Rockers - 25th Anniversary Edition

Product Description

ROCKERS - 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (DVD MOVIE)

Amazon.com

Writer-director Theodoros Bafaloukos responded to Jamaica's siren call all the way over in Greece and came to the island to make this 1977 movie about a band of Rasta men/Robin Hoods getting their own back at the expense of those perennial bloodsuckers, the "uptown top rankings," as men of money and position are called in Jamaica. The reggae star-studded cast is undoubtedly the movie's most rewarding feature, though some reggae fans have objected to the demeaning sight of the incomparable late singer Jacob Miller threatening a friend with a knife over a purloined chicken leg or the equally great singer Gregory Isaacs exacting chump change for unlocking a tourist's rental car. However, these and other great reggae figures are also seen here in full and glorious performance at their peak. In fact, this film provides our only extended visual record of Miller's kinetic performance style and one of the best pieces of footage on Isaacs. Although Rockers doesn't approach the multilayered complexity of The Harder They Come and it does betray a little superiority now and then to its characters, there are plenty of laughs as well as insights into life at the time for Jamaica's growing Rastafarian movement. Drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace makes an unlikely though quintessentially Jamaican leading man as he moves between wooing the rich man's virginal daughter and making pit stops at the shack he shares with his wife and children. His band of accomplices is priceless, and the scene in which each struts in his own "stylee" to Peter Tosh's "Stepping Razor" is alone worth the price. --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews:

A must see.......2007-06-09

When I first watched this film I found it to be a unique movie that is really enjoyable. It is filled with allot of Jamaican roots music It has a Rastafarian glossary, english subtitle and great proformances by some of Jamaica's favorite artists including the late and very talented Jacob Miller who passed on in 1980. I feel this movie is a must see for those who love reggae music.

Great Film.......2007-06-06

Rockers is a film about music, struggle, family, friends, and religion. The musical influence in this culture plays a vital role in the lives of the characters. Faith and reality seem to act as crutch or support in the day to day experience in which they live. An uplifting film filled with music and heart, a must see.

Loved It!.......2007-02-04

This is my first time seeing the movie. I was introduced to the movie by a friend. I had recently seen "The Harder They Come" and liked it. This movie which was supposed to be a documentary was loosely based on "The Bicycle Thief" a movie done by the late Vittoria DiSica. The reggae artist played themselves not only as musicians but as Rastafarians.
This DVD explains the Rastafarian culture in Jamaica and how it relates to the movie. The Rastas do not embrace the establishment--capitalism, consumerism, and the police. Speaking of police, the police are an instrument enforced by the government to suppress the people and it did show when they were trying to prevent Horseman and his friend from playing dub at a club that was playing American funk music. The club owner didn't find it necessary to have them tear down the door to let him in. The clubgoers warmed up to the music.
This movie shows how expressive and powerful music is and government feels threatened by the words because they speak the truth. If anyone wants to know about the Rastafarian culture this is a good movie to start with. But it is also an entertaining movie because they are robbing from the rich to give to the poor.

African Movie Cult Fav.......2006-03-20

I thought the old school rasta independant movie was sooo cool. Livin in the states we have no idea how real people live in Jamrock. The soundtrack is bangin as well.

Peace
Lola

Loved it!.......2005-09-11

I loved Rockers. Authentically captures the magic of Rasta and the Reggae scene at its heyday. Great acting, delighful and chaotic Jamaican dialogue, and well filmed. The musical performances are just awesome, especially the hauntingly beautiful acapella version of Jah No Dead by a young Burning Spear.
The patois glossary in the extras is fun if a bit cheesy, and although the interview with the director is a bit slow it is still interesting for its insight into the Jamaican music scene at the time.
This film is a one of a kind and very satisfying for lovers of Reggae, Rasta and Jamaica.

Average customer rating:

Anothing fine film from Larry Clark
Tender Clark...
One of Clark's Best Films
Don't over-react--it's more of a documentary!
coulda been a contender

Wassup Rockers
Starring: Jonathan Velasquez , Francisco Pedrasa , Milton Velasquez , Yunior Usualdo Panameno , and Eddie Velasquez
Director: Larry Clark
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000H7JADY
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Amazon.com

Awkward title aside, Wassup Rockers is Larry Clark on good vibes. For his fifth feature, the photographer-turned-filmmaker turns his lens towards a close-knit band of Latino teens. They dress like the Ramones (long hair, tight jeans) and crank out a brand of hardcore that suggests early Suicidal Tendencies--mostly, they live to surf the sidewalks of LA. The central rocker is 15-year-old Jonathan (Jonathan Velasquez, rough but charming). He's joined by Milton, Kico, Eddie, Porky, Louie, and Carlos (like Velasquez, all non-professionals). As unlikely as it may sound, the storyline parallels The Swimmer and The Warriors in that their goal is to get from one end of town to the other, i.e. from Beverly Hills to South Central. (The obstacles have changed, but the objective remains the same.) Critics have painted Wassup Rockers as lighter than previous Clark pictures, and they've got a point, but it's a relative term. The movie does, after all, open with a murder, and the MPAA slapped it with an R for pervasive language and sexual content. Well, he may not come from their world, but Clark couldn't be more sympathetic towards his protagonists. If anything, he's too hard on the Caucasian characters, many of whom are fairly reprehensible--one of the film's major missteps. Of course, there are also a few obligatory shots of bare-chested boys (a Clark trademark), but his gaze is less voyeuristic than before. For the most part, Wassup Rockers is as exhilarating and, yes, life affirming as cinema can get. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Ten years after KIDS, Larry Clark tackles the controversial subject of teens and race in LA, aiming his lens on an unlikely crew of Latino skate punk kids from the ghetto neighborhood of South Central who just want to be themselves. When Jonathan, Kico, Eddie, Spermball, Porky, Louie and Carlos take an impromptu skating trip to Beverly Hills one day, they get into trouble with the cops, enjoy sexual encounters with rich white girls, and face off against hostile boyfriends and suspicious neighbors. It takes all of their strength and cunning to make their way back home to the (relative) safety of South Central. Overflowing with tenderness and sly humor, WASSUP ROCKERS is another bold vision of youth under fire from the incomparable Larry Clark.

Customer Reviews:

Anothing fine film from Larry Clark.......2007-06-22

This movie is different than previous Clark efforts, mainly in that it's tame enough for an R rating. There's no on-screen sex, nor adolescent nudity, and the profanity is nothing out of the ordinary. I'm saying this up front because if one surveys, say, rottentomatoes.com reviews, you would think Clark is nothing short of a felon! Idiotic mainstream reviewers continue to misrepresent Clark's work through their own inability to understand subtlety and their blindness to artistic intent. What would these reviewers think of Sally Mann who regularly photographs nude children? Would these critics call her a pedophile? Do they care that she photographs only her own children? Can they understand her reason for doing so? It's interesting how otherwise average reviewers become high-handed moralists when the discussion turns to Larry Clark.

The film is an interesting look at a group of skaters as they find themselves in Beverly Hills and struggle to return to South Central LA (home). Amusingly, Clark comments that his inspiration was none other than "The Warriors", a cult film where gangs rule the streets and the titular gang must return home venturing through enemy territory. The enemy gangs are replaced with a colorful range of Beverly Hills types. All this unfolds with unexpected results.

Clark is best when focusing on teenagers talking with the sort of brutal honesty that cannot be scripted or staged. He follows the Italian neo-realist tradition of putting non-actors in front of the camera and letting them be themselves. Zavattini, Rosselini, De Sica, and others understood the power of this and so does Clark. That is not to say that this is a study of the daily minutia of a group of poverty stricken teens. Clark inserts occasional fantastic elements, nothing entirely implausible, but certainly atypical for a 24 hour time span.

Some reviewers (elsewhere) indicate that the film is tedious and boring. These reviewers should stick to the latest Die Hard flick. If they want obvious action, there's plenty to be had in mainstream Hollywood - why go to the trouble of calling a thoughtful, deliberately paced, introspective film "tiresome"? I like action movies as much as anyone, but I'm also fine with a film that lets us stare into the lives of others in an unhurried manner.

Clark is an artist - his artistic intent is obvious here and elsewhere. This is an art film and should be judged accordingly. I urge you to ignore mainstream critics. Unfortunately, they have no frame of reference for cinema working on a different level.

Now, just because it's an art film and it's slow-moving doesn't mean that it's not also entertaining. Some parts are thoughtful, some parts are funny, others are exciting and suspenseful. There's a lot going on here and it's definitely worth checking out. I would recommend reading a little bit about Larry Clark before watching if you're new to his work. It's helpful to see what he's about before jumping in - context is always valuable. Wassup Rockers is at least worth a rent if you're unsure.

And by the way - the film looks amazing. The colors and compositions are stunning.

Tender Clark..........2007-04-18

Always abrasive, almost always shocking, Larry Clark presents a tale not too far off the path he's created in the film and photo world in "Wassup Rockers". This time around, he treats his subjects with a sensitivity that is typically hidden under the surface in his other work. A must-see for Clark fans and for fans of coming-of-age tales for a new millenium.

One of Clark's Best Films.......2007-03-20

Larry Clark is a gifted filmmaker (and some would say "pedophile") who shows a completely different side of his skill with documenting the lives of teenagers in "Wassup Rockers." His first film "Kids" was an important film dealing with AIDS, but it wasn't a masterpiece. His 2nd film "Another Day in Paradise" was a great film that dealt with teenage drug addicts and managed to be funny, heartbreaking, and entertaining. His third film "Bully" was a masterpiece, based on a true story that was simultaneously horrifying and realistic. Then there was the "what the hell?" movie of his career "Teenage Caveman" which was basically about teenagers having sex to the backdrop of a horror movie. "Wassup Rockers" is about a group of seven Hispanic skateboarders living in South Central, who one day make the mistake of traveling to Beverly Hills to skate. The movie (with a screenplay by Clark) starts off introducing us to the characters and their lives (all the characters are named after the actors that play them). There's Jonathan Valesquez, the ladies' man of the group who opens the film with a long-winded monologue. Then there's Milton a.k.a. Spermball, the biggest yet seemingly youngest one of the group. Then there's Eddie, Porky, Carlos, Louie, and Kico. Besides being skateboarders, the group are trying to start a band (the entire a film is set to a sometimes annoying punk-rock soundtrack, that fits the movie perfectly though), which is where the titles "Wassup Rockers" comes from. The movie struck a chord with me, because it takes a lot of different turns. The film begins like a documentary, switches gears to become a comedy, and then suddenly turns tragic. When the group arrives in Beverly Hills, they find themselves on a series of misadventures with tragic results. One part in the film (a really sad scene) features a character that Clark based on Charlton Heston (making the scene simultaneously horrifying and funny), but he cast an actor that looks and sounds like Clint Eastwood. "Wassup Rockers" is one of Clark's greatest achievements; it's funny, emotionally powerful, and superbly acted. The dialogue is sometimes unintelligible (the character will say a word in Spanish in the middle of a sentence in English) and sometimes the grammar is bad, but it just adds to the realism. "Wassup Rockers" is (like all movies by Clark) not for everyone and a lot of people will dislike this one because of its shift in mood. Once the characters get to Beverly Hills, the scenes become much darker and violent. "Wassup Rockers" is not perfect, but it's one of the best and most underrated films I've seen from 2006 and I highly recommend you check it out because it deserves more views than it has received.

GRADE: A

Don't over-react--it's more of a documentary!.......2007-01-29

This movie is more of a documentary than a movie with real actors,a plot,a climax, an anti-climax, and an ending. The director thought the rest of us needed to be the "bug on the wall" so he gave us the opportunity to view these people and their environment.

And another thing, nobody got paid to be in the movie! My daughter, an aspiring actress, volunteered to be one of the boys' mother since his own mother was in the hospital. She was not paid---not even gas money! She knew the story had to be told, so she wanted to help out.

coulda been a contender.......2006-12-18

I loved this movie. In a lot of ways, it paralled my life as a black teen in the Cleveland ghetto in the mid sixties. We didn't skate, we rode bikes and popped wheelies all over town, and found our share of trouble. We didn't smoke or do drugs, sex was something bragged about without having actually experienced it, but like these rockers, we were kids without a vision of hope or an expection of a future, living in a gritty world where life was so cheap that nothing much really mattered. The story of these kids lives was my story too. I was lucky enough to escape the ghetto via the Air Force and subsequent higher education. I'm upper middle class now, but my daughter attends a public high school, and has a lot of Latino skater friends who are just like these kids. This movie is real, and communicates its genuineness in the scenes where the boys are in the company of themselves, as opposed to the scenes showing them interacting with people outside their neighborhood. I know kids who act and talk like this. I laughed and cried with them, and I think you will too. If you're doing well, don't be so quick to look down on someone who is different from you, perhaps from the other end of the bus line, or the penny side of the checkbook. The film reminded me to offer hope and show the way where I can.

Average customer rating:

A somewhat lackluster performance DVD of a group I love on CD
Incidentally
O, You've Done It Again
EXCELLENT
Ace Rock Combo

Tell Me What Rockers to Swallow
Starring: Lance Bangs
Director: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00062148E
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Customer Reviews:

A somewhat lackluster performance DVD of a group I love on CD.......2006-07-15

I love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but I was somewhat disappointed with this DVD. I have never seen them live and had never previously even seen a video of one of their songs. I have both of their albums and like both a great deal, but all in all this DVD just didn't move me like the CDs do.

Part of the problem is certainly sound. I have your basic 5.1 surround sound set up, but even after fudging around with the balance, I found Karen O.'s voice just didn't emerge from the overall sound very well. On CD you can crank it up and it sounds like she is singing into your ear, allowing you to get every snarl, scream, growl, and hiccup. Let's face it: Nicolas Zinner is a very good guitarist, but the reason you listen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is Karen O.'s singing. She is one of my four favorite female rock vocalists along with Corin Tucker of the late, very great Sleater-Kinney, P. J. Harvey, and Neko Case. But if her voice isn't crystal clear, a great deal of the appeal of the band is lost.

I found it hard to watch this without constantly comparing the band to the White Stripes. The two bands have essentially the same set up, except that Jack White combines the duties of both Karen O. and Nicolas Zinner. White's increased responsibilities (and preferences, one suspects) keeps him from moving around on stage like Karen O., but I'm not sure that that is a bad thing. Other reviewers have referred to how active she is on stage, and that is absolutely true. What no one has mentioned is that she doesn't move very well. Morrissey moves around on stage a lot, but he does so very compellingly, almost hypnotically. But Karen O. is not physically graceful and her movements don't especially enhance the music. More than anything, I found her frenetic activity onstage to be a bit distracting. Continuing the comparison between the two bands, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs suffer in comparison in terms of quality of material (perhaps not a fair comparison, since Jack and Meg have had more years to build up great material, while the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have a rather thin catalog of songs) and musicianship (which is merely to say that Jack White is a stud of the first order). Karen O. is the equal of Jack White as a vocalist, but the timber of his voice lends itself better to a live recording. Perhaps this is not a fair comparison. Although both bands feature a vocalist, drums, guitar, and no bass, Jack White is a staggering talent. Nonetheless, the second I finished watching this I popped the recording I made off the TV of Jack and Meg live in South America.

My gut feeling is that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs weren't ready for a concert DVD at this point in their career. Granted, it was only a couple of years ago, but they simply didn't have enough material. They had released two or three EPs and an album, FEVER TO TELL, at the time they did this DVD, which is not a whole lot of songs. Moreover, FEVER TO TELL would probably have been better released as a long EP, with a few of the weaker songs cut off. As it stands, there is a stark contrast between the really great songs like "Rich" and "Maps" and several of the weaker cuts. As a result the concert recorded here is amazingly short. Even as it stands, their stage time was padded by one of the longest gaps between the final song in their main set and the encore. By the way, the silver full body (and head) outfit that Karen O. wears for the encore (putting it on was probably the cause of the very long delay starting the encore). Then the encore itself was one of the lowpoints of the concert.

All in all, I was really disappointed by this DVD. It is getting some good reviews here, but I wonder if others are reviewing the music based on the CDs instead of what you actually see on this DVD. To sum up, I thought they didn't have enough good material, Karen O. was distracting onstage, and the sound quality was a bit on the muddy side. Instead of this DVD, I'd recommend popping either of their two albums into your CD player instead or, if you must play a DVD, the White Stripes's UNDER BLACKPOOL LIGHTS instead.

Incidentally.......2006-05-19

In response to Buddy Brown's review. Not that its relevant but Karen O's mother is Korean. For someone so keen on dismissing other people's opinions please check your facts before blathering.

O, You've Done It Again.......2006-03-30

The music is far from flawless, the footage is hardly stellar and visual wizardry is non-existent, yet this show from San Francisco's Fillmore Theatre proves the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to be the most exciting female fronted act to emerge this century. Beginning with Y Control, Karen O races on stage with the exuberance of the cocoon-fresh butterfly, yet her clothing sense remains that of the grub. It's part of her cool individual chic, and when she dances across the stage in this glitzy garbage get-up she plots a course somewhere between Patti Smith, Courtney Love and Madonna. Rockers, Maps and Black Tongue - while not sounding as clean as on their records - are some of the finest live tracks here, with the encore of Our Time finds Karen O giggling and dressed in a cheap space suit. Dodgy documentary from the generally faultless Spike Jonze, moving MTV performance of Maps, additional video clips (including banned video Y Control) and Easter eggs all add up to this being a simply brilliant package.

EXCELLENT.......2006-03-28

i love love love this dvd, half becuase of karen O being awesome live and half for the band sounding great as a whole live. if you own fever to tell and you like it, then i can gaurantee that you will like this dvd as well. and the absolute best part is that all of the unreleased songs they play on here are probably better than the songs off of fever to tell and their EP. rockers to swallow, down boy, 10x10, and sealings are addicting as hell, and combined with karen o's facial expressions and costumes this dvd is very very worth it.

Ace Rock Combo.......2006-02-22

The YYYs are an extremely talented little group. They truly sound like many more people than three are creating the music you hear here, lovely, varied guitar effects, and the drummer rocks like some kind of deranged monkey....and Karen O is, by any standard, one hell of a performer...even if the music is not, strictly speaking, your cup of tea (it's not completely mine, to be honest), this is a completely riveting concert disc.

Average customer rating:

Cheesy but great!
Slow but great music
Stars are for the music........
A Slice of the History of Rock and Roll
A "no lose" situation.

Rock, Rock, Rock!
Starring: Alan Freed , Fran Manfred , Tuesday Weld , Teddy Randazzo , and Jacqueline Kerr
Director: Will Price
Manufacturer: PASSPORT VIDEO
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009MEGG
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Description

"Rock, Rock, Rock!" Made in 1956, this small-scale look at the then new phenomenon of Rock & Roll takes a page from the books of many of the big scale musicals made by Hollywood studios. Like them, the musical performances more than make up for the thin plot and occasional weak dialogue. The biggest bonus is that the last half of the film is all music, when Alan Freed brings his show to the hero's prom. Before the advent of music videos promoting record sales, this film is essentially a 76-minute commercial for the top Rock 'n' Roll and R & B artists of the time. Starring Alan Freed (at the peak of his power and influence as the man who actually coined the term "Rock 'n' Roll") it also marks the screen debut of Tuesday Weld - albeit that her singing was actually the angelic voice of Connie Francis. On Screen performances include those from Chuck Berry, Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, The Johnny Burnette Trio, LaVern Baker and The Freed Band.

Bonus Material: The Alan Freed Story The dean of rock music historians, Michael Ochs, describes the 'innocence' of the early Alan Freed concerts when 50% of the audience was black and 50% white. He chronicles the rise and fall of Freed as the voice of Rock 'n' Roll and the payola scandal the ended the DJ's career. Veteran musician Red Holloway speaks of America's narrow-mindedness when radio stations across the country decided to destroy records of this Rock and R&B music they considered to be damaging to the morals of American teenagers. Cornelius Grant, Motown's Music Director for Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells and The Temptations, credits Alan Freed with giving legitimacy to R&B by taking it to the mass music market and dubbing it Rock & Roll. Singer Bobby Vinton describes from his own experience how records were turned into hits in these early days of the Rock Era. In 1986 Alan freed was among the original Inductees to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and, in 1991, he received the ultimate accolade of a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Customer Reviews:

Cheesy but great!.......2007-08-09

If you love classic R&B and Rockabilly, this is the film for you. Although the dialog is cheesy, it showcases some of the best musical artists of that time. It will inspire you hit your nearest muusic store.

Slow but great music.......2007-05-12

It was too boring and drawn out. Not a good story line, but awesome music.

Stars are for the music...............2007-04-27

Those were the days, so much talent out there trying to make it in the
music world, and we get to see some of them at their best. Instead of
a movie with continuous music acts, they made a movie out of this one with
a yound T.W. taking the part of a teenager who cant afford a new dress for
the prom and this promotes classic 50's situations...and in between we get
all the musical gold. Very enjoyable and can be watched several times due
to the music.

A Slice of the History of Rock and Roll.......2007-02-20

Rock, Rock, Rock offers a window into something that will only come along once.
The roots of rock come to life in this film. Frankie Lymon and The Teen-Agers
perform. This 13-year-old could sing. Unfortunately after puberty his career
collapsed; he never saw age 30. We also get a look at a young LaVern Baker and rockin' Chuck Berry.
The Alan Freed Story included on the DVD is quite interesting too. Don't be too critical of the
story, just lay back and enjoy the past.

A "no lose" situation........2006-09-28

If you're a fan of early Rock n' Roll /Rhythm & Blues, you should enjoy this. The performances are mimed to the original recordings but ,hey , how much surviving footage of these performers exist? Enjoy it as a pretty decent document of an era long gone. Enjoy it for the utterly awful story and for certain performances that haven't worn as well with age. Interesting footnote: Look for an impossibly young Valerie Harper as an extra during the dance at the end of the movie.

Walking for Weight Loss With Debbie Rocker

Average customer rating:

Walking for Weight Loss With Debbie Rocker
Nice scenery...but it ends there.
Somebody turn off the talking
Great walking video
Ho hum, snore, wake me up when it's over

Walking for Weight Loss With Debbie Rocker
Starring: Rocker Debbie
Manufacturer: Living Arts
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000IJ7A0Q
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Customer Reviews:

Walking for Weight Loss With Debbie Rocker.......2007-07-24

I like the fact that her workout did make you sweat but the only one thing that was a bit confusing was that she kept saying her right which in fact it's really our left. I felt she was directly the people that were there with her instead of her viewers. I felt I kept messing up the step when she kept moving to her right I was moving to my left. It was a bit frustrating, but you do get the hang of it if not just mute it.

Nice scenery...but it ends there........2007-06-23

I use the Leslie Sansone workouts and really like them. Like others, I was looking for more variety. I was also hoping the audio cd would be useful. I love the outdoor scenery on this workout, and the walkers are pleasant, but I just didn't like the workout (the choreography felt robotic to me) or Debbie Rocker's coaching. The workout didn't feel challenging or energizing. Debbie says in a monotone voice that you can be more efficient and get good results with less effort, but I really like pumping it out to Leslie Sansone. Debbie's chatter bugs me way more than Leslie Sansone's. I didn't feel she was sincere at all. Like the other reviewer, Debbie's "I am your coach and life is an athletic event" turned me off. I feel that Leslie Sansone cares more about a person enjoying all of life more and that exercise can benefit anyone - today. If you are looking for variety, I suggest Madeleine Lewis "Cardio Burn" also known as "Get Moving: Walk for weight loss." The audio CD of this set would only benefit those who like her verbal coaching.

Somebody turn off the talking.......2007-06-22

I bought this video hoping for something I could do when it rains and I cannot walk outside. I saw the positive reviews on this one and decided to give it a try. The workout is good - the constant, droning chatter is not. If they had designed this video like the New York Ballet video I would have been very happy (In the NY City Ballet Video you can turn off the talking after you've mastered the exercises, while keeping the music). All in all I gave this a 2 star rating because it may be better than nothing (although I have wondered). If you want to enjoy your walking stick to the outdoors!

Great walking video.......2007-05-13

Since walking videos are one of my passions, I purchased this video after I learned about Ms Rocker though another website blog that talks about exercise. Ms Rocker is easy to understand and very encouraging in her manner. I enjoyed this video and felt I received an super walking workout. I will be looking for more videos by this lady. Her fellow exercisers were as upbeat as she and looked as they were really enjoying the workout.

Ho hum, snore, wake me up when it's over.......2007-03-12

I've been using Leslie Sansone workouts for a year now and, while I adore her, am trying to find a little variety. Because I am a choreo klutz and can't do dancey videos my choices are limited, so I was excited to find this DVD. Unfortunately, this workout was a complete bore to me and I couldn't even finish it. Under the theory that any movement is better than no movement, and because the workout might be enjoyable to others, I'll give it 3 stars for effort.

Average customer rating:

Portrait of Phil Lynott
You never see Phil like this
A charming, moving, surprisingly good documentary
Deeply Moving Look at Philo
A great Rocker

The Rocker: A Portrait of Philip Lynott
Starring: Thin Lizzy
Manufacturer: Standing Room Only
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000E3LCPK
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Description

The Rocker is an in-depth look at the life, career and tragic death of legendary rock star Philip Lynott, the founding member of Thin Lizzy. Thin Lizzy's breakthrough song, Whiskey in the Jar, hit the charts in the United Kingdom in 1973. Its success was followed three years later by Jailbreak and The Boys are Back in Town, which became an international hit and fulfilled Phil's dream of becoming a rock star.This program features interviews with Phil Lynott and his wife, Caroline Crowther, who speaks about him for the first time since his death; rare concert and television footage; clips from some of the great Thin Lizzy gigs, and classic Thin Lizzy videos. Also included in this DVD are special commentary from and interviews with Phil's mother, Philomena, Thin Lizzy members Brian Downey, Scott Gorham, Brian Robertson, Eric Bell and Gary Moore; managers Chris Morrison and Chris O'Donnell, and rock stars Jon Bon Jovi, Slash, Bono, Bob Geldof, Huey Lewis, Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler and Midge Ure.

Customer Reviews:

Portrait of Phil Lynott.......2007-06-03

This is an excellent but brief (58 min.) portrait of Phil Lynott that shows the ups and downs of The Rocker. There are some rare footage of Phil growing up that talks about his childhood & early days prior to Lizzy.
What's interesting is they have footage of Phil talking about Thin Lizzy. You have interviews with Phil's mother, Philomena, his wife Caroline and Thin Lizzy members Brian Downey, Scott Gorham, Brian Robertson, Eric Bell and Gary Moore. Thin Lizzy managers Chris Morrison and Chris O'Donnell. I think the interesting interviews was from the band mates who toured & played w/ him.
Some other guests interviews include Bono, Bob Geldof, Huey Lewis, Van Morrison, etc...
I notice some of the interviews are what was written in the Thin Lizzy `Vagabonds, Kings, Warriors, Angels' 4CD Box Set.
They do play some songs but not in it's entirety. It's sad he left us at an early time. Rest In Peace, Phil.

You never see Phil like this.......2007-05-07

You will know the other side of this great rocker, you will see the places where Phil live, you will see his mother, the place were Phil died and much more......

A charming, moving, surprisingly good documentary.......2007-04-22

This DVD reminded how GREAT Thin Lizzy are and what a unique, lovable rogue/genius Phil Lynott was. There is good mix of music and interviews and the sound quality is excellent. Towards the end, I must admit, I shed some tears. Having read several books on Phil and Thin Lizzy, I was happy to see that most of the main characters are interviewed, including the band, management, Phil's mother & wife, and it looked realistically (i.e. including drugs & women) but sensitively at the whole package that was Phil. This DVD should help ensure Phil's considerable contribution continues to be recognised and understood. It serves as a fitting memorial for the Black Rose of Ireland - "he loved to rock and roll".

Re. technical aspects, the quality of the DVD is better than I dared expect. It is professionally made and the quality of the images and sounds are superb; the sound quality is better than the CD version of Live And Dangerous). I was happily surprised to see early home cine film footage which, although predicably low fidelity, was in good condition (computer restored/enhanced perhaps). Some early black & white footage of Dublin was worryingly grainy ("surely they could have restored it?") but it was just setting the scene and was probably deliberate left looking "period". Despite viewing several other Lynott interviews on youtube the night before this arrive -- all the footage on this DVD was refeshingly new to me.

I always regret not going to talk to Phil & the boys after we saw them at the Oxford Apollo. Thin Lizzy always treated the fans right. Too late now. This footage is as close as we can get now...except for one thing: see Thin Lizzy touring now. They are still great and you can feel Phil's presence - the heart and soul of Thin Lizzy. Rock N Roll personified.

Deeply Moving Look at Philo.......2006-05-10

This is a deeply moving and personal look at Phil Lynott's life and times as the first few minutes of footage show us Phil's funeral. This Irish production gave me insight into Lynott's life that I had never seen before. We get interviews from all the central figures in his life including all his bandmates, mother, ex-wife, managers and other musical friends/influences like Bono, Bob Geldof, Huey Lewis (who played w/ Phil) and Van Morrison. The musical elements of stories and live footage was extremely impressive and great quality. If they had stopped there, the documentary would have been very good. But they takes it to another level by showing what kind of person Phil was with his family and how they remember him. Private home movies of Phil with his kids and life at home brings a tear to your eye. The man was fiercely protective of his family and never spoke about them publicly, but here they reveal so much including how good of a father he was, his music room at home and even the last words he said to his mother while he lay dying. Forget the cheesy cover of this DVD - I was deeply moved and affected by this documentary since nothing was sugarcoated and we truly do get a true portrait of his life and times. If you are a fan of Thin Lizzy at all, this is required watching. But I also highly recommend it to anyone who is Irish or enjoys U2, Bruce Springsteen, Hendrix, Elvis, Bon Jovi or Van Morrison. God bless you Philip...

A great Rocker.......2006-03-24

This is a very well put together, extremely interesting and moving film about one of rock's top performers and songwriters. Bios like this do have the potential to be rather dull puff pieces, but the interviews and well-arranged film create here a very real insight into this tough, sensitive, intelligent hard rocking man. Interviews with his wife, mother and fellow musicians will tell you a lot about Phil's often conflicted feelings and attitudes, as well as an understanding of the childhood upbringing and influences that brought his talent into flower, and perhaps contributed to his early demise. A longtime fan of Thin Lizzy, I feel I have a much better understanding and appreciation for Phil the man now. No full song performances, but enough partials of "Wild One", "The Rocker", live footage to make me send off for more cds.

Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)

Average customer rating:

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD !!!
A mangled shadow of a great movie
Getting older
One of the finest Broadway production to be seen
Just Another Review...

Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)
Starring: Julie Andrews , Tony Roberts , Michael Nouri , Rachel York , and Gregory Jbara
Director: Gregory Jbara , Blake Edwards , Matthew Diamond , and Goro Kobayashi
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004RFEZ
Release Date: 2000-04-04

Amazon.com

Fans of Julie Andrews will delight in this 1995 videotaping of the stage musical Victor/Victoria, based on the 1982 movie of the same name. The plot has been kept intact: an out-of-work British soprano (Julie Andrews) in Paris falls in with a down-on-his-luck gay man (Tony Roberts), who gets the idea to present Victoria as the world's greatest female impersonator, Victor. The plan is a phenomenal success until a Chicago mobster on vacation (Michael Nouri) sees Victor in a nightclub and falls in love--and refuses to believe that Victor is a man. Due to the needs of the stage, the musical doesn't have the snap, crackle, and propulsive drive of the movie, which is a sprightly romp; to make up for this, the story has been expanded (some might say padded) with extensive dance numbers and new songs by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, with additional musical material by Frank Wildhorn. While Roberts and Nouri don't quite have the charisma of Robert Preston and James Garner, who played their roles in the movie, they're seasoned stage performers and make the most of things--Nouri in particular has a strong singing voice, which may surprise people who only know him from his movie career. And Julie Andrews is Julie Andrews; at this point in her career, you either love her or you don't. Victor/Victoria isn't going to change anyone's mind, but Andrews knows her audience and knows how to give them what they want. --Bret Fetzer

Description

One of the world's most talented and best-loved performers, Julie Andrews reaches new heights in the most challenging role of her career as a woman pretending to be a man impersonating a woman! Filmed on the Broadway stage in 1995 (and based on the 1982 film), the immensely popular Victor/Victoria is a warm, funny, wildly energetic look at the nature of love, gender perceptions and the battle of the sexes. Written and directed by Blake Edwards, with an unforgettable score by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, Victor/Victoria tells the story of an out-of-work singer whose life changes when she meets the flamboyant Toddy (Tony Roberts). With his help, she becomes "Victor," an overnight singing sensation in the nightclubs of Paris. But success becomes hilariously complicated when she meets the love of her life, King Marchan, a macho Chicago gangster (Michael Nouri). Adding her two cents to the couple's troubles is Marchan's ex-girlfriend, the ditzy Norma Cassidy (Rachel York). From the electrifying excitement of "Le Jazz Hot" to the contemplative "Crazy World," from the humor of "Chicago, Illinois" to the touching "Almost a Love Song," this truly classic musical has it all. 146 minutes. Filmed in High-Definition video. 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer.

Customer Reviews:

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD !!!.......2007-07-03

I was so pleased to see such a professional video of a broadway play! It was like being in the theatre sitting in a few different seats to get a different perspective of the show! And the show is marvelous ! Even the scene changes are filmed which gives one the impression of being there live! This is the best filmed Broadway show I've ever had the experience to view!! BRAVO!!!!

A mangled shadow of a great movie.......2007-04-29

The story is of circumstances that make it possible for a singer (Julie Andrews) to pretend to be a man pretending to be a woman. " ~ Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive ~ " Sir Walter Scott

Right off I must say I miss Robert Preston. Naturally this is a play and not the movie so there must be some allowances. Unfortunately the play mangles the story more than necessary. Also the actors have no charisma or pizzas. The vocal ranges including Julie's are pitiful. The characters and actors just do not mess. The original story was placed in Berlin (Viktor und Viktoria (1933.)) When Blake Edwards moved it to Paris he added his signature slapstick distraction. They had an opportunity to remove it for the play. Instead they just added more Keystone Cop type slapstick. The few new songs barely replace the classics from the movie.

You can still get a copy of "Viktor und Viktoria"(1933) from Amazon.de

Getting older.......2007-03-03

Having seen a Spanish-language version of this show in Mexico City, I was happy that a version of the Broadway show is available on disk. Now, however, I see why Hollywood never sticks exactly to the Broadway version. Recorded, the show drags. The sound is less than perfect. And close-ups of the star reveal her to be a bit elderly for the part. Julie is a knock-out at 60, but hardly convincing as a young London thespian hoping for her first big break.

One of the finest Broadway production to be seen.......2006-03-17

My only regret is I missed the chance to watch the show live when coming to New York City in late 1997. This DVD release may be the second best though we have the soundtrack CD for many years. Seeing the show is miles more enjoyable than merely listening to the audio tracks.

We always enjoy the performance by Julie Andrews who as a multi-talented artist has a very remarkable career through all these decades. This show provides her an excellent opportunity to pull off various aspects not many female Broadway artists may have accomplished. Understandably the show closed off not long after she had lost her voice even with two other big name artists as replacement.

I tend to believe that the audience bought the tickets more or less to see _her_ on the stage.

Rachel York as Norma Cassidy is quite a pleasant surprise that substantially elevates the total comedy effect. It's hard to hold off the chuckle with the gags coming out from her.

This should be in the library of every lover not just of Broadway musicals but of performing arts.

Just Another Review..........2005-12-24

To start off before i rip the show apart I do like this show and I do enjoy watching this DVD as well as the movie itself.

Tony Roberts(Toddy) and Julie Andrews(Victoria) are weak in their roles. Definetly with all the talented actors out there I'm disappointed the casting directors could not have found better suited actors. Not saying that Tony and Julie aren't fabulous actors, they just weren't meant to play these parts. Andrews is just not believable what-so-ever as a boy. But this is one of the last performances that the legend, Andrews had, and it's nice to be able to capture her amazing command of the stage on film.

The supporting cast is fantastic especially the fabulous Rachel York(Norma Cassady) who never disappoints. York and Gregory Jbara(Squash) Keep the show together.

As far as music, there are very few numbers that spark my interest. One being Le Jazz Hot and also Paris Makes me Horny. The rest of the music drags and is sometimes boring.

Average customer rating:

I really loved it
Really good walking video
Loved it!
Boring...

Walk, Sculpt & Tone with Debbie Rocker
Starring: Debbie Rocker
Manufacturer: Living Arts
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000LSBXHA
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Customer Reviews:

I really loved it.......2007-08-25

This is my first time trying anything by Debbie Rocker, and i truly loved it! I felt like it was a perfect workout for me--challenging but not so challenging that i will dread doing it next time. Afterwards, i felt so great, it was maybe the best "natural high" i've ever gotten from exercising. I am excited to do it again, and i know i will see results. I did find that her lack of mirroring was distracting, but i didn't let it bother me. If i were a total beginner, that might really throw me off, though. Other than that, i would have given it 5 stars. But it's definitely one of my VERY favorite workouts now, as far as the actual workout goes. The flow of her pace is really nice and effective.

Really good walking video.......2007-05-13

Ms Rocker scores another winner. This video is well paced with a choice of either a 30 min or a ca. 60 min workout. The moves are well explained and the workout brought some well-earned sweat to my brow.

Loved it!.......2007-04-11

I really enjoyed this workout! It is perfect for early morning exercise. No jarring, out-of-control hyperactive moves here. The moves are simple, safe, and effective, with just enough impact to help keep the bones strong. You get out of this workout what you put into it. And it's more than just marching around. Sure, there's lots of marching (it is a "walking" workout after all ;)), but there are plenty of other moves--boxer's shuffles, side-to-sides, hamstring kickbacks, jumping jacks--not to mention the toning portions. Debbie encourages you to focus on each and every move, not just fling your arms and legs around mindlessly. This is where the effectiveness comes in. I wasn't bored at all, and the Arizona scenery was beautiful. The strength moves are controlled and effective and work the whole body. Debbie's reminders to constantly engage the core as the "base" from which all other movement originates keeps the stomach muscles engaged throughout the whole workout. I've been looking for a routine just like this to adequately work me out without wiping me out, leaving me overly tired and hungry for the rest of the day. Unless you're used to high-intensity workouts all the time, I feel that this routine will be well worth your time. The key is to focus on the moves and get the most out of them. I'll be purchasing other Debbie Rocker DVDs to go with this one!

Boring..........2007-03-31

I was hoping that the workout would be more integrative. The description suggests that the walking would use the weights simutaneously; it doesn't.
The workout starts out with a walking warm-up; which is fine and necessary, but then just continues on with this monotonous walking in place. Much later in the workout, the weights are introduced, but not in rhythm with the walking; the walking comes to a stand still. Which, again, is fine. Just not for me. Someday, hopefully, someone will make a workout that is in constant motion with light weights - true toning and heart raising at the same time.

Average customer rating:

Very good walking video
Cashing in on the walking craze

A.M. and P.M. Walking
Starring: Rocker Debbie
Manufacturer: Living Arts
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000IJ7A0G
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Customer Reviews:

Very good walking video.......2007-05-13

Since walking is highly recommended by doctors and exercise gurus, this production by Ms. Rocker provides the exerciser with a 2 well-instructed walks. New exercisers can either follow the full workout in the AM or PM section or the new exercisers can follow the modifications presented. Neither walk is difficult and all exercisers look pleased to be out walking in the beautiful outdoors. Recommended workouts.

Cashing in on the walking craze.......2007-01-16

I was really looking forward to trying these new walking workouts - the AM & PM Walking workout really left me disappointed, but maybe it was just me. I really enjoy Leslie Sansone's walking workouts - I also enjoy the occasional George Foreman walk, and I do like Kathy Smith's new power walk. This one, though, was just a little ...... boring. The AM walk is supposed to be slow, to wake you up and get you going in the morning. Well, I need something a little less repetitive, a little less lethargic, and a lot more energetic, to get me going! The roughly five-minute warmup was simply marching in place with absolutely no variation whatsoever while Debbie talked about how she would be your coach, etc. I finally had to do my own thing - side steps, mambo steps, etc., just because I couldn't wait for her to do something new. The PM walk was slightly better, but only slightly. The scenery, however, was absolutely gorgeous - much better than the movie screen outdoor setting employed by Kathy Smith, and a nice change of pace from the indoor studio-setting walks used by both Leslie and George.

Average customer rating:

Lee Rocker Rocks
question
great beginning video

DVD-Rockabilly Slap Bass
Starring: Lee Rocker
Manufacturer: Homespun Tapes
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009IRKGA
Release Date: 2005-04-15

Description

Since the 1950s, when the Memphis-based rockabilly sound first swept the world, the acoustic upright bass has remained its showpiece and rhythmic mainstay. Lee Rocker, one of the masters of the "new wave" of rockabilly musicians, has made an informative and entertaining DVD that teaches the intricacies of the exciting slap bass style to players of all levels.

Slap bass combines the plucking of the bottom notes with the percussive hits that the palm makes when it slaps the strings against the fingerboard. By adding these right-hand techniques to blues bass lines and arpeggios, you'll create spectacular multi-rhythmic slapping that will stop any show! This DVD also provides valuable tips on amplification, bass set-up and other methods of getting the best possible sound.

Big Blue's hot performances of Goin' To Kansas City, Big Blue Train, That's All Right Mama, The Hucklebuck and Find Another Man illustrate how rockabilly slap bass techniques sound in the context of a live band performance.

Customer Reviews:

Lee Rocker Rocks.......2007-01-03

This is an excellent lesson in advanced upright bass and music fundamentals and slap bass. I would highly recommend. DVD sound and audio were professional. He manages to slow down enough to teach and I especially enjoyed the setup segment.

question.......2006-11-28

is this identical to the VHS tape that has been around for years or new?

great beginning video.......2006-03-10

This video is perfect for someone looking to take up rockabilly slap bass. Lee Rocker shows all the techniques you will need to start playing and is very easy to follow. This video is a must for anyone just starting out.

DVD:

DVD

DVD