Cirque du Soleil - Alegria (Live in Sydney)

Customer Reviews:

no pause, ff, rewind..........2007-04-05

The show itself is pretty typical cirque, some great acts and some terrible camera work/editing. But this one you can't even control the disc. When you try to pause, rewind,... it won't let you.

You get to sit there and watch. If you go to the bathroom or whatever, you miss stuff. Too bad.

good but not the best.......2007-03-18

I had seen alegria on bravo about 2 years ago, but had not caught the show from the beginning, overall it was a really good performance, my only complaint was the lead singer is good, but i feel she attempted to sing in a style at times her voice was not up to the challenge for, other than that "Kudos" to Cirque for another brilliant and mesmerizing performance.

Mostly Wonderful..........2007-01-25

Cirque du Soleil is always a joy to watch, but I do have a few problems of the DVD of Alegria. A couple of the acts kind of drag on a bit, particularly the fire twirler and the trapeze artists. The ringleader character annoyed the you know what out of me. I do like the music in this show a lot, and would like to get the soundtrack.

Some of the camera angles were wierd, and would cut away from the act and zero in on the audience or sideline performers at the worst times!

Amazing acts include the hula hoops, the strong man and the contortionist! I also like the sad clown.

The Most Entertainment One DVD Can Hold!.......2006-08-02

This is the most entertaining DVD I have ever watched. It is chock full of wonderful, breathtaking talent, giving non-stop delight. It moves from one spectacular, perfect performance to another--lots of variety. The music is superb, the characters are delightful. It's my first exposure to Cirque du Soleil. I loved all the acts, but my favorite was Elena Lev with the hoops. She is beautiful, graceful, very flexible, and she gives a flawless performance. I never tire of replaying her. I can't wait to get more CdS DVDs! I highly recommend this one.

Superlative!.......2006-08-02

The production and performances are beyond excellent! I have watched this DVD over and over again and each time I find myself completely spellbound by the Cirque du Soleil. Included in the special features of this disc is an introduction to the artists behind the make-up and the costumes. Alegria flows seamlessly and is one of my all time favorites filling the viewer with wonder, awe, and a great sense of joy. A truly worthwhile addition to any DVD library.

Average customer rating:

Ophul's Awful Offal
hello, dolly! (couldn't resist)
A shame, but not a waste.
We must not miss the destiny!
Surreal...Poignant...and a Film Worth Having

Lola Montes
Starring: Martine Carol , Peter Ustinov , Anton Walbrook , Henri Guisol , and Lise Delamare
Director: Max Ophüls
Manufacturer: Fox Lorber
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ASIN: 630522885X
Release Date: 1999-02-23

Amazon.com essential video

Max Ophüls explores the scandalous life of dancer and courtesan Lola Montes with a bittersweet empathy that turns melodrama into a tragic melancholy masterpiece. Using the theatrical re-creation of Lola's life in a big-top pageant as a framing device, Ophüls contrasts the outrageous sensationalism of her reputation with poignant, poetic flashbacks that explore her many affairs, most notably with Franz Liszt (Will Quadflieg) and King Ludwig of Bavaria (Anton Walbrook). Lola's greatest tragedy is that she loved well, if not too wisely. If Martine Carol's central performance is lacking passion, as many critics have argued, her quiet, at times seemingly passive demeanor makes her a veritable prisoner of her society and her reputation. Swept along by Ophüls's sweeping camerawork, which glides through the film in a balance of intimacy and contemplative remove as if on the wings of angels, her life becomes like a cinematic ballet with Ophüls the choreographer and conductor. Peter Ustinov costars as the jaded circus ringmaster, who nightly narrates her exploits to a throng of scandal-hungry spectators, while she performs with a face hardened in indifference, resigned to her empty role as a figure of spectacle in a garish gilded cage. Shot in delicate color and impeccably composed widescreen compositions throughout by Ophüls's regular cinematographer Christian Matras, Lola Montes is his most beautiful and restrained film, a fitting swan song for one of the cinema's most sensitive directors. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Ophul's Awful Offal.......2006-08-08

Okay, it's not that bad, but I've been trying to upgrade the review titles lately and couldn't resist. Anyway, LOLA MONTES might carry the high cachet of a master's masterpiece, but I could barely keep my eyes on this story of the grand courtesan of Europe, Lola Montes, who left Liszt, loved King Ludwig, and wound up in the middle of a circus with Peter Ustinov wearing the tall silk and cracking a whip, the audience shouting out indelicate questions, and her life being replayed in a series of flashbacks. The lovely Lola, played by the monotonous Martine Carol, may have led a fascinating and compelling life, but it failed to generate a spark with me.

The thing does look good though, as far as I could tell. Nice framing, editing, layers of action, that kind of stuff. When this Fox/Lorber dvd wasn't showing off its scratches and flares it was fluttering across the screen. Even with a pristine print and a perfect transfer, though, I don't think I'd care to sit through this one again.

hello, dolly! (couldn't resist).......2006-06-15

The dvd's in the proper CinemaScope ratio, but is non-anamorphic. With that in mind, the picture quality's great.

The movie's among the most beautiful I've seen. As a painter and former animator, I've seen many and am a tough critic. It seems to me, director Max Ophuls and crew were among the few working in the '50s who really understood how to compose in widescreen; in fact, this was Max's only widescreen movie and yet he was a master at it.

Few people complain that old master paintings have yellowed or been cropped, or that the Van Gogh's have turned green, but if a movie looks like it was made ten years ago, rather than today, people complain. This movie's fifty years old, but it doesn't at all look like it, which is remarkable considering it was shot in Eastmancolor, which unlike Technicolor, an old animator I worked under once told me, is very unstable. (Apparently Technicolor release prints exist.)

The Germans recently put a lot of time and money into honoring the director's intentions by constructing (as close as possible) the original, intended version (longer running time, etc.), but the director's son, Marcel, stopped it from being shown (supposedly because in the restored version some of the characters don't/don't always speak French; note, they were never intended to.) This dvd allows us to experience the next best thing. In the (unavailable) German, the colors are supposedly even better, but the colors in this version/dvd are still stunning. You probably know, but just in case: in non-digital media, colors age and in all likelihood different colors age differently. Fortunately no hacks have gone in on this dvd with automatic software and cranked up the colors incorrectly. I used to be troubled that the picture on this dvd is slightly (and I do mean SLIGHTLY) off center; one side is cropped just a sliver. But recently I learned it's not distributor Fox Lorber's fault. The cropping was done years ago by hacks re-doing the soundtrack. What would people have the distributor do, chop off a sliver on the opposite side to match? Crank up the already bright, beautiful colors into oversaturated kitsch?

If you want to see "Lola Montes," grab this dvd.

Watching "Lola Montes" is a bit like watching Ingres' "Grand Odalisque" come to life.

A shame, but not a waste........2006-05-10

Being unfamiliar with the criterion laserdisc print of this film, I can't really comment on the quality of this FOX LORBER edition. I can imagine that the colors could be a little more vibrant, as this edition did seem a little "washed out". But since its the only print available right now on DVD (region 1 anyways), I find it satisfactory (otherwise I would give this film a rating of 5 stars).
For those nitwits that don't find the character played by the exquisite Martine Carol fleshed out enough...Pay closer attention.. if youre looking for history rather than fiction..ummm, go die. This truly is one of the most remarkable films of all time. The subject matter, while set in the 19th century, is handled as (post?)modern as anything out right now. This is a story of a figure whose (vulgar?) exploits and scandals could only be tamed (at the hands of men and the status quo) by being reduced to a SPECTACLE (how true of ANY revolution!!!!!! ).
Buy the fox lorber print ...its cheap enough. theres so much to be gained by this film.
theres a haphazard review. hope it was helpful.

p.s. Martine Carol is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We must not miss the destiny!.......2005-05-16

Max Ophlus' s masterpiece is a true straight forward step in the cinematographic language, daring and betting against all the odds, in this extraordinary, genial and unrepeatable film that belongs to the Pantheon of the greatest movies ever filmed in the Cinema Story.

When Wagner established the concept of Total Art, he proposed to integrate all the artistic disciplines. Ophlus in minor measure did the same with this admirable portrait, though the ravishing illumination, the amazing edition work, overwhelming locations subordinated to pay tribute to that strong female character, who broke the laws and bet hard with the conventionalism of those times. She lived intensely, and lived several lives in just one.

And she, despite of having been the most scandalous woman in the world, makes her last appearance in a dangerous act, which is by itself an ironic device; if you think it over the Circus' charm resides precisely it is a like a matrix, that brings up back to our childhood. Lola Montes represents the love and liberty without hindrance, epitomizing free willed, free spirited and brave woman who stands in defiance of social rules; a passionate and hot lover, but also a very smart and sensitive human being.

Like all of Ophlus' women, Lola exists in a world of impermanence, or transition. You must be thinking in George Sand, her audacious behavior and constant scandals. "For me the life is movement", and that is why Ophlus's camera is in constant motion, simply following accurately her way of life and uncertainties in her existence.

Max Ophlus is not only considered as the cinema master of the mobile camera, but also the screen's ornamentalist placing his women. And his previous films such La Ronde, Le plaisir, and the Earings of Madame de.. are a must for any true cinema lover.
Just to name some notable directors influenced by the spell of this unequal master we could remark Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Douglas Sirk and Eric Rohmer. Three genius of three different countries who understood the huge importance and transcendence of this colossus artist.

Max Ophlus died in 1957, two years after the European release of Lola. And I have not any drop of fear stating I have seen this film at least a dozen times.

A true giant masterpiece!

Surreal...Poignant...and a Film Worth Having.......2004-11-23

Ophuls last film, and a great one. He tells the story of Lola Montes, a courtesan, dancer, adventurer, and mistress to Franz Liszt and Ludwig of Bavaria. The framing device is a European circus, where Montes must tell her story at the command of the ringmaster. The jugglers, midgets, horses, tumblers, trapeze artists have a kind of surreal verve. Her story is told in anecdotal flashbacks.

The whole enterpise is lush and colorful, beautifully photographed in CinemaScope, and permeated with European worldliness. The conclusion is poignant. The writing is at times amusing and at times knowing. Martine Carol is the lead. Others include Peter Ustinov as the ringmaster, Oskar Werner looking very young as a hopeful lover, and that great, ripe actor Anton Walbrook.

Ophuls (La Ronde, Earings of Madame de) was one of the greats, and was only 55 when he died. He went out on top with this film.

Average customer rating:

Carnival Story
Starring: Anne Baxter , Adi Berber , Lyle Bettger , Steve Cochran , and Jay C. Flippen
Director: Kurt Neumann
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000641YQY
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Average customer rating:

no pause, ff, rewind...
good but not the best
Mostly Wonderful...
The Most Entertainment One DVD Can Hold!
Superlative!

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria
Starring: Francesca Gagnon , Eve Montpetit , Ebon Grayman , Kristina Ivanova , and Cindy Whiteman
Director: Nick Morris
Manufacturer: Cirque Soleil Canada
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00007GZWO
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Description

This DVD features Cirque du Soleil, in performance, live in Sydney. Special features include a music video, a look behind the scenes, meet the artists, more.

Customer Reviews:

no pause, ff, rewind..........2007-04-05

good but not the best.......2007-03-18

Mostly Wonderful..........2007-01-25

The Most Entertainment One DVD Can Hold!.......2006-08-02

Superlative!.......2006-08-02

Average customer rating:

Old movie but worth watching A++++
Carnival Critique
Love is a trap for success
Tawdry,trashy tale of circus life
interesting carnival story

Carnival Story
Starring: Anne Baxter , Steve Cochran , Lyle Bettger , George Nader , and Jay C. Flippen
Director: Kurt Neumann
Manufacturer: ROAN
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00004WLS0
Release Date: 2002-12-17

Customer Reviews:

Old movie but worth watching A++++.......2006-08-05

Old movie but worth watching .The sound quality and picture quality is not that good since it was made in 1954,but it is very enjoyable to watch.I first purchased this movie at a discount store.There was 2 movies on the DVD,
Carnival Story and another film.When I was in the middle of watching
Carnival Story the sound suddenly became muted in the last half of the film.I liked the movie so much that I ordered one from amazon just to see how the movie ends..The movie stars Anne Baxter who played " Nefretiri " in the remarkable Ten Commandments.It is about a traveling carnival show touring in Germany.Baxter first falls in love with one guy who works at the carnival,but he turns out to have a deceptive character ,he ends up dying from a 100 foot fall from a ferris wheel..Then she falls for another man,the high diver who stars in the carnival.He performs daily diving off a 200 foot ladder into a fire-lit pool below.He ends up dying from a fall .Lastly when you think Baxter's love life is a tragedy.She links up with a 3rd man who was a close friend of the high diver.If you like to watch old movies ,this is a good choice.

Carnival Critique.......2006-02-25

Although the film suffers from a poor soundtrack and which is
sometimes over-the-top,the acting by the three leads is superb. This is a very worthwhile film from Germany.Added plus, no
subtitles or dubbing.

Love is a trap for success.......2002-05-24

The story of a young German woman who gets entangled in an American Carnival touring Germany after WW2. Men are attracted to her, to help her, to love her, to use her. She has a great courage that enables her to move swiftly from the kitchen to the top of the carnival by becoming a star in a diving act. She is good, very good, and resolute to succeed. But she cannot manage her relations with men properly and leads them to death in the strangest conditions. She can only run away, with another man of course, away from the successive dramas. Love cannot be the tool of success nor of ambition.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

Tawdry,trashy tale of circus life.......2001-12-28

An American carnival,failing to draw the crowds Stateside,decides to tour Germany in a bid to restore its fortunes.
The carnival ramrod,played by Steve Cochran,is robbed by a destitute young German woman,Willi,played most unconvincingly by Anne Baxter.Instead of handing her over to the police he offers her a job with the carnival as a kitchen skivvy and the two begin an affair that runs into complications when the carnival's star attraction ,a high diver ,takes her under his wing and makes her part of the act,and subsequently marries her.
The stage is then set for illicit romance,suspicious deaths and near fatal injuries before the final confrontation on a ferris wheel brings proceedings to a merciful ending

The major problem for me was that never for one second did Baxter persuade me that she was capable of entrancing not just her male colleagues but a freelance photographer(a wooden George Nader)let alone become a star circus performer in her own right,something which takes years of dedication and practice,not a few days instruction.The void which this leaves at the centre of the movie undermines its credibility
Cochran and Bettger,who plays the high diver are fine here,and there is a sturdy cameo from the ever reliable Frank Faylen
Garish colour and flat direction further drag things down.The colour is horrible as well-really harsh and garish.

If you want circus movies track down "Trapeze",or "The Greatest Show On Earth" for ones that get it right.

interesting carnival story.......2001-03-26

Liked well enough to order a second copy as my first one was a different company and color inferior. All of cast give fine preformance on a story of carnival life. Anne Baxter is down and out and Steve Cochran ,the bad guy carnival employee offers Baxter job with carnival. Anne runs into one problem after another ,but overcomes them all by the end of the film. The story never drags and holds your interest and gives you a glimpse of the seedier side of carnival life.

Average customer rating:

Anne Baxter Rules!!!

Carnival Story
Starring: Lyle Bettger; George Nader; Jay C. Flippen Steve Cochran
Director: Kurt Neumann
Manufacturer: Miracle Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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Il Grido

ASIN: B0009SXLPY
Release Date: 2003-03-06

Product Description

The classic story of an ambitious German girl (Anne Baxter) who joins a traveling carnival and eventually becomes a high-wire superstar. A dramatic love triangle follows when she unknowingly captures the hearts of two circus performers who vie for her attention. Directed by Kurt Newman (THE FLY - 1958).

Customer Reviews:

Anne Baxter Rules!!!.......2005-06-13

The superb Anne Baxter rules in this classic as an acrobat.It's a must see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cassandra Cat and Carnival Story - Double Feature

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Cassandra Cat and Carnival Story - Double Feature

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Cassandra Cat featuring Emilia Vasaryova, Vlastimil Brodsky and Vaclav Babka. Directed by Vojtech Jasny. Carnival Story featuring Ann Baxter, Steve Cochran, Lyle Bettger and George Nader. Directed by Kurt Neuman. Eastwest DVD.

Average customer rating:

Carnival Story
Starring: Steve Cochran , and Anne Baxter
Director: Kurt Neumann
Manufacturer: na
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Average customer rating:

Old movie but worth watching A++++
Carnival Critique
Love is a trap for success
Tawdry,trashy tale of circus life
interesting carnival story

Carnival Story
Starring: Anne Baxter , Steve Cochran , Lyle Bettger , George Nader , and Jay C. Flippen
Director: Kurt Neumann
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc Corportation
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005RFHX
Release Date: 2001-10-10

Customer Reviews:

Old movie but worth watching A++++.......2006-08-05

Carnival Critique.......2006-02-25

Love is a trap for success.......2002-05-24

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

Tawdry,trashy tale of circus life.......2001-12-28

If you want circus movies track down "Trapeze",or "The Greatest Show On Earth" for ones that get it right.

interesting carnival story.......2001-03-26

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