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BBBOOOORRRRING!!
My 8th graders hated it.As an art teacher I support what the producers are trying to do, however, this video has a weak script, uninspired performances and is simply boring.The basic dramatic conflict of the story is too internalizedfor middle school and too childish for high school. The performances are so underplayed and amateur-ish that there's nothing to hold students' attention.There are really very few insights into Homer the man, the artist, his techniques or his life beyond the fact that he was an illustrator during the Civil War. Save your money for a documentary video on Homer.

Weaving A Story And Art
Super family video that is interesting, historically accurate and educational. Subtle story and paintings are woven together well. Makes the viewer believe it's really 1874 in New York. Creativity balances the theme of the horrors of war. Found it engrossing and entertaining. "It was funny and sad, interesting and about war." "The way the artist worked was great, how he saw things and painted them." "I liked the kids messing with the man, and the boy and girl being sweet on each other." Ages 8-12. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biographies    2. Children    3. Children's Video    4. Drama    5. Family    6. Feature Film-drama    7. Kids & Family    8. Movie    9. Music & Arts    10. TV Shows    11. Television & Documentary   

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"Martha was in hysterics. The curtain was about to go up...
...and Louie went up to her, slapped her right across the chomps - BAM! - and said, 'Get on with this you *****. Stop your nonsense!'" This is legendary choreographer Agnes de Mille describing how music director Louie Horst "dealt" with one of Martha's famous tantrums. What is most amazing about this blunt story is that it is delivered by a sweet white-haired Anges de Mille who must be in her 80s at this point. Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts    4. Performing Arts - Ballet/Dance   

Editorial Review

A departure from the more traditional travelogue-with-carnage format,this Read more

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Reviews (2)

beautifully done
Yes, I agree with the "not just jaws" reviewer. This is a very engaging and informative documentary. I can't believe I just said"engaging" concerning the subject of sharks, but that was whatcame for me from the patience and care of the film maker as he tried toshow us a much more multi-dimensional view of these animals in theirnatural environment, simply going about their lives. They really arebeautiful and complex animals, some of which are formidable hunters to besure, but, of course, as he helps to remind us, none of which are monstersto be unduly feared or pigeon-holed. (Another nice companion piece beyondthe NG "Sharks" video the other reviewer mentioned is the onereleased this year (2000) on great whites, which includes Peter Benchleyresearching a new take on the animal now that 25 years has passed since*Jaws* was first released, as well as the trevails of a long-time oceanphotographer trying to gain new and truly defining shots of the animal,this film also a National Geographic piece.)

Not just Jaws
A very entertaining look at a wide range of sharks, showing how varied in size, shape and habit they can be.While not discounting the fact that some sharks can be dangerous in some circumstances, this is a much moreinteresting presentation than the usual "eating machine" viewusually presented in most documentaries. Lots of beautiful footage,narrated by the film maker, who has a marine biology background. Anexcellent companion to the earlier (also National Geo) "TheSharks" -- get both if you can find them. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Though Shakespeare is heralded as the world's most influential and admired writer, little is known about the man himself. That didn't stop A&E Read more

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Reviews (8)

It's ok...
As an English teacher about to teach several of Shakespeare's works, I purchased this video in the hopes that it would provide a short history of his life.In actuality, it proved to be just that--short.I was left with many questions. Nevertheless, it is a good buy since it does cover most of the basic info and is only 50 min in length (my class meets for 45 min).

Informative and Helpful Resource for Shakespeare
This video by A and E contains a 50 minute biography about the life and works of Shakespeare. What is gratifying is that this is not a video that tries to portray only the good of Shakespeare, but also the conflicts and controversies that presented themselves during his time. Some controversial topics are thrown in (whether you can choose to believe or not believe), such as the possibility that Shakespeare was bisexual and the idea that Shakespeare "borrowed" material from other written fiction. Still, this is a great film that can be used as an introduction to Shakespearean works (I am an English teacher, and use this before a drama unit with Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, or Julius Caesar).
Maybe not.
After whetting our appetites with the observation that little is known about the man behind the plays, the A&E team provides a bland, surprisingly unengaging "5-act" biography of William Shakespeare.As the story proceeds, the producers rely more and more on quotations from the plays rather than on any "extrinsic" evidence.The result is a program that confirms what we already knew, or should have known, all along--the life of William Shakespeare is at best a mere footnote to the life of the plays themselves.Credit the producers for not indulging in this series' customary approach and sensationalizing the records (by claiming Shakepeare was really Queen Elizabeth, etc.).On the other hand, teachers and students of Shakespeare, as well as fans of the Bard, may find it difficult to justify an investment of money in a video this slight when, say, Olivier's "Henry V" orBranagh's "Much Ado About Nothing" are available at a comparable price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

There are many remarkable things about the documentary Read more

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Reviews (27)

Remebering the Four Little Girls
As I viewed the 4 Little Girls documentary,I was reminded of a time when I went to the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to see where this horrible tragedy took place. A myriad of thoughts came through my mind-- anger, confusion, sadness. The video brought this sadness back.I also felt sad for the white men responsible for killing the four girls.Sometimes I wonder if they understood that on the day they murdered the four precious girls, they took a piece of heaven out of the consiousness of the sky, and indeed, lost a piece of their own humanity.4 Little Girls taught me that--to hate causes one to lose his or her own ability to experience the gift of humanity.
Not to be missed
This powerful documentary is a wonderful tribute to the four young girls whose lives were cut short in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama on 15 September 1963.First and foremost, it focuses on their lives, those who knew them, and the events going on in Birmingham while they were growing up.It doesn't put the entire or primary focus on how they tragically were murdered, although naturally the bombing, the funerals, and the (rather belated) trials of the sick excuses for life who carried out the bombing are covered.It's a celebration of life, not death.(There are some brief graphic shots of the post-mortem photos, but as disturbing as these images might be, they carry home the impact of what really happened.)It really is amazing that their friends, neighbors, and family members were able to retain such dignity and composure even when talking about such sad events and calling to mind people who had such short lives and who died in such an unnatural way.While they'll be mourning for the rest of their lives, they haven't let the racist murderers destroy their lives.They've bravely carried on as best they can.
Very moving; Powerful
This is one of the saddest, most gripping documentaries i have ever seen.Four little girls is about the death of four young black girls who died in a KKK church bombing in birmingham, alabama and about racism & segregation.Though not a thriller, it will keep you on the edge of your seat for its entirety.Sympathy, empathy, tears, anger...you name it, and you'll feel it while viewing this film.
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Reviews (6)

Inspirational despite the naysayers
I've seen the video (and Transformations II which I wish Amazon also carried and highly recommend it to anyone even if you only come out with a renewed committment to individual prayer -- something that is the 1st and foremost key (with reading the Word) to success in the ongoing Christian life. It is also invaluable as inspiration for corporate prayer. Have you ever seen a church in rivival (consistent miracles, spontaneous conviction of sin and willing obedience to the steps to salvation, gifts of the spirit operating within Corinthian guidelines)without a sustained inercessory prayer group? Neither have I. Yet the naysayers (who probably are in dead (no spirit) churches or no church at all)pick apart that which is NOT Otis' calling -salvation. His calling is corporate prayer by believers. Otis presupposes (and teaches) that prayer warriors who would get involved in this kind of prayer (or any intercessory prayer) are already saved and filled with the Spirit. Otherwise the person would find themselves like the example in Acts: beat up stripped and naked by demons. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Transformations Bologna?
There have been several websites that have questioned the facts in this video. If you buy or view this video I recommend you do the same. About a year ago I personally e-mailed Mareth Warren at the Sentinal Group who forwarded it to another (can't remember his name)requesting a refutation. The staff member responded that they were planning to post a refutation to their critics claims on the Sentinal web site; I'm still waiting. Revival is happening now!
Do you want to be inspired? Watch this video. Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Religious Documentaries    3. Special Interests    4. Television & Documentary   

Editorial Review

The title is somewhat a misnomer: this 83-minute video isn't a "workout" so much as a ballet class. If you've taken ballet in the past--or if you've always wanted to--pull on your tights and leg warmers and enjoy this video. Melissa Lowe, a former soloist and principal dancer with several ballet companies, leads two levels of workout. Level 1 is for those with little or no ballet training; ballet experience is helpful for level 2. Each level has three segments: floor work (stretches to warm up the muscles), barre work (standing exercises and positions done holding onto a barre or chair), and center work (more intense conditioning with balance, traveling, and some jumping). If you're not already flexible, you'll find the stretches daunting, even at level 1. This is a 1984 video and doesn't have the production quality you find in more current videos, but ballet is timeless. The music is solo piano--just like in ballet class. The lithe, willowy instructor doesn't smile or try to engage the audience, but she sure knows ballet, and her flexibility and grace are awe inspiring. Read more

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Reviews (38)

Good basic ballet exercises
I just rec'd this and have only done the level 1 so far - but that's enough for the meantime! I'm definitely feeling it, esp. in the upper thighs, muscles I'd forgotten I had! I purchased this because I have very poor flexibility, and having a 7 mos old baby that I carry around often, well, it's all taking its toll on my back. In the past I've taken ballet for enjoyment and it always helped to keep me flexible and toned. Plus, I get bored with doing pilates, gym classes, etc. - this is a welcome change of pace.
I'm not a dancer or ballerina, but I love this workout
If you can get past the early 1980's clothing/hair/make-up and the poor transfer quality of the VHS to DVD (think a rental shop VHS that has had a few too many plays) then you will enjoy this workout.As the Amazon write up states, ballet is timeless and it wouldn't have bothered me if it was shot in the 1960's - ballet moves are ballet moves no matter what the participants are wearing!
just o.k.
I own several ballet videos.I have taken ballet for many years and use videos when there are no classes available.This would be the last one I would grab.It's doable but the explanations are poor and the video is frustrating to watch.The camera person zooms in too much and makes it hard to follow along.The sequences are poorly put together.I much prefer David Howard or Dimitri R. ballet videos.They are wonderful if you know ballet.I hope I will find more challenging tapes out there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Exercise    3. Exercise/Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Given the legendary life of its subject, it's not surprising that Read more

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Reviews (28)

THE American: a hero, an icon, a human being
Being still a young man, 21, I can vividly remember my high school days, and my hateful relationship with the "dreadfully boring" Huckleberry Finn.
THIS IS NOT A "KEN BURNS" PRODUCTION!!!
Okay, folks - Ken Burns DID NOT produce this production.MARK TWAIN: A MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY is a film that was made of the musical production of THE MARK TWAIN MUSICAL DRAMA in Elmira, NY.Jane Iredale and William Perry wrote the lyrics and music to this musical.If you like musicals and enjoy the varied works of Mark Twain - this film is for you.If you want KEN BURNS' version - go somewhere else.WOW!Even Amazon has posted the incorrect review to this page!!Ken Burns doesn't do "Musical Biographies".Jane Iredale and Bill Perry DO musical biographies . . . VERY WELL!

Great introduction to a great writer
I use this film every year in my American literature class to introduce my students to Mark Twain before they read Huckleberry Finn. My students stay glued to the television during the week that we watch the videos. I find it to be a far more effective introduction to Twain than I could ever give. And I love rewatching it every year. It never fails to make me tear up! This film brings Twain to life in a way that allows students to see him as a human being rather than as just another author to add to our list. ... Read more

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Reviews (3)

HOORAH for A&E!
No one makes documentaries in such a superior research manner or beautiful presentation as A&E does.I consider these biographies as my most prescious and invaluable DVD's.Can't wait to see what's next!

Highly Recommended
I purchased this video at the Lincoln Memorial gift shop in Washington, DC...so, evidently I'm not alone in recommending this fine, compact biography.There are many Brady (or Brady-esque) photographs that I had never seen before, Some splendid drawings and political cartoons of the era, great narrations of Lincoln's writings; and, some uncharacteristically lively interviews with historians representing many different points of view on the great man.Like the previous reviewer, I found this to be an unusually engaging A&E.It made me laugh out loud at times, tear up with sympathy, and catch my breath in astonishment.Very worth anyone's time and a great instruction aid for home school or any teacher.

very interesting video about a fascinating man
This video documentary shows unusual depth in it's study of Abe Lincoln. Shows his dark side as well as his terrific sense of humor. Read more

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Reviews (1)

Big Box:Big Price
A Brave New Film:An inspiration.
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Reviews (6)

Sir Michael Redgrave taught this poem as a schoolmaster.Great teaching resource.
Recently, a friend and I were discussing educational and ethical influences when we were growing up in the 1950'sversus today.She mentioned Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who, in 1798, wrote The Rime of The Ancient Mariner.Both of us had been required to recite parts of the epic poem in high school and in English Literature courses in college. My friend said, "Its messages even might be called metaphysical within today's context."
Excellence
I highly recommend this video to individuals, public libraries and for high school and college classic literature classes.This is an excellent film in which creative visualization of a classic poem makes it come alive.We feel the dynamics of the Samuel Taylor Coleridge's words as spoken by the Ancient Mariner.It is as if we are both the listener and the Mariner.When the dead albatross falls from the Mariner's neck, we feel we also were transformed through love in our hearts and understanding of our fellow humans. We have hope for a better outcome to the struggles we face in our own world of war and violence.Director Raul daSilva did an outstanding job in making this poem not only understandable but also to arouse our sensitivity.The incorporation of Dor�'s illustrations, visual effects of colors, the well-chosen classical music and sounds of the sea all enhanced our senses and deepened our emotional experience with the poem.BRAVO to daSilva and his team.Well done!!

Exceptional beautiful, artistically excellent uplifting film
This is one of the most creative and inspirational vidoes I have ever seen.I am surprised that the name of the director, Raul daSilva, is not listed at the top of the product description. It is clear that much of theexcellence evident in this product is the result of careful, expert,effective directing and editing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Orchestral & Symphonic    3. Performing Arts    4. Performing Arts - Theater    5. Special Interest   

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Reviews (3)

A good overview of an extraordinary life
It seems that the more you know about Benjamin Franklin, the less you know about him.He was a brilliant man who somehow managed to be both simple and very complicated all at the same time.If I tried to list all of his accomplishments here, I would surpass the maximum word limit before I could even get my review started.At the birth of the new Republic, his was the face of America to Europe.I must admit, though, that I have never been all that enraptured with Franklin, despite all of his brilliance.He broke with the British Empire only after being excoriated by the Privy Council for his role in the "Hutchinson affair," he was not what you would call a humble man, he went years without seeing his wife (his first "short" trip to England lasted seven years, and he could have come home much sooner had he wanted to), he has always struck me as something of a dandy and a skirt-chaser, and it is hard for me to embrace anyone who was more at home with the French than with his American compatriots (the French simply adored Benjamin Franklin).
A&E looks at Benjamin Franklin, the original American
The theme of Biography's look at "Benjamin Franklin" is that he was the first citizen of the world.However, it seems to me this misses the fact that Franklin was the first American, not only in terms of what the rest of the world thought about American colonists but also in terms of the ideal American citizen that has been created by our history and our culture.Here was a self-made man, who could profitably expand his printing business and take advantage of being postmaster on the on hand and on the other could refuse to patent his invention of the Franklin stove because it would help people keep warm.Here was a scientist who did seminal work on electricity and a humorist for made Poor Richard's Almanac a colonial best seller.After watching this biography it seems clear that everything we think defines the nobility of the American character, as well as some of our choicest foibles, are captured in the personage of Benjamin Franklin. Superb biography of an extraordinary man
In my opinion an additional two hundred years of history has not changed the fact that Benjamin Franklin is the most talented American that has ever lived. His inventions, which include the lightning rod, Franklin stove and bifocals, were some of the most practical of the eighteenth century. He was also the most read author in the American colonies, with his Poor Richard’s Almanac being a source of humor and wisdom that can be read and reread without a loss of interest. Finally, his role as a public servant is extraordinary and where he made his greatest mark on the world. He was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the professional police and fire departments in Philadelphia as well as the founding of a lending library. Considered essential today, they were unusual in his time. Read more

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Editorial Review

Dale Chihuly's gloriously organic glass sculptures grace galleries and public spaces around the world, and Read more

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Reviews (7)

Educational, entertaining & beautifully made.
"Chihuly Over Venice" is a fabulous video that allows the viewer a glimpse into the interesting and exciting world of America's most colorful and talented glass artisan, Dale Chihuly.This video takes the viewer on a whirlwind tour through five different countries while following Chihuly and his merry band of glass-blowers on their quest to create the perfect "chandelier." This film is educational, entertaining, and oh-so beautifully made.It took my breath away.

Like Alice through the looking glass...
That's the feeling you get viewing this. Absolutly amazing!
I have never been this taken with any type of art before.I was flipping through channels when I saw one of these chandeliers on PBS, and sat in stunned amazement!This was the most beautiful glass making I had everseen.Such an incredible mind this man has!All I can say is, I wouldlike to travel to all these cities and see them up close, or I wish hewould do them in Chicago! ... Read more

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Excellent
This movie was excellent although it is only 18 minutes long it packs a lot of punch in those 18 minutes. It tells the story of a student who was killed and the consequences of what happens afterward. I would recommend this to all health teachers and all students to watch this movie. It is very moving ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action    2. Adventure    3. Documentary    4. Movie   

Editorial Review

This landmark award-winning documentary, which revolutionized the form and helped acquit an innocent man of murder, came about almost by accident. Errol Morris had already directed such offbeat documentaries as Read more

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Reviews (16)

The Thin Blue Line
This is a documentary of a 1976 cop-killing in Dallas, in which all the evidence, at least the way it's presented here by director/writer Errol Morris, indicates the wrong man was convicted. The whole movie consists of interviews with witnesses and those involved with the case, with the camera used to show and reshow various scenes as they are recounted. Good as far as it goes, with much concern over motives of witnesses and their revelation of "truth" - but seriously lacking in drama. Philip Glass wrote the music, which is haunting. Worth a watch.

LOVING AND HATING THE GENIUS OF ERROL MORRIS
This film sums up my love-hate relationship with Errol Morris's work.First of all, one has to acknowledge right at the outset that, on purely aesthetic terms, this is an absolutely brilliant piece of work.It is hands down one of the most fascinating pieces of filmmaking I have ever seen and manages to turn the normally staid documentary format into an utterly unique cinematic experience.Morris makes pseudo-filmmaker Michael Moore's work look like the sophomoric video camera-wielding amateurism that it is.This is the work of a truly gifted filmmaker, which is both the strength and weakness of this film.
Funny, sad, disturbing...
Great documentary. At first I thought some of the characters were purposely cast in the film just to make it funny until I realized it was a true documentary. Hard to believe people like that actually exist.
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"ever since i was a young boy" the who's tommy was great
best show to hit the stage!

That's the most boring Who video I know of
Very disapointing. It's like a paid commercial to sell the Broadway version of Tommy. Nothing new to see here. Contains a few short (10 seconds at most) excerpts of live Who concerts. Provides insight into the world of "Tommy" and The Who
This video is a compliment to the wonderful compilation of music created by The Who.A must experience for any avid fan of The Who.It is somewhat reminiscent of the film " The Kids Are Alright"and shares someof the same footage.I am fortunate to have a copy on laser disc to bepreserved well into the next century.Catch it if you can!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Documentary    3. Hard Rock    4. Mod    5. Movie    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock & Roll   

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Milton Hershey's Biography is Enjoyable and Inspirational!
A & E does a terrific job of telling the story of Milton Hershey. He was one of America's truly great entrepreneurs. He made excellent quality chocolate available to the common man when previously only the rich couldafford it. He cared for his employees' quality of life and well being at atime when business owners were known to be ruthless and abused theirworkers. This is a great video and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasever enjoyed a piece of chocolate! The video moves fast, and isfascinating, motivating, as well as informative. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

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Neil steals the show
You probably already know what this film is about.I watched "28 Up" and was very impressed, this film is even better.The directer Micheal Apted asks the subjects the same types of questions he asked in "28 Up", but this time the questions seem more unrestricted almost to the point of sounding vicious.Again, we see some interesting changes take place in the people.Some have divorced, some of the marriages are on the rocks, some have relatives die and some have more uncertainty than they had seven years ago regarding their future.Bruce, the Oxford trained math teacher still hasn't married and is living in a third world country.I have a sneeking suspicion that he may have become a muslim; there is a scene of a boy reading the opening muslim prayer but it's not clear whether or not Bruce was praying with him. Fascinating Encouraging Poignant
I first came on the series with "28 Up" which was truly amazingfor an American to see.Interspersing clips from "7 Up,""14 Up," & "21 Up" made it incredible to see thechanges.In particular, Suzi, a nervous chain-smoking wreck at 21 was ahappy calm mother at 28.All, in fact (with one sad exception) seemedincredibly content with their lots--I was reminded of 1984 for some reason. "35 Up" doesn't have quite the contrasts with its predecessors. It's wonderful to see that, for the most part, all have progressed nicelyin their lives.(And I've always wondered why no one snapped Bruce up!) One interesting omission from this one is Peter--he's nowhere to be seen(& disappointingly, Symon doesn't participate).The haunting figure,again, is Neil.He's a seriously troubled individual, trying hard to copewith mental illness in an unsympathetic world.The questions coming at himfrom off camera are almost cruel--& his facial reactions to them areheartbreaking.It's quite a contrast to the contentment of the others. Fact, Not Fiction
Perhaps the most telling indictment of class struggles in the world, is this installment-plan documentary by Michael ("The World Is NotEnough") Apted that started out in the early 60's as a BBC special inwhich a group of 7-year-olds from varying socio-economic backgrounds wereasked simple-but-telling questions about their plans, dreams, and hopes fortheir adult futures. Apted has returned every seven years to talk to thekids again, at 14, 21, 28, and by now even 42, but 35 seems to be "TheBitter Years." Promise yet unfulfilled is the order of the day here...at least for the non-rich kids. ... Read more

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