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MUSICALS - FILM
Listed Alphabetically
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE *****Riveting and totally mesmerising, Julie Taymor's imaginative and innovative musical will leave you breathless. It's an astonishing achievement, masterfully turning popular Beatle songs into a cinematic experience you will remember and revisit shamelessly. Taymor manipulates the senses with joyful glee, putting your emotions through a rhythmic blender of absolute delight. Undoubtedly one of the best films of the year, it is also one of the most original musicals in years. It tells of a dock worker (Jim Sturgess) who travels to America in the 1960's to find his estranged father. Go behind the scenes
A CHORUS LINE **** At last! David Attenborough's marvellous adaptation of the musical is here, with Michael Douglas as the director in search of the 'perfect' chorus line. The music is great and brought to life by a fantastic nsmble cast. Unfortunately there are no features but that will not stop you from watching it again.
DE-LOVELY **** Director and Academy Award®-winning producer Irwin Winkler skilfully dissects the crazed and obsessive genius of Cole Porter, with Kevin Kline in top form as Porter, The features of this special edition includes audio commentary by the director, Kevin Kline and writer Jay Cocks, deleted scenes, and an alternate ending Go behind the scenes
DREAMGIRLS **** In contrast to other flashy and fantasy driven musicals, comes this gritty real-life reflections that beautifully captures an era and a music culture. Twenty-five years after first bringing Broadway audiences to their feet, the Tony Award-winning musical sensation comes to the big screen. Set in the turbulent early 1960s to mid-70s, "Dreamgirls" follows the rise of a trio of women--Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose)--who have formed a promising girl group called The Dreamettes. Go behind the scenes Interview with Bill Condon
FAME ***The new, 2009 reinvention of Fame takes its inspiration from Alan Parker's Oscar-winning 1980 film. Packed with explosive music and dance, Fame follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame...the kind that comes only from talent, dedication, and hard work.In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, each student's passion will be put to the test. As they strive for their moment in the spotlight, mentored by the best - and toughest - teachers, they'll discover who among them has the innate skills and necessary dedication to succeed. With the love and support of their friends and fellow artists, they'll find out who amongst them has what it takes to achieve Fame…Directed by Kevin Tancharoen from a screenplay by Allison Burnett, based on the motion picture Fame written by Christopher Gore. Go behind the scenes of Fame
FOOTLOOSE **** Classic tale of teen rebellion and repression features a delightful combination of dance choreography and realistic and touching performances. When teenager Ren and his family move from big-city Chicago to a small town in the West, he's in for a real case of culture shock. Though he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can't quite believe he's living in a place where rock music and dancing are illegal. There is one small pleasure, however: Ariel, a troubled but lovely blonde with a jealous boyfriend. and a Bible-thumping minister, who is responsible for keeping the town dance-free. Ren and his classmates want to do away with this ordinance, especially since the senior prom is around the corner, but only Ren has the courage to initiate a battle to abolish the outmoded ban and revitalize the spirit of the repressed townspeople. Fast-paced drama is filled with such now-famous hit songs as the title track and "Let's Hear It for the Boy."
HAIRSPRAY ***** When big hair meets big dreams anything can happen - and does - in this high-energy comedy that proves you don't have to fit in to win. Based on the 1988 John Waters cult classic film and the critically-acclaimed, Tony Award-winning Broadway hit musical, Hairspray features the all-star ensemble of John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma Von Tussle, Christopher Walken as Wilbur Turnblad, Amanda Bynes as Penny Pingleton, James Marsden as Corny Collins and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, as well Brittany Snow as Amber Von Tussle, Zac Efron as Link Larkin, Elijah Kelley as Seaweed, Allison Janney as Prudy Pingleton, Jerry Stiller, Paul Dooley and introducing eighteen-year-old newcomer Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad. Go behind the scenes
LAST DAYS: ROCK AND ROLL WILL NEVER DIE **** Inspired by the last days of Kurt Cobain, Gus van Sant's fascinating exploration of the excess of fame introduces us to Blake (brilliantly played by Michael Pitt from 'The Dreamers') as a brilliant, but troubled musician. Success has left him in a lonely place, where livelihoods rest on his shoulders, and old friends regularly tap him for money and favors. The film follows him through a handful of hours spent in and near his wooden home … a fugitive from his own life. The bonus features include the making of the film, on the set of the film and taking a look at the Long Dolly Shot, and exclusive music video and deleted scenes. This HBO film was described by The New York Times as "one of this year's indisputably great films", and was an Official Selection in the 2005 Cannes Film Festival
MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS **** Judi Dench plays a widow of wealth and connections, who is bored. At 69, she is far too energetic and vital to fade into gentle widowhood. What she needs, says her friend Lady Conway, is a hobby. She buys a theatre - the Windmill Theatre in the heart of Soho.Go behind the scenes
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA ***** Even if you haven't seen the stage production of Phantom or one of the many screen adaptations of the novel, or read the novel, you have to be emotionally dead if you will not allow your senses to be seduced by the overwhelming power of the film. This is seduction in its purest form, where the filmmaker draws us into a world that lies dormant in the dark abyss of our subconscious desire. It sets us free from the everyday brutality and the harsh reality of everyday living that robs us from the opportunity to explore the opulence of the fantasies. Schumacher unashamedly gives us a chance to dream, fall in love, and turn our existence into one of hope and fulfilment that will leave behind a treasure chest of memories. Webber found an equal in filmmaker and visual designer Joe Schumacher, who shared Webber's passion since 1988 before writing the screenplay with him. You have the opportunity of the one disc edition, or the two disc set with some great features Go behind the scenes
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW - Two-disc edition ***** Includes audio commentary by creator Richard O' Brien and Patricia Quinn (who plays Magenta), deleted scenes and outtakes, the 'Theatre Experience', and a Participation Prompter. There's also a colourful booklet.
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (2 Disc) ***** A dark and haunting revenge tale, brilliantly capturing the musical genius of Sondheim and showcasing the masterful visual flair of Tim Burton. Johnny Depp and Tim Burton join forces again in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd." Depp stars in the title role as a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not only for that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. The bonus disc is filled with exciting features taking you behind the scenes, exploring the legend and myth of the demon Barber, a look at the music, as well as interviews with the cast and creators.Go behind the scenes
CLASSIC MUSICALS - FILM
Listed Alphabetically
THE BANDWAGON - 2 Disc Special Edition ***** Vincente Minnelli's spectacular production, with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charise, has been digitally transferred from the restored film, with the audio and soundtrack remastered in both Dolby Digital and Original Mono. The first disc has commentary by Liza Minnelli and Michael Feinstein. Disc two includes a new making-of documentary, a vintage documentary, and a documentary on Vincente Minnelli.
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS 2 disc edition **** This delightful MGM musical features Howard Keel who takes Jane Powell to be his wife. The fun begins when his six younger brothers decide they want to get married too. Features: Disc one has commentary by director Stanley Donen; Disc two includes the rarely see alternate Widescreen version; behind the scenes documentary and the making of the film hosted by Howard Keel and updated with interviews of Jane Powell and Jacques D'Amboise.
SOUTH PACIFIC *** Glenn Close and Harry Connicj, Jr. lead a sensational cast in this all new television version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's beloved musical, based on the Pullitzer prize-winning book. The features include a deleted scene, 'On Location with Glenn Close' and a behind-the-scenes documentary.
STATE FAIR (2 Disc Set) *** This special collector's edition of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical. Directed by Walter Lang, this musical adaptation of Philip Stong novel (adapted by Sonya Levien and Paul Green), is a boy-meets-girl story, concerning an annual state fair where the couples meet and fall in love. Jeanne Crain and Dick Haymes are the sister and brother searching for love, with Dana Andrews as the newspaper reporter who meets the love of his life. It features the Oscar winning song 'It Might as Well be Spring'. Bonus Features: Commentary by Pat Boone, a vintage stage excerpt
A STAR IS BORN SPECIAL - 2 disc edition **** At last. One of the greatest films ever made is now available on DVD in a splendid revitalised digital and audio transfer. George Cukor's masterpiece was his first musical and first colour film, and features Judy Garland's as a star on the rise who falls in love with an alcoholic actor (James Mason) whose career collapses. The special features include alternate versions of 'The Man That Got Away' and 'When My Sugar Walks Down The Street', and the 'Hollywood Premiere Newsreel'.
MUSICALS - CONCERTS/ LIVE PERFORMANCES
Listed Alphabetically
A NEW DAY: CELINE DION LIVE IN LAS VEGAS ***** This spectacular 2 disc edition is a must for all music lovers. When one of the greatest singers in the world teams up with the inspired director of the most spectacular shows from Cirque de Soleil, the result is an experience like you've never had before. Thanks to Celine's voice and presence, the scenes created by Franco Dragone, the grace of the dancers, the larger -than-life virtual images, and the purity of the music, each song becomes its own universe, a world where your childhood memories, love stories, and forgotten dreams unfold. With A New Day Celine and Dragone wants to make us aware that every day is a new day, that every new day is the most important day of your life and that everything is possible. The show ran for 5 years at the Colosseum at Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas, enjoyed more than 700 sold out shows and 3 million spectators. Disc one includes the concert and the 'Because You Loved Me' bonus feature, a 43 minute tribute to the fans; Disc two includes a fascinating 120 minute 'All Access' documentary; you join Celine at home, follow her in her car, in her dressing room and even backstage. The second disc also includes a documentary on the making of this astounding production. It is a show that changed Las Vegas forever with its budget of $300 million dollars and the world largest LED screen (at $10 million). Visit the website: www.celinedion.com
HERE'S TO THE HEROES - A Night With the Ten Tenors **** Australia's extraordinary platinum-selling musical phenomenon have been melting hearts with their lavish celebration of vocal power and highly polished showmanship, striking a chord with opera fans, pop lovers and rock enthusiasts alike. From the moment they burst onto the international concert scene in 2001, their worldwide career has flourished. Since then, the classically-trained, all-Australian singing sensation has enjoyed a demanding touring schedule, doing what they do best: singing anything from ARIAS to ABBA with their unique brand of musicianship and dashing onstage appearance. After performances in some of the world's most prestigious venues, the group has been described as 'super talented' and their shows 'nothing less than captivating'. Over 77 million people worldwide have heard them to date. Their irresistible charm and commanding performances provide all music lovers a superb night out. The tour announcement follows the highly successful release of their CD and DVD 'Here's to the Heroes' in South Africa. The Bonus features include bonus tracks 'The Boxer', Australian Fold Song Medley', the 'Here's to the Heroes' video and a 'Bee Gees Medley'; there's also a making of and behind the scenes featurette
CORTEO ***** Set your imagination free and let yourself be transported into a fantastic theatrical world of comedy and the magic of the circus with ceator and director Daniele Finzi Pasca's latest production for the Canadian Cirque du Soleil. Set in a mysterious space between heaven and earth, the setting is the funeral of a clown, which introduces a grand procession and festive parade imagined by the clown. Juxtaposing the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, Corteo reveals the strength and fragility of a clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. It is a timeless and poetic celebration in which illusion teases reality, with breathtaking circus acts and superb music. Features: There's superb behind the scenes featurettes on the making of the production and how it was filmed, as well as an entertaining look into the lives of the Corteo artists. If ever you wanted to know how theatre and circus happens, this is it!
JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS *** The American Film Theatre Collection is an exceptional series of feature films based on some of the most celebrated plays of the 20th Century. Jacques Brel is an example of the daring kind of 70s filmmaking, using a kaleidoscope of imagery and a heady mix of cinematic styles to epitomize the music of Belgian born writer and singer of classic French cabaret torch songs, Jacques Brel. The film is based on the eponymous hit 1968 Greenwich Village revue which introduced Brel to a larger audience and cemented his reputation as a respected songwriter - someone who influenced the works of singer-songwriters who would follow, such as Leonard Cohen and David Bowie. Hugely significant at the time due to its lack of a traditional book, the show flew in the face of Broadway conventions, paving the way for every revisionist musical which has followed. The film reunites the original off-Broadway cast of Mort Shuman, Elly Stone and Alice Whitfield. The real star of the film is Brel's music - brooding, but beautiful, weary but ultimately uplifting, perfectly encapsulated when the great man himself appears to deliver a delicate and measured version of his classic standard 'Ne Me Quite Pas', a unique and essential ,musical moment. Bonus Features: Interview with Edie Landau from the American Film Theatre Institute and an article on the show.
LIZA WITH A "Z" (Two disc edition) ***** In 1972 Liza Minelli and Broadway legend Bob Fosse took the Oscars by storm for Cabaret. That same year, the two paired up once again to create this spectacular musical special, making television history and carting home four Emmys in the process. Now, Liza and the Executive Producers of the Academy Award winning Chicago bring the glamour and glitter to DVD for the very first time in Dolby Digital 5.1. Disc one features the television show, and the second disc has the complete soundtrack. Features: The never before-seen lost musical number 'Mein Herr', a full length A & E Television biography of Liza Minelli, a conversation with Liza at the Toronto Festival premiere, program commentary with Liza, and Liza interviews the legendary John Kander, composer of Chicago and Cabaret.
MASTERPIECE - THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER **** In September 2001 something amazing happened in Beijing: the introduction of musical theatre in China. Staged at the prestigious Great Hall of the People, this spectacular event stars Elaine Paige and recording sensation Kris Phillips, together with an international ensemble cast and a sixty piece orchestra. This is true spectacle at its paciest, featuring excerpts from 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Evita', 'The Beautiful Game', 'Cats' 'Aspects of Love', 'Whistle Down the Wind', 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'Phantom of the Opera'. The special features includes a wonderful trip backstage, visiting the Great Wall of China with the cast, and the views of the cast on the show.
MY FAVOURITE BROADWAY: THE LEADING LADIES **** Filmed in 1999 and produced by The Metropolitan Entertainment Group, it features leading ladies live at Carnegie Hall. The musical numbers are introduced by legendary Broadway stars: Julie Andrews, Robert Morse, Tony Roberts, and Liza Minnelli. Featuring a star studded cast, the comprehensive programme includes Karen Ziemba and Bebe Neuwirth doing 'Nowadays' and 'Hot Honey Rag' from Chicago; Nell Carter singing 'Mean to Me' from Ain't Misbehavin; Dorothy Loudon performing 'Fifty Percent' from Ballroom; and Liza Minnelli singing 'Some People' from Gypsy. A must for all lovers of music theatre.
OUR HOUSE *** Following a successful and critically acclaimed run in London's West End cones this pacey, hilarious and romantic musical journey through one boy's London life. Featuring the music of Madness, one of the UK's biggest selling singles bands (remember the hit 'Our House). The story takes place in North London, the night of a young man's sixteenth birthday. He commits a petty crime to impress the girl her loves. When the police arrive he is faced with one of those crossroad choices: stay or run. The story follows the two courses his life would have taken had he stayed to face the music, or bunked and made a run for it.
SOUTH PACIFIC ***** This delightful concert performance of Rodgers and Hammertein's immortal musical was recorded at Carnegie Hall in 2005. This one-night concert was sold within days and was directed by Tony Award-winning Walter Bobbie, who directs and ensemble of 39 men and women taken from the current ranks of Broadway's best performers. In the lead roles are Rebe McEntire, who returns to the New York Stage as Nellie Forbush after her sensational performance in the 2001 production of 'Annie Get Your Gun'; Broadway's reigning leading man Brian Stokes Mitchell plays Emile de Becque; Lillias White is Bloody Mary; and Alec Baldwin is the enterprising sailor Luther.
ROCK/ POP - CONCERTS/ LIVE PERFORMANCES
Listed Alphabetically
AND THROUGH IT ALL: ROBBIE WILLIAMS LIVE 1997 - 2006 **** This 2-disc edition is a must for any Robbie Williams fan and a great picture of a meteoric growth over a 10 year period. The man can be seen growing from strength to strength and becoming the Superstar he is today. For someone who does not know his history this is the perfect introduction and to those who do, a perfect recorded history. Disc One includes performances from concerts at Slane Castle, Slane MEN Arena, Manchester Mungersdorfer Stadion, Koln Knebworth House, Knebworth Roundhay Park, and Leeds. Disc Two features performances from concerts at The Forum and Abbey Road Studios in London, the Velodrom in Berlin and some special TV performances.
QUEEN LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM This incredible 2-disc set features the live concert as well as new interviews with Brian May and Roger Taylor, rehearsal and Friday concert excerpts, and a backstage documentary.
ROGER WATERS IN THE FLESH - LIVE This deluxe DVD video edition features a high definition Live Concert Video with 5.1 Dolby Digital and Surround Encoded PCM Stereo; and a 30 minute behind the scenes documentary.
OPERA
Listed Alphabetically
CARMEN The chemistry between Carmen and Don José is wonderfully realised and performed by Agnes Baltsa and José Carreras in this traditional production by the Metropolitan Opera House. Recorded in 1987, it is still a glorious production of Bizet's tragic love story, and a must for anyone wanting to experience the thrill of a live production with great magnitude and stunning production design.
LA BOHEME From Opera Australia Ballet and Orchestra comes this vibrant and exhilarating production of Puccini's immortal love story, directed by Baz Luhrman (who directed the films Moulin Rouge, Romeo and Juliet and Strictly Ballroom). The visual feast, combined with unbelievably stunning performances by David Hobson as Rodolfo and Cheryl Barker as Mimi, will turn anyone into an opera fan. It was recorded live at the Sydney Opera House in 1993. Don't miss.
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR A must for any avid opera collector, particularly fans of Anna Moffo, is Mario Lanfranchi's 1971 production that was recorded on location. Donizetti's luscious score is conducted by Carlo Felice Cillario, and performed by the Rome Symphony Orchestra and RAI chorus. Others in the cast include Lajos Kozma as Edgardo and Giulio Fioavanti as Enrico. In Italian with English subtitles.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE The electrifying story and explosive characters created by Tennessee William's in his classic play have now evolved into this brilliant three-act opera composed and conducted by Andre Previn, with the libretto by Philip Littell. This recording features the World Premiere performance by the San Francisco Opera, with Renee Fleming as Blanche DuBois, Elizabeth Futral as Stella Kowalski and Rodney Gilfry as Stanley Kowalski. It is great to explore new territory and experience the world of great drama transformed into the world of superb music. An informative brochure is included with the disc.
CLASSICAL
CARMINA BURANA The power of Carl Orff's immortal score is brought to life under the baton of Kurt Eichhorn in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's visually mesmerising and sometimes crazy production. Featuring the talents of Lucia Popp and John Kesteren, this production was made by Bavaria Film in 1975 and truly takes the viewer on to a strange journey into the mindset of Orff's intriguing narrative. It is also great to be able to select subtitles of your choice.
DOCUMENTARY
LA DIVINA. A PORTRAIT *** Tony Palmer's entertaining documentary on Maria Callas includes a 16 page booklet.
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