Jesus Camp

Amazon.com

The feverish spectacle of a summer camp for evangelical Christian kids is the focus of Jesus Camp, a fascinating if sometimes alarming documentary. (Shortly after its release, the movie gained a new notoriety when Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, who appears near the end of the film, resigned his post amid a male prostitute's allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct.) For most of the film, we follow a charismatic teacher, Becky Fischer, as she trains young soldiers in "God's Army" at a camp in North Dakota. Some of the kids emerge as likable and bright, and eager to continue their work as pint-sized preachers; elsewhere, the visions of children speaking in tongues and falling to the floor in ecstasy are more troubling. Even more arresting is the vision of a generation of children home-schooled to believe that the Bible is science, or Fischer's certainty that America's flawed system of democracy will someday be replaced by a theocracy. (In one scene, a cardboard cut-out of George W. Bush is presented to the children, who react by laying their hands on the figure as though in a religious procession.) Filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady maintain neutrality about all this, maybe too much so (they throw in some interviews with radio host Mike Papantonio to provide a liberal-Christian viewpoint) and one would like to know more about the grown-ups presented here. Power broker Haggard is the creepiest person in the film, an insincere smooth talker whose advice to one of the young would-be campgoers comes across as entirely cynical. Time will tell whether the film's Christian soldiers will be marching onward. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Sad, but hardly the "scary" movie liberals make it out to be........2007-09-14

"Jesus Camp", a 2006 documentary about a Pentecostal summer camp for children, has had liberal America alternately cowering in fear and up in arms, due to its startling revelations that some Americans take Christianity rather seriously and would like to use the democratic process to change public policy. Rendered hysterical by the fear that a Christian Taliban of Bible-quoting Bushbots will soon be marching into their respective urban enclaves to burn down the alternative coffee houses and yoga schools, American lefties have shown that they are in serious need of a sense of proportion and a field trip to the America with which they are so obviously out of touch. I have my own problems with the church depicted in this film, but it's deranged to consider these fanatics any kind of threat to American democracy and it's hypocritical to condemn them for doing what is their Constitutional right in a free society.

"Jesus Camp" centers around a Pentecostal church led by a loud-mouthed, grossly obese female "pastor" named Becky Fischer who is shown indoctrinating a group of children at the church's summer camp in North Dakota. I don't use the word "indoctrinate" pejoratively; it's just a statement of fact. Every religion, parent, school, etc. indoctrinates children in the group's own tenets and ideologies. It is somewhat disturbing to see young children programmed in such fanaticism, but it's no less disturbing to see other young children spouting off liberal propaganda that their parents and schoolteachers quite obviously put into their heads. If New York and London critics don't like the fact that this church indoctrinates its young in Jesus and conservative politics, then they should try practicing a little more of the tolerance they're always preaching about.

What made me upset was the disgusting emotional manipulation this bully of a pastor and her lackeys put these kids through. Watching her psychologically destroy these children with tactics like her hellfire and damnation sermon and reduce them to blubbering, self-hating puddles of tears who can only be built back up through the ministry and approval of "Pastor" Becky is to witness a sickening form of child abuse. In that aspect, this church can indeed be regarded as cult-like. She doesn't just want to influence their religious thinking or get them to vote a certain way when they get older; she wants to control these children. Because of whatever psychological defect this woman has, she wants and needs to be at the very center of their lives, to be worshiped by them. Adults made a choice to to abdicate their minds to such a woman. Children are forced into it. That was what I found objectionable about this this movie, not the fact that religious conservatives vote.

OH MAN... .......2007-09-10

After watching this movie I, in my humanity, want to go medieval on the fools subjecting these kids to this crap. I could go on and on about what is wrong with what is done to these kids...but let me instead respond to two comments that are made in the movie:

1. Kids are not to be USED for anything. Kids are to be loved, protected, educated and given freedom to make their own choices and take their own actions.

2. Following God is not about saving oneself from heartache. If you want safety and comfort, look elsewhere...

...which is EXACTLY what these people are doing. They have made an idolatry of their ideology and called it Christianity. I fear for them when the only one who is holy and just does return to judge. They have wracked up quite an account for themselves.

Also...what is it with these people and their penchant for speaking in terms of "this generation?" If I could have only had $5 for every time one of them uses the phrase, I could start my own camp.

Seriously though--I am a Christ-follower. I am also an American. This movie, as well done as it is, makes me sad, makes me sick. This is an important document of some of the ways people calling themselves by the name of the Savior have brought ridicule on it and on America. Shame on them.

Severe Misrepresentation of Charismatic Christians.......2007-09-07

I was deeply disturbed how the children were portrayed and misrepresented by the bias of those producing the film. True Christianity is God's love being extended to the world through His sacrifice of His Son, Jesus on the cross. The way these kids were misrepresented was just another drum beating the beat that Christians are bigoted. True Christians love people, but don't agree with lifestyles outside of the Bible. These type of feelings/values are NOT bigoted. Often, alternative lifestyles lead to destruction anyways, anyone can see that and that is the Holy Spirit's job to convict. Just take a look at the divorce rate and all of the shattered children as a result. Look at the devastation of drug abuse. The list goes on and on. These children love the Lord with all of their heart. Look at any devote follower of any "religion" and you will find that the children are raised to believe what their parents believe. This is not brainwashing. By the way, Christianity is not a religion, it is a lifestyle with a relationship with the Lord Jesus Himself. In fact, most Christians even in the US are the objects of mockery, bigotry and inequality. This film is just evidence of that again. It really grieves me, because I am the type of person who would be willing to talk to anyone, as the Lord leads, despite their beliefs. Most Christians are like this and we are just portrayed incorrectly in the media. It makes me really sad and mad that the producers did not depict these kids and Christians fairly.

Man, look at all the defensive fundies on Amazon!.......2007-09-01

Good, disturbing documentary. Limited in scope, but representative of a mass movement that's had a significant impact on our day to day lives - and wants to have more of an impact. Levi, the main kid who is followed in the film, looks to be a born grifter. He's a master of knowing how to say what people want, in the way they want to hear it. His sister, Rachael, is learning the game, but is less nuanced; her bit about martyrs is painful and funny as she makes up a scene that she claims to have heard about.

All of this rings true to me; I was a fundie in high school, in Missouri, 30+ years ago, and the dynamics remain very similar. There is still a heavy emphasis on Jesus as the genie in the bottle who will grant your wishes. God is the judgmental, abusive father who constantly needs to reiterate how much he loves you - but He'll send you to Hell in a heartbeat if you don't figure out what he wants. There is still an Us vs. Them mentality, not just toward unbelievers, but toward Christians who are not like one's own community. Like the Gnostics, there is a Children of Light vs. Children of Darkness foundation underlying it all, presupposing that unbelievers wish to persecute or lead believers astray, resulting in isolation to preserve one's faith (as when Levi says he would prefer to attend a school that teaches Intelligent Design rather than Evolution; it is assumed to be dangerous to one's faith to be exposed to different, conflicting ideas). I remember warnings from the pulpit against being "unequally yoked with" (marrying or dating) unbelievers. The only accepted reason to interact with unbelievers is for the purpose of evangelizing them or otherwise advancing the cause of "The Kingdom". And, of course, there is the intense but unexamined obsession with all things sexual, and the craven need for powerful authority figures.

I'd have liked to hear a child psychologist or two talk about the adult/child processes depicted in the film. Given the ages of the children here, and a knowledge of their various stages of development, a discussion of brainwashing techniques and indoctrination and the use of peer pressure and authority - driven pressures would be well-worth hearing.

Though the definitive documentary on the Religious Right in America is yet to be made, Jesus Camp is worth seeing. The scene where the youth minister declares that Harry Potter would be stoned if he lived in Old Testament times (Oh, for the good old days, when the stoning of fictional characters was encouraged!) is worth the price of admission.

Jesus Camp DVD.......2007-08-31

I had heard about this dvd and wanted to see it for myself. I was not disappointed. It is thrilling to see children walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was frustrating to see the bias of the media also filmed. It is a sad commentary on the condition of nominal 'church goers'.

Average customer rating:

Willie Nelson - Last of the Breed
Starring: Willie Nelson , Merle Haggard , and Ray Price
Manufacturer: A&E HOME VIDEO
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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

ASIN: B000S0GYMU
Release Date: 2007-09-25

Amazon.com

Traditional Western swing and good ol' fashioned honky-tonk music just doesn't get any better than this. With a short run of 15 performances in 2007, the Last of the Breed tour united Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price to celebrate their elder-statesmen status as Country Music Hall of Famers with over 150 years of shared experience between them. They truly are the last of their breed, and their history speaks for itself: Price gave Willie his first big career break in the late 1950s (he signed Nelson to tour with him--as a bass player!), and Nelson played a pivotal role with Haggard on some of country music's most beloved collaborations. Their continued vitality is on full display throughout this 35-song concert recorded at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont, Illinois, on March 25, 2007. It's a mid-sized venue, and this was strictly a no-frills performance with a plain stage, a sold-out crowd, and the pure pleasure of masterful musicianship. At 81 years old, Price looks rheumy and tired at times (he was ailing toward the end of the tour), but his soothing voice remains smooth and steady through such time-honored hits as "For the Good Times" and "San Antonio Rose," with the Cherokee Cowboys providing flawless back-up in Grand Ol' Opry tradition.

Led by Ray Benson throughout the two-hour concert, Asleep at the Wheel performs a pair of golden oldies ("Route 66" and "Miles and Miles of Texas") before Merle Haggard comes on for an eight-song set, effortlessly demonstrating his skill with fiddle and Fender. By the time Willie Nelson strolls onstage to trade vocals with Haggard on "Okie from Muskogee," "Pancho and Lefty," and three other favorites, it's clear that Last of the Breed is truly something special. This isn't the best performance ever given by these men or these bands (including Mickey Raphael on harmonica and Theresa Lane Haggard on backup vocals), but it's darn sure good enough, with some blissful moments of perfection at regular intervals. Special guest Freddie Powers appears for a breezy rendition of "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," and then Nelson, Haggard, and Price trade vocals on three songs (including Nelson's timeless classic "Crazy") before Willie takes over for a five-song set of his solo classics, including "On the Road Again," a pair of humorous new songs ("Superman" and "You Don't Think I'm Funny Anymore") and a show-closing performance of "Whiskey River" with everyone onstage. Despite a few rough edges, Last of the Breed is still a treasure to cherish, not simply for long-time devotees of country music but for anyone who wants to see and hear (in crisp, clean 5.1-channel digital surround sound) what real country music should sound like. DVD bonus features include Benson's delightful half-hour interview with Nelson, Haggard, and Price, and Nelson's personally guided tour of his lavishly appointed tour bus. For anyone who cares about the legacy of country music's greatest performers, Last of the Breed is nothing less than essential. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

They are the Last of the Breed - the elder statesmen of classic country music who have inspired artists for generations. No one else sings country music with the passion and purity of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price, and in March 2007, these living legends and Country Music Hall of Famers united on-stage for a once-in-a-lifetime concert event. Now, the final, epic performance of their Last of the Breed tour has been captured in high definition and 5.1 digital surround sound to give fans the ultimate concert experience. Backed by the Grammy Award winning Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel and Ray Price s Cherokee Cowboys, THE LAST OF THE BREED: LIVE IN CONCERT delivers a feature-length master class in honky-tonk and Western swing.

WILLIE NELSON, MERLE HAGGARD, AND RAY PRICE
THE LAST OF THE BREED: LIVE IN CONCERT features live performances of 35 songs including: Always On My Mind, Crazy, For The Good Times, Make The World Go Away, Mama Tried, Night Life, Okie From Muskogee, On The Road Again, Pancho And Lefty, Ramblin Fever, Route 66, San Antonio Rose, Silver Wings, Sing Me Back Home, Take Me Back To Tulsa, That s The Way Love Goes, Whiskey River

DVD Features: Interview of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price on Willie s Buss by Ray Benson; Willie s Personally Guided Tour of His Bus; Photo Gallery

Average customer rating:

The Second Chance
What were they thinking?
The Second Chance
Well intentioned low key Christian drama
A LET DOWN...

The Second Chance
Starring: Michael W. Smith , Jeff Obafemi Carr , J. Don Ferguson , Lisa Arrindell Anderson , and David Alford
Director: Steve Taylor (VII)
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FIHNA2
Release Date: 2006-07-18

Amazon.com

Faith can move mountains--and change men's lives. The inspirational tale in The Second Chance weaves the foundation of faith subtly but deeply through the lives of its characters, the Rev. Ethan Jenkins and the Rev. Jake Sanders. Though the two have known each other since they were kids, but their worlds are, well, worlds apart. Ethan (gospel-singing phenom Michael W. Smith) is on staff at the Rock, a wealthy suburban mega-church, and sees a bright future for himself as the head pastor there someday. But his real journey of faith begins when he starts working alongside Jake (an incredibly charismatic Jeff Obafemi Carr) at the Rock's sister church in the poor part of town. The stellar, grounded performances of both Smith and Carr, as well as the brisk direction and soul-stirring music, keep The Second Chance from being too predictable--even though when Ethan first appears in the 'hood, he makes a few rich-guy gaffes, like accidentally ordering a barbecue platter (at the God Almighty chicken restaurant!) that's way too spicy for his white-bread palate. But the film's full-on embrace of faith as a normal part of life makes it bracingly refreshing, and if you can see the characters' redemption coming, it doesn't make it any less uplifting. The DVD is absolutely packed with extras, including interviews with director Steve Taylor as well as stars Smith and Carr; a music video, All in the Serve, by Smith; director's commentary; deleted scenes; and more. --A.T. Hurley

Description

Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) and Jake Sanders (introducing Jeff Obafemi Carr) are both passionate pastors who worship the same God from the same book--but that's where the similarity ends. White and well-to-do Ethan is comfortable in his music ministry at the media-savvy suburban mega-church, The Rock; Jake is a street smart African-American who ministers to the gang members, teen mothers, and drug addicts of the urban Second Chance. When they are suddenly thrown together in a tough neighborhood and forced to work side by side, Ethan discovers there is no boundary between the streets and the sanctuary. But can the faith these two men share overcome the prejudices that divide them to give themselves and a struggling urban church a second chance?

Customer Reviews:

The Second Chance.......2007-09-07

This is a really great movie. It should be viewed by everyone, to give them hope and trust in mankind.

What were they thinking?.......2007-08-20

The story in this movie needs to be told. Unfortunately they attempted to be just like mainstream productions and interjected several UNNECESSARY curses. I am involved with several grass roots programs that are trying to make a point to the mainstream media that worthwhile movies CAN be made without all the profanity, and a movie geared toward Christians (and hopefully a lost and hungry world) cannot seem to break free of that nasty habit. I am very disappointed to see that. How will we ever get word to Hollywood or any other movie producing entity that profanity is not necessary to make a good movie if Christian movies use the same language? I wouldn't recommend anyone see this movie because of that very reason. What a twisted and mixed message that leaves. Michael W. Smith, I am very disappointed sir.

The Second Chance.......2007-08-13

Entertaining movie with a very good message. Highly recommend watching this especially in these times.

Well intentioned low key Christian drama.......2007-07-23

In execution this movie tries in turns to be edgy (gang turf issues! Prostitutes needing help!) and hip (Michael W Smith sings!) but the underlying message is actually quite low key, as is the acting.
Michael W Smith plays the son of a highly successful pastor, being groomed to take over a large affluent church, with its large international outreach program. He helps the pastor of their sister church, called Second Chance, which is where his father started - it is in the slums, with outreaches to the poor and needy, the prostitutes and gang victims. He is admonished for giving the pastor of the poor church a chance to speak his mind on live television, and as discipline, is sent to the Second Chance church for a time, to observe and report. Naturally, in doing so, he starts to gain a realization of his distance from real life and genuine outreach, and becomes a better person..
Some of the efforts at getting a message across are a bit clumsy - Michael Smith has his fancy BMW damaged and trades it in for a small cheap car and is happier as a result. However, some of the underlying themes of where church politics can lead are prescient and worth raising. Should affluent churches from wealthy neighbourhoods really invest so heavily in African outreach, when poverty and destitution are creating huge problems on their doorstep?
In answering these questions, the movie comes across a little one sided and heavy handed, but the point is well made, if lacking punch in the finale.
A worthy effort and well shot and acted. Michael W Smith won't win any Oscars and still looks happiest when singing rather than acting, but the end result is well worth a view, and good family entertainment. In fact, it occurs to me, that with the interesting milieu of characters, this would have made a better TV series!

A LET DOWN..........2007-06-28

If you want to watch a movie that leaves you hanging at the end and comes to no real resolution--watch this movie! If not, pick another movie.
Unlike most Christian films, this film appeared to have a decent budget, but decent budgets don't mean super movies. Some of the singing in the movie was nice, but besides that it was a giant disappointment.
If you want to see a nice Christian film that doesn't leave you hanging, I suggest either "Facing the Giants" or "Flywheel."

Average customer rating:

The Freaking Best Film Ever
Disappointed
Love it
So BAD
Hilarium Ensued

Haggard (Unrated Version)
Starring: Dave Battaro , David Decurtis , Brandon Dicamillo , Ryan Dunn (II) , and Jason Ellis (III)
Manufacturer: Slam Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009YXKE
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Description

Ryan Dunn (played by himself) is one sorry SOB; he's completely hung up on Glauren (Jenn Rivell), his ex-girlfriend, even though she's out playing the field. Rumor spreads that she's hooked up with heavy metal's poster child, aptly named Hellboy (Rake Yohn). Ryan can't stand the thought of the two of them together, so he recruits his friends Valo (Bam Margera) and Falcone (Brandon DiCamillo) to find out the truth. The pair do whatever it takes to get their evidence, even break into her house. In the meantime Ryan flirts with insanity, has run-ins with the law and even gets stabbed in the eye with a fork as his friends try relentlessly to help him forget the girl. Haggard also features special appearances by professional skateboarders Tony Hawk, Jason Ellis and Bucky Lasek.

Customer Reviews:

The Freaking Best Film Ever.......2007-08-05

This movie is hilarious but outragously explicit. Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Brandon Dicamillo, and Raab Himself star in a movie that unveals what true love really is, and how it's better to screw it and have fun instead. I watched this movie 8 times so far and it never gets old. Tony Hawk even has a part!!! You can watch this movie on google video.
"Haah Huhhh Hey Valo" - Raab

Disappointed.......2007-07-17

I bought this movie with the expectation that it would be funny. I didn't find it funny at all. It was bizarre and fully of "potty" humor. I love the Jackass crew, and consider myself to be a fan of Bam Margera's. This movie just didn't deliver for me.

Love it .......2007-05-16

If you like the craziness of Jackass and Viva la bam! Then you will like this. Its very similar only theres no stunts, its a storyline with a plot! Which makes its a great comedy and a little strange but none the less its extremely funny. Just remember who's acting in it Bam Margera, Dico, Dunn, And Raab and Of course Mr. Don Vito!! as well as many more , you defiantly know with people like that you are going to have a seriously funny zany movie

So BAD.......2007-05-14

I bought this DVD, being a big Bam/Jackass fan...and boy, was I disappointed. There are times when the writers of this film take it too seriously, and times when they don't take it seriously enough. It was kind of all over the place for me. I think the guys should just stick with what they do best and not try to seem so "deep".

Hilarium Ensued.......2007-04-13

This movie was so freakin hilarious I watched twice the day I got it and I have watched it like 3 times afterwards. Excellent movie can't wait for another from Bam and the crew.

Average customer rating:

less gore than i tought!
It was allrigth
at least its better than street fighter
more of a guilty pleasure
This Movie is a Fatality

Mortal Kombat
Starring: Christopher Lambert , Robin Shou , Linden Ashby , Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa , and Bridgette Wilson
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790729997
Release Date: 1997-03-26

Description

based on the best-selling home video game, this action adventuretells of a group of expert fighters who compete in a dangerous tournament for the fate of mankind on a mysterious island.

Customer Reviews:

less gore than i tought!.......2007-08-03

i never really was a fan of the video game but i finally came across this movie remembering the trailer in the the mask:animated videos. i was basically blown away by the martial arts action in here i am a fan of karate and i am even an orange belt so i am always looking for a decent karate show to wacth and this was good,thoght the film lacks of charecter develoment and cheap spiecial effects, i reall enjoyed robin shou he is a great martial artist it's a shame he didn't star in other good films,the guy that played johhny cage did real good, the sonya charector was very cute!that christopher lambert guy looked and sounded just like my uncle,it's freaky.

It was allrigth.......2007-07-19

this movie was ok, i had seen it many years ago when i was smaller, and i liked it better back then, but watching it as an adult is not the same, the movie is ok tough.

at least its better than street fighter.......2007-07-19

In the world of movies, Mortal Kombat is pretty bad. In the world of martial art films, its pretty average. But in the world of video game movies, this is actually one of the better. Its only competition, if you will, is Street Fighter. That turned out to be extremely poor, even with Van Damme playing the lead. There is no highly known lead or leads in this film (maybe Christopher Lambert to an extent), but Mortal Kombat thankfully improves over Street Fighter. The result is basically the same thing, just not quite as bad.

This movie has a promising start, introducing many of the video game characters quickly and providing a bangin' soundtrack. Unfortunately, when the tournament of Mortal Kombat finally begins, everything goes downhill. There is fight after fight, which is good, but the dialouge really suffers, the cheesiness and poor effects build, and loopholes and unexplained story elements begin to pop up.

Really, the only way you are going to enjoy this film is to probably love the video game. Most of the fun about the movie is seeing the characters from the video game, and about everyone is there. The actors were actually well chosen, and look very much like their video game counterparts. Cary Tagawa makes an excellent choice for Shang Tsung and Christopher Lambert is a wonderful Rayden. As for the rest of the guys, they do the job well enough.

Mortal Kombat is loaded with fights, and maybe what it all comes down to for most people. As a martial arts film, I would not recommend this. Most of the fights look unimpressive compared to your typical martial arts film, even the American made ones. Maybe its the camera angles and editing that make it suffer, but no fight really ever engaged me. The final fight between Liu Kang and Shang Tsung was rather boring, filled with too much dialouge. I just wanted them to fight already.

This is basically a fun movie, but you must leave the brain at the door. If you have never played the video game, this movie might be a complete waste of time. Only hardcore Kombat fans will want this in their collection. It does, however, impress over Street Fighter.

more of a guilty pleasure.......2007-07-16

Its one of those movies you know is corny, but is very well done and enjoyable.

This Movie is a Fatality.......2007-07-15

Simply summed up, this is the best movie of all time.

Okay, okay, that's a bit of an overstatement. Here is what is is: this is a FUN movie. You watch because it's got a kickin' soundtrack, martial arts fights, and, yes, all the hooks of the video game for those who played it and wanted to see more. There are no hugely gaping holes in the plotline. In fact, there really ISN'T much of a plotline: it's just an excuse to have some weird martial artists beat each other up in exotic locations. Corny humour at times, attempts at seriousness at other times, but mostly it's just what it is: a movie about some people who are out to kick each other's butts -- and do so.

NOT for: those who want a complex (or even vaguely understandable) plot; those who abhor violence; those who are finicky about the action sequences ("But, wait -- Gogrillo can't travel 17 meters in 4.3 seconds while he's carrying a battle-sword, according to his stats -- this movie is whack!" -- yeah, people who talk like that? No, not your movie.)

FOR: those who want to ignore the plot and just cheer the fight on until the popcorn goes flying; those who just loved the game and wondered what the characters were like when not in the ring; everyone who loves a basic action movie that's about having FUN!

Average customer rating:

Great concert, missed a few songs
Merle Haggard - Live from Austin, TX
Merle Haggard - An American Treasure

Merle Haggard - Live from Austin, TX
Starring: Merle Haggard
Manufacturer: New West Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000E1XOJY
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Description

The Live From Austin, Texas series takes the classic performances from the award winning Austin City Limits TV show and makes them available to consumers with improved audio quality and bonus songs that were cut from the original broadcast. This latest set includes performances from some of country music's Outlaws including Merle Haggard, trailblazers who didn't follow the trends and refused to play by the rules set by Music Row. Merle is in fine form here in his October 1985 performance from Austin City Limits studios. Also available on CD

Track Listing
1 - Okie From Muskogee's Comin' Home
2 - There's A Pair Of Blue Eyes Down In Texas
3 - Thank You For Keeping My House
4 - What Am I Gonna Do (With The Rest Of My Life)
5 - Mama Tried
6 - Misery
7 - Take Me Back To Tulsa
8 - I Knew The Moment I Lost You
9 - Silver Wings
10 - Misery And Gin
11 - Ida Red
12 - Place To Fall Apart
13 - I Wish Things Were Simple Again
14 - Amber Waves Of Grain
15 - I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink

Customer Reviews:

Great concert, missed a few songs.......2007-01-10

He had a great band back then, with horns added for his typical "country jazz" sound. Hag is in great shape vocally, too. The musicians all excel with great solos. So why only four stars. Just personal taste, I guess. I would have liked to hear songs like "Today I started lovin' you again", "swinging doors" plus other old, bluesy tunes. But, by all means, this is a disc well worth owning. Both picture and sound are top notch.

Merle Haggard - Live from Austin, TX.......2006-08-29

Merle Haggard is a great preformer and as usual Austin TX is the best. I rely on Amazon for all my music and DVD needs. Thanks!

Merle Haggard - An American Treasure.......2006-04-27

This is Merle as he should always be remembered.
A hundred years from now when someone asks "What was Merle Haggard like?". This is the document that should be produced to prove what so many in this lifetime know. Merle is an American Treasure.
Wonderfully recorded here in Austin TX in 1985. This DVD drips with sentimentality and still delivers a punch.
If you only own a single Merle DVD make it this one.
The band is spectacular and Merle hits on all cylinders.

Pennies from Heaven (1978 British Miniseries)

Average customer rating:

Pennies from Heaven worth the wait
Probably the best mini-series in the history of media
A marvel
The Rarest of TV Fare: Intelligence and Originality
Pure Heaven

Pennies from Heaven (1978 British Miniseries)
Starring: Bob Hoskins , Cheryl Campbell , Gemma Craven , Kenneth Colley , and Freddie Jones
Director: Piers Haggard
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001Z4P6O
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Amazon.com

Dennis Potter's astonishing six-part miniseries remains one of the edgiest, most audacious things ever conceived for television. The story tells of one Arthur Parker (Bob Hoskins), a sheet-music salesman in 1930s England. Beaten down by economic hard times and the sexual indifference of his proper wife (Gemma Craven), Arthur cannot understand why his life can't be like the beautiful songs he loves. On a sales trip through the Forest of Dean, he meets a virginal rural woman (Cheryl Campbell) he suspects may be his ideal. Ruination follows. Punctuating virtually every scene is a vintage pop song--lip-synched and sometimes danced out by the characters. This startling innovation makes the contrast between Arthur's brutish life and his bourgeois dreams even more dramatic.

Potter's dark vision digs into British stoicism, sexual repression, the class system, and even the coming of fascism in Europe. But it is especially poignant on the subject of the divide between art and reality. Piers Haggard directs the long piece with deft transitions between songs and story. (It was shot partly on multi-camera video, partly on film.) The cast is fine, especially the extraordinary Cheryl Campbell, who imbues her character with keen intelligence and no small measure of perversity. Bob Hoskins triumphs in his star-making part, bringing a demonic energy to his small-time Cockney, nearly bursting his button-down vests with frustration and appetite. Pennies from Heaven was remade in 1981 for the big screen (with Steve Martin), an interesting, Potter-scripted adaptation; it's one of the reasons the original has been unavailable on home video for so long. --Robert Horton

Description

Dennis Potter's masterpiece mini-series follows the adventures, mishaps, and yearnings of a traveling song sheet peddler on a tight commission as he tries to make dreams fit the promises of the lyrics he carries.

Customer Reviews:

Pennies from Heaven worth the wait.......2007-05-17

I've been looking for this series on DVD for YEARS! It's finally available, and it was definitely worth the wait. Dark, poignant, and funny all at the same time, this series uses poopular music from the 20s and 30s -- often inappropriately -- to express the inner heart of the characters. A young Bob Hoskins plays the lead: a sleezy traveling salesman who is hard to love, except that he does such a wonderful job of playing this character. Writer Dennis Potter is at the top of his form.

Probably the best mini-series in the history of media.......2007-02-19

Great acting, great soundtrack, great reissue. God, if only there were another mini-series in the world like this. It's better than you can imagine.

A marvel.......2007-02-03

This decidedly different 'musical' ain't gonna be to all tastes--but if you appreciate a genuinely offbeat concept superbly realised by a first-rate cast, this is for you.

The principals, Bob Hoskins (as the loutish, megalomaniac Arthur Parker), Cheryl Crawford (as the at first winsome, then increasingly hard-boiled Eileen) and Gemma Craven (the hapless and resentful Joan) couldn't be better cast. The bizaare stylisations of the lip-synched musical numbers look positively effortless as handled by them. One can hardly imagine American actors being able to handle this kind of material with their level of ease and versatility.

For me, the real test of this type of production isn't simply how well the leads carry it off--the secondary actors have to be equally good, or the whole thing comes apart. In this respect, especially, "Pennies" excels. Among the most notable of the supporting cast are two British character actors whose work I've admired for years, and who are sadly largely unknown to most audiences in this country. Hywel Bennett as Tom, a sleazy, yet oddly attractive pimp, brings the perfect aura of guttersnipe sexiness and low-bred self assurance to the part. He also, without ever once doing or saying anything overt, convinces the viewer that his character is a menacingly nasty bit of work--it's not at all hard to believe that Eileen would take it on the lam with Arthur rather than risk facing Tom once she's reneged on her deal with him. But for me, the most touching performance comes from the marvelous Freddie Jones, as the headmaster of the school where Eileen teaches. Initially introduced in a manner that suggests a typically English comic Dickensian villain, he transcends the viewer's expectations by being revealed as one of the few--possibly the only--decent characters in this story. Forced to dismiss Eileen over a compromising circumstance that has become known to the school's directors, he shows the sadness of his own disillusionment that has pushed him to treat his young charges with a certain brutality; and in a moment of beautifully underplayed pathos, almost inadvertently reveals his love for Eileen--a love he is well aware she could never(for any number of reasons) reciprocate. All he can do is offer her enough money to help her leave and re-establish herself elsewhere, and wish her good luck. As with Bennett, it's what's left unsaid and underplayed that makes his Headmaster Warner so painfully convincing.

And there are any number of other small gems of performance; Ronald Fraser as a Blimpish member of Parliament who proves himself to be a lot cannier at the blackmail game than the hapless Eileen and Arthur is among the most notable. I can't think of a single poor performance by anyone in the cast--and in a cast of this size, that's no small feat.

If you can get past the initial oddity of the concept, and if you're a fan of truly top-notch, fully realised acting --as opposed to the average histrionics that pass for acting in most American television performances--this strange (and strangely compelling) series is one you will not want to miss.

The Rarest of TV Fare: Intelligence and Originality.......2007-01-09

The late Dennis Potter's writing (as it was in The Singing Detective) is both intelligent and searing. The characters are heartbreakers and the acting, especially by Bob Hoskins and Kenneth Colley is peerless. This is what television could and should be, but almost never is. Compare this to the abominable remake with Steve Martin. Hail Britannia!

Pure Heaven.......2006-07-23

In 1979 Margaret Thatcher was elected prime minister of the British parliament, she had in her sights reform of many institutions, the coal miners were one and the British Broadcasting Corporation was another, throughout the 1980's various Director-Generals came and went and so did a lot of creative programming staff, deals that were once concluded on a handshake would eventually need a committee to close. I only mention this because some might argue that the heydays of British television resided in the 1970's, if one needed any proof of this you could do no better as an example than the BBC's production of Dennis Potter's drama "Pennies From Heaven" a six part serial or what would now be termed a mini series, it contained many innovating set pieces whereby the cast would mime to records of the 1930's period that had been especially chosen to be cued into the soundtrack to enhance the plot, I think it would be fair to say that nothing quite like it had been seen before (or since for that matter,) Starring Bob Hoskins working as a sheet music salesman between the first and second world wars who fantasizes about the songs that he sells and through his infidelity gets caught up in events that eventually overtake him. If "Pennies" were being made today no doubt it would be "cut" a little tighter but the production values and originality still hold up well. Bob Hoskins shot to fame after this and indeed he was quite brilliant as the main protagonist winning a BAFTA nomination for his role as Arthur Parker, In its year of broadcast, "Pennies" won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award for Most Original Programme, leading lady Cheryl Campbell who was also BAFTA nominated for her roll as Eileen Everson and Gemma Craven playing Hoskins wife were both superb as was the direction of Piers Haggard a BAFTA winner, however one of the main ingredients and stars of this serial was the choreographer Tudor Davies, who created wonders in one confined space after another.

I sold sheet music myself during the period "Pennies" was made but one can only imagine the business before television when most people had a piano in their front room and writing songs was still an art.

In it's usual brutish way Hollywood having made a flop movie of "Pennies" in 1981 supressed this BBC version for ten years, this reminded me of similar antics in the 1940's when a studio in tinsel town having remade the film Gaslight in 1944 attempted to have all prints of the previous British version of Gaslight (1940) destroyed. These efforts were eventually unsuccessful, though the film was rarely seen for several decades, don't you just admire their business ethics?

But I digress; "Pennies From Heaven" at almost eight hours long means you are going to need more than a few buckets of popcorn plus a case or two of beer, a personal unexpected bonus for me was how I grew to admire the early recordings used in "Pennies" in fact I bought the double soundtrack album on CD it's a real treat. The BBC have recorded a commentary with the director Piers Haggard and producer Kenith Trodd on episodes one and six which I found to be very interesting, from a technical point of view regarding resolution, I do wish the BBC would have used 35 millimeter film instead of their usual choice 16 mill for their external shots, also from time to time the sound levels appeared to be somewhat uneven on my DVD, having said that this should not spoil your enjoyment of what I consider to be a real gem and probably the most original programme ever to come out of British television.

Average customer rating:

Give it a MISS
scary/violent shouldnt be g rated.
Scary for little ones, irritating for adults
Ehh..definately lacks a certain charm
when will it end?

Kermit's Swamp Years
Starring: Steve Whitmire , Bill Barretta , Dave Goelz , Joey Mazzarino , and John Kennedy (IV)
Director: David Gumpel
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006AUHR
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Amazon.com

Kermit, now a Hollywood star, returns to his childhood digs to recount a grand adventure from his years as a young tadpole with amphibious pals Goggles and Croaker. As narrator, Kermit takes viewers back in time to when the tadpole trio, on the brink of froghood, ventures outside the swamp to explore the world beyond. Danger awaits them when an eccentric pet owner nabs Goggles. Even worse, a sinister science teacher is on the hunt for frogs, dead or alive, to be used in class dissections. Kermit and Croaker come to the rescue with slapstick heroics and beloved Muppet humor. While it's hard to top The Muppet Movie for its irresistible charm (and celebrity cast), there is plenty to enjoy here, notably the seamless interactions between Muppets and humans, and the lively soundtrack, which includes Paul Williams's 1979 Oscar-nominated "Rainbow Connection." And don't miss the film's hilarious outtakes, a delicious dividend for teen and adult viewers. --Lynn Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Give it a MISS.......2007-07-17

Parents should skip this one. Seeing a frog (not kermit) strapped down to a disection table with a knife to it's throat? That frog saved by Kermit in a knife fight with the evil science teacher? I think Jim Henson spun in his grave when they came up with this. It has none of the flashy production or good spirit of what should have come out of that legacy, and we've all come to expect from the Henson people.

scary/violent shouldnt be g rated........2007-03-03

i bought this for my 4 year olds bday. we watched it and she was scared. i was surprised to see fighting with scalpels.... come on! g rated? i think not. i dont think it was appropriate at all.
i dont promote violence in the home and explained to them during the movie that they were not being safe or respectful. neither child wants to watch this movie again. no one laughed during this movie at all. i understand that every child is different and some may enjoy this show. and every parenting style is different so i wont bad mouth what others think about the movie or their opinions.
i suggest renting it or buying it used/cheap to be sure it's appropriate for your family.

Scary for little ones, irritating for adults.......2007-02-12

My parents got this for my daughters at Christmas (16 mo. & 30 mo.). Both were excited, they had only recently discovered Kermit.

We do a movie night every week. This movie was awful, ruining the night for the girls! The 16 mo. old was bored after only a few minutes and the 30 mo. old was frightened. She is very empathetic, so she was quite upset to see the bull frog beating up the smaller toads. Plus, I'm trying to teach her not to hit and this video has puppets fighting!? She was so upset about the bull frog, we never even made it to the disection scene.

My parents are also upset that their gift was frightening. They thought it was "The Muppet Movie". When we finally got the correct movie, it took two weeks to convince my daughter to try watching it, and that it wouldn't be scary.

Ehh..definately lacks a certain charm.......2007-01-04

This movie is very different from any of the other muppet movies I have seen to date, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the muppets had the brilliance to appeal to children and adults at the same time--this movie focuses solely on the first group. There is little of the witty rapport between the characters that really makes the muppets have their zing. Its on level with "Bear in the Big Blue House" except it lacks the sweetness of that show as well, its straddling some middle line with humour that its quite un-muppet like (the mooning--which will probably get laughs from the right audience, but it seems demeening and below what muppets should do) very juvenile. The plot is only so-so. the songs, none of them really stand out except for the Me First and the Gimme Gimmes cover of the Rainbow connection, which wasn't even original to the movie.

What I did enjoy were many of the new characters introduced. Croaker and Goggles are very enjoyable in terms of muppet aesthetics, they really fit in, but in new ways. Blotch is a fun character but I didn't enjoy is character design as much he seemed a little too stiff in the body, the facial close ups though really highlighted the innovantions they have made with allowing the puppeteers more control of over the face--such as the eyes and the eyelids. Pilgrim--eeeeh, the puppet design was sort of weak I though, she looked too much like a puppet trying to look real, they should have gone one way or the other.

I did not enjoy the disection scene (uh didn't we already go there in ET? maybe they should have found a way to pay homage to that) Originally when the Mister Doctor guy was collecting frogs I was thinking Steinbeck's character Doc in Cannery Row (which is similar but not quite what they had).

There are enjoyable little homages to Henson in the film ("Let me give you a hand") and if you watch the movie with the selected audio commentary on kermit points these things out--but the commentary is kinda boring really. The bloopers are kinda funny--they are the best extra feature followed by the behind the scenes footage with Joe the Armadillo.

when will it end?.......2006-08-30

more extreme humor rather than funny. Isn't it great most people in hollywood today are there out of ambition to get rich rather then talent. So another movie like all the rest completley tastelist and sad.

Average customer rating:

"What are you all waiting for? A spectacle? You shall have it and tell your children how the great age ended."
What was good has passed away a lot
"That place - Jamaica Inn. It's got a bad name. It's not healthy, that's why",
Perhaps Atypical but Entertaining Hitchcock Film
Good!

Jamaica Inn
Starring: Charles Laughton , Maureen O'Hara , Leslie Banks , Emlyn Williams , and Robert Newton
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000JQSE
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Amazon.com

In Jamaica Inn--a rip-roaring melodrama drawn from a Daphne du Maurier potboiler set in 1820s Cornwall--an innocent young orphan (the 19-year-old Maureen O'Hara in her first starring role) arrives at her uncle's remote Cornish inn to find it a den of reprobates given to smuggling, wrecking, and gross overacting. They're all out-hammed, though, by Charles Laughton at his most corseted and outrageously self-indulgent as the local squire to whom O'Hara runs for help. Since his star was also the coproducer, Alfred Hitchcock couldn't do much with the temperamental actor. He contented himself with adding a few characteristic touches--including a spot of bondage (always a Hitchcock favorite)--and slyly sending up the melodramatic absurdities of the plot. Jamaica Inn hardly stands high in the Master's canon, but it trundles along divertingly enough. Hitchcock fanatics will have fun comparing it with his two subsequent--and far more accomplished--du Maurier adaptations, Rebecca and The Birds. --Philip Kemp

Description

Maureen O'Hara plays an orphan girl living on the rugged coast in Ireland. After several vessels smash on the deadly rocks, she begins to suspect it's more than accidental. Also stars Charles Laughton.

Includes an intro by Tony Curtis and the trailer for Hitchcock's film, "The Birds"

Menus: English • Spanish • Chinese • Japanese
Subtitles: Spanish • Chinese • Japanese

B&W/98 min.

Customer Reviews:

"What are you all waiting for? A spectacle? You shall have it and tell your children how the great age ended.".......2007-08-17

JAMAICA INN is a film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and co-produced by Charles Laughton. Set in 1820s Cornwall, JAMAICA INN is the story about a young Irish orphan, Mary (Maureen O'Hara), who travels to England to live with her last living relative, her aunt Patience (Marie Ney). Mary soon discovers that Patience's husband, Joss (Leslie Banks), is the leader of a gang that has been leading ships to wreck on the coast, smuggling the goods, and killing any survivors. Mary seeks help from the local squire, Sir Humphrey Pengallan (Charles Laughton), but the squire might not be the friendly neighborhood law enforcer that he presumes to be.

JAMAICA INN was the first movie Hitchcock directed based on a story written by Daphne Du Marier and out of the three it is the weakest. The plot is rather predictable and much of the acting is overdone. Apparently there was a great deal of tension on the set between Hitchcock, the director, and Laughton, the co-producer and star of the film. Hitchcock wasn't given the full control he normally had and was unable to keep Laughton in check. Still, JAMAICA INN is a Hitchcock film and though it doesn't reach the heights of his greatest films, it's still better than the average film from the period as well as most films made today.

Besides being a Hitchcock movie, JAMAICA INN is notable for several reasons. To begin with, the movie was one of only a few films in which Hitchcock directed where he did not make a cameo. It was also his last film that he directed in England before coming to Hollywood under contract to David O. Selanick. Lastly, the movie marks the big screen debut of Maureen O'Hara.

What was good has passed away a lot.......2007-06-10

These films of the 1930s, 1939 in this case, are amazing. Simple acting, yet still quite inspired by silent movies technique. Very simple setting not cluttered with too many useless props and other decorations. The dialogue is necessarily simple and the voice work is a caricature of dramatic speech. It was all recorded directly when the film was shot on a sound stage most of the time and the microphones were still very primitive. So what could you expect? No integrated music, no sound effects or very poor ones, no visual effects of course with most of the time sedentary cameras. And the lighting was still far from particularly brilliant. And yet these films were magic because they did not even try to look real, realistic. They had to work the way the technique dictated it. Then the rest was compensated and supplemented by the imagination of the audience. And the zippers in the backs of the monsters were not bothering anyone at the time since it was such a marvelous improvement to have the puppets on the screen speak in real voices. It is amazing to see such an old film by Hitchcock. He was already a great director who could get some real gripping action or situations even with all the shortcomings of his equipment. We have to watch them again these old films, these first talkies, to ,be able to appreciate what modern films have to offer but also what we have lost along the way, a lot more than we may think, and particularly the magic of black and white illusion. But we can't be and have been at once, that's obvious. So let us be living in our time and nostalgically revisit the past.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris Dauphine & University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne

"That place - Jamaica Inn. It's got a bad name. It's not healthy, that's why",.......2007-04-19

"Jamaica Inn" (1939) is remarkable in many ways as almost every movie directed by the great Alfred Hitchcock. It was the last movie he directed in England before he moved to Hollywood. It was his first screen adaptation of the book by Daphne Du Maurier - his next movie, the Oscar winning "Rebecca" is also based on Du Maurier's novel as well as the later "The Birds" (1963). "Jamaica Inn" introduced 18 years old Maureen O'Hara in her first starring role as Mary, a young orphan girl who arrives to stay with her aunt at the inn located at England's Cornish coast around 1820 to quickly find out that the inn is a headquarters of the of the pirate band. Finally, "Jamaica Inn" was the first collaboration of two cinema giants, Alfred Hitchcock and Charles Laughton. While "Jamaica Inn" may be not the best or most memorable Hitchcock's film, nobody would argue that Laughton, a performer of an incredible range stole the movie as Sir Humphrey Pengallon in the performance that mixes "elegant grossness, gallant and sardonic, pure madness, and certain grandeur to his defiance".

Perhaps Atypical but Entertaining Hitchcock Film .......2007-03-07

JAMAICA INN from 1939 was Alfred Hitchcock's last directorial effort from his "British Period" before coming to America to direct REBECCA for David O. Selznick. Interestingly both films are based on Daphne Du Maurier novels. A costume period piece JAMAICA INN attracted Hitchcock because of the Du Maurier angle which would prep him for REBECCA. Alfred Hitchcock was never enamored with costume pieces as he latter admitted to François Truffaut in their famous discussions when refereeing to his ill made choice to direct UNDER CAPRICORN.

Sidney Gilliat and Joan Harrison's screenplay based on Du Maurier's novel seems more conventional and less gothic, if that is an appropriate categorization, than Du Maurier's protraction of her story. This straight forward approach seems to work well for Maureen O'Hara, Charles Laughton and Robert Newton and their roles making the film more intriguing and beguiling and less atmospheric. In all this is a thoroughly entertaining film if somewhat atypical Hitchcock.

Good! .......2007-01-12

Hitchcock performs a massacre of Daphne's book, but somehow, being a talent powerhouse, he makes it work - at least in some places. Daphne's Mary is a dreamy kind of a girl liable to get frightened but not a coward. O'Hara has a strong voice, she is never really frightened, the only time she lets us down ( of course being her first movie) when she calls her Aunt Patience several times - seems contrived. Even when confronted with prospect of rape she never loses her composure and says that she is ready for anything! And a delightful figure!
Of course, Mary falls in love with Joss's brother and not a officer of law as shown in the movie. The hero is quite ugly and it would have been better had be been hanged successfully in the beginning of the film. Charles goes over the top but has a variety of expression in his repertoire which he uses outlandishly and is a delight to watch. Overall, it is still a good entertainment. And particularly for those who have read the book - they must see it.

Merle Haggard - Live at Billy Bob's Texas

Average customer rating:

Classic Merle Haggard
no closed captions
Thanks!........ It just can't get better than this.
Merle Haggard...One of Country Music's Greatest
I wish they had a DVD of the CD show.

Merle Haggard - Live at Billy Bob's Texas
Starring: Merle Haggard
Manufacturer: Smith Music Group
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0002IQM3O
Release Date: 2004-08-17

Customer Reviews:

Classic Merle Haggard.......2007-09-05

This is a DVD that we will watch over and over. It's Merle at his best. I love Janie Fricke, but Bonnie Owens' was a much better match for Merle's style. We miss her.

no closed captions.......2006-10-22

Amazon product description clearly states "closed captions" My disc, as r'cvd, had no CC or subtitles. It's a great disc visually but for someone with a partial hearing loss it's like buying a car and then discovering that the transmission is missing. I have given it a way. Apparently, the producers of this disc are arrogant cretins who are totally un-aware that about half the population of the world has some degree of hearing loss. I certaninly won't be buying anything produced by Rick Smith & Associates.

Thanks!........ It just can't get better than this........2006-08-05

Finally! A great production of the Hag in Concert. The sound quality is riveting as this tight band backs the Hag with the perfection of a NY symphony. I notice a few new faces in this group of Strangers. The new drummer is incredible, I would have liked to see a stronger lead guitar but hey, long time band leader Norm Hamlet has put another great bunch together here. The entrance of the beautiful and talented Janie Fricke singing back-up on a couple numbers was pure bonus. I watch this and all my concerts on a 65" HDTV and this example has risen to the top of my pile. Better lighting would have produced better skin tones, but hey.....we must remnember we are at Live at Billy Bobs, not in a TV studio. The Hag will always be immortal especially with productions like this. Buy this one! You will truly enjoy.

Merle Haggard...One of Country Music's Greatest.......2005-08-31

This is a great DVD..If you love Merle, you will enjoy this one..He performs 21 songs..I enjoyed them all.

I wish they had a DVD of the CD show........2005-07-02

When I bought this ,I assumed it was the video of the Billy Bob's live CD.While this is a good show,the other was one of my favorites of Merle's .He had a great guitar player on the CD,on this video Merle plays guitar.Hag can really sing and write,but as a guitar player he should hire that out.But, back to the subject,this video is great quality,sound and visualy.There are two familiar faces ,Norm on steel and old what's his name on horns.The last time is saw a Hag concert,he had a pickup band,which was great,Merle played guitar quite a bit,but a better picker was playing second guitar.I doubt we will see the great bands he carried back in the eighties.Merle Haggard doesn't have to prove anything to anyone ,he sings as well now as ever ,and still writes goods songs.Buy it,you'll like it.

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