No comments about Comic Relief V.

3 comments about Midnight Train to Moscow.

1. I think we would all miss out on an excellent comidian.If for some reason Billy's grandmather would not leave Odessa on that train to Moscow? This is indead the most halerous performance of Billy not in US but reather in former Soviet Union's prestigeous concert hall. The peformance it self is the most artistic and keenly created act of Bily Crystal. Depicting the key elements of Russian culture and custom.



2. Billy Crystal's Midnight Train to Moscow combines all that the world has come to know and love about Billy. This montage of comedic techniques brings together stand-up, character acting, skits, and live improv on the streets of Russia to tell the story of both America and Russia through the eyes of 3rd generation American.
   
   It is an excellent historical piece as Crystal is able to accurately capture the feel of Russia just before the fall of the Soviet Union in all of her tensions, sorrows, joys, and hope.



3. The first part is very good, and funny - Billy Crystal on stage, before an audience of Russians. Some of the other parts of the video are weak, or unfunny, but it also includes interesting shots of his new-found relatives in Russia. The last bit, on stage, with Billy acting as a Russian waiting in a long line, seemed strange - an American doing an imitation of a Russian, before a Russian audience - but the audience liked it, so what do I know? He's very talented, and I'm still a great fan, although I won't keep this video.

5 comments about Mahvelous!.

1. ... So, I pulled over so I could keep laughing.

   While it should appeal to a wide audience, most anyone who grew up in NY during the 40's, 50's or 60's will be in pain laughing.

   Crystal is the link between the old style of comedy and the new and this tape shows why. Even when he is being coarse, he does it with elegance and humility. Brilliant!

   Excepting the first track (which didn't do much for me) this recording is a howl.




2. This is a low price reissue of Billy Crystal's 1985 album (his only album, as far as I know). Most of the tracks here are taken from a live standup performance at The Bottom Line in New York City. It's pretty funny stuff. But the highlight is the studio recording "I Hate When That Happens", which features Billy and Christopher Guest doing their "Willie & Frankie" characters from Saturday Night Live. There is also a song by "Fernando Lamas" called "You Look Marvelous", which is pretty funny. The album closes with "Fernando's Special Gift", which is an answering machine message you could actually use on your machine, if you wanted. Billy's fans should enjoy this album. And did I mention that it's cheap?



3. This is just plain stupid-I'm sorry, but anyone who finds Billy Crystal amusing is baffling. From his annoying nasal twang to his brillo Pad hair, I just don't get it. I just heard his, "You Look Mahvelous" on the 80s internet radio and it compelled me to share my thoughts....



4. Even some 20 years on, Mr. Crystal continues to be one of the more inspired comedic icons.



5. I bought this on tape when it came out in 1985. I was in high school.
   I didn't grow up in New York - in fact I'm a white protestant female from the South - and I still found it hilarious! Even after 23 years (yikes!) it still comes to me at odd times (usually when I'm having some eggs - see Howard Cosell sketch) and I just start quoting. Of course my kids don't get it, but my husband does and we have a good laugh. A high point in MY entertainment history! Love it!

5 comments about Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein.

1. I received my copy of this CD the day after watching an American Masters bio of Richard Rogers, and I was psyched. I love Bernadette Peters and I adore Rogers & Hammerstein - but I was sorely disappointed in this album. All the way through it I kept having the feeling they had to wake Ms. Peters up between cuts. Even songs like "It's a Grand Night for Singing" had about as much spark as a wet match. The arrangements just did not do justice to either Ms. Peters or Rogers and Hammerstein.

   I feel like a traitor, but I just cannot recommend this CD.




2. Bernadette Peters is a legend; one of the few true Broadway musical legends still performing today; and that's why it pains me to say that her latest album is also her weakest work.

   While her beautiful voice is still intact and capable of being as gorgeous as ever, she just doesn't seem to breath life into any of these songs. Even "Some Enchanted Evening" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" -- two songs that beg for emotion -- don't even get near the credit they deserve. And during some of the tunes, her voice seems to almost crack, although it never quite does.

   I don't want to sound mean here. I love Bernadette Peters; but I also know she is much better than this album. Want proof? Purchase the cast recording of Gypsy :)

   Her masterful concert for PBS was done just a couple years earlier. It's almost hard to believe this is the same energetic and spunky singer.

   It's a grand night for singing? One wouldn't think so by listening to this.




3. I would ask detractors of this CD to consider the dates and location when and where this album was recorded: Sept 19, 21 and 24, 2001 at the Record Plant(sic)in NYC. Get it yet?

   What if you were BP and Tunick, professionals as you are, recording a RH album for Angel eight days after 9/11? Would you be at your best? And singing "well worn, sentimental" RH songs recalling a time when NYC was the Great Big Apple of the World. Wouldn't a lump be in your throat? Listen to "It Might as Well Be Spring" again. Does it sound cheerful and relaxed? Or a little sad?

   My friends, this is BP's 9/11 tribute to a City that has treated her like royalty. With Dame and Dope being the only exceptions, perhaps Tunick's otherwise subdued orchestrations reflect the mood of the day and of the performers and engineers present at the studio. This is why I heartily recommend this recording to BP fans. I didn't get it either until I read the stats.




4. I totally disagree with the previous negative reviews of this cd. What were they listening to anyway? Certainly not this recording. First,Bernadette Peters is THE greatest Broadway musical performer of our time. I rate her right up there with Merman,Martin,Verdon,and Channing. She has a beautiful and distinctive voice,and her acting ability shines through every song. One reviewer said that these songs were originally written for large,operatic voices. What??? With the exception of Pinza,this is simply not true. When I have heard opera singers perform R&H songs,it just doesn't work. Too big. Actually,Bernadette suits these songs perfectly. Her somewhat softer voice gives a new dimension and insight to the grand old standards. I will give special praise for her performance of the songs: IF I LOVED YOU, OUT OF MY DREAMS, SOMETHING WONDERFUL, and SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. And extra special praise for SOMETHING GOOD. She brings life and passion to this song;I have never heard it performed better. I was greatly moved by it. If you love Rodgers & Hammerstein and if you love Bernadette Peters, BUY THIS ALBUM! You will love it.



5. If someone had played this album and asked me who was singing, I doubt that I could have identified the artist correctly. Gone is the "kewpie-doll" sound that is typical of Bernadette Peters; and it plays very well.
   I do not understand other reviewers who rate a recording low, because the songs have been recorded before. Always, a fresh interpretation helps to appreciate the music--if it is worthy of being recorded again, and Rodgers & Hammerstein certainly is. This album features some of the R & H classics, like "If I Loved You" (in my opinion, the best track on the album, and one of the best recordings of this tune) and "Out of My Dreams," as well as come less familiar, like "So Far," a really under-appreciated piece from "Allegro," and "Something Good." Jonathan Tunic's orchestrations consistently support and supplement the voice, but never intrude.
   The only misstep is "The Gentleman Is a Dope," which comes across angry, instead of hurt, as Lisa Kirk sang it in the musical.
   If you want the "kewpie-doll" Peters, you will probably not like this recording. If you enjoy new and thoughtful interpretations of familiar tunes, this one is for you.

5 comments about In Search of Dr. Seuss.

1. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie when it was on TV. I am so glad to find out that the DVD will be out in time for Christmas. Not only did we enjoy our favorite stories and the wonderful actors and actresses, but we found out so many interesting facts about Ted Geisel himself. This prompted my now 13 year old to start studying this wonderful man on his own. We have purchased a biography about T.G. and have now sent several of the hard cover books as gifts to other children. I cannot tell everyone enough how much our family has enjoyed this movie...Great for adults as well as children!



2. I love this movie. My daughter loved it from the time she was five. Does it have some images of Hitler and Stalin? Yes, but they are used to reinforce the influence that anti-semitism had on Ted Giesel's life (Dr. Suess was Jewish). They were not overwhelming to my young child. They did however, provide an opening for us to discuss prejudice and tolerance. This movie has something for both children and adults. My daughter still watches this move and she is twelve.



3. This originally aired on a cable channel, and my then 7 year old and I watched it and were enchanted. Today, it is still one of our favs (which is why I am getting the dvd--our video broke).
   This contains excellent information on Dr. Seuss' life, including his childhood, and his work during WWII. My daughter (no in her teens) was so hooked that last year she did her biography research paper in history class on Dr. Suess. her classmates were astounded to learn about the man behind "The Cat in the Hat".
   I have used this while babysitting kids (@age 7-10) and they loved it. Little kids probably couldn't follow it, or understand the historical portions.
   While it may not be a perfect video for the preschool set, it is interesting, informative, and provides a facinating look at America's fav author for children. Here is a true hero for us all--someone who wanted to inspire children to reach for the stars, to learn more. Unlike so many of the"heros" that our kids have on thier bedroom walls (sports figures, musicians, actors), Dr. Seuss truly can be an inspiration for us all.



4. This was a cute biographical documentary about the life of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. It was a bit campy at times, but I knew more about the author than I had before after watching the video. I wasn't able to find much in the way of video resources about Dr. Seuss. This was the best, by far, that I've found up to this point.



5. I bought this product years ago in the late 1990's for my son. His school's librarian celebrated Dr. Seuss Day, so I gave my VHS tape to her so the kids could enjoy it. Recently, I was thinking about it and purposed to find it again to buy. I was so pleased to find it on DVD, even though I would have bought a VHS to play it on. I simply love this DVD! I am forty-five years old, but true Seuss fans understand that his work appeals to kids of every age. I grew up on Dr. Seuss!!

5 comments about Faerie Tale Theatre - The Three Little Pigs.

1. This takes the old fairy tales and updates them by having them acted out by well known actors. My kids have watched this one 3 times already and love it! My husband and I enjoyed it so much we have watched along with them!



2. I always loved FTT as a child...They are equally as entertaining, if not more so as an adult. Shelly Duvall makes a wonderful narrator, as well as character in these enchanting episodes. I was missing and reminessing of these Tales and I could not be happier to have found them all on here!



3. I was kind of skeptical of this movie at first, but am so glad that we bought this dvd. The entire family has enjoyed watching it, from our 3 year old to the adults. It follows the traditional story enough for the kids, but is also different and sophisticated enough to keep the grown-ups entertained as well. For the younger children, you may want to be a little wary of some of the dialogue. There's nothing at all inappropriate about it, but our 3 year old loves to quote the Big Bad Wolf and tell people that he's going to come back and "chew on their face." Like I said, nothing really bad, but does sometimes get him in trouble at preschool (lol). Overall, a wonderful movie at a great price. We also have Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and plan to buy several more of the Faerie Tale Theatre dvds.



4. What a classic story and so much fun to watch,I am so happy with
   my movie I like to share it with my friends.It is a great movie
   to have in any movie collection



5. When I was little, the Faerie Tale Theatre videos were my favorite, and my favorite of them was always the 3 Little Pigs. It was just so funny, the most comical of all the videos. When you put together Jeff Goldblum, Billy Crystal, and Fred Willard, though, you're bound to get a stroke of genius.
   We all know the story, but now each pig has a name and personality: Peter (Stephen Furst, aka Flounder of Animal House), the greedy one who builds a straw house because it's cheapest; Paul (Willard, making his mark in Christopher Guest movies and others), the ladies man (or tries to be) pig who builds the stick house because it's strong and, I quote, 'ladies love wood.'; and Larry (Crystal...well, you know who he is), the runt of the litter and the sweet one who builds the brick house because he's, well, smart and a hard worker. Then there's Buck Wolf (Goldblum, who'd be unrecognizable if it weren't for his distinct voice), the beer-drinking, unhappily-married wolf who's forced by his nagging, unseen wife Nadine to get a pig for when their friends the Coyotes come over. So he heads out, harassing Burt Man (Larry Hankin, aka Mr. Heckles on Friends), who sold the pigs their supplies, and failing until he's defeated by the three pigs and their new gal Tina (Valerie Perrine), who appears to love everything, especially the name Buck, bricks, the oboe, and the list goes on.
   The Three Little Pigs still makes me laugh today (and I'm a junior in high school) because it has jokes I notice now, or ones I still find funny. So for a tale truly for all ages, you gotta see this version of the 3 Little Pigs. If you don't, I'll come back here and I'll chew on your face.

5 comments about Billy Joel - Live at Yankee Stadium.

1. In June 1990,while still promoting the STORM FRONT album,Billy Joel pleased thousands of his fans at Yankee Stadium. This video concert is a sequel to "Live From Long Island",one of his 1982 concerts,then promoting THE NYLON CURTAIN. In addition to the title track,STORM FRONT tracks that Billy performs are THAT'S NOT HER STYLE and WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE. NEW YORK STATE OF MIND was ideal for this concert since Yankee Stadium is located in New York. A MATTER OF TRUST,from THE BRIDGE,doesn't sound very much like the studio track and the live version from KOHUEPT. On MIAMI 2017(SEEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT ON BROADWAY),from TURNSTILES,he slightly alters one lyric. The line that goes "before the Mafia,took over Mexico" was changed to "Jericho". It sounds a lot like the live version on SONGS IN THE ATTIC. Billy begins the concert with the classic "Take Me Out To The Ball Game",with many of the audience members singing along. At this point in Billy's career,he was devoting most of his time to his then-wife supermodel Christie Brinkley and their then 4-year-old daughter,Alexa Ray. No one knew then that Alexa Ray would become a "Piano Girl" like her father. Great concert! My copy of this perormance is on VHS. I also have "Live From Long Island".



2. I have seen Billy live many times and am a very big fan. Having said this, I cannot watch this. The bouncing, moving, pulsating, convulsive, (do I need to use more adjectives?) film is enough to throw anyone into a seizure. Do yourself a favor and skip this DVD...or if you do need to purchase...turn off your television and listen to it over your stereo system...of course this defeats the purpose of buying a DVD but it's the only way you will be able to tolerate this...if you want to get a good concert DVD buy Sting Brand New Day tour...awesome...



3. One of my favorite artists of alltime is without a doubt Billy Joel. I've been a fan since I was a kid. One day, I realized I had nothing of his on dvd. So I went on amazon and found this dvd of his 1990 concert at Yankee Stadium.
   
   When I went home, I watched it and noticed a few things. One was that the picture wasn't that great, the sound was awesome, and the show had to be severely edited. There had to be more than 12 songs performed at this show.
   
   So why am I giving "Live At Yankee Stadium" four stars. Because it's the only Billy Joel concert available on dvd, and it's a pretty good concert at that. The set is largely devoted to the "Storm Front" album, which Billy was promoting at the time. While I would have personally preferred him trimming down the songs from the album from five to two ("We Didn't Start The Fire" and "I Go To Extremes") to incorporate some older songs, the performances ae still worth it. The show's highlights are "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", "New York State Of Mind" and "Shout". These are the best performances. There's also an annoying intro with various fans spouting out their love for Billy Joel.
   
   In short, is this dvd perfect? No. Is it worth your time if you're a Billy Joel fan? Yes.



4. I'm a huge Billy Joel fan...and my bias towards him and his live talents is the only reason I gave this thing 3 stars. Viewed objectively as a production and ignoring my love of the man's music, I would only give this 2 stars at the most. My chief gripes? They are:
   
   - Length of the video/DVD: C'mon, this was a full-blown concert, and we only get 12 songs from it? Half a concert, at the most? So, this should've been sold at half-price the moment it was released, right?!
   
   - As others have mentioned...the filming style and editing are atrocious. I don't need jump-editing and motion sickness to feel the excitement of a live concert on-screen...especially with a performer like Joel, who is more than fun enough to watch on his own merits, without extraneous help from the cameras.
   
   - Song selection was a mixed bag, though this is directly tied to my first gripe about the length of the recorded performance. I realize this was the Storm Front tour, and so it's reasonable to expect a fair number of songs from that album...but way too many of his older (and frankly, bigger) hits were missing.
   
   The positives? Yes, there are some, and they include:
   
   - Joel himself, of course...he's at the top of his game, in fine form. Can't fault the man for his performance!
   
   - I personally don't mind the many camera shots of the band, although this wasn't my favorite incarnation (but that's a personal nit-pick...I miss seeing Russ Javors and the sadly departed Doug Stegmeyer on-stage)...though Crystal Taliefero is awesome!
   
   - While I wasn't thrilled with the song selection, it was great seeing Joel perform "Miami 2017" in this concert.
   
   Overall, this DVD pales in comparison to Joel's "Live from Long Island" video, which is a much more definitive on-film concert performance with the "classic" incarnation of his band...why oh why has nobody released this performance on DVD yet???!!!



5. I was at the concert - 13th row, bought the tix from a scalper. I wasn't a Billy Joel fan, but the concert converted me. Great memory of that show and the DVD is definitely worth it

5 comments about Tony Bennett - American Classic.

1. Sit down, relax and watch Mr Tony Bennett in action, this is talent in its purest, rarest form. He reigns supreme, an excellent DVD.



2. Created for television Tony Bennett: An American Classic is a brief look at the career of the legendary crooner on his 80th birthday. Conceived by Rob Marshall and John DeLuca this is a well done if a little over the top docu-musical set in some of the venues that the singer has appeared in over his long career.
   
   Starting in a 52nd Street blues club Bennett performs Sing You Sinners with John Legend. He moves on to the early Columbia Studios for a duet with k.d. land and Chris Botti. The show continues on the set of a 1960's Variety show, then the Vegas stage of the Sahara before entering the 1990's on an MTV soundstage. The show ends with Bennett alone with a piano for I Left My Heart in San Francisco.
   
   Along the way we get snippets of narration from some of Hollywood's biggest names. This is a worthwhile if short experience that should not be missed by fans. In addition to the show we get some rehearsal footage with the dancers and four short making of type featurettes.



3. When I listened and viewed this Blu-ray disc I was taken aback by the quality of the audio, video and the performances. I spent the whole evening with it and was absolutely enchanted with selection of songs, the sincere interpretations of the guest artists and the stunning choreography of the dancers. This disc is a real keeper and I know I will be watching it and yes, listening to it over and over for many years to come.
   
   However, I could not rate it a 4.5 or 5 because it was simply too short. I was disappointed by the length of this disc and expected more. I could care less about the add-ons or whatever you call them. I wanted more of Tony Bennett. I didn't get that.
   
   Otherwise, this disc was most enjoyable from a pure audio, video and entertainment perspective.



4. Everybody loves Tony Bennett. And see who he sings with:
   - Barbra Streisand
   - K.D. Lang plus Chris Botti in one number (Because of You)
   - John Legend
   - Diana Krall
   - Elton John
   - Michael Buble
   - Christina Aguilera
   
   And the Tony Bennett great dancers.
   
   This concert is worth every invested dollar. Plus you get outstanding PQ and audio in 5.1 uncompressed PCM.



5. Great performances both from Tony Bennet and the guests stars. Beautifully combined the songs with the introductions from the actors.
   His voice is magic as usual.

5 comments about Princess Bride.

1. This CD like the movie is a gem. The music on it really captures the feelings of the movie. If you liked the movie and enjoy movie soundtracks you'll like this.



2. I'm sure everyone has fond memories of this film. The soundtrack always manages to make me smile.



3. Loved the movie and music- already had the soundtract on LP - wanted it in DVD format.



4. Besides the movie being one of our family's all-time favorites, this was a special purchase because we used selected tracks as processional and recessional music for our daughter's wedding. It turned out beautifully! Thanks, Mark!



5. Quiet, realxing and familiar tunes for Princess Bride feature film lovers and others.

5 comments about Tony Bennett - An American Classic [Blu-ray].

1. Sit down, relax and watch Mr Tony Bennett in action, this is talent in its purest, rarest form. He reigns supreme, an excellent DVD.



2. Created for television Tony Bennett: An American Classic is a brief look at the career of the legendary crooner on his 80th birthday. Conceived by Rob Marshall and John DeLuca this is a well done if a little over the top docu-musical set in some of the venues that the singer has appeared in over his long career.
   
   Starting in a 52nd Street blues club Bennett performs Sing You Sinners with John Legend. He moves on to the early Columbia Studios for a duet with k.d. land and Chris Botti. The show continues on the set of a 1960's Variety show, then the Vegas stage of the Sahara before entering the 1990's on an MTV soundstage. The show ends with Bennett alone with a piano for I Left My Heart in San Francisco.
   
   Along the way we get snippets of narration from some of Hollywood's biggest names. This is a worthwhile if short experience that should not be missed by fans. In addition to the show we get some rehearsal footage with the dancers and four short making of type featurettes.



3. When I listened and viewed this Blu-ray disc I was taken aback by the quality of the audio, video and the performances. I spent the whole evening with it and was absolutely enchanted with selection of songs, the sincere interpretations of the guest artists and the stunning choreography of the dancers. This disc is a real keeper and I know I will be watching it and yes, listening to it over and over for many years to come.
   
   However, I could not rate it a 4.5 or 5 because it was simply too short. I was disappointed by the length of this disc and expected more. I could care less about the add-ons or whatever you call them. I wanted more of Tony Bennett. I didn't get that.
   
   Otherwise, this disc was most enjoyable from a pure audio, video and entertainment perspective.



4. Everybody loves Tony Bennett. And see who he sings with:
   - Barbra Streisand
   - K.D. Lang plus Chris Botti in one number (Because of You)
   - John Legend
   - Diana Krall
   - Elton John
   - Michael Buble
   - Christina Aguilera
   
   And the Tony Bennett great dancers.
   
   This concert is worth every invested dollar. Plus you get outstanding PQ and audio in 5.1 uncompressed PCM.



5. Great performances both from Tony Bennet and the guests stars. Beautifully combined the songs with the introductions from the actors.
   His voice is magic as usual.