Editorial Review

Originally aired on PBS's Read more

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Reviews (12)

just FINE!
Reviewer Hadrian12's spotlight review says perfectly everything to say about this film. Thanks for that.
A Caped Prima Donna, but he Loved Music, and it Shows!
Using interviews with his son and daughters, his brother, the writers, choreographers, and conductors he worked with, and many of his friends, and clips of his rehearsals and performances, we see the life of a very talented, but troubled genius.
Absolute BERNSTEIN!
It has been said many times that music is the universal language.While the truth of this statement is self-evident, occasionally even universal languages require translators.For that, great men such as Leonard Bernstein have stepped to the fore to assist the rest of us in understanding what is perhaps man's single greatest art form.
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Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

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Reviews (8)

Knowledge Is A Key
I have had 2 copies of this video. It is that good! I first bought this video only because it contained The Ronettes of whom I am a great fan. But this video contains so much more. Not only great and rare performances, but also insightful interviews and documentary. That is what sets this video apart from others. It is extremely well edited and perfectly balanced. Just the right amount of documentary that is paired with the performances. Often I've seen other videos with too much of one or the other. But this video strives for an even balance of the two.
Please someone (MGM? SONY?) re-issue this gem on DVD!
This is the ultimate 60s girl group documentary. Excellent commentary by Ellie Greenwich, Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love.
Great great video on GIrl Groups....
great great video on girl groups. Wish it was available on DVD... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 60's    2. Brill Building Pop    3. Documentary    4. Doo Wop    5. Girl Group    6. Motown    7. Pop    8. Pop-Soul    9. R&B    10. Rock & Roll    11. Soul    12. V/a Compilations   

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Reviews (4)

Where is the DVD???
I strongly agree with the other reviewers. This truly contains so many classic performances - Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Doobie Brothers, the list goes on. Why is it not yet on DVD??? People have been asking this question for so many years now. With so many other great concert performances being released recently surely "No Nukes" is deserving of being released on DVD.

Where is the DVD???
This is an amazing show - please remaster this one and put it out on DVD!

No Nukes (should be on DVD as well on VHS issued in Holland
The few that wrote a five star comment at this site should be aware of the 3-record album (with booklet). That only part of the songs on the VHS are the same on the records, and vice versa, makes no difference. A pity they didn't make a double cd also, and issue all in Europe (Holland!!!) I keep looking for them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Concerts    2. Music & Musicals    3. Music Documentaries    4. Television & Documentary   

Editorial Review

In 1996, with his public image at a low ebb after a messy breakup with Mia Farrow, clarinetist and filmmaker Woody Allen set off on a tour of Europe with his New Orleans jazz band. Accompanying him were his sister, his soon-to-be wife Soon-Yi Previn, and Oscar-winning documentary maker Barbara Kopple. Like Allen says as the beginning of the tour, "Theoretically, this should be fun for us."Read more

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Reviews (16)

Dry yet Quirky...
In all honesty, I found this film only MILDLY amusing because of the "voyeuristic" pleasure of getting to see Woody Allen "off camera" - - but let's face it, a documentary crew was following the guy around... so when you see him and Soon Yi chatting away in their robes in the privacy of their hotel room, do you really believe they're alone and unwatched and not trying to ACT as they want to be perceived...? So the question is, who was doing the acting ?Based on the fact that both came across as rather dull and uninteresting and I'm sure like many viewers I spent most of the film sitting (unfairly) on the edge of my seat waiting for Woody Allen to say something funny or be more neurotic my answer would be either neither or both, and perhaps the film was merely made to simple counter the bad image of Woody Allen that were going around at the time.- - "Wild man, my tookus !" the viewer is expected to say.- - If the film were to be compared to CRUMB (which I found delightfully entertaining, if not dark and depressing beneath its hillarity at times), in terms of interest it would be like comparing SPEED to MY DINNER WITH ANDRE.
Music, fun, and an interesting look at being a celebrity
If you like music and Woody Allen, you will love this endearing documentary by Barbara Kopple. Go behind the scenes as Woody, Soon-Yi, and his band go on a European tour.Allen's wit and quirky but charming personality expose him for the humble and intelligent man he is.But, oy...his mother!

Un-Wild Man Blues
Barbara Kopple's "Wild Man Blues" is decidedly un-wild. That's its first fib. It is the un-intense and un-penetrating chronicle of Woody Allen's 1997 European tour with his New Orleans jazz band. Released in 1998, "Wild Man Blues" came hard on the heels of a period of public scandal for the notoriously private filmmaker, prompting critics to dub it a "public relations corrective". There is a whiff of mendacity about this film. Its motive is abstruse and its meaning convoluted. It carries an air of constructivism. It smells like propaganda. Lurking behind an obeisance to jazz music is a salve for moviegoers' indignation over Allen's romance with stepdaughter cum fianc�, Soon-Yi Previn. Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

In 1996, composer, producer, and guitar legend Ry Cooder entered Egrem Studios in Havana with the forgotten greats of Cuban music, many of them in their 60s and 70s, some of them long since retired. The resulting album, Read more

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Reviews (128)

The story behind the music...
Ok it wasn't exactly what I expected, which teaches me to read the reviews :D, but its still worth the watch to get a feel of those times and how the music came together. I bought it as a gift, and though more music would have been appreciated...it was a good blend of documentary and the music.

Superb music!
I rented this movie on DVD having little knowlege about the subject matter other than it was an award winning documentary. Essentially, for me, it was an introduction to a new type of music. Many years ago in junior high school in a small town in the Rockies my Spanish teacher was a newly arrived Cuban immigrant. He was an excellent teacher and that memory made me curious about this movie. This gathering of semi-retired musicians still has so much soul and if you don't get goose bumps at least once you are probably tone deaf. Unfortunately, I have seen only the Japanese edition here in Japan which has no English subtitles for my Spanish which has grown rusty. Although I can read Japanese subtitles I would prefer English ones for the lyrics.

Buena Vista Social Club
Great music! Great cinematography too. Loved the stories of the musicians. Watching the movie gives me the feeling of being in Cuba. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Foreign Film - Spanish/Misc Sa    3. Movie   

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Reviews (15)

Life Changing
Hell's Bells is life changing to say the least. Having been a lead guitarist for many years, I found the videos to be right on. The Christian perspective is balanced and each person is encouraged to draw thier own conclusion. It is an eye opener if someone really wants to know the truth.

This flim ROCKS
it has all the great band of the 80 including Dio's heaven and hell.this is the video that turned me one to all the cool bands of the 80's

freedom of speech and religion
After reading some of the reviews of this movie I am amused. Freedom of speech and religion are our rights. Anyone offended by this movie is certainly entitled to their opinion, just as those who enjoyed the movie and found it to reflect their own views. I found the movie extremely interesting. Understanding diversity comes through exploration and deciding what is right for you. I was not offended and I would recommend this movie. Anyone secure in their own beliefs will take the content accordingly.If you are unsure of your beliefs, you may be threatened or enlightened. Either way I am pleased to see it on the market. I support freedom of speech and religion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentaries    2. Music & Musicals    3. Music Documentaries    4. Television & Documentary   

Editorial Review

Centered on the early '80s punk movement, this remains the best of Penelope Spheeris's three attempts to chronicle the musical and angst-ridden subculture of urban Los Angeles. The film's style, like the music, is abrasive, frank, and packed with energy, as it moves swiftly from hilarious band and fan interviews to the loud, raucous shows inside seedy L.A. nightclubs. Despite its tongue-in-cheek title, Spheeris neither condemns, nor glamorizes, the movement, though she definitely has an eye for talent and thankfully plays favorites. Lesser acts like Alice Bag Band and Catholic Discipline are given minimal screen time (enough so we understand why they've been forgotten) in favor of bands that either possess off- stage charisma (Circle Jerks) or onstage potency (Fear's finale, winding their audience up with insults, is punk in its purest form). And, then there are X and Germs lead singer, Darby Crash. These two subjects comprise the majority of the film, as Spheeris hangs around their houses, captures numerous performances, and presents the movement's peak performers. While X does it mostly onstage--their mix of thrash and rockabilly are the most enjoyable of the live performances--Crash's stage is everywhere. A walking disaster, the singer candidly details--with simultaneously self-mocking humor and sadness--his drug abuse, miserable life, and the places that no longer let him play. The fact that he died shortly after production stamps Spheeris's brazen time capsule with a morbid, though appropriate, epitaph. Read more

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Reviews (26)

It is on DVD
Uh, its out on DVD, 17.95 where i am. So i dont know what you guys are talking about. It is a great movie, good intro to real punk if you dont already know what that is. These are all good bands, they give you something, over-produced , rich new age punk bands can't. and any of you that think greenday or blink 182 is punk your clueless

Excellent Punk Documentary & Concert Footage
I first saw the Decline of Western Civilization back in the early 90s. I then was able to buy it from Blockbuster Video for under 5 dollars. I can't believe someone is trying to sell it here for almost 600 dollars. That's crazy. It is an excellent documentary and has some really good concert footage of early 80s punk. I would highly recommend this if you like punk of the early 1980s.

A Cure for Curiosity
I recently found a bootleg of this documentary, and right away I was drawn into it. This really shows us (rather than telling us) what the hardcore punk scene was like in L.A. in the late '70s- early '80s. We get to see live performances of The Germs, FEAR, Catholic Discipline, X, Alice Bag Band, Circle Jerks, and Black Flag. In addition, we see shots of the crowd, which is pretty cool. The parts that I found the most interesting were when Penelope Spheeris would talk to the kids individually.
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A moving musical memoir
An involving and moving documentary, with great music, about the almost-lost klezmer tradition of Eastern Europe. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Foreign    3. Foreign Film - Russian    4. International    5. Movie   

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Reviews (4)

Too much talks, no maps, few taps
It's an important historical documentary ,but if you want to see old taps dancers like showed in the dvd cover, avoid it. There are only few short cuts from genius like Bill Robinson and others and manyand many conversations and interviews. Try old videos in VHS or the outstanding afro-american dancers in 'Stormy Weather', a Fox musical from the fourties,available in Amazon.

More than just a historical piece...brilliant
I saw this in Boston at an art house in the early 80's. I've never forgotten the arresting visuals or the impression of watching these men re-define time and motion. After watching these masters prove that Tap always was an elevated form of modern dance you will wish for wings. Yes, it's that amazing.

Official Howard Sandman Sims Biography

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Subjects:  1. Dance    2. Music Documentaries    3. Special Interests    4. Television & Documentary   

Editorial Review

When Read more

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Fabulous look into someone's head
The video is like opening the top of the artists heads and getting the chance to swim around in them a bit.The video leaves no questions as to the tremendous level of creativity that came from this particular time and place.I strongly recommend that this video be used at home and in the classroom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

Part concert documentary, part pop-cultural time capsule, Bert Stern's Read more

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Reviews (30)

For die-hard jazz fans
I appreciate the reviews in which it is suggested that viewers try to experience this film in a broader context--as a time capsule of an era. However, as an avid fan of Anita O'Day, I was deeply frustrated by the camera's focus on odd-looking (check out the chick eating the ice cream cone!), and apparently disinterested listeners in the audience, when the camera should have been focused on this amazing singer. Still, because O'Day--at the height of her sensuous form-- remains sadly undocumented on film, this is the best we've got.

Jazz on a Summer's Day
My personal 50s sci-fi favorite, "Invasion" is an ingenious nightmare vision that reflects the paranoia of the time created by McCarthyism.Absent of the effects that characterize more recent entries in this genre, the film remains genuinely creepy strictly on the basis of story, direction and performances.

Marks the end of the reign of Jazz
Bert Stein captures the Newport Jazz festival of 1958 in vivid color and with clarity. While jazz is the primary focus of the film, Stein does meander to the America's Cup race that was being contested off Newport at the time, along with some diversionary local flavor, which gives us a sense of what it was like to actually be there. Continuing along this vein, during the festival itself, Stein spends much of his camera time observing the audience caught unaware reacting to jazz on a summer day; after all, live music does not exist in a vacuum. It's this footage along with the incredible jazz music that makes this documentary really special. As a viewer we get to react to the music, and react to the audience reacting to the music. That girl with the seductively cute smile in the yellow dress, and that gruff man hiding behind the shades with the nervous twitch are people that we can connect to from our own personal experiences at open air summer concerts. The feeling of community one gets as the music breaks down the barriers and the sun begins to set. Stein allows his moving compositions to develop and flesh out the character of his subjects, giving us a nostalgic feeling for a time gone by that may have occurred long before we were even born. It does not matter because we are there! But this particular slice of time has special significance, because jazz would soon be replaced in popularity by Rock & Roll. We watch it happen before our eyes as a young Chuck Berry takes the stage. Backed by some excellent jazz musicians, all looking "amused" but not taking very seriously the music that would knock them off the charts for good within a couple of years. As Berry's classic Rock & Roll riffs project across the audience, young people spontaneously jump to their feet and start moving to the rhythm while their parents watch, perplexed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Drama    3. Movie    4. Music Video    5. Music Video - Jazz    6. Performance   

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Reviews (1)

Pure gold for any tap enthusiast
This was one of the first videos I got a hold of when I started tap dancing & I'm still picking up new steps every time I see this video. It is one of the few videos containing the dancing of these greats. All in all, a wonderful display of different tap styles with 3 of the best tappers ever, In my opinion.Read more

Subjects:  1. Dance    2. Music Documentaries    3. Special Interests    4. Television & Documentary   

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Subjects:  1. Music & Musicals    2. Music Documentaries    3. Music Video    4. Television & Documentary   

Editorial Review

Any fan of Richard Lester's Read more

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Reviews (50)

A Must See For Even The Casual Beatles Fan
The Beatles' First U.S. Visit is, behind "The Compleat Beatles" and their self-produced "Anthology", the most entertaining and revealing about this musical group of four doing what they were born to do, on the way to the crest of their musical creativity. The performances on the American "Ed Sullivan Show" are entertaining for fans and interesting as historical documents, but the true gems are the sequences of non-performance documentary footage of all four members of the group, Brian Epstein, and (briefly, hush-hush ;)) Cynthia Lennon. This footage provides a window into The Beatles' emotional state during this life-altering point in their career. They balance organized professionalism (largely achieved by Brian Epstein, often under-appreciated in that he was managing a musical act achieving unprecedented popularity with no precedented business or professional model) with their excitement of their success in America. Then and now, largely the Holy Grail of success in entertainment. Paul, as would seem to be his role in their entire career together, acts as a conduit between George, John, Ringo and their handlers, like encouraging Ringo to pack his suitcase thouroughly in a "mother hen" voice. Watching them listen to themselves on the radio in America, seeing footage of car-mobbing people from the INSIDE of their car, seeing John tease instrumental DJ Murray The K (none the wiser) with pervy English slang, and The "Ed Sullivan" performances themselves is priceless. Though by February 1964 they were well versed in Hotel Room culture, their upbeat moods reveal their happiness (and reported surprise) at their reception from the moment they stepped off the trans-Atlantic airplane. Seeing this week of pivotal events in rock n' roll history from is a wonderful peek behind the Beatles' curtain on par with their "Anthology" and not to be missed by any casual or greater fan. Probably, if purchased, one of the Beatles-related home media films you will find yourself repeat watching more than others. Well shot by the Maysles brothers, directed and edited. Highly recommended.

Really great stuff
This is a great documentary that a fan can watch over and over again.Although my favourite Beatles' era is their middle period (RS through MMT), followed by their late period (1968 to the end), there's a charm and sweetness to their early years as well, even though their songs were more lightweight and poppish.They also looked so alike in this period, and it's charming to see how naturally they conducted themselves in front of the camera, just four innocent boys who had recently made it big and were having a great time on their first visit to America (although George had already been on his own in 1963 to visit his sister).Nothing was faked or staged, and nothing is boring either.The wit and charm was just so natural.The documentary of outtakes is also very good, and serves to give a fuller picture of what went on during the filming.
after over 42 years
It's time for all living generations to admit that the baby-boomers were witness to the biggest and best thing in the history of show biz: the Beatles. After a few weeks on the charts , the kids' faves still fall below The Beatles positions, to this very day. Why, because it's -still- fresh. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. British Invasion    2. Documentary    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll   

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Reviews (4)

Brilliance on Brilliance
This is an incredible documentary about an amazing man.The film takes you on a ride through the histroy of jazz while telling the story of the phenomonal genius and versatility of Quincy Jones. The movie, and the life it reflects, are structured like a fine jazz number, layered and intricate with a rythem and flow gracefully linked by a unifying theme. Quincy Jones is high on music and life. Do yourself a favor and... Listen Up!!!

Brilliance on Brilliance
This is an incredible documentary about an amazing man.The film takes you on a ride through the histroy of jazz while telling the story of the phenomonal genius and versatility of Quincy Jones. The movie, and the life it reflects, are structured like a fine jazz number, layered and intricate with a rythem and flow gracefully linked by a unifying theme. Quincy Jones is high on music and life. Do yourself a favor and... Listen Up!!!

Brilliance on Brilliance
This is an incredible documentary about an amazing man.The film takes you on a ride through the histroy of jazz while telling the story of the phenomonal genius and versatility of Quincy Jones. The movie, and the life it reflects, are structured like a fine jazz number, layered and intricate with a rythem and flow gracefully linked by a unifying theme. Quincy Jones is high on music and life. Do yourself a favor and... Listen Up!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Musical Features   

Editorial Review

If any artist deserved a hagiography it was Jimi Hendrix, and Joe Boyd's1973 "authorized" tribute adequately sanctifies the legend. Perversely for adocumentary, it achieves this simply through well-chosen concert footage ratherthan through the insights of the various talking heads. Pete Townshend, EricClapton, Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, and Germaine Greer are all wheeled out to waxlyrical about their days with Jimi, but nothing is more eloquent than watchingand listening to him play. From "Hey Joe" in grainy black and white on theRead more

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Reviews (42)

GREAT DOCUMENTARY FOR THE CURIOUS HENDRIX BEGINNER AS WELL AS THE HENDRIX DIEHARDS!
Since today is 2 October 2006, before I start my whole review, I would like to take this opportunity in wishing my Dad a very Happy Birthday. My Dad has been the biggest inspiration in my life and I will NEVER forget what he has done for me. There is no man I respect more. Love You Dad, J.L.
stuff
I really enjoyed this movie.It has tons of footage of Jimi at his best, his most impressive.Every time I see this guy perform it blows me away.There never was another before or since who could do the original and amazing things he did with the guitar.Outstanding film.The only thing bad about it is that occasionally the segue from one scene to the next is choppy.Other than that I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in the life of Hendrix.

Aunique and definative documentry
It could be said that this film only scratches the surface of Hendrix's life story but having read a few biographies I would say the important stuff is all there in this film. Hendrix had an un-nurturing, improverished childhood and a hard struggle to the top of his game. But this film concentrates largely on the happier aspects of his life, particularly his music, his success and hints at the rest. And that's all you really need to know.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Music Video    5. Music Video (Concert/Performance)    6. Performance    7. Pop    8. Psychedelic    9. Rock    10. Rock & Roll   

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Reviews (2)

excellent overall intro to John Cage
This 56-minute documentary on America's most controversial and unique composer manages to cover a great many aspects of Cage's work and thought. His love for mushrooms, his Zen beliefs and use of the I Ching, and basicbio details are all explained intelligently and dynamically. BlackMountain, Buckminster Fuller, Rauschenberg, Duchamp are mentioned. YokoOno, John Rockwell, Laurie Anderson, Richard Kostelanetz make appearances.Fascinating performance sequences include Margaret Leng-Tan performing onprepared piano, Merce Cunningham and company, and performances of Credo InUs, Water Music, and Third Construction. Demystifies the man who made musicfrom silence, from all sounds, from life.

john cage-what a interesting guy
This is a interesting movie about a wonderfully strange man (I wish I could have known). It made me look at a lot of things differently. Be open minded if your going to watch it though-he isn't your average entertainer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical Artists    2. Documentary    3. Movie    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Concerts   

Editorial Review

Accompanied by a menagerie of products, Ken Burns's expansive 10-episode paean, Read more

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Reviews (133)

Great Study on Black History
The best thing I like about this documentary is that it is a great study on black History. But it needed to deliver more on what it was supposed to be Jazz Music. I can't believe he left out the great jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Left out Roland Kirk and Keith Jarrett. very little on dave Brubeck. Should have talked about classic Jazz Albums like Kind of blue, Time out (with the song Take Five) A Love Supreme, My favourite things, bitches Brew etc. Also nothing on Milt Jackson and the great Modern Jazz Quartet. Ken burns must realize there's is more to jazz than just the big band swing era. But still a great study on black history which makes it worthwhile just for that alone. and nothing on jazz hip hop. songs like doo bop song(miles Davis) and Jazz thing (gang Starr)

Great Place to Learn about the Older Jazz
This series is fantastic.Many reviewers have criticized it as being dogmatic in its pandering to earlier styles of jazz while panning later ones.This criticism is valid to some degree.I think it provides a great service, howerver, despite its shortcomings.I loved jazz since I was a child, and started buying jazz records in the late 1970s at the age of about 19.Nobody in my family had a great appreciation of this music. At that time it was somewhat difficult to get a handle on the development of jazz through the swing period to the fusion period at that time.The older stuff was generally out of print, etc.Learing about bop was like an archeologist looking at shards of pottery.So a documentary like this is great in this instance; it advanced my knowle