Virtuosity

Description

He's a composite of some 200 personalities, each and every one a notorious killer. He's Sid 6.7, a virtual reality creation designed to put L.A. police officers to the test. But Sid isn't playing games anymore. He's escaped the bounds of cyberspace. And if you think he's unconquerable in the world of bits and bytes, wait till you see what Sid has in store for a world of flesh and blood. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe square off on opposite sides of the law and on both sides of reality in this thunderous cyber-age thriller from the director of The Lawnmower Man. Crowe (L.A. Confidential) plays Sid: Sadistic, Intelligent, Dangerous - and able to take a licking and keep on kicking because he can regenerate his silicon-based body parts. Washington portrays Parker Barnes, a Los Angeles cop who once took the law into his own hands... and now carries the fate of the city in them. It's his job to shut Sid down. But how do you stop the virtually unstoppable?

Customer Reviews:

Okay, But Not Great Sci-Fi Thriller.......2007-04-12

With Virtuosity having Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, you would think, or at least hope that this would be an all-time classic. But instead, this film is a fairly solid, not bad, but not great film, where special effects and an overwrought screenplay almost upend two of the best actors of our generation.

In Virtuosity, a world of the future has developed a novel way to train police officers. They take a computer program and imbue it with the personalities of over 100 serial killers, and put officers into virtual reality training using the model, known as SID 6.7. As these things tend to go in science fiction films, artificial intelligence runs amok, and Sid 6.7 implants himself in an android and goes on a rampage.

The only solution to thwart SID 6.7 is using an ex-cop, Parker Barnes, who been in jail for a while to catch. The rest of the film is a cat-and-mouse chase between SID, played by still largely unknown Crowe and Barnes, played by Washington.

The film has cool special effects, an interesting plot, and two great actors anchoring the movie. But the script weighs things down, and the ending confrontation seems to go on forever. This film is not bad, but it could have been a lot better.

Great Movie!.......2006-12-08

One of the few science fiction movies that not only entertains, but carries a lot of subtle messages about the society we live in. Mr. Washington is great as the "criminal" cop, who chases down the personification of evil programmed into a software program. Mr. Crowe is also great as the composite of evil. The term "ahead of its time" does not do this one justice. Add this one to your Sci-Fi collection. But this one left me asking is their such a thing as science "fiction"?

Always Been A Classic.......2006-11-02

I believe this movie was light years ahead of it's time when it was made, great concept, awesome story line, and top dollar actors. Possibly the greatest movie ever, depending on what kind of movies you like. If you like action and technology in your movies with a little bit of suspense then you've come to the right place, buy this movie. You won't be disappointed.

Whoa!.......2006-10-12

Give a good actor a juicy role, no matter how tacky the vehicle is, and watch him go! Russell Crowe, who here gives Rutger Hauer some stiff competition in the psycho department, (think Roy Batty from "Blade Runner" and "The Hitcher",) stars as SID 6.7 in this sci-fi adventure set SEVEN YEARS AGO. SID is a virtual reality program that the Los Angeles PD wants to use to train its officers in the ways of sociopathic perps. However, in the beginning of the movie, when we're getting all the tech exposition, SID manages, through the dastardly ministrations of his programmer, to work his neural net into an actual self-regenerating android, able to wreak havoc on the city. SID, standing for "Sadistic, Intelligent and Dangerous", is a compendium of hundreds of serial killers and sociopathic personalities, which makes him formidable, indeed! One of those personalities is the man who killed the wife and daughter of Parker Barnes, an ex-cop serving time for manslaughter after killing a civilian by mistake on duty. What follows is a non-stop, roller coaster cat and mouse game the minute the killer inside SID recognizes Barnes and begins to taunt him, just like the actual person did when he was alive. Because of SID's morbid attachment to Barnes, the LAPD tech dept., that created SID, LETAC, recruits Barnes to go after him after he starts to wreak havoc on the city.

Russel Crowe chews the scenery like a barracuda on uppers as he relishes every saidstic, evil deed SID performs in this movie. Washington's performance is phoned in, but he still acquits himself nicely, getting the job done. The ending is tense as all get-out, with you not knowing exactly what's real and what isn't in the film, and there are a few twists taken with this premise, but I guarantee you, you will be on the edge of your seat with this flick, a flick that seemed to jumpstart Crowe's career and was a bit of slumming for Denzel Washington, who had already won an Oscar for his work in "Glory" and was well on his way to becoming a latter day legend. I can't help thinking that this movie started a competition between the two actors, who seem to have been in a status race SINCE this movie, as if Parker and SID are still chasing each other!

The plot thickens!!

"GOD, THIS GUY IS FUN !".......2006-04-25

This movie its highly enetertaining.
Crowes performance its CRAZY!
I love him as Sid 6.7 This is a Really COOL flick!

Average customer rating:

Great Player/Average Teacher

Country Telecaster Virtuosity
Starring: Ray Flacke
Manufacturer: Homespun Tapes
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

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( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Music Video & Concerts | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

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Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000A0GXKQ
Release Date: 2005-06-24

Book Description

Here are the electric guitar techniques that will add hot solos and powerful drive to any country or rock band! Ray Flacke teaches the mind-boggling licks that have made him highly sought-after for record dates, jingles and live gigs on the Nashville scene for more than thirty years. 90-MIN. * INCLUDES MUSIC + TAB * EARLY INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Customer Reviews:

Great Player/Average Teacher.......2006-03-16

Flacke is an excellent hot rod Tele player and you can definitely learn some useful licks/techniques here thanks in no small part to the inclusion of the booklet containing Standard/TAB notation for most of the examples. Thank God Happy Traum was there to pull explanations out of Ray because he does not appear inclined to really break down what he is doing. The first song is in an alternate tuning which means at least 4 out of 5 people who buy the video will never really work that one out. For $10 less you can get "Hot Nashville Guitar" with Steve Travato which is much better. Steve is a monster player AND a real teacher (at USC)and he breaks down licks better than anyone else I have seen to date on video or DVD including Arlen Roth. Travato also has a book with a CD called "Country Solos for Guitar" which is also worth owning if you are an aspiring Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Johnny Hiland freak!!

Variety and Virtuosity: American Ballet Theatre Now [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

DANCE WITH THE STARS, title given in Taiwan
A Must Have for 2 main highlights, but not the best
Great variety and picture quality.
Angel Corella dazzles in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux!
A gala record, reference point, and joy to watch

Variety and Virtuosity: American Ballet Theatre Now [Region 2]
Starring: Natalya Makarova , Susan Jaffe , José Carreño , Kevin McKenzie (II) , and John Gardner (XIV)
Director: Judy Kinberg , and Thomas Grimm
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0000541Y6

Amazon.com

This is a dazzling display of choreographic and dancing virtuosity, presenting nearly 20 soloists and an excellent precise corps in traditional and modern ballet highlights. The American Ballet Theatre is a thoroughly international company, "bringing together," as Natalia Makarova says in an introduction, "the best dancers and choreographers from all over the world."

That ambitious claim is fully justified by brilliant performances, ranging from Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake to the world premiere of Nacho Duato's postmodern Remanso for three rather athletic male dancers, Anthony Tudor's exquisite The Leaves Are Fading, the sentimental Cruel World of James Kudelka, and the dreamlike Balcony Scene from Sir Kenneth MacMillan's (and Prokofiev's) Romeo and Juliet. Most of the numbers are pas de deux; women are spotlighted (notably Susan Jaffe, Amanda McKerrow, and Julie Kent), but men get in some impressive steps besides doing the heavy lifting. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

DANCE WITH THE STARS, title given in Taiwan.......2007-07-12

The American Ballet Theatre came to Taiwan in the year 2000. Unfortunately, I was in Bangkok, Thailand; I was planning to move back there for good because all my relatives are there, but didn't make it because I couldn't afford the medical bills there. However, I bought the DVD produced by a Taiwanese company to celebrate the occasion of ABT's present in Taipei, Taiwan with a different title as noted above.

I have just read most of the reviews by AMAZON customers; everybody seems to have different favorite program of the show. I am of no exception, my most favorite item is 'Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1'. I have every reason to like this piece more than the others. The Bruch concerto is one of the most beautiful violin concertos. The choreography complements the music perfectly with lively quick and yet elegant steps and movements. Ethan Stiefel and Ashley Tuttle may have very short solo dance and yet you simply look how graceful and nimble Ethan moves his legs, and you just can't but admire his skill as a dancer. Next, Ashley Tuttle whirls herself in nonstop pirouette in betweens jumps up and kicks one leg up behind her back so nimbly and swiftly as if she is weightless. I don't know about you, but for me it's just wonderful to watch both of them. They even have Angel Correla and paloma herrera to support them.
And ,of course, Julie Kent and Robert Hill the second lead couple. Both of them from the ultra modern 'Cruel World' to this graceful classical number, the transformation is complete and accomplished; from the awkward modern steps to the graceful classic. I can detect the contented expression on Robert Hill's face and the accomplished classical movements of Julie Kent. I just love this program, I can't have enough of it, the more I watch it the more I like it.

I said something about Ethan Stiefel in the ABT/Kirov Swan Lake review of his being looking very much like a prince. Here, before the program each star dancer has a chance to express his or her idea about dancing and the ABT. Just look at Ethan's close up, doesn't he look like a character ,a handsome prince for that matter, from a fairy tale, especially those beautiful, trustworthy blue eyes and that proper short haircut, it's the undeniable testimony of my opinion of his being perfect for the role of the prince in the new 'Sleeping Beauty' DVD. He was in his mid twenties in that DVD, He is now 35, and he is not going to get any younger. Please, give him a chance.

A Must Have for 2 main highlights, but not the best.......2007-02-02

POLONAIS/Sleeping Beauty: other than showing off a whole lot of sparkling costumes and blond wigs, all this does is show a company giving due tribute to Natalia Makarova (one of the greatest ballerinas). I usually skip it.

BLACK SWAN/Swan Lake: I've always liked Susan Jaffe, so it's a pleasure to see that another of her performances was preserved before she retired. And I hate to say this, but she does show her age here compared to other younger dancers' versions of this same grand pas de deux. Jose Carreno (sp?) is fabulous! His technique, artistry, musicality, and expression are always among the best.

THE LEAVES ARE FADING: It was also nice to see another of Amanda McKerrow's performances preserved. She has such a lightness of being on stage. And being partnered by her husband John Gardner made this tender and loving. But in terms of technique, Assylmiratova's version in "Essential Ballet" is far superior.

CRUEL WORLD: I'd never seen this pas de deux before, and I like James Kudelka's choreography, so I was very happy to see this included. Julie Kent is lovely and polished, as always. Robert Hill didn't have much actual dancing; he's more of a glorified porter for Kent in this. But it is a beautiful piece with equally beautiful music.

REMANSO: one of the great highlights! I was also unfamiliar with this, so it was a true treat; especially in that it features Vladimir Malakhov (as well as Parish Maynard and Keith Roberts). Beautifully danced to an almost simplistic piano solo, it is both sweet and passionate. The dancers do an exceptional job, considering that some of the choreography could come off as downright silly if danced by lesser men.

BALCONY PAS DE DEUX/Romeo and Juliet: I adore watching Alessandra Ferri dance, and she is always well paired with Julio Bocca. But in this particular performance, both seem a bit jaded as if relying more on muscle memory than anything else to get through the piece. I've seen them perform the full ballet live (and it blew me away), so perhaps this is why my opinion is what it is. Perhaps to fresh eyes, it will look as lovely as they ever perform it.

GRAND PAS DE DEUX/Don Quixote: the other highlight, and the real reason why I gave this DVD 5 stars! Angel Corella is the epitome of Basilo, and Paloma Herrera is a cute and kittenish Kitri. They show us how Don Q should always be performed: full-out bravura dancing with playful acting and sexual chemistry. I also liked the musical rendition of Kitri's solo (the usual form in the Nureyev versions is so tinkly and tinny), and that Paloma uses Baryshnikov's choreography.

THIRD MOVEMENT/Bruch Violin Concerto No 1: beautiful costumes in this piece, but the dancing was mediocre compared to other ABT company pieces. Ethan Stiefel shows us his great technique, and the Kent/Hill partnership is well done here. But I tend to skip this one too.

While I'm always interested to hear what other dancers feel and think about the roles they represent, I wish all of the interviews had been collated and put in a separate bonus feature rather than interspersed throughout. It would have left more time for actual top notch dancing, and that's what we look to ABT to see.

Great variety and picture quality........2006-12-05

I love this DVD. But despite a wonderful display of virtuosity, these dancers still don't compare to the great Russian dancers of the Kirov and the Bolshoi (companies which both need to be producing more DVD's). Highlights of this DVD are the amazing Don Q pas de deux with stunning balances and turns, The Cruel World pas de deux with awesome choreogaphy and artistry, and Romanso with strong male dancers, beautiful choreography and music. One of the lowlights of this DVD are the Leave are Fading pas de deux with Amanda McKerrow and husband. If you want to see a truly artistic and technically accomplished version of this piece, see Assylmiratova's version in "Essential Ballet". Susan Jaffe's black swan is also weak compared to many other versions available (namely Julia Makhalina, Gillian Murphy and Svetlana Zakharova), though Jose Correno is magnificent.

Angel Corella dazzles in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux!.......2006-03-14

Angel Corella, unquestionably one of the most thrilling dancers the world had ever seen, is breath-taking in this beautiful and exciting Don Quixote pas de deux (with Paloma Herrera.)

Is there more to this DVD than just this Pas? You bet! And it is a must-buy for any ballet lover.

A gala record, reference point, and joy to watch.......2005-12-16

As with several other ABT rep. programs and galas captured for television, this DVD contains several pas de deux, an ensemble piece, and in this case, the pas de trois "Remanso". And as with galas and rep. programs, it is a mix of classical and neo-classical choreography. The interspersed interviews with the Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and the dancers provide context: roles, preparation, importance to ABT's repertoire, and biographical info re both dancers and choreographer's intent. As an overview of ABT's vast eclectic repertoire and intro to ballet in general, it is an excellent dvd to own--and the strength and technique of the dancers is also well worth viewing. But the MOST important use of this dvd is when it is viewed in comparison to other ABT performances (available on similar dvd's) of the same pieces...

BLACK SWAN: It is wonderful that Susan Jaffe (sadly now retired) was captured on this dvd with the always impeccable partnering and technique of Jose Manuel Carreno. Her beautiful extensions, relish in the role, and slinky grace are very much evident. Is it the ultimate fluid grace of Cynthia Gregory and bravura of Fernando Bujones (What a shock his passing was! How sad.)on the video/dvd "ABT in San Francisco"? Or Makarova? Or the technical mastery of Gillian Murphy in the recent HD performance for PBS? No, but that's why balletomanes view different casts, to compare. Personally, Carreno still does the most complex controlled (dare I say difficult?) improvs to the standard male variation of most present/previous ABT casts.

ROMEO & JULIET Balcony Sc.: Of course the Ferri-Bocca partnership is legend at ABT and around the world. But I am sorry, this performance looked majorly under-rehearsed. Even Ms. Ferri herself, says they don't need to rehearse or speak often. Ok, they have done it countless times in the last twenty years; but if not together in a while, timing/placement issues will arise. And that's what's visible here. The placement on many of the lifts looks rushed, glossed over, and a bit uncomfortable. The follow thru and epaulement is missing. All in all, the fluidity and flow through each move and phrase to the end of this beautiful pas de deux is sometimes rather choppy. How can I say this? Because I have seen them dance much better elsewhere. And when this performance is viewed in comparison to the Ferri/Corella pairing at La Scala, those slips are more evident. Though taken at a faster clip, (with a better orchestra), the Ferri/Corella Balcony pas de deux is probably the more perfect technically and dramatically. Of course, both Ferri and Bocca are accomplished actors and this performance is fine in that department, if a little overdone. (That's to be expected from dancers so comfortable in the roles and with each other.) Comparisons can also be made with Ferri/Eagling 15 years earlier,and even an excerpt of Kent/Stiefel on the "CenterStage" dvd. (I except Fonteyn/Nureyev which stands alone.)

LEAVES ARE FADING: A lovely performance by a lovely dancer, Amanda McKerrow, who embodies Tudor's eloquent choreography as naturally as breathing. That she is partnered by her husband, John Gardner, only makes it more special for the delicacy and trust evident in their partnering. An excerpt that makes one yearn for the entire piece. It brought back memories of Gelsey: different, bolder, but still amazing. Other Tudor pieces by ABT are available on dvd for comparison, it not "Leaves..." entirely.

DON QUIXOTE Grand Pas: In the interviews prefacing this performance, both Herrera and Corella admit to being young--21 (and 23?)at the time--but are they really the "unseasoned prodigies" a NY critic called them? Not in this performance! View this in comparison to the Baryshnikov/Harvey performance, and both the technique, partnering, and interplay are very much superior. Again, Corella takes things at a faster clip than Baryshnikov. Corella's speed allows more rotations in the pirouettes, and that, and his astonishing ballon make that jete entrelace/entournant amazing both for speed and precision. But watch the details in the partnering: The mirrored line in both partners' sautes, epaulement, and turn of hand & foot; the precise musical phrasing; and the joyous insouciance in the interactions between them. (Even Baryshnikov & Gelsey in '74 missed that, though technically equal.) Paloma Herrera, too, has formidible technique and she takes full advantage of the chances this pas offers, and her partner displays, with aplomb. Bravura dancing is always going to elicit loud claps and cheers, but as McKenzie notes earlier, technique is not all, and here it's the glow that emanates from both dancers, coupled with that technique that really makes this work.

REMANSO provides a different opportunity to view Malakov and Parrish in a nonclassical performance. And a chance to see Duato's choreography beyond the limited dvd's released here. Others have reviewed this, and I have no disagreements with their superlative assessments. It is a small jewel of a ballet that slyly comments on human interactions, through the comparison, contrast, and collaboration of three very talented dancers.

CRUEL WORLD and the concluding BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO lets one see the Kent/Hill partnership in action and like the other partnerships on display in this dvd, it is a joy to watch.

Finally, Ethan Stiefel's comments are always pertinenet and that very precise, powerful technique is always worthwhile viewing. It's a quick view, but it's there. Ditto, Ashley Tuttle. And yes,unfortunately, the camera gets a little sloppy in this final piece--too many bodies to watch?--though the TD seems able to punch on the beat.

So, this dvd is definately worth purchasing for a chance to view most of the current stars of ABT in performance, and to sample various classic (and soon-to-be-classic?) choreography.
Enjoy.

American Ballet Theatre Now - Variety and Virtuosity (Dance in America)

Average customer rating:

DANCE WITH THE STARS, title given in Taiwan
A Must Have for 2 main highlights, but not the best
Great variety and picture quality.
Angel Corella dazzles in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux!
A gala record, reference point, and joy to watch

American Ballet Theatre Now - Variety and Virtuosity (Dance in America)
Starring: Natalya Makarova , Susan Jaffe , José Carreño , Kevin McKenzie (II) , and John Gardner (XIV)
Director: Judy Kinberg , and Thomas Grimm
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005Y6ZB
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Amazon.com

Description

Variety and virtuosity are the key qualities of American Ballet Theatre's tradition. The company has long distinguished itself through its artistic eclecticism and its star power. In this dazzling program, leading American Ballet Theatre dancers are joined by guest artists to perform highlights from the company's 20th century repertoire, including romantic, classical and contemporary pieces as well as the premiere of a new piece by Nacho Duato.

Customer Reviews:

DANCE WITH THE STARS, title given in Taiwan.......2007-07-12

A Must Have for 2 main highlights, but not the best.......2007-02-02

Great variety and picture quality........2006-12-05

Angel Corella dazzles in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux!.......2006-03-14

A gala record, reference point, and joy to watch.......2005-12-16

Average customer rating:

Virtuosity - Laser Disc

Manufacturer: Paramount Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Collectibles | Categories |
Product Features:

Laser Disc

ASIN: B000E326MI

Product Description

The front cover features a serious face of Denzel Washington and Sid, the virtual reality creation, on a black background. The back cover has four scenes; Kelly Lynch talking on the telephone, a profile of Denzel armed with a pistol and in shooting stance, Danzel and Russel Crowe in fighting positions, and Russel Crowe as Sid holding a gun. The back cover has the contents of each side of the laser disc and the movie description. "He's a composit of some 200 personalities, each and every one a notorious killer. He's Sid 6.7, a virtual reality creation designed to put L.A. police officers to the test. But Sid isn't playing games anymore. He's escaped the bounds of syberspace. And if you think he's unconquerable in the world of bits and bytes, wait till you see what Sid has in store for the world of flesh and blood. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe square off on opposite sides of the law and on both sides of reality in this thounderous cyber-age thiller from the director of "The Lawnmower Man." Crowe plays Sid: Sadistic, Intelligent, Dangerous - and able to take a licking and keep on kicking because he can regenerate his silicon-based body parts. Washington portrays Parker Barnes, a Los Angeles cop who once took the law into his own hands ... and now carries the fate of the city in them. It's his job to shut Sid down. But how do you stop the virtually unstoppable?" "A Must-See that packs a real wallop! A virtual Sci-Fi roller coaster of stupendous thrills." Ron Brewington, American Urban Radio.

Average customer rating:

Okay, But Not Great Sci-Fi Thriller
Great Movie!
Always Been A Classic
Whoa!
"GOD, THIS GUY IS FUN !"

Virtuosity [Region 2]
Starring: Denzel Washington , Kelly Lynch , Russell Crowe , Stephen Spinella , and William Forsythe
Director: Brett Leonard
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000058E3G

Customer Reviews:

Okay, But Not Great Sci-Fi Thriller.......2007-04-12

Great Movie!.......2006-12-08

Always Been A Classic.......2006-11-02

Whoa!.......2006-10-12

"GOD, THIS GUY IS FUN !".......2006-04-25

This movie its highly enetertaining.
Crowes performance its CRAZY!
I love him as Sid 6.7 This is a Really COOL flick!

DVD:

DVD

DVD