Little Voice

Amazon.com

Michael Caine was robbed of an Oscar. He gives his finest performance in a decade as big-talking small-time agent Ray Say, a paunchy, pale life of the party hiding his desperation under gold chains and cool bravura. When he hears the almost magical voice of Jane Horrocks's meek little LV (short for Little Voice) fill her bedroom with the rich voice of Judy Garland, he sees his ticket to the big time. Little Voice is ostensibly LV's story, and in fact the original play was written for Horrocks, whose amazing vocal impressions of Garland, Shirley Bassey, and Marilyn Monroe (among others) form the centerpiece performance of the film. But as directed by Mark Herman (Brassed Off), the story of this mousy girl who shuts herself in from a bellowing world is just as overwhelmed by the bombastic characters as LV herself. Brenda Blethyn babbles a blue streak as LV's overbearing mother, Mari, an aging widow who escapes her unhappiness in carousing and becomes almost pathologically jealous when Ray's attentions turn from her to LV. As Ray puts his dreams on the line for LV's showcase, he reveals his true self: a venal man who spits and barks out his bottled-up anger in an astoundingly bile-filled delivery of Roy Orbison's "It's Over." The showstopping moment once again overwhelms LV's tale, but Caine's performance is so astounding it seems a fair trade. --Sean Axmaker

Description

World-class stars Michael Caine (HANNAH AND HER SISTERS), Brenda Blethyn (SECRETS AND LIES), and Ewan McGregor (STAR WARS: EPISODE I, BLACK HAWK DOWN) deliver acclaimed performances in an inspirational story about a painfully shy young woman and how the power of music leads her to an amazing transformation! A hopeless introvert, "Little Voice," (Jane Horrocks, TV's ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS) can only manage to express herself by singing in the timeless voices of Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and others. But once her eccentric mother's (Blethyn) new boyfriend -- a sleazy talent scout (Caine) overhears Little Voice's incredible crooning, he'll do anything to drag the recluse into the spotlight and make her a star! Cheered by critics everywhere -- don't miss your chance to enjoy this truly exceptional motion picture!

Customer Reviews:

Real Little.......2007-02-02

Annoying people doing annoying little desperate things is this one. A little light hearted, but mostly the villian, Michael Caine, a talent agent of little worth, makes Little Voice a local star for a little while, till she breaks away from her loudmouth mummy and has a little romance. I watched this with three people and one fell asleep by the little ending.

A Must Have in Any DVD Collection.......2007-01-12

Jane Horrocks gives an incomprable performance and gives most of us a glimpes of her amazing vocal and acting tallents

Gigantic talent.......2007-01-10

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

Jane Horrocks, who played numerous characters in the cult English sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous", shines here as a sorrowfully shy girl with a talent beyond belief.

After her father died, many years ago, she resigned herself to listening to his old records, and singing along with them. She soon became a virtuoso, capable of imitating Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and others. In equally brilliant performances, Michael Caine and Brenda Blethyn (Pride and Prejudice) the former wants to bring LV's talent to the world, certain that great riches are but a step away. Brenda (LV's mom) is at first completely oblivious to her daughters talent, as she is far too egocentric to notice anything or anyone but herself - unless it's a man. In that case, she's quite the player.

There is a somewhat interesting - although perhaps unnecessary - love interest between LV and Billy (Ewan McGregor). It seems to serve as helping LV to open up to the world, but there are so many things/occurrences that can happen to a person that incite change that I'm a little fed up with movies taking the easy way out with a love interest. AND, there was such an occurrence in the film itself. Still, Ewan plays his part well, and while his interest in LV is a bit difficult to understand, it's not entirely unbelievable.

What IS unbelievable is Jane Horrocks's amazing voice. You'd think that the filmmakers would have her lip synch while either a recording of Judy Garland, or someone who could imitate her, was singing. But they didn't need to do so. Horrocks did so herself. She imitated all of the artist's brilliantly, and nearly perfectly.

It was easy to see, after this performance, what a remarkably gifted actress she is. The characters she played on "AbFab" were hysterical and widely variant, though she is best known as the mentally challenged Bubble.

An Undiscovered Gem.......2007-01-04

There's never been a film quite like this. Brenda Blethyn is at her boozy best as the screaming mother of "Little Voice." Ewan McGregor delivers a very subtle, warm performance as a guy who finds comfort only with his homing pigeons until he meets "Little Voice." Michael Caine plays the loud jerk so well, but you still feel for his character as the agent searching for the career making client. Jane Horrocks is a wonder as "Little Voice", the girl who barely whispers, but who comes alive belting out tunes made famous by Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Bassey and others. Viewers should know that Horrocks does all her own singing, she's not lip synching. They note this at the end of the film, but I think viewers will be astounded knowing it as they watch her amazing renditions.

you won't believe the music, incredible.......2006-11-04

This little gem of movie often gets overlooked by Americans. The star is the same woman who plays the ditzy secretary, Bubble, on AB FAB. Her voice is so incredible at first I did not believe it was "Bubble" doing the singing. Great story, don't miss this one.

Opera Highlights Vol. II - Ariodante, Billy Budd, The Fiery Angel, Xerxes, Peter Grimes, Cunning Little Vixen, Giulio Cesare, Eugene Onegin, Ruslan and Lyudmlla

Average customer rating:

Opera Highlights, Vol. 2 -- It's Good, and Cheaper that Vol. 1!

Opera Highlights Vol. II - Ariodante, Billy Budd, The Fiery Angel, Xerxes, Peter Grimes, Cunning Little Vixen, Giulio Cesare, Eugene Onegin, Ruslan and Lyudmlla
Starring: Anna Netrebko , Galina Gorchakova , Philip Langridge , Thomas Allen , and Ann Murray
Manufacturer: Arthaus Musik
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000PA9NXA
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Customer Reviews:

Opera Highlights, Vol. 2 -- It's Good, and Cheaper that Vol. 1!.......2007-07-17

Unfortunately Amazon.com has not listed as of this date the contents of this DVD, so I shall do so here:

All of the arias are staged, taken from full-length DVDs of the operas involved.

Purcell: Fairy Queen - 'O let me weep' - Yvonne Kenny
Handel: Giulio Cesare - 'Piangerò la sorte mis' - Yvonne Kenny
Handel: Ariodante - 'Take your pleasure'- Ann Murray
Handel: Xerxes - 'If you worship the man who has spurned you' - Ann Murray
Glinka: excerpts from 'Ruslan and Lyudmila', Act II - Larissa Diadkova, Vladimir Ognovenko, Konstantin Pluzhnikov
Glinka: 'Ruslan and Lyudmila' - Lyudmila's Act IV aria - Anna Netrebko
Tchaikovsky: 'Yevgeny Onegin' - 'No, there could never be another' (Letter Scene) - Orla Boylan
Tchaikovsky: 'Yevgeny Onegin' - 'You wrote me' & 'Can this be the same Tatiana?' - Vladimir Glushchak
Tchaikovsky: 'Yevgeny Onegin' - 'Where, oh where have you gone, golden days of my youth?' (Lensky's aria - 'Koda, koda', or 'Wohin, wohin') and 'Enemies, enemies' - Michael König
Janácek: 'The Cunning Little Vixen' - Forester's Aria (on the wonders of nature) - Thomas Allen
Janácek: 'The Cunning Little Vixen' - Lover's Duet, from Act II - Eva Jenis, Hannah Minutillo
Prokofiev: 'The Fiery Angel' - 'Renata's Confession' - Galina Gorchakova
Britten: 'Peter Grimes' - The aria on the sea wall (Mad Scene) - Philip Langridge
Britten: 'Billy Budd' - 'They'll lash me in a hammock' - Thomas Allen

Conductors include Richard Hickox and Nicholas Kok in the Handel; Charles Mackerras in the Janácek; David Atherton in the Britton; Valery Gergiev in the Glinka and Prokofiev; Gennady Rozhdestvensky in the Tchaikovsky.

Each excerpt is preceded by a spoken introduction, usually several minutes long, by each of the singers. These are really quite well done, setting the scene and explaining its psychology as well as talking in some cases about the musical features. My only complaint about the introductions is that they are not banded separately from the arias themselves, so that if one doesn't want to see the introduction one has to use the fast forward function of your player.

For a collection of 'bleeding chunks' this is actually quite well done. Highlights are hard to point out; there's not a weak performance in any of the selections. Several of the singers were new to me. Orla Boylan, who sings Tatiana's aria, is an Irish soprano with a lush voice. And her Onegin is sung by a stunningly good (and handsome) young baritone, Vladimir Glushchak. Lensky is sung by Michael König in a honeyed tenor. The dates of these recordings are not noted but one senses that they were done, most of them anyhow, within the past 5-10 years. Sound is generally good as is the photography.

Sound: PCM stereo; Picture format: 4:3 or 4:3 letterbox; Subtitles: English, German, French, Spanish; TT=154mins; Region: 0 (worldwide)

Scott Morrison

Faerie Tale Theatre - The Little Mermaid

Average customer rating:

TRUE LOVE REQUIRES TRUE SACRIFICE IN FAITHFUL VERSION OF POIGNANT AND BITTERSWEET STORY
I may look like your mother's bridge partner, but I assure you that I am a witch!
Good for a movie made in the 80's
One of the better episodes
a true FAERIE TALE THEATRE classic

Faerie Tale Theatre - The Little Mermaid
Starring: Brian Dennehy , Pam Dawber , Helen Mirren , Karen Black , and Patrick DeSantis
Director: Robert Iscove
Manufacturer: Starmaker II
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00061UI1Y
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Description

A mermaid decides to drink a magical potion that will turn her tail into legs so she can be with the sailor she has fallen in love with.

Customer Reviews:

TRUE LOVE REQUIRES TRUE SACRIFICE IN FAITHFUL VERSION OF POIGNANT AND BITTERSWEET STORY.......2007-07-03

"Faerie Tale Theatre" productions are sometimes scary ("HANSEL & GRETEL") and often hilarious ("LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD", "THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA"). Rarely are they as touching and as poignant as this version of
"THE LITTLE MERMAID," directed by Robert Iscove from a teleplay by Anne Beatts.
You won't find any Disneyfied sea creatures singing a Broadway musical number under the sea; or a tacked-on Disney "happy ending" here. What we do have is a beautiful, live-action version that is faithful and true to Hans Christian Anderson's original bittersweet fairy tale.
The cast is superb. Pam Dawber's role as little mermaid Pearl, who sacrifices everything for the love of Sailor/Prince Andrew (the extremely attractive Treat Williams), is largely mute. So she must communicate her emotions mostly with just her eyes and face. The depth of sadness and despair she conveys in the face of unrequited love is truly heart-breaking.
Brian Dennehy is Pearl's father King Neptune, and also serves as Narrator. Loraine Newman and Donna McKechnie are featured as Pearl's sisters Coral and Anemone. Karen Black makes a memorable cameo appearance as the Sea Witch who begs Pearl not to sacrifice everything for the love of Andrew. "Trust me," she says, "no guy is worth it. Love is a disease that only humans catch. And once you've caught it, you can never be rid of it." The Sea Witch also tells her that when she walks on human legs, she will feel a pain like walking on knives. Nevertheless, she is prepared to endure anything. Unfortunately, although he cares for her, Andrew's heart belongs to Princess Amelia (Oscar winner Helen Mirren). Given a final opportunity to save herself, Pearl still can not and will not betray her beloved; teaching us that true love often requires truly tragic sacrifices. I actually cry every time I watch this.

I may look like your mother's bridge partner, but I assure you that I am a witch!.......2006-11-01

I don't need a singing crab, or barbie-esque animation to enjoy a faerie tale. Anyone who would compare the pioneering efforts of Shelley Duvall's faerie tale theatre to a Disney film is seriously beyond my comprehension.

I found this episode delightful as an eight-year-old boy, and I find it delightful 20 years later. Karen Black truly amazes as the sea witch. Her precious few minutes onscreen make it worth purchasing the disc. As for the rest of the cast, they all performed rather effectively in my opinion. I am anxiously awaiting the entire set.

Good for a movie made in the 80's.......2005-01-20

In response to M. Reinking's review, I agree that Disney's The Little Mermaid was the best Little Mermaid movie. And the quality of the acting and etc. of the Faerie Tale Theatre version is a little sad, but it was made in the 80's..or early early 90's...
Also, she did become a Spirit of the Air in the original Hans Christian Anderson story...because she spared the Prince's life. So I value this version of the story, because it's the first (and so far, only) true version of the actual story. I think that's what was good about all the Faerie Tale Theater movies. Also, if anyone happens to know...there was a bunch of fairy tales that used to show on the Disney Channel. Does anyone know what those were called? Please, let me know...

One of the better episodes.......2004-12-11

QUOTED FROM M REINKING -""One also must note the ending, which tries to change the sad ending of the original fairy tale where the Mermaid turns into seafoam, and that's the end of that. But here, they make her a "Spirit of the Air", so she can watch over her Prince. Blah. A bad ending to a bad film.""

M. Reinking obviously did not read the original story by Hans Anderson. Yes the mermaid did start to turn to sea foam, but that was not the end of that. in the book she was transformed into a "Daughter of the Air" and given a second chance at obtaining an eternal soul. So M Reinking doesn't even know what they are talking about.

As for the film, Yes, the special effects would be laughed at by kids today spoiled with amazing looking films like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Where the film still stands strong though is in the story and performances by Pam Dawber, Treat Williams and the always admirable Helen Mirren. Shelly Duvall did a great service for kids in the 80's with her series of Faerie Tale Theaters. Sure today we have films and series of better quality but I would hope that everyone who grew up with these can still appriciate them the way they did when they were kids.

a true FAERIE TALE THEATRE classic.......2004-11-07

FAERIE TALE THEATRE's touching and tender recreation of THE LITTLE MERMAID (the second-last in the series) is one of their best efforts.

Pearl (Pam Dawber) is a beautiful young mermaid who lives with her father King Neptune (Brian Dennehy) and her sisters Coral and Anemonie (Donna McKechnie and Laraine Newman) in a kingdom at the bottom of the ocean. When Pearl comes of age and is allowed a brief glimpse of the world above the sea, she falls in love with a handsome Prince (Treat Williams) whom she saves from drowning when his ship has a fatal explosion.

She makes a bargain with the Sea Witch (Karen Black): her voice in exchange for a pair of legs and hopefully the love of the Prince. Once on land Pearl quickly returns to the Prince, though he only has eyes for the lovely Princess Emilia (Helen Mirren).

What follows is a heartbreaking story of selfless love and sacrifice, as Pearl risks everything for true love...

Pam Dawber leads a strong cast. Karen Black is amazing as the Sea Witch; Newman and McKechnie are a delight as Pearl's sisters and Treat Williams fills the role of the Prince admirably. A true gem in the series

Average customer rating:

Appauling
Not the real deal!
Not very pleased.
Not what I expected
I didn't recieve the original

The Little Mermaid

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005KJV7
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Description

A story of true love and the obstacles one must go through to experience it. Princess Miranda has the most beautiful voice. On her 15th birthday, she gets her first glimpse of the wonders of the human world. On her way to the shore, along with her otter friend, she saves the life of a handsome prince and upon falling in love, has to strike a deal with the evil Sea Witch so that she may become human.

Color/41 min.

Customer Reviews:

Appauling.......2006-03-15

Wrong version, was searching for an older version where the little mermaid dies. This is not that version!!!!

Shame on Amazon

Not the real deal!.......2006-02-07

If you sre looking for the Anime style Little mermaid, The one with the sad ending, please note that this is not it! Now I havent seen this film but I'm sure it's fine lust not the one most people are looking for. The origanal in DVD format has a realy stupid cover but some nice person gave a few captures so I am sure that it's the one you're looking for. The cover is mainly blue with a blond haired mermaide who looks nouthing like Merina playing with some fish. The titel on the top of the page reads 'The Little Mermaid (UAV Corporation) (2000)' and if you look at the extra pics someone put up and reed the revews you'll not make the mistake of buying the wrong film. Hope this helps good luch!

Not very pleased........2005-08-27

The movie is quite short, has a happy ending, and an enviromental message. Nothing really seems to pace well, the animation is choppy, and the voices are not what I would call enjoyable. This is more chopped up then the Disney version, and much sappier. I perfer the Little Mermaid (UAV Corporation) version MUCH better, ASIN: B00005QW6Q

Dont' let the crummy box art fool you; the UAV version is a vintage animation with delightful animation and the original ending.

Not what I expected.......2005-07-08

This was one of the first things I ordered through Amazon, and I guess being new I was naive. I was expecting the Disney version and got the Hans Christian Anderson version and there is a world of difference. I felt it was my fault and did not send it back. It came in a timely manner and was in perfect condition.

I didn't recieve the original.......2004-12-06

I bought this because the reviews visible at the time said that this was the original animated version - the one with the sad ending.

The first thing I did when I got the movie was skip to the end to see if it was the right version. It's not. The mermaid and the prince get married, and the king makes a little speech about ending evil pollution.

It's probably a good movie, but I'm so disappointed that it's not the one I was hoping and searching for that I can't bring myself to watch it.

Charlie Rose with Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn & Jane Horrocks; Anne Heche; Sandra Bernhard (November 25, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn & Jane Horrocks; Anne Heche; Sandra Bernhard (November 25, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn, and Jane Horrocks discuss their acclaimed new movie Little Voice, based on the 1992 play, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, about the unusual talents of a young English girl. Then, Anne Heche discusses her role in the Gus Van Sant remake of Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror film, Psycho. She elaborates on the style of the remake and the changes that were made to the original. Finally, Sandra Bernhard discusses her new one-woman Broadway show, I'm Still Here, Dammit!, and her new book, May I Kiss You on the Lips, Miss Sandra?

Average customer rating:

Very entertaining!

The Story of Little Mook
Starring: Thomas Schmidt , Johannes Maus , Friedrich Richter , Trude Hesterberg , and Alwin Lippisch
Director: Wolfgang Staudte
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004XPRD

Amazon.com

One of the most important fairy tales of East German film production, Wolfgang Staudte's The Story of Little Mook (1953) is a well-crafted work brimming with solid performances, lavish costumes, and authentic scenery. The Arabian tale is of an old hunchback who shares his captivating life story: As an orphan boy named Mook (Thomas Schmidt) he bravely sets out to find the Merchant of Good Fortune. Instead, he stumbles upon a pair of magic slippers and a golden scepter, which help to earn him a position in the Sultan's court--until he becomes a threat to a trio of crafty courtiers. Through kindness, cleverness, and a bit of magic, Little Mook navigates his way through the evils of betrayal and imprisonment to help his friend, Prince Hassan, win the hand of Princess Amarza. The enchanting family film underscores the timeless truths that appearances can be deceiving and good fortune wears many disguises. The film is dubbed in English and suitable for ages 6 and older. --Lynn Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Very entertaining!.......2001-06-08

Its amazing to think that East Germany had such a flourishing and unique film culture. This film is truly entertaining and the special effects are really great. My kids even love it!

Average customer rating:

Real Little
A Must Have in Any DVD Collection
Gigantic talent
An Undiscovered Gem
you won't believe the music, incredible

Little Voice [Region 2]
Starring: Brenda Blethyn , Jane Horrocks , Ewan McGregor , Philip Jackson (II) , and Annette Badland
Director: Mark Herman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005952Q

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Real Little.......2007-02-02

A Must Have in Any DVD Collection.......2007-01-12

Jane Horrocks gives an incomprable performance and gives most of us a glimpes of her amazing vocal and acting tallents

Gigantic talent.......2007-01-10

An Undiscovered Gem.......2007-01-04

you won't believe the music, incredible.......2006-11-04

Average customer rating:

Classic Schubert

Manufacturer: Digital Sound
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: DVD Audio

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00002SSS2
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Average customer rating:

Real Little
A Must Have in Any DVD Collection
Gigantic talent
An Undiscovered Gem
you won't believe the music, incredible

Little Voice [Region 2]
Starring: Brenda Blethyn , Jane Horrocks , Ewan McGregor , Philip Jackson (II) , and Annette Badland
Director: Mark Herman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00004CZDL

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Real Little.......2007-02-02

A Must Have in Any DVD Collection.......2007-01-12

Jane Horrocks gives an incomprable performance and gives most of us a glimpes of her amazing vocal and acting tallents

Gigantic talent.......2007-01-10

An Undiscovered Gem.......2007-01-04

you won't believe the music, incredible.......2006-11-04

DVD:

DVD

DVD