Product Description
"Blood and Oil - The Middle East in World War I" examines the devastating conflict and Western political intrigue that laid the foundation for wars, coups, revolts and military interventions in the Middle East. After the end of World War I, most of the Ottoman Empire was carved up into "spheres of influence," controlled mostly by the British and French. The remaining territories became the modern state of Turkey in 1923 - after a five-year struggle by Turkish nationalists against Western domination. Written and produced by Marty Callaghan ("Archives of War," "Remember Pearl Harbor: America Taken by Surprise"), this feature-length documentary film follows conflict from the Ottoman Empire's entry into the Great War in October 1914 to the Allied victory and declaration of the new Turkish Republic in 1923, and the hostilities that have plagued the region since. The 112-minute DVD also features extended expert commentary.
Customer Reviews:
A Tale of Manipulation and Sorrow.......2007-02-09
"Blood and Oil" reveals the energy politics that guided the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East and Caucasus. The film, perhaps controversially, uncovers how Russia, Great Britain and France exploited ethnic and religious differences to fuel revolts against the Ottoman Empire, so that the West could dominate certain petroleum-rich areas, from Baku in Azerbaijan to Mosul and Kirkuk in Iraq. One track followed very closely in the film is that of the Russians (from the east) and French (from the south) instigating the Armenian Revolt, 1885-1920, that killed hundreds of thousands of Muslims, mostly Kurds, in eastern Anatolia and the Caucasus, the Ottoman response to which brought terrible suffering upon the Armenians. The film also delves into the British-engineered Arab revolts from the Sinai, to Palestine, to Baghdad. "Blood and Oil" draws acute parallels between the British invasion of the Middle East in WWI and the present US occupation of Iraq, both of which seemed designed to redraw the region's borders under the guise of self-determination and human rights, but of course in line with energy objectives of the West. The ethnic and religious feuds of one hundred years ago still haunt the region today, raising the question whether the War to End All Wars actually created a peace to end all peace, as David Fromkin argues in the documentary.
review of Blood and Oil.......2007-01-23
This is an excellent and compelling documentary of events leading to the middle east crisis that we have been feeling for the last almost 100 years. The video footage is well done and the narration is clear, not cluttered, and informative. The entire DVD is very objectively done and I found I could not stop it once I started. And I am not a war buff or one who likes war documentaries. Everyone should see this DVD to understand why we're in Iraq now and how the way the US has gone in there (and Afghanistan as well) is unlikely to help and will probably exacerbate an already bad situation.
Discover the origins of the current mayhem in the Middle-East.......2007-01-02
"Blood and Oil" is an eye-opener and, as such, a documentary which should be viewed by every American (and I would even say by every Westerner) and, more crucially, by everyone in our political system who is involved - directly or indirectly - in making decisions regarding Iraq and our mostly unenlightened policy in the Middle-East.
In this riveting and carefully researched video, Marty Callaghan shows us how, in the aftermath of World War I (which most Westerners think ended in 1918 - when strife persisted for several more years in the Middle-East) agreements were made, mostly between between France and Britain, which resulted in the carving of the old Ottoman Empire into artificial nations - Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and Syria - which have remained hotbeds of political and military mayhem ever since. Oil was the black gold that motivated, and still motivates the West to constantly interfere in the Middle East, without taking into account its widely diverse population, without seeking to understand the complexity of its many cultures and ethnic composition. It is so much easier to lump all of its people as "Moslems" or "Arabs" - terms which, nowadays, are often, and very sadly, equated in the minds of many Westerners with a propensity for terrorism.
You do not need to have any background in history to enjoy and fully understand this documentary, which conveys complex events and intricate political dealings with great clarity and in a very compelling fashion. Some of the historical footage Callaghan dug up is very cool, as is the original soundtrack by Michael Goodis.
History Every American Needs to Know.......2006-12-25
If you want to understand what the United States is up against in the Middle East, watch "Blood and Oil." The primary reason U.S. foreign policy since 9/11 has been wholly ineffective is the administration's ignorance of history and other cultures. The "war on terror" has repeatedly been likened to World War Two and the Cold War -- analogies that don't hold up. However, the real antecedents lie in World War One. In the West's last gasp of colonialism, Britain and France apportioned this region between themselves, creating the artifice we now call the Middle East. Since that time, Arabs (and Persians) have chaffed under this unwanted arrangement. Much of the volatility in that region today has grown directly out of the accords made during and immediately after World War One.
Marty Callaghan is among the first to provide a much overdue perspective of the real historical forces we're dealing with today. "Blood and Oil" is a good primer on the interactions of the Western powers with the Arabs and Ottoman Turks during the war and the long-term ramifications of these actions. Until American policy makers understand these historical dynamics, we will be doomed to continued inept foreign policy -- like going on a roadtrip and using the wrong map.
Other resources I would recommend:
- PBS's "The Road to 9/11": provides an overview of the political forces that have shaped the Middle East during the 20th century
- PBS's "Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World": recounts T.E. Lawrence's work as Britain's pointman in cultivating Arab help in World War I in exchange for promises of Arab independence
- Jonathan Lewis' "The First World War -- The Complete Series": superbly made documentary series on all facets of WWI, including one episode on "Jihad"
- World War I: The "Great War": a college-level course taught by Prof Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, available on DVD through The Teaching Company
Customer Reviews:
Fun to Watch, Informative.......2007-07-20
Not only is the instructor a talented dancer, her drummer also reviews different beats - important if you'd like to choreograph a dance in the future.
Don't waste your money.......2007-04-19
Sorry to say that since I like both Sonia and Issam a lot. The dvd is filmed in a way that it's difficutlt to follow either of them, even though I can see they try really hard to make it look easy. Issam is an excellent table player and Sonia a lovely dancer. If this had been filmed/edited in a different way I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
Buy Bellydance Superstars Live in Paris to see both of these folks in action in a much better way. (This is coming from a bellydancer)
Good but not as thorough as I thought it would be.......2007-03-09
Very good at going through the beats and combinations that could be used. I guess I just had the impression there would be a little more content as far as moves per rhythm.
good but bland.......2007-02-20
I really liked learning the rhythms and how to use basic movements with them. However, I found the presentation style of both Sonia and Issam to be extremely dry, bland.... maybe even boring. This was very different from their animated and energizing attitudes in the candid piece where they were touring Egypt.
Ok, not as good as some, but could be better.......2007-01-26
Drum solos to me are terrifying as there is so much to them, and the horror of repeating a step too many times or starting out too strong and having no where to go encouraged me to try a video. It doesn't explain things as well as I would like, but its better than some (cough*Rania* what on earth is she doing?!!) The extra clips are fun as well!
Description
Film presents the Bellydance Superstars live as they perform their much acclaimed show at the famous Parisian music hall, The Folies Bergere. The music features the most respected names in Arab music including live percussion with Wassan Pharoom and master drummer Issam Houshan
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful Goddesses.......2007-08-21
I enjoyed watching this troupe of beautiful goddesses perform. They bring the art of bellydance to a modern audience with grace and skill. One of my favorites was the beautiful Adore, who presents her own fusion of bellydance with acrobatic moves which is a delight to watch. I highly recommend this video to anyone interested in dance, or who wants to see the mysterious and beautiful art of bellydance at its best.
Superstars in Paris.......2007-07-25
We have not received this product. Can you please help us?
Thank you,
Deonauth Mohabir
Beautifully put together Performances.......2007-06-12
This dvd, in my opinion, has some of the best, belly dance performances, performed by the top belly dancer stars. The performances were captured exceptionally on camera. Great production, very well presented. The choreography from one number to the next has a good bit of variety: lot's of tribal, Ansuya on zills, drum solos, solo and group, island interlude, wings of Isis, awesome double veil. The costumes are gorgeous! It was a fantastic production from the entrance of the stars to the end, return of the stars.
Wonderful grace and show-man-ship of belly-dance! .......2007-05-21
This is what Belly dance was meant to be--Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I've been dancing for ten years and I've looked up to each of these dancers. Each one has a grace a beauty that gives this ancient dance a good name. I wish each of the BDSS the best and I look forward to the next DVD.
Excellence in motion.......2007-03-20
I guess I would consider myself a Bellydance Superstars fan, since I have seen every show that's come to San Francisco/Marin since Rachel Brice joined a few years ago. I was studying privately with her at the time, and was crushed to lose a most excellent teacher. I have been bellydancing for nearly 30 years and know many of the other dancers in the group, and I must say that Miles Copeland has pulled a great group to represent those of us who can't tour.
One of the things that really impresses me about Bellydance Superstars is the fact that what they do is very, very high quality. Production is top-notch, lighting is great, and they don't overdo effects so you can really just enjoy the show. Both live and in the videos, this has been the case.
The Folies Bergere video is fun, engaging, ever-changing and very diverse. As a dancer, I've watched it over and over, but I would think even a non-dancer would enjoy it. It makes me feel proud to be a dancer, and even though I hate the "Bellydance Superstars" name, I think as a whole, the project has been a good thing for the entire dance community, bringing an expectation of excellence into the dance that those of us who have worked in it for decades are always fighting to integrate into our industry.
The only thing I would like to see more of is Rachel Brice doing drum solo. For some reason, she's now confined to the very slow performance venues, all taxim instead of a variety, and she is amazing with a live drummer.
I would highly recommend this video to any dancer, especially those who intend to perform or are doing so now. I honestly believe that if bellydancing is to stay popular in the US, we need to achieve and maintain this level of quality.
Jana E. Beeman
[...]
Enchantment Unlimited Entertainment & Essence of Egypt Dance Company and School
Average customer rating:
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Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt
Director:
Michal Goldman
Manufacturer: afd
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| Gabai, Richard
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| Gallo, Fred
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| Gannaway, Albert C
| Gans, Christophe
| Ganzer, Alvin
| Garcia, Nicole
| Gariazzo, Mario
| Garnett, Tay
| Garris, Mick
| Gatlif, Tony
| Gayton, Joe
| Genina, Augusto
| Gerber, Fred
| Gerbson, Steve
| Germi, Pietro
| Gerolmo, Chris
| Geronimi, Clyde
| Gessner, Nicolas
| Giacobetti, Francis
| Giannaris, Constantine
| Gibbons, Rodney
| Gibney, Alex
| Gibson, Alan
| Gibson, Angus
| Gibson, Brian
| Gibson, Mel
| Gieras, Gregory
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| Gillard, Stuart
| Gillespie, Jim
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| Gilling, John
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| Girard, Dominique Othenin
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ASIN: B000K0YG8M
Release Date: 2007-01-09 |
Product Description
She had the musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, the public presence of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the audience of Elvis Presley⦠Her name was Umm Kulthum, and she became a powerful symbol, first of the aspirations of her country, Egypt, and then of the entire Arab World. Narrated by Omar Sherif, Umm Kulthum, A Voice Like Egypt is the first documentary to bring the celebrated diva of the Arab world to an American audience. The film puts her life in the context of the epic story of 20th century Egypt as it shook off colonialism and confronted modernity.
Customer Reviews:
Umm Kulthulm rocks!!!.......2007-07-29
Raised by a Catholic-Italian mother, and a Russian-Jewish father, both born in the U.S., as was I, I was once the national marketing director for Arab Film Distribution, AFD, Seattle, WA, when the documentary, Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt, was first released in the U.S. Exclusively distributed by AFD, Yahya Sinno, president of AFD, was responsible for the home division or Internet orders. I was responsibile for the institutional division of AFD, first, watching the films and documentaries in our library, then marketing them, including Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt, to colleges and universities (and libraries) to professors who used them as their course curriculum, for example, for gender studies or religion. (Yahya and I designed the video/DVD cover of Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Eqypt.) It was one of dozens of outstanding independent documentaries - and films of all genres -representing the 20 Arab countries, Iran, and recently, the US, that AFD, distributed. Now, there are hundreds of titles. In fact, in 2006, I believe, the highly acclaimed documentary, IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS, garnered 3 Academy Award nominations for best documentary. Written and directed by an American filmmaker, John Langley, who arrived and began shooting in Iraq shortly after Bush declared war in 2003, where he stayed, I believe, for 2 years filming, the producer is Yahya Sinno, president of AFD. Congratulations!
You're probably wondering by now, what the hey - not much - does all that have to do with the review of Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt? Well, in a very round-a-bout way, smile, the point is that I loaned my coveted copy of Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt, to a friend, but forgot whom... So, recently, I bought a copy while shopping on Amazon.com for something else, hence, the following review:
Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt
Well, for starters, Umm Kulthum is without a doubt one of the most amazing, courageous, exciting and incredible singers not only of the Islamic world but world at large! Overall, the documentary is outstanding! Taking holy verses from the Koran and putting them to incredible Middle Eastern music, and singing it in a way nobody else can - many have since tried and miserably failed - Umm Kulthum is a true inspiration, a diva, in the highest, holiest and purest sense! As an Egyptian, Muslim girl, she traveled with her father, a strict Muslim holy man who dressed her as a boy, since it was unheard of for a Muslim girl (or woman) to appear in public singing, which she did to help support her family. Umm Kulthum eventually sang as a girl - and later as a woman - in public, and became the greatest and most beloved and revered singer the Arab and Muslim world has ever known! Treated as royalty by presidents, and beloved by millions and millions worldwide, millions took the streets not only in Cairo, Egypt, but in other Muslim countries as well, to mourn her passing, Umm Kulthum is an icon. This documentary chronicles her entire life, and includes jaw-dropping actual footage of her concert performances of her most popular songs. Today, as seen in the documentary, when adults were randomly stopped on the streets of Cairo, Egypt, and asked if they'd heard of Umm Kulthum, every face immediately lit up and smiled and typically, people sequed into singing a song or humming a refrain from a favorite Umm Kulthum song. Even the children, when ransomly asked if they'd heard of Umm Kulthum, they, too, lit up and smiled and sequed into singing a song or humming a refrain from a favorite song. And, today, Umm Kulthum still lives in the hearts and minds of millions and millions who still cherish her and sing her songs - men, women and children alike. Umm Kulthum is a role model not only for Muslim girls and women, but for women in general, for what she accomplished decades ago, and in a man's world, and in a conservative Muslim (man's) world, at that, with all due respect, is nothing short of remarkable! Although virtually unknown inside the U.S, which is a shame, since I, too, like most, didn't give much thought to films from the Middle East, (quite arrogant, I know), Europe and Japan, yes, the Middle East, no, that is, until I was hired by AFD and watched dozens of films by independent filmmakers from the 20 Arab countries and Iran, and discovered, much to my amazement, shock and utter delight, that some of the best (filmmakers and) films I'd ever seen were stories about and from the Middle East! And, that's coming from a filmmaker trained at - what is considered to be - the finest - American as apple pie - film school in the world, the USC School of Cinema Television! I gotta tell ya, folks, Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt, is one great documentary! Do yourself a favor... Take off your shades, open your heart and mind, sit back and relax and enjoy a truly remarkable film by an amazing woman filmmaker about an amazing woman singer whose "Voice Like Egypt" is like NO one else you've ever heard before. The one, and ONLY...Umm Kulthum!
Description
The Scots inside Stirling Castle must have felt untouchable. Protected by a massive stone fortress, they prepared for a long drawn-out siege against the army of England's Edward the First. Fifty carpenters worked day and night to create the fourteenth century version of the atom bomb: the trebuchet—a fearsome, gravity-powered catapult dubbed "Warwolf" that was capable of hurling boulders, bee hives and plague-infected corpses long distances. Travel back to the Middle Ages and relive a fascinating turning point in warfare and medieval history.
- Enter the battlefield and experience the chaos of medieval warfare—200 years before the invention of the cannon
- Discover how the mechanized catapult sent English history and warfare in different directions
- Enter gigantic medieval castles and explore why these mighty fortresses became vulnerable to the "Warwolf"
- See how the medieval manuscripts provided clues in the trebuchet mystery
- See medieval experts create two competing full-scale catapults
- Travel to the banks of Loch Ness as newly designed catapults attempt to destroy a castle wall with 250 pound stone balls
Secrets of Lost Empires II Unlock mysteries and uncover lost history with the experts as they use yesteryear's thrilling technology to recreate five ancient engineering marvels and to discover what daily life was really like in these communities. Travel around the globe from Egypt to Rome and take a fresh, "hands-on" look at mankind's greatest cultures and civilizations. It's history from a whole new point of view!
Customer Reviews:
Boring.......2006-07-11
This DVD just shows growned up guys playing around with more complicated toys, attempting to built a trebuchet. It would be the same to see a two-year-old child trying to built a castle of cards.
Great for homeschooling medieval history.......2006-01-21
My boys enjoy this movie and cheer with the craftsmen as they launch their trebuchets. Excellent for teaching material on life in medieval times. Watch this and then view Peter Jackson's depiction of the attack on Minas Tirith in LOTR with new appreciation, since he shows the orcs with catapults and the city with trebuchets. Then buy "The art of the Catapult" and make your own (providing you have a large backyard and a helmit, of couse) We made our model with popcycle sticks.
Medieval Siege.......2005-08-14
This 2000 episode of the PBS's NOVA is narrated by actor Stacy Keach and, as the product description indicates, takes an in-depth look at the hot siege weapon of the Middle Ages, the trebuchet (trey-boo-shay.)
Come to think of it, after just re-reading the product description I think its `travel back to the Middle Ages' and `experience the chaos' is a little misleading. Basically the Middle Ages are set in the background, source material for the meat of the program. MEDIEVAL SIEGE is a low-tech version of a dear departed cable television show called `Junkyard Wars.' Here, two teams - one American, the other French - using ancient illustrations and descriptions, try to build a working, castle-busting trebuchet.
The teams aren't playing around, either. There are medieval weapons specialists (everything has a specialist, doesn't it?), a forty-plus man team of traditional artisans, a pipe puffing scientist and a pair of forty-foot tall Douglas firs used to build the main arm of the weapon. A trebuchet, by the way, is a large (in this case VERY large) `see-saw' with a heavy weight on one end. Stick a pea in the bowl of a spoon, pull the spoon back and let it fly and you've got the trebuchet concept down.
MEDIEVAL SIEGE was fascinating. Until time starts running down and the workers pull out the socket wrenches and acetylene torches the techniques used are all traditional - ever see someone try to shave down a five-ton tree using 13th century tools? The scale is daunting - one trebuchet requires ten tons of lead counter-weight rings, the other uses a swinging basket that holds fourteen tons. The target is a newly constructed castle wall. The drama is inherent in the situation. Can they figure out how to build a trebuchet without any surviving model to work from? Will the meager historical references to trebuchets provide enough information to build a working model? Will they be able to loft a 250-pound sandstone ball three-hundred yards, much less hit a relatively small target? This program answers all those questions and more in a fun filled sixty minutes.
Description
Join American bellydancer Natasha Senkovich as she journeys to Egypt and speaks to many Oriental dancers - from the struggling Cabaret performers to the very famous, sexy Dina and the legendary Nagwa Fuad. With unprecedented access, we see them perform and hear them share their personal stories of conflict and struggle they have experienced throughout their careers. This fascinating documentary provides a unique look into the lives of these most unusually strong women. Born into a world where a woman is expected to be covered and demure, they achieve independence and wealth by taking great risks and flaunting their sensuality. It also explores the controversial question of prostitution, which is how most dancers are regarded in the Middle Eastern societies...plus the history of Oriental Dance, and its decline as a result of growing conservatism in the Middle East.
Customer Reviews:
interesting and educational.......2007-07-19
i wouldn't watch it for the dance, but it was fascinating and the music definitely made me dance while i was watching. i learned a lot about Egyptian culture and what these women go through just to feel the dance.
An Amazing MUST HAVE documentary for the Oriental Dance lover.......2007-07-19
This documentary is not to be missed! I used to look at Egyptian dancers when they were speaking about their skill, grace, and understanding of the music, and I would roll my eyes and think, "UGH! How egotistical can you get?" But, after watching this information packed DVD, I have such admiration for the women of this dance that, despite all the harrassment, danger, humiliation, and degredation, the hold their heads high, and they continue to do what their soul is calling for them to do...to be an instrument of the dance. They articulate what the dance means to them, and it is just fascinating. In many ways, I can relate, and I believe you will too. With all they have lost, and fought to attain, it is no wonder they think so highly of themselves. It takes that kind of moxy.
The documentary is a time capsule treasure, because no one knows the future of this dance in the Middle East. To have captured all of these dancers, in their own words, and with footage of their dance to be forever preserved, it is something every dancer must see, and in my opinion must own. Just even studying the dancing is amazing.
The director's commentary was very interesting and brought even more light to the subject of women in the culture, and women and the dance. When you add in the performances (2 from each dancer), and the director's commentary, along with the original documentary, it has HOURS of information. It is a bargain at this price, but it is worth even more.
I purchased this as a gift for my own dance instructor, after I saw it myself. And, I purchased one for me. I think I am going to have all my dance buddies come over for an evening and view it. It's that good.
Seriously, there's a lot of dance stuff out there to purchase, and we (at least me) can't have it all, but I would have no problem, whole heartedly recommending this DVD. I wish the director would do even more!
Great footage, somewhat annoying production.......2007-04-24
This is definitely worth buying just for the dance videos. They show truly authentic, beautiful dance, in many settings and styles.
It's also worth buying for the interviews as they show the amazing sacrifices and difficulties that these artists endure in the pursuit of their art.
However, I have some quibbles. The narrator indulges in a lot of annoying editorializing, telling us things unnecessarily. When the dance and interviews are this good, she doesn't need to tell us what she's already shown us. Also, the video quality is sometimes poorer than I would like, as the lighting or camera angle isn't good enough to really show the dancers. In one case, (perhaps because the original music wasn't available) she's clearly stuck the wrong piece of music onto a dance performance, which is jarring. One performance is in such darkness, I can hardly see anything. Another has a headache-inducing strobe light. But the dances I can see are great.
Despite its flaws, every belly dancer should own and study this video, at least until one with better lighting and less annoying narration comes out.
Interesting & entertaining.......2007-03-09
Overall I liked this documentary.. If you are a dancer of any category I imagine this would be of interest because it focuses on the stories of the dancers, their determination and their passion.
The dancing clips in another chapter of this dvd is valuable, as it shows you the 'low class' nightclub setting and the wealthy wedding ceremonies, etc..
There is no glossing over in this dvd, they do a good job of presenting the reality of Egyptian dancers..
I also enjoyed the directors commentary chapter, a bit lengthly but very honest and humorous..
Watch the special features.......2006-12-15
The dance performances in the special features section was by far the best thing about this DVD. Amazing women. Being a huge documentary fan and amateur belly dancer, I applaud the woman who made this film. Very well done.
Average customer rating:
- family road trip
- arid norttheast landscapes thro a bittersweet lens
- Touching story, beautiful landscapes
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THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD (O Caminho das Nuvens)
Starring:
Cláudia Abreu ,
Ravi Ramos Lacerda ,
Wagner Moura ,
Manoel Sebastião Alves Filho , and
Felipe Newton Silva Rodrigues
Director:
Vincente Amorim
Manufacturer: Film Movement
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God Is Brazilian
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Mango Yellow
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Behind the Sun
ASIN: B00075YVTE
Release Date: 2005-01-01 |
Product Description
The Middle of the World is the April selection in The Film Movement Series. Based on a true story, The Middle of the World is the story of a couple and their five children ages ranging from 6 months to 14 years old as they travel 3,200 km by bicycle to chase a dream. Romão, an illiterate and unemployed truck driver, and his wife Rose, leave the State of Paraíba in Brazil, and over the course of six months, travel across five states to reach Rio de Janeiro, in a quest for a job and a decent life. Each month subscribers to Film Movement receive an award-winning film to own on DVD in addition to a bonus short film.
Customer Reviews:
family road trip.......2007-01-25
Which is more important, the journey or the destination? Romao is an illiterate and unemployed man with a wife and five kids, but he believes in destiny. "My true destiny is on the road," he tells anyone who would stop him from taking his family of seven on a six-month, two thousand mile bicycle journey across the heart of Brazil to Rio de Janeiro. There, he believes, he will find work so that he can feed his family. People think he's crazy, of course, including his family. They panhandle, do odd jobs, sing songs at restaurants, meet people both evil and good, and sleep in abandoned buildings and rusted out buses. But they love each other deeply and experience many life lessons, especially the adolescent Antonio who is turning into a young man. This film, "based upon a true story," won at least five festival awards, all of them deserved in my opinion. In Portuguese with English subtitles.
arid norttheast landscapes thro a bittersweet lens.......2006-01-05
Apart from being a good road film (landscapes, transience etc), the lead actors have nicely portrayed the machismo that rules most latin american and asian societies. good soundtrack, imagery, and having been in brasil recently, i was taken back there, to the endless horizons, red roads and dusty bus stations.
i'd buy it if i could afford the steep price.
Touching story, beautiful landscapes.......2005-05-25
If you are curious about Brasil as i am, you must listen to this movie. Road trip on bicycle from Paraiba state on nordeste Brasil until Rio de Janeiro. A family looking for a better life. Great views of the Brasil countryside, and costal areas. A simple but beautiful movie, no action but the same Brasil quality.
Description
Track List:
1.Fanfare
2. Medley: Besame Mucho / A Gay Ranchero / Volare
3. Sunset At Flamingo Park
4. Mamma Mia
5. Rock Medley: Rock Around The Clock / See You Later, Alligator / Hound Dog
6. Hero
7. Always On My Mind
8. G' Shichten Aus Dem Wienerwald
9. Der Mai Ist Gekommen
10. Fernando
11. Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie
12. Czardas (Monti)
13. Hip Hop Polka 3
14. Dancing Queen
15. Nature Boy
16. Medley: Happy Music / Mexican Hat Dance
17. S.O.S
18. Reel Express
19. Orange Blossom Special
20. Lean On Me
21. Hip Hop Polka 1
22. Medley: Doo Wah Diddy / Hey Baby
23. You'll Be In My Heart
Bonus Material : Behind The Scenes Documentary
Customer Reviews:
A World of Music by James Last .......2007-03-09
James Last and his band are creative and the music is lively.
James Last DVD.......2007-03-08
We had watched this program before on public television, but couldn't find the DVD in the stores. So glad we finally found it, and have enjoyed it thoroughly. Would highly recommend it to those who remember James Last.
Just Fair.......2005-03-15
Not up to Last's standard as compared to his CDs. Music selection not very good and all the physical gyrations by Last and the performers did not help anything.
james last A world of music and James Last The gentleman of .......2004-10-27
James Last for over 50 years has built up his status to become a legend in his own time: His taste in music and his top quality band and arrangements defy time: He appeals to young and old and I urge all whom see this recomendation to purchase at least one or both DVD's as you will surely be amazed by the enjoyment that yourself and your whole family will recieve from from this remarkable man whom has won no fewer than 300 top class music awards in his lifetime:
You will play this DVD many times just for the sheer entertainment that it gives: He is now 75 years young and he performs like a 25 year old: his musicians are absolutely outstanding in thier ability and effort to entertain you and your whole family young or old:
The music quality is outstanding to say the least: Do not miss the chance to see and hear what I believe is the best peoples band music arranger and composer perhaps of all time:
Peter Barker Australia:
James Last rules!.......2004-03-13
This concert is really superb! It's just as good as the Gentleman of music dvd, which you should also buy!
Own them both, they're a real treat.
This dvd includes also a 20min. documentary which is very interesting, because after seeing this I found out that James Last composed most of his songs himself. I always thought he played covers from other composers, but he did compose them himself. He even composed FOOL for Elvis!!
He's now over 70 years old, and has been in the business since the 50s.
He still shows people he's the man. He hasn't lost his touch.
He's also very full of energy for his age, he still jumps and dances on the stage while the orchestra is playing his music.
But while dancing he's also still conducting, with just his hands (he was the first conductor who didn't use a stick).
His orchestra consist of people from over 15 nationalities, and they all play really beautiful. Very talented people!
Because the track list in the editorial review is incomplete, and contains mistakes, I include the right track list in my review:
1. Fanfare
2. Medley: Besame Mucho / A Gay Ranchero / Volare
3. Sunset At Flamingo Park
4. Mamma Mia
5. Rock Medley: Rock Around The Clock / See You Later, Alligator / Hound Dog
6. Hero
7. Always On My Mind
8. Geschichten Aus Dem Wienerwald (stories from the Vienna woods)
9. Der Mai Ist Gekommen (May has come)
10. Fernando
11. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
12. Czardas von (from) Monti
13. Hip Hop Polka 3: Anneliese/ Schutzenliesel/ Lustig ist das Zigeunerleben
14. Dancing Queen
15. Nature Boy
16. Medley: Happy Music / Mexican Hat Dance
17. S.O.S
18. Reel Express
19. Orange Blossom Special
20. Lean On Me
21. Hip Hop Polka 1: Fett polka/ Herz schmerz (heart ache) polka/ Sportpalast (sportspalce) polka
22. Medley: Doo Wah Diddy / Hey Baby
23. You'll Be In My Heart
Bonus Material : Behind The Scenes Documentary
100 minutes/ dts/ DS 5.1/ widescreen
Customer Reviews:
Great songs in a good quality DVD .......2007-09-06
I consider those songs are for the older people ( I am still young :-) ), but both my wife and I loved them, and we can listen them again and again. The recording quality is actually excellent. I disagree with some negative reviews on the recording quality. The way Tony held the mic in a different position will change his voice volume and the 'effect' to be recorded. I think that's exactly we should expect listening a live concert.
Tony Bennett's Wonderful World: Live San Francisco.......2007-08-24
I really enjoyed this DVD of Tony Bennett!!!The quality of the production
was excellant, Tony did a Terrific job of singing and what really
impressed me was how Tony did not act like the Big Star that he is...
He trully shared the crowds applause with the other artists and writers
that helped him become the Super Legend that he is. It was just like
Tony was talking with me in person.
Thanks, Tony, for really entertaining me
Tony Bennett's Wonderful World.......2007-08-12
One the biggest reason's that I am a Tony Bennett fan is that he draws me in to whatever he is singing emotionally. The advantage of seeing him perform while listening to his very stylishly performed songs is a double blessing.
Can't equal the real thing, but comes close..........2004-08-03
For those fans, like myself, who have seen Tony Bennett in concert and marvel at his stage presence and grace, the filming of this concert in San Francisco may be a trifle disappointing. Not because of Tony - he was wonderful as usual - but rather because of the camerawork. Tony Bennett is one of the greatest living entertainers because of his presence on stage and his interaction with his audience and his band. However, this seemed to be lost on the director, who filmed entirely too many tight headshots of Tony. To see him in concert is to know that to really appreciate his performance, you must see him head to foot, moving across the stage and interacting with his quartet. Unfortunately, this dynamism is partly lost due to the filming technique.
On to the music: Tony is in fine voice, and by the time he reaches the tenth track (The Good Life), he's loose and in top form. His trio of songs with k.d. lang are sublime - she's relaxed, playful, and when they sing "Exactly Like You", the song takes on new meaning - these two were obviously made exactly for each other...as singing partners, that is.
His performance of "New York State of Mind" is particularly interesting because, without Billy Joel present for the duet, the song comes fully under Tony's interpretation and he gives it an endearingly carefree, jazzy phrasing that is much different than the rather melancholic original.
For "Fly Me to the Moon", he surprisingly doesn't do his usual routine of turning off the microphones, but the song is beautiful nonetheless.
Tony is backed by the Sprezzatura Quartet, and also by an orchestra on certain songs. The orchestral arrangements are never overbearing, but for those of us who prefer the intimacy of just a quartet, the orchestra can be something of a drawback.
Overall, it's a fantastic concert and Mr. Bennett clearly shows that he only gets finer with age.
A few pet peeves, but a great DVD concert nonetheless.......2004-02-15
I love easy jazz. I love the great songs from years ago. I love tremendously talented musicians who don't see a need to play at 120 plus decibels to "make music". I love "professionals" like Tony Bennett and the late Frank Sinatra who knew how to adjust with age and sing within their diminished vocal range, allowing their voices to age like fine wine in oaken kegs...
So here you have Tony Bennett, now about 76, singing to a packed ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel (I've visited this hotel) on Nob Hill in downtown San Francisco. Backing him is the great Clayton Cameron on drums and Lee Musiker on the 9 foot Yamaha grand piano. Paul Langosch does a great job on bass, and Gray Sargent an adequate job on guitar. (I say adequate, because if you've seen Anthony Wilson play guitar with Diana Krall's band on "Live in Paris", Gray's comping chords and solo runs begin to pale in comparison).
My pet peeves? The sound mix is a bit thin at times, and occasionally Tony's voice drops out. My other pet peeve is his duets with K. D. Lang--she shows up barefoot dressed in pants and looking a bit sloppy--at the ritzy FAIRMONT BALLROOM??? The Bonus material is also weak, consisting mainly of still shots of Tony's paintings.
But the biggest selling point of this DVD is a live concert on DVD, so that you can enjoy great sound on your home theatre system.
And a good time was had by all. There is "nothing" objectionable in the way of language, so even your grandkids can watch this show. Tony sings mostly favorites from the 60's in traditional orchestral mixes. Only on two or three occasions do the fireworks fly between drummer Clayton, guitarist Gray, bassist Paul and pianist Lee Musicker. This isn't meant as criticism--it's just that the concert mostly stays in the "mellow" range. Cause Lee, Paul, Gray and certainly Clayton Cameron can light some fire given some free reign to do so.
My favorites are his multi song duet tribute with KD Lang to Louis Armstrong, including "La Vie En Rose, and "What a a Wonderful World", plus songs like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", "How Do You Keep the Music Playing", "When Joanna Loved Me", "I Got Rhythm", "The Best is Yet to Come", and "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing".
I bought this DVD on three criteria: (1) figuring a recently released/recorded DVD might guarantee latest quality DVD sound and video, and (2) the avid recommendations of Amazonians. I can say I was certainly not disappointed with this DVD, but it didn't exceed my expectations either. To have been five stars, it should have had a couple more bonus items, a bit better sound mix, allowing the musicians a couple more goes at letting their energy/talent fly, and getting KD to dress up (and shoe up) at least on the level of Tony's elegantly tailored suit.
Product Description
Description:
Enjoy and learn two of Nadia Gamals grand choreographies.
The dance styles presented include Oriental Dance, Folklore, Basic Beledi, Drum Solo, and Bedouin Gypsy.
The first is an Oriental Raks Sharki Dance, the second a Bedouin Folkloric Dance.
Edited to 90 minutes, Nadia Gamal's six-hour workshop in New York includes all the highlights of the second day's choreography plus a 15-minute overview of the first day's session. The workshop was sponsored by "Arabesque and is geared toward professional dancers and advanced students.)
DVD:
- Bogie and Bacall - The Signature Collection (The Big Sleep / Dark Passage / Key Largo / To Have and Have Not)
- Boys Life 2
- Charlie Chan in The Chinese Cat
- Cold Creek Manor
- Conrack
- Cuando Vuelvas A Mi Lado (By My Side Again)
- Danielle Steel's Once in a Lifetime
- Darkness Before Dawn (True Stories Collection TV Movie)
- Dial M for Murder
- Diary of a Sex Addict
DVD
DVD
The First World War - The Complete Series
Empires of Industry - Black Gold: The Story of Oil (History Channel)
Decisive Battles of the Ancient World (History Channel)
Empires - Islam: Empire of Faith
Terrorstorm - A History of Government Sponsored Terrorism
