias.
   All selections are from the peak of "Bubble"'s career and showcase her voice at its best.



4. Arrived in a timely fashion in excellent condition. The product itself is outstanding.The Very Best of Beverly Sills



5. This Bevery Sills CD is a delight. We lost a great person with her passing, but her musical talents will continue with such a CD available.

5 comments about Elvis - The '68 Comeback Special: Deluxe Edition (3DVD).

1. A DVD for Elvis collectors/lovers to purchase for yourself or as a gift. Many memorable unscripted scenes to enjoy. Dressed in black leather, includes my personal favorite, One Night With You. This is the time period that he looked so healthy and enjoying life.



2. Elvis at his best! This is the version of the '68 Comeback to own! Elvis at his finest, both rockin' and romantic. You see Elvis as the icon and the person! Love it! *****5 Stars!



3. There's not much more to say that hasn't already been said about the 68 Comeback Special, but it really makes me sad to see how he was in this Special compared to how he was in his last few concerts. He was so sexy, charismatic, funny, and mesmerizing on this dvd.. I couldn't take my eyes off him the whole time I was watching it! His voice is so raw and sexy and I wish I could've been there in the audience. There wil never be anyone like Elvis and it's nice to be able to watch him whenver you want on this deluxe dvd edition.



4. I grew up in the era of arena rock--if you can pack in ten thousand fans, why not 20, or even 30 thousand? I could never understand why, by the early 80s, so many bands were 'going back to their roots' and playing in small clubs. Well, I had seen the Comeback Special years ago and never appreciated it. Finally, I figured it out: in the big arena, half the time you need binoculars even to see the band and you are just rockin' out with some guy next to you. The band is irrelevant. Well, with the Comeback Special, Elvis nails it--he's the center of attention, and, good grief, he has real charisma that a small audience can *feel*! That's what rock n roll is all about!
   
   More or less, there are three main parts to this show. The first I'll consider is the production numbers. Well, these are all forgettable and really unnecessary. I guess the 'Big Boss Man' number might actually be the prototype for the MTV videos. So, they might be interesting from that perspective.
   
   Let's turn our attention to the 'sit-down' sessions. This is where Elvis really shines. He's sitting with his buddies in a very loose atmosphere. The producer wanted to create on stage what the boys did at their jam sessions--sit around, talk, joke, sing--and it works. It's not the greatest music ever recorded, but it works perfectly for its purpose. It's rough, it's raw, but it's from the heart, and it's cool. Elvis puts on some great performances. NO ONE could sing rockabilly or rhythm and blues like Elvis does in the sit-down sessions. Here, he looks good, he sounds good, and he's at the top of his game. ('Tryin' to Get to You' is an RnB masterpiece!)
   
   Next, there are the 'stand up' sessions. Here, Elvis is alone on stage--to sink or swim on his own. The band is no where to be seen. Elvis paces the stage (a boxing ring without the ropes) like a caged animal. He exudes energy. He's dressed in black, he looks good and he's hungry. HUNGRY. ("It's been a long time, baby"). He cuts into some of his old hits and it's great.
   
   The only problem with his performance, especially in the 'stand-up' segments, is that we already see some of the elements that would become part of the 'cheesy' Elvis of the 70s--a bit of self parody and the huge retinue of band members and back-up singers that took the focus off him. This DVD, ironically, shows the two paths that Elvis could have taken--the 'sit-down' with Elvis as the focal point with a small band and the 'stand-up' with Elvis as an ornament with an army of back up people. Well, he unfortunately chose the latter.
   
   Since this CD set has nearly every scrap of filming for the Special, including mutiple takes, it's really only for the serious Elvis fan. If you just want the final product, get the non-deluxe version.
   
   For a few days in 1968, Elvis was king again. But had this been the '1963 Comeback Special' and had he been able to keep up this level of energy, maybe we would not have needed a British Invasion to reintroduce us to rock n roll.



5. This DVD is not worth getting. I'm a huge Elvis fan, but this was not what I was looking for. It's not the full "68 Comeback special. I watched it with my dad, and he saw the original and this isn't it. It's 3 DVD's total. The first DVD, is pretty good. It shows a lot of the special but not all of it. It also left out a lot of Elvis with his band on the stage with him, in his hot leather outfit. That's the best part of the show and they left most of it out. The second and third DVD in this collection, shows take after take of Elvis doing the same thing over and over. Elvis up close, Elvis from this angle, Elvis's hand up close strumming the guitar. Yeah, that's ok but that's not what I thought I was purchasing. I wanted the actual comeback special and you can totally skip the second and third DVD's because their not that good. Save your money, because this totally misrepresented what it actually is.

5 comments about The Best of Beakman's World.

1. I do hope they come out with a box set of all the seasons. This show was cool :)



2. I purchased this video for my fourth graders. They loved it and so did I. Many of my students wrote down some of the experiments as we watched the video and then went home and performed the experiments. The characters emphasize safety and the importance of working with an adult. Ingredients for the experiments were clearly listed. I overheard my students talking about some of the things they learned from watching Beakman. The Best of Beakman's World is fast paced and filled with humor. My two children watched the video at home and also loved it.



3. I love Beakman's World. It teaches about science in an interesting way so it is still very interseting. My friends and I have tried many of the experiments and succeded, well having lots of fun. I think that it would be great if the people working at Beakman's world would come out with seasons 1-5, because it is a great show for all. I still watch taped shows, and the reruns that are on every Saturday, but most people who I talk to and know about Beakman would agree that a boxed set would be great.



4. I really love Beakman's World. I'm a 5th grade science teacher and pop in Beakman for Fun Fridays. I just wish the whole series was available.



5. Our children (under age six) ask for this video all the time. They sit and watch it, giggling and asking questions about the information being presented. We have tried some of the experiments at their request. Wish the whole season were available, we'd buy it. Consider giving this as your next birthday party gift to another child, both the parents and children will enjoy it.

5 comments about Chicago.

1. This is a really good movie musical! It seemed that, within the last ten years, movie musicals have started to suck. This one was actually quite good. I saw many celebrities that I never knew could sing, like Richard Gere. What I liked most about this show is that, instead of randomly bursting into song, the songs were performed separated from the events of the show; they served more like commentary. It reminded me, somewhat, of the movie of Cabaret, which restricted the songs to the stage and served as commentary. This is an excellent soundtrack, and the songs are very jazzy. Some of my personal favorites are "All That Jazz", "Cell Block Tango", "We Both Reached for the Gun", "Mr.Cellophane", and "Hot Honey Rag." I recommend this CD and its movie to all.



2. Rob Marshall and company got it exactly right in transferring Chicago to the screen. Though I was not a Renee Zellweiger fan, she changed my opinion with her total tartiness here (and she was terrific in Cold Mountain), she dances competently, and sings the role wonderfully. Katherine Zeta Jones was perfect as Velma Kelly. The rest of the cast are marvelous too....Queen Latifah coudn't have been better cast. Though I have never been conviced of Richard Gere's acting ability, he pulls off the role of Billy Flynn admirably, even his singing and dancing work effectively. They brilliantly wrote a screenplay to encompass most of the stage show, where songs were cut, they needed to be. A well deserved Oscar winner for effectively bringing a musical back to the screen!!



3. I truly loved the music with the movie is excellent. I was very impressed of the singing of the movie stars.



4. The cd is very good. There are only songs, no speaking parts really, even ones that precede certain songs. There are a couple of songs that are not in the movie or that were inspired by the movie. The first time you listen to it if you haven't read the fine print it kind of throws you for a loop. I highly recommend it for all who love the movie!



5. This music is so faithfully performed by the very talented ensemble that it brings back the 1920's vividly. Each song reflects a specific style of the music popular at the time. After listening to this CD I had to see the movie (which was also terrific) and then I had to buy the sheet music. Usually I simply enjoy a CD and move on. This one reached me.

5 comments about Disney's Greatest 3.

1. Nothing brings sweet recollection of Disney movies like hearing the wonderful songs. In an age where there so much music with no redeeming qualities, these Disney CDs are priceless. Wonderful for the entire family to listen to around the house or in the car while traveling. We can't help but sing along. We love that these are the original tracks from the movies! Wonderful! We now have all three volumes.



2. This is one of the better volums for kids and for those who are
   above 18 but still have some kid in them



3. This is a Disney disc I bought to go on my Yamaha disklavier for my kids to play and dance along. It is not irritating, has some great, recognizable Disney songs and overall is a very nice addition to the kids' music library.



4. Right from the beginning, this CD will move you. Track 1 "I'll Try" might be the most under-rated or under-appreciated Disney track of all-time. Following this is equally engaging "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story. Other good tracks include light-hearted "Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast and o course The Siamese Cat song, which is a classic.
   
   I held off purchasing this CD as I have other Disney CDs with overlapping tracks, and those tracks on this CD I was unaware of didn't interest me. I'm glad I bought this CD though, because I didn't know what I was missing.



5. I ordered all 3 of the Disney's greatest cds for our road trip to Disney world and they are all awesome! This one is not as good as the first and second but it rounds out the collection well.

5 comments about Jerry Seinfeld Live on Broadway: I'm Telling You for the Last Time.

1. I think People sometime's forget just what a brilliant comedian Jerry Seinfeld really is. The television series was remarkable and the best ever, in my opinion. This movie; Jerry Seinfeld Live on Broadway: I'm Telling You for the Last Time, reminds us that the show was based on material that Jerry came up with. I have had the pleasure of seeing Jerry twice in Sacramento, California. He is brilliant with the most impeccable timing I have witnessed. This movie captures Jerry at the peak of his performing prowess with timeless material that serves as a testament to his sharp wit and billiant comedic mind. 5 Stars!



2. Jerry Seinfeld in his DVD "I'm Telling You for the Last Time" (1998) delivers as a consummate comedian. Seinfeld has the unique ability to see complexity and detail in supposedly simplistic everyday life and things. These include aspects like airflight traveling, cab drivers, airport bathrooms, doctors and waiting rooms, grocery stores, elderly folks in Florida, McDonalds, horses, and so much more. What is seemingly irrelevant and unnoticeable, is what Seinfeld can turn into jokes, and simultaneously keep the audience laughing and pondering, and talking about it the next day. Because much of what he portrays is based on common daily circumstances, Seinfeld's comedy is largely timeless. He certainly comes across as a meticulous master observer, one who gathers up unnoticeable and ignored detail in everyday life, and transmits this through comedy. Here are bits of Seinfeld humor. "Airline peanut bags are too small, dig?...so are airline booze bottles and bathrooms." "When people go to the store they can never remember if they have enough milk." "New York cabbies are bad smelling foreigners and airport security guards are too fat."
   
   Notably, Seinfeld loves the short Question-Answer technique. He asks the audience, why this and this happens, and while they laugh at the seemingly simple yet intriguing question, he offers an answer that people would not expect, sending the audience into a frenzy of uncontrollable laughter. Example: "Dogs are broke all their lives. You know why they have no money? No pockets. They see change on the street--there's nothing they can do about it." Not to mention, most of Seinfeld's jokes are fresh. Furthermore, profanity does not exist in his routine, something he is so much credited for, given the significant employment of profanity by many comedians. Look at more of Seinfeld's comedy: "I'm going to tell you the secret of the male mind---all men think of themselves as low-level superheroes."
   
   Jerry Seinfeld is remarkably comfortable on stage. He starts his joke routine casually then digs in with mostly fresh material. His appeal also has to do with his humility, calmness and ease, as well as genuine appreciation for his audience, all this despite the high level of success with his television show. Seinfeld even allows for audience questions, an aspect quite rare among comedians. Seinfeld is genuinely touched when the audience gives him a standing ovation whether at the beginning of or at the end of his set. Both on TV and stage, Seinfeld is a highly skillful comedian. The combination of his TV show (that ran for an impressive 9 years) and the stage performances build him into a much greater performer. The TV show offers more flexibility and body expression, whereas Seinfeld demonstrates far less facial expressions in the stage acts. Nevertheless, Seinfeld dramatizes that comedy can come across plainly but excellently without the employment of grotesque facial expressions that many comedians are known for.
   
   While using some of the most mundane things in life for his material, he still possesses and transmits an intellectual form of humor. The Seinfeld performing on the DVD is quite the same as the television Seinfeld. Many of the jokes are familiar, and even those that are not tend to sound like they are. That Seinfeld is also consistent in the humor from start to finish is undeniable. Further, Seinfeld tends to appeal to quite a wide audience, that transcends gender and even age to some extent, just as long as this audience is in tune with his intellectual oriented humor. Some of his jokes do have a mature backdrop, but overall Seinfeld's comedy can be enjoyed by both young and old. A good example that gathers a wide breadth of laughs is the segment about trick-or-treating as a child and drive toward a constant need for candy. Much of Seinfeld's presentation is about Seinfeld's writing ability combined with physical representations of the off-the-wall characters he has met.



3. If you are a fan of the stand up comedy of Jerry Seinfeld then this is a must in your DVD collection!! From milk to cab drivers to candy to Chicken of the Sea,it is still outrageously funny. 75 minutes of pure comedy plus cameo appearances at the beginning with Ed McMahon, Jay Leno, Robert Klein,Gary Shandling, and the late Alan King among others.This is great comedy Jerry Seinfeld's way! Okay we have the complete "Seinfeld" collection, "I'm Telling You for the Last Time", "Jerry Seinfeld Comedian" and in a few months,"Bee Movie" to add to the collection! Just enjoy!!



4. What can you expect from a used product... The CD had scratches and the cover was pretty worn... decided not to give it as a gift because it looked like I found it in a thirft store.



5. Jerry Seinfeld is good at being funny. This DVD doesn't let you down! He sees everyday things that we all notice and finds a way to make them funny. You'll often find yourself thinking "That is so true!" Another plus is the fact that Jerry doesn't swear at all which is always a difference when talking about stand up comdedians.
   The only minus i can think of is you can watch it once and then remember most of the jokes, which makes the next time you watch it not quite as funny. It's also missing the classic writing of Larry David and 3 other actors to make it as hilarious as the usual 'Seinfeld'.
   Good fun for a rainy weekend.

5 comments about Neil Diamond - Greatest Hits Live.

1. This was a bit of a disappointment. The performance was okay and pretty much what I expected but I guess I must have evolved out of liking this sort of music. It is music; most of what comes out of the pop world today really can't be called music. Diamond performed professionally and sang well enough especially when compared to what the pop world churns out today. The thrill of live performance was there in spades and that made it worth watching but it's not something I'll watch very often.



2. If you have never seen a Neil Diamond concert, this DVD makes it clear why Neil Diamond isn't a diamond in the rough, but is the real thing. There is just the band, the audience and the man himself with that fantastic voice. No need for anything else. Sit back and enjoy!!! Rose Leith



3. A mixture of several of his hits. There are some omissions such as "Be" (from Jonathan Livingston Seagull) and "Holly Holy", but it includes several of my favorites, such as "America", "Sweet Caroline", "I Am I Said", and "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" (I still wonder if that song is meant to mock Christianity or rather to paint the picture of an old tent revival).
   
   I will say that I prefer Diamond's vocals on the Beatles tribute than the original.



4. Unfortunately there is not a lot of Neil Diamond available on video. Greatest Hits Live is rather hit and miss. Filmed before a small audience at the Aquarius Theatre in Los Angeles in 1988 it appears that Diamond was just going through the motions.
   
   The performance, while it does include some of his best work, seems oddly disconnected and lifeless. The mix is adequate but nothing special. There are times when the camera cuts to a member of the band and you can't really hear the instrument he is playing.
   
   I have seen Mr. Diamond twice before and I know that there are better performances out there. The song selection could have been boosted to add some more of the classics.
   
   All in all you need to take what you can get but this DVD is disappointing.



5. This is a good Concert. It may not be current video, but it is fun to watch. As a real Neil Diamond fan, it rates a place in my library to re watch again and again.