Tempest

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A burnt-out architect (the peerlessly unhinged John Cassavetes) tries to get away from it all on a seemingly idyllic Greek isle in this extremely loose-limbed adaptation of Shakespeare's play. This pleasantly rambling, exquisitely lit portrayal of the middle-aged-crazies is rather broad even by writer-director Paul Mazursky's estimable standards, but Cassavetes's wholly unpredictable performance keeps the considerable preciousness from ever getting too thick. (He's aided by a uniformly wonderful cast, including Gena Rowlands, Susan Sarandon, Molly Ringwald, and especially Raul Julia as a wacked-out lech of a goatherd.) Not recommended for people trying to get out of reading the source material (for that, try the sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet), but patient viewers will find plenty of rewards amid the schmaltz. --Andrew Wright

Product Description

This modernistic fantasy-drama, is about a New York architect Phillip (John Cassavetes), who is fedup with city living. He takes his wife Antonia (Gena Rowlands), an actress, and their daughter, Miranda (Molly Ringwald in her debut), to Greece to a barren island. There he meets a singer and a hermit and others who land on the island when the boat is shipwrecked.

Customer Reviews:

John Cassavettes at his finest!!.......2007-08-20

I first saw this movie in my early 20's and it was my first experience watching cable TV. The movie tended to be a bit disjointed in parts, mostly due to the fact that the actual story line is told through a series of character flashbacks and memories. Once you understand that, I found the movie quite intriguing on many different levels. The great initial attraction to the movie for me was the absolutely beautiful Greek Isles and scenery shots which were totally breathtaking. I wanted to go to Greece with them.

On another level, many subliminal jokes intertwined into a dramatic/tragic tale of a man(Cassavettes) who has a mid-life crisis, finding he does not like who he is anymore and has a difficult time due to his chronic depression and lack of fulfillment in life, and just feeling his age. Money does not make him happy. Cassavettes conveys a very strong presence in this movie, and I think a large part of Cassavettes's personality is a part of this character he portrays. The character, Phillip, decides to get away from his troubles and moves to Greece for the summer.

This film is the first for Molly Ringwald, who plays Miranda, and does an absolutely outstanding job. Gena Rowlands, Susan Sarandon, Raul Julia, Sam Robards, Vittorio Gassman, and really the entire cast fit so well into the story, and are all believable. Excellent acting all around. Observing Phillip(Cassavettes), becoming so lost in the nature around him and totally preoccupied in baseball, while the rest of his life is falling apart, is so heart wrenching. There are many memorable lines, and my favorite is when Phillip goes to talk to his dad about his troubles and his dad tells a joke, "What is the definition of Jewish foreplay?" Phillip shrugs his shoulders and the dad says, "Four hours of baking!" I also thought the doctor for the rich tycoon had a great line when Phillip asked him why he doesn't quit his job, and his answer is: "I have expensive fantasies." Well, in some ways, we all do.

Brilliant directing by Paul Mazursky and great filming of Greece. Definitely not a movie for children due to mature subject matter, and a goat is killed on film as well. I really did not like that part, so be aware if it might make you squeamish. Not a great movie if you need a good chuckle,or feel down, but, a thoughtful tale of how real life can be for many, with good lessons on seeking out what matters in a person's life. A completely under-rated movie, showcasing the masterful actor that John Cassavettes truly is. I dearly enjoyed this film, one of a kind. I hope you will as well.

A movie that will take you away to Greece and on several journeys with each character, in their own searches for happiness is a sad world.

Rambling, occasionally interesting.......2007-08-10

In this loose (emphasis on loose, for sure) adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest, John Cassevetes takes on the Prospero role for all it's worth and delivers a piercing performance as Philip Demetrios, successful architect with a failed marriage. He moves with his daughter Miranda (Molly Ringwald in her first film appearance) to a Greek island where he meets the beautiful Aretha Tomalin (Susan Sarandon in the Ariel role) and promptly hooks up with her, as they say.

On hand as well is Raul Julia as Calibanos, a goatherd who exhibits one of the more representative characteristics of "goatness", namely, lust, but also evokes Zorba in his dancing, his use of the term "boss" to refer to Phil, and other stuff; he's utterly convincing as a Greek native. His name is the obvious link to the Shakespeare character.

At 140 minutes, this does tend to ramble in a number of places. But Cassevetes, Sarandon, and Julia are strong enough actors to carry it and make it shine in more places than it rambles. Cassevetes' real-life wife Gena Rowlands is also here as his movie wife; their marriage breaks up, the impetus for his flight to Greece. Rowlands is also very good, as is Vittorio Gassman as Rowlands' new lover--who, as it turns out, is Phil's boss in New York City before Phil's departure. The director, Paul Mazursky, shows up as a movie producer (big stretch...).

If you don't mind a laid back script that lets the characters talk about a lot of stuff that is not necessarily punchy, then this is the movie for you. It's not bad, but in my opinion, could have been tightened up by at least 20 minutes, more like half an hour. Not bad at all--but not great.

Subtle hilarity!.......2007-07-27

Set on a beautiful Greek Island, this somewhat surreal plotline is the perfect vehicle for outstanding performances by John Cassavetes and Raul Julia.

YES! Finally out on DVD !!.......2007-06-30

This movie is one of the most entertaining I've ever watched.
I've waited years for it's release. I've asked for it many times
over the years in the video stores and no one has ever had a copy.
Do yourself a favor and rent or buy this one ....... it's a pearl!

Cassavettes & Co. "Show Us The Magic!".......2007-05-28

A brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare's play. The ensemble cast of regulars from the glory days Cassavettes' independent films are well represented - included the ageless Gena Rowlands. Casting Raul Julia as Calibanos was inspired. He creates a hilarious and utterly humane character that is as over-sexed and under-loved as it gets. However, part of director Paul Mazursky's "magic" is to blend the "independents" with Hollywood. Susan Sarandon and Molly Ringwald round out this pitch perfect ensemble cast. This version of "The Tempest" is among the best adaptations of Shakespeare on DVD today. Contrast it with Peter Greenaway's "Prospero's Books" to see how versatile this play really is.

Average customer rating:

Dissapointment
More like snippits from 80's rock videos than bellydance
A new dimension of bellydance - mystery & intrigue
Got goth? If not , then get off the stage
Mystery and Beauty

Gothic Bellydance
Starring: Ayshe , Ariellah , Asharah , Blanca , and Jehan
Manufacturer: StratoStream - WorldDance New York
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ASIN: B000E36TDK
Release Date: 2006-03-30

Product Description

Stark...sublime...intense. The phenomenon of Gothic Bellydance or Raks Gothique is a multitude of poetic visions born out of the Goth, or Gothic, subculture, music, imagery and fashion, and expressed in the language of Bellydance.

Modern "Bellydance" is an amalgam of historical dance styles coming from both East and West. Its diverse vocabulary allows the dancer to experiment with the widest range of creative movement, musical trends and cultural elements. A century after its arrival in the West, the art of Bellydance is emerging as a new world of unconstrained creative experimentation. No longer bound by its ethnic origins, it is one of the fastest-growing and most artistically-open contemporary dance forms.

Gothic Bellydance incorporates many Bellydance styles and motifs: Cabaret, Tribal Fusion, modern dance, echoes of Gypsy dance, Flamenco, Asian, and Indian dance all called to express the darkness of the unknown, and the mysteries of life, death, and eternity that have inspired Goth philosophies and lifestyles.

This first of its kind, groundbreaking collaborative project brings you the work of innovative and uncompromising dark fusion artists including a number of the recognized pioneers of Gothic Bellydance. The DVD features Tempest, and Ariellah of California; Asharah, Ya Meena and Raven of Washington, DC; Jeniviva, Ayshe, Jehan, Tanna, Blanca and Neon of New York City, as well as music by outstanding composers and performers including Solace, Jehan, Collide, Knossos and Gypsy Caravan.

Enter our dark labyrinth and meet an exotic array of striking characters and creatures: Souls possessed by an ancient evil spirit; a black-winged fallen angel; an incarnation of Kali and Isis; a leopard-woman from the island of Dr. Moreau; a tormented silent movie vamp; a Gothic Lolita in love with Death; a wanderer in spiritual exile; a snake morphing into a human; a seeker violated and redeemed by divine domination; a Siren exercis

Customer Reviews:

Dissapointment.......2007-08-08

I was so excited to get this dvd. What a let down. The dancing, for the most part, was just not up to par. The S&M bit involved very little dance, mostly just wondering around the "dungeon" caressing various items, WHATEVER! My 2 stars go to some of the interesting costuming and concepts.

More like snippits from 80's rock videos than bellydance.......2007-07-07

Good try but this entire video is less bellydance and more like open stage at a local goth club. I expected quite a bit more. It's not an instructional video, not a bellydance video, just one dancer at a time performing very slow and uninteresting routines.

A new dimension of bellydance - mystery & intrigue.......2007-06-23

I was interested in the DVD because I'm a bellydancer. My main style is "Egyptian cabaret" but I have an appreciation and interest in ALL types of bellydancing. I enjoyed this DVD. The imagery, costumes, and the dancing were, to me, interesting and different. I was feeling the whole "welcome to our dark realm" vibe. I would have given it five stars except for that S&M piece. Believe me, I am no prude. However, as a bellydancer, I am constantly working on educating the public that this dance is a respectful art form, appropriate as family style entertainment. Respectful bellydancers can perform their art at summer festivals and parades, not dark smokey rooms with a stage with a pole in the middle of it. Shame on whoever thought the S&M piece was a great idea! Other than that, I really, really liked it. Too bad I couldn't give it five stars.

Got goth? If not , then get off the stage.......2007-06-17

The two stars go to the only 2 dancers who belonged on this DVD, namely Ariellah and Tempest (who rightfully claimed the video cover). Gothic bellydance is something they feel and do, and this shows in their work. Expecting to find more dancers of the gothic style, I was greatly disappointed. Most of the other dancers do not appear to routinely practice the gothic style, and were probably just added as big name fillers. I'm not knocking their ability to dance, they just don't exude the darkness. And all the black corsetting and graveyard backdrops will never change that. You can hide the identities of true gothic bellydancers with veils over their heads, and you'll still be able to pick them out of the lineup (referring to Tempest's and Ariellah's duet performance). There are plenty of performance videos of more traditional bellydancing for the other drama queens to boast of their participation. There are plans for a second performance video; hopefully it'll be better. I'd settle for all performances by Ariellah and Tempest, but if they could recruit others like them, it would be a real treat. No more commercial goth wannabes; they are easily spotted. Get off the dance floor, and let the real gothic bellydancers show you how it's done.

Mystery and Beauty.......2007-05-19

This intriguing collection of dances and imagery will delight anyone who likes to feast on beauty and wonder at the great mystery in dance of controlled flexibility, when a dancer has such impeccable technique that the most difficult movement is made to look easy, as in the slow melting choreography in Asharah's exquisite "Exiled," the fascintaing dancing of Ariellah, who sometimes seems not to possess bones in her liquid arms, the stunning mastery of Neon's isolations, and Tempest's sumptuous "Homage to Theda." There are many other gorgeous dances in this DVD, among them Ya Meena and Raven's "Shawaza," where they are so well coordinated that even the folds of their jewel toned blue and red costumes have a synchronized flow, and the teaming of Ariellah and Tempest in "Ritual Means." There is hardly a moment in "Gothic Bellydance" that is not visually rewarding, and though Jehan's "Goddessence" is my least favorite because of its theme and its minimum dance content, Jehan is a bellydance diva, not only as a dancer who is always interesting to watch, but also as musician, and some of the lovely pieces heard on this DVD are her compositions.

The production is superb, with outstanding camera work and lighting, and most of all, incredibly skillful editing, which keeps one's eye interested, but never overpowers or interferes with the dance itself. The costumes are glorious, and some with such richness and texture they look like butterfly wings or the imaginary wardrobe of Scheherazade; the fabulous "wings" in Ayshe's "Kali/Isis" are breathtaking. One has the option of seeing entire program of 20 dances in sequence under the "Enter" tab, or by performer in alphabetical order under the "Visions" tab, which includes a biography and other material on the artists. For bellydance enthusiasts who want to watch something unique, "Gothic Bellydance" is a treat with a touch of the edgy and odd in it.

Average customer rating:

"Art is About Expression"
Belly dancers, save your money
Cool, cool, cool
Perhaps call it intermediate level?
Fun and easy to follow

Bellydance for the Beautiful Freaks
Starring: Tempest
Manufacturer: StratoStream - WorldDance New York
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ASIN: B000GJ26G6
Release Date: 2006-09-06

Product Description

For the free spirits and the urban rebels, for Beautiful Freaks of every persuasion who revel in the unusual and the unique, welcome to an offering of self-expression through dance. Join Tempest, a pioneer of Gothic Bellydance in the US, to learn steps and combinations based on the vocabulary of bellydance and adapted to look awesome on a club dancefloor.

Bellydance is an ancient dance of sensuality, body awareness, and cultural blending. In the course of its long history, it has experienced celebration, exaltation, rejection, and ban. It has been worshipped. It has been damned. It has traveled continent to continent and become infused with the wealth of many cultures. If you are looking for a movement style that is different, darkly-exotic and sophisticated, yet feels natural and can be easily modified to fit your individual body language, dance, and clothing style, Belly Dance For Beautiful Freaks will bring you the dance club experience you are seeking - and may inspire you to delve deeper into the world of creative movement.

You can bellydance to any kind of music, from ambient and ethereal to the most pounding hardcore. Whatever mood you need to match, Bellydance for Beautiful Freaks has the engaging, expressive movements you want. Bellydance is a great way to increase your energy level: Even casual social dancing tones the body -- as well as the mind.

If you are a dancer interested in Raks Gothique, or Gothic Bellydance, welcome home. Captured by a camera lens, may this be a glimpse of the realm where - across age groups and national borders - we share our vision of Gothic Bellydance as both social and performance dance - the beautiful, soul-capturing, inspiring art. Enjoy performances by Tempest, hear her thoughts on projecting our individuality through dance, and reflect on the long path the Beautiful Freaks of the world have traversed to create the dance culture we call our own.

Set to amazing Gothic, Industrial, Dark

Customer Reviews:

"Art is About Expression".......2007-08-15

What you will learn most from this marvelous DVD is not so much about bellydance technique, but style. Tempest has a sumptuous, dramatic and elegant style, that also has a whimsical, mischievous side to it...she is both sophisticated and witty in her dancing, and has a sensual grace and beauty in her movements few get to equal. Tempest's arms and hands are exquisite, and she makes a point of emphasizing how important "pretty hands" are and to be aware of the position they are in while dancing.

One of the most valuable sections in this DVD, of benefit not only for bellydancers, but for any type of performer, is "Gothic Bellydance Expression Workshop," where Tempest talks about facial expressiveness, how to convey a "deep sense of drama," the type of smile one should use, and much more. One can see she has had a variety of different dance disciplines that have influenced her, especially Spanish flamenco, which she mentions in this section.

Contents: #1: A "Welcome," where Tempest among other things discusses footwear (the warm-up is done barefoot, the combinations in both platform heels and a pair of killer boots). #2: A nice warm-up that starts with a breathing exercise and has stretches and isolations. #3: 2 slow combinations (lovely and ideal for a beginning student), and 2 fast combinations, that are more in the "punk/industrial" mode. All 4 are demonstrated and then broken down step-by-step. #4: The "Gothic Bellydance Expression Workshop" mentioned above. #5: 2 fabulous performances, that one can watch again and again and never tire of. The first is one where Tempest looks like a honkey tonk saloon girl with a modern day twist, and the second one has the classic appearance of a woman on a Wedgewood vase. Well produced, the teaching sections of this DVD are presented without a horizon line, so that Tempest floats on a blue background, and the music is always interesting and appropriate. Tempest teaches and performs the "...darker, more dramatic side of bellydance," but also says "The most important thing is to have fun." This DVD will make a unique and wonderful addition to your dance instruction DVD library.

Belly dancers, save your money.......2007-08-13

I like Raks Gothique (Gothic Bellydance) and enjoy Tempest's website of the same name so I was looking forward to getting this video and studying her technique. I was, however, extremely disappointed with the DVD. As a Middle Eastern dancer and teacher for the past 25 years, I was appalled to see how badly the movements were broken down. In several cases, I'm not sure that Tempest herself really knew what movement she was trying to teach. For example, is the "Paisley" supposed to be a ribcage Figure 8 with one loop larger than the other or is it supposed to be an undulation to the side combined with a quarter turn to the front (a move favored by many tribal dancers)?
Tempest doesn't appear to have mastered these moves yet either. Her execution of the steps is often sloppy or awkward. A shoulder shimmy with locks or pauses, for example, should be sharp, not jerky and the arms should remain high, not drop to the waist. Likewise, hip circles should not be made so large that they rocket out of control and the hands should be energized even when they are in a down position.
Beginning Middle Eastern dancers looking to study Gothic bellydance will either be frustrated or pick up bad habits. Intermediate and advanced dancers will be disappointed. Apart from being badly done, the steps show are not particularly challenging and there is not enough demonstration of the "Gothic style", in my opinion, for anyone looking to take style tips away from this DVD.
Overall, Tempest strikes me as an intermediate dancer who began teaching before she was really ready to do so. Bottom line: save your money and don't buy this DVD.

Cool, cool, cool.......2007-08-04

After watching Ansuya's Hot Combinations DVD, my exact words were, "Hot, Hot, Hot!". Unlike her and just like her is Tempest. She's simply cool. So cool.

A friend of mine and I share our collections of DVDs as we have the same taste but this one I got as a freebie from her, at a bottom of a plastic bag. "Sell it for me or just take it, whatever" she rolled her eyes when I took it in my hands. I had a feeling about it though and I wanted to give it a shot chance, so I did. It was great.

The title does leave some space for speculation. At first, incorrectly, I thought it referred to the type I call Snowhite's-stepmother (no one's prettier than me...). In fact it teaches some interesting moves to goths at heart who need some dancefloor suggestions.

When you pop the DVD in the ROM, you see first a young woman, rather homely than beautiful, dressed in black. You may be ready to get unimpressed but Tempest's appearance is very misleading. First off, she's a brilliant dancer and a very good instructor, and there we go, she's got a sense of humor to kill.

This DVD targets those who have some dancefloor experience but don't have a lot of, if any, bellydance skills. Tempest takes 4 combinations, 2 slow and 2 fast, completely breaks them down, providing detailed instruction of all basic moves such as chest slides and hip bumps. I believe that for the purpose of this video, Tempest does a great job, often dropping hints at the right time, all a total beginner would need to show off at the dancefloor. But how about us, advanced bellydancers? Those of us who can shimmy for hours and do complex Raks Sharqi choreographies? When do we do when we go to a party, or a nightclub? This is how the DVD can help us, suggest a couple of good moves we already know that we can use safely, getting the *right* kind of glances.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video for several reasons. I really appreciate the way Tempest took time to explain about the "attitude" of gothic bellydance, in other words, educate us how it is different from other styles and what makes it unique. She is totally correct, it is that attitude, or lack of it thereof, that can make freaks look beautiful, or ridiculous. I adore Tempest she is SO FUNNY! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard watching a bellydance lesson! For example when she demonstrates hip circles, she leans in and says, with a very straight face to that, "don't put too much dip in it because there will be too much chest showing... maybe we do, but let's pretend we don't!" IMHO it's a true art-form to crack up smart jokes all the time and amuse people - I don't think I'd be able to say any of that without bursting out in giggles. But isn't that what the gothic subculture is about?

Maybe I should have started with this but this DVD may be the worst, or the best, depending on what you consider 'cool'. If you are a goth fan and if you mean to dance in a club with other fans, you would definitely enjoy it. It is so full of insider jokes. Whether of not Tempest's video is good or not is as debatable as to who is a true goth and who's a goth-wannabe. I say, it would appeal to the true goths. To the wannabes it won't.

*What I liked about this DVD:
1. Tempest's personality and sense of humor
2. Paisley undulations (first time I see anyone explaining it)
3. Explaining how some moves work in crowded areas and what to be avoided
4. The warmup section - very important not to skip it
5. Clear and sound instruction

*What I disliked about the DVD:
1. I would have prefered to see another combination or two suggested even if that meant shortening the 'attitude' part
2. Both performances were OK but I think they were an understatement of Tempest's skills.

*You may want to have this DVD if:
1. You hang out at goth clubs and want to learn a few bellydance combinations good for the dancefloor there. Tempest actually takes into consideration the limited space in clubs and the kind of shoes and clothing you may wear.
2. You like new wave/ new age/ gothic, etc contemporary music.
3. You have experience with bellydance but don't know how to apply your knowledge in dance clubs
4. You appreciate a good joke being told with a straight face

*You should better skip this DVD if:
1. You don't plan to apply your bellydance knowledge in nightclubs
2. Gothic bellydance is just not you
3. You want/need a DVD teaching you a wide variety of moves
4. You hate drama and anyone who has anything to do with that

Depending on your taste in music and dance, you may like, or hate this video. My friend didn't care for it, I love it. Whether you will or not totally depends on your definition of a "beautiful freak".

Perhaps call it intermediate level?.......2007-06-17

With so many bellydance DVDs on the market, it's probably best to classify each one for exactly what it is, so as better to spot the attributes that are attractive to a particular consumer.

1. It's different. The first DVD devoted to the fusion of the gothic subculture with bellydance. Tempest gives an excellent introduction to the basics, with a generalized overview of adapting traditional moves to the two extremes of goth influence: the sensual dark ambient and the hard-edged punk-industrial. Parts of this would be a good reference for the dancer wishing to be versed in the alternative styles as well as traditional. Excellent for those who listen to/and prefer goth music but have only had DVDs that practice to traditional Middle Eastern style music (with no instruction of how to adapt the moves to more contemporary or alternative styles of music).

2. This is mostly an instructional reference DVD; not practice with drills, not even choreography per-se (One star was deducted from the review because I thought the routines would be explained/practiced and that there would be more some drills). There are 2 main combinations demonstrated (one soft and sensual, and the other hard-edged and fast)that have two parts each. The moves that comprise them are excellently explained and then briefly demonstrated in individual sections, but the exact timing and choreography of those moves used in the demonstration are, well...not demonstrated. This aspect can be too advanced for the beginner, allthough you can pause the DVD after each move to practice on your own before continuing. Advanced users may find the simple explanation of basic moves boring, and without repetitive drills or a continuous workout, this DVD may suit them more as a reference to gothic dance style (particularly useful would be the gothic expression workshop). There is a nice warmup that could be used prior to a workout, though (but sorry, no cooldown).

3. A note on the performances. Tempest does 2 performances that demonstrate yet 2 more flavors that fall under the goth umbrella. The first is more a flirty dark cabaret dance, and the second being a sensual dance in what seems to be a fusion of ancient Egyptian and early 1900's attire (of course my description does not give it justice). These dances demonstrate the dark essence that makes the dancing "gothic." As a word of caution, if your definition of goth is more narrow, and has you expecting something more sinister and vampirish, you might be scratching your head in confusion.

I would recommend Contemporary Bellydancing and Yoga Conditioning with Ariellah along with this DVD. That way all users get a workout (the beginner also gets excellent instruction and the advanced gets drills). The choreography routine is slowly demonstrated and explained in detail. Bellydance for Beautiful Freaks would serve as a great complement (and would be much easier to follow) if used together with Ariellah's DVD. Hopefully, we'll see more instructional projects from them (or at least inspire more gothic bellydance workouts with other artists).

Fun and easy to follow.......2007-05-08

I bought this DVD because I read the moves can be used when hitting the clubs. I was a bit skeptical after reading some of the reviews here, but decided to give it a chance, and I have to say I'm glad I did. Bellydance for the Beautiful Freaks is now my favorite bellydance DVD out of about ten discs in my collection.

The best part about the DVD is the way Tempest breaks down the moves. Some of the more complex moves *especially hip movements* may take longer for you to grasp, but they are presented in a way that is slow and easy to follow. Quite suitable for a beginner.

I am not the most coordinated chick on the planet, so I could really appreciate the way the disc is laid out - The majority of the DVD is about the isolated movements. Tempest instructs in the video to practice these individual movements and you can pair them up in multiple combinations for dance floor use. I tried this on my own, and even after watching the video only twice, I could pull together the most basic moves to do a simplified routine - which was my aim in the first place.

There are also 2 actual bellydance routines for you to work toward or practice with. (Each dance routine is broken down into two sections, so it equates to 4 demonstrations). I thought these were really fun, quick little lessons perfect for the beginner. Of course, I didn't get the entire routine down the first time, but I managed to do a good portion of it - more than I've been able to do with any other video, so that alone makes this one a keeper. With practice I feel confident I'll be able to duplicate the more complex of the two demonstrations.

Overall I am extremely pleased with purchasing this particular DVD. I do wish there had been more demonstrations included, but at the same time, there is enough there to get started with. I do think some of the subculture discussion/explanation could've been left out and the space on the disc used for more dance presentation or demonstration. Perhaps it was Tempest's intention to use the platform for those who are "goth curious". However, that seems kind of a wasted effort since most of the people who buy this type of dance video are likely to already be from somewhere within the scene. The segment doesn't necessarily detract from the video, but I would imagine most people will choose to skip that part.

One final thing I really liked is the way Tempest talked (briefly) about dancing in club wear - particularly footwear. Her explanation of how the shoes you have on may affect the way you dance, and the way in which you will be able to execute some of the hip movements is a great tip - and something easily overlooked if not really considered in advance.

Average customer rating:

Bettie Page
Seminal
SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BUY....
The Holy Mistress in her definitive film!
Bettie couldn't dance, but who cares?

Bettie Page: Varietease/Teaserama
Starring: Bettie Page , Tempest Storm , Cherrie Knight , Trudy Wayne , and Chris LaChris
Director: Irving Klaw
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
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ASIN: B000E1OI58
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Description

Two Burly-Q Classics with America's Ultimate Pin-Up Goddess, Bettie Page! The Queen of the Curves teams up with fellow bump-and-grind legends Lily St. Cyr, Tempest Storm, Chris La Chris and Trudy Wayne, along with an assortment of baggy-pants comics, for the Holy Grails of Full-Color Girlie Flicks, Varietease and Teaserama, produced and directed by girly-pix impresario Irving Klaw! Flashing her sexy smile and gyrating in a harem girl costume, Bettie Page does her "Dance of the Four Veils." Then she scorches the screen when she teams up with that "hurricane of delight," Miss Storm, in a boudoir bit that explodes into fetish central. Also featuring female impersonator Vickie Lane, contortionist Twinnie Wallens, and comics Dave Starr and Joe E. Ross (Gunther Toody of TV's Car 54 Where Are You?).

Customer Reviews:

Bettie Page.......2007-01-11

I once had the VHS, and there was an "Apache Dance" number in that tape--however--that dance number has been removed from this DVD, through no fault of Bettie Page. It is, though, an excellent representation of the nostalgic 50s-60s burlesque scene, and still has some funny joke skits that are very enjoyable.

Seminal.......2006-08-22

Say what you want about Bettie's dancing, this doesn't detract from the material. In fact, good dancing would have ruined it. See, THIS AIN'T ABOUT THE DANCING! Great dancers can be seen every day and this doesn't make them sexy, but sexy people, which Bettie Page certaionly was, are sexy doing anything. Dancing? Who cares! The strangeness of her dancing actually enhances the effect. It's kinda hard to say exactly what she's doing sometimes, which only makes it more fascinating, even timeless.

SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BUY...........2006-04-30

Hey guys I'm giving it five stars cause it has BETTIE but save your money and just buy BONDAGE QUEEN and PIN UP QUEEN it has all her stuff from these movies and more!

The Holy Mistress in her definitive film!.......2005-12-23

Don't expect any kind of nudity or pornography. Why watch it? To see cult icon Bettie Page and some other lovely ladies in lingerie. I also happen to really dig the music. This was America before the liberals destroyed it. Bettie Page is adorable and this DVD is filled with her. The other two movies she was in featured her very briefly. In this film she stars in three segments and introduces the acts. Each time in a different costume of her own design. The first segment stars her and is pretty tame. It's even kinda silly its still Bettie in a colour film so you can't complain. Next she and Tempest Storm star in this skit where she dresses Tempest and then mocks her which angers Tempest who then pulls her hair. Doesn't make a lick of sense, but who cares, Bettie is in a lingerie maid's uniform. Next is a comedian. The jokes are bad. Very bad. But I still laugh. I don't know why, but I laugh. Chris la Chris is next. Is this her real name or a stage name? Either way I don't understand it. She's last in the credits but I don't know why. She's probably the most talented out of the bunch. Also very young and pretty. She does what I think is a pretty good dance to some piano music which is reminiscent of the 1920s. Next is Twinnie Walen. Kinda scary. Creeps on stage like some silent film monster. There's even foreboding music playing. I skip ahead. Next is Peppe and Roccio. These two are also very talented. They are also very boring. I turn them off. Let's see some more jokes. Tempest does a dance number. A sexy blonde woman with kind of a weird face does a number. There's a female impersonator which I've never watched. I never will watch. What is it even doing here? Some more jokes. Cherry Night does a sexy strip session that's worth watching. Next is the highlight of the movie. Bettie does a great dance segment. It's actually two different dances in one segment. This is probably the sexiest she's ever been. Except for the close ups which aren't too flattering. Jokes. Trudy Wayne. She does a pretty good strip dance and is pretty attractive as well. She also bears more than the rest of the girls. It ends with some more Tempest Storm. This DVD also contains Bettie footage from Striporama and one of the better black and white Irving Claw films of her.

Bettie couldn't dance, but who cares?.......2004-11-21

Bettie loses some "coolness points" when she dances, but if you go into frame-by-frame mode on your DVD player it's obvious that each frame of her dancing would have made a great still shot in and of itself. Proof that she was a great poser, and a lousy dancer, but as she has said herself, she was "far from being a professional dancer". Still, she is very appealing, despite the fact that neither my husband nor myself could contain our unabated laughter during her dance scenes. Her sparkle and sense of fun are evident throughout, she is in great shape, and her ever-changing and playful facial expressions are absolute treats to see.

Plus! You get to "Hear Bettie speak!" in addition to seeing her jump around - uhhm I mean dance.

The best part of the DVD is, yes, the silent, black and white arcade film loop of Bettie made specifically for those old-time coin-activated viewers....Bettie gyrates up to a point, then the screen is suddenly blocked out with a caption telling the viewer to insert coins to see more of the film. This of course occurs at a regular basis throught this particular short, as it did when those types of films were originally shown. Classic camp!

There are also appearances by a rather famous, albeit scary-looking drag queen from the time, and some professional strippers who could have passed for male drag queens...but I bought these really just for the Bettie Page segments; these two DVD's are a must-have for Bettie Page fans.

Viewing these will most likely result in the viewer alternating fits of laughter with admiration for the beauty and playfulness of Bettie Page in her prime.

The Plays of William Shakespeare, Vol. 9 - The Tempest

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Tempest review
There are better films of this play
Authentic production of The Tempest

The Plays of William Shakespeare, Vol. 9 - The Tempest
Starring: Efrem Zimbalist Jr. , William H. Bassett , Ted Sorel , and Ron Palillo
Manufacturer: Kultur
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000059XTX
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Amazon.com

Like other volumes in the Plays of William Shakespeare series, this production of The Tempest is stripped of interpretive artistry and presented with strict fidelity to the play. This can be frustrating, since the cast is burdened with a textbook approach to authentic presentation, drawing scant inspiration from moodless lighting and low-budget stage design. What matters, though, is the play itself, and the best performances, including an engaging turn by Efram Zimbalist Jr. as Prospero, do adequate justice to Shakespeare's tale of love and sorcery among island castaways. As Caliban, William Hootkins provides bluster aplenty, and Duane Black makes a mischievous Ariel. Other players are less fortunate (as Trinculo, Ron Palillo can't shake his persona from TV's Welcome Back, Kotter), and the technical quality of this series leaves much to be desired. Consider this a suitable introduction, offering a flavorful taste of The Tempest but not its fullest essence. --Jeff Shannon

Description

The clearest and most understandable Shakespeare productions ever made. Staged as seen in the 16th Century, featuring award-winning performers. The classic tale of spirits, sorcery, and shipwrecked scheming noblemen. Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., William H. Bassett, Ted Sorel and Ron Palillo. 127 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

Tempest review.......2007-02-10

Extremely disappointing. I was hoping to share some scenes with my students to help them understand the play. I'm afraid I would turn them off Shakespeare entirely if I showed them even a touch of this version.

There are better films of this play.......2004-05-27

Firstly I'd just like to point out that on the box it says: "Staged as seen in the 16th century". In fact 'The Tempest' wasn't even written until around 1610/11, the 17th century, and thus it's highly unlikely that it was seen in the 16th.

This is a brilliant play, which has been adapted more successfully to film in the following versions:

- The Tempest, director: Derek Jarman, 1979

- Prospero's Books, director: Peter Greenaway, 1991

I wouldn't reccommend viewing Greenaway's version unless you have know the play quite well as it's a very artistic interpretation, and doesn't lend itself to storytelling, it's more preoccupied with the specifics of Prospero's 'art' (i.e. magic).

Authentic production of The Tempest.......2003-10-03

This was a very entertaining production of Shakespeare's play. I particularly found Ariel's character very true to the qualities of 'airy spirits.' The costumes of all the characters were well-done. I was not as keen on the parts with the jester and drunken butler as I was with the other characters, but overall, the scenes were played well. For anyone who has never had a chance to see a stage production of The Tempest in a style close to the original play, this would be a good introduction. Though some people may find Woodman's production of The Tempest banal, it could be very appealing to fans of Shakespeare's time and history, not just his plays. If you only like lavish sets and modern ideals of stage productions, this edition may not be appropriate, but it need not be for the masses; only for select fans.

Average customer rating:

A Moody Gothic and Lusty Tempest
Are you people MORONS?
Dreadful
Art for art's sake
A cozy dream for exiled dreamers

The Tempest
Starring: Peter Bull , David Meyer , Neil Cunningham , Heathcote Williams , and Toyah Willcox
Director: Derek Jarman
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 6305739862
Release Date: 2000-04-10

Customer Reviews:

A Moody Gothic and Lusty Tempest .......2007-06-15

This is a very strong re-imagining of Shakespeare's Tempest. Like Ken Russell (with whom Jarman served as an apprentice on a number of films), Jarman has a natural interest in and affinity for English history & literature and an equal interest in and affinity for camp which is skeptical of and often parodies traditions that it nonethless adheres to and upholds. As much of an iconoclast as Ken Russell and Derek Jarman seem to be they never stray far from the acknowledged masterpieces of literature and the way these masterpieces orient us toward the world; what they add, however, is an element of camp (or play, or polymorphous perversion, or myriad-mindedness) which draws attention to the restrictions that class and gender and race place on individuals or social actors "playing" at any given time in history. But this is, of course, what the greatest literature has always done--shown the arbitrary bounds and laws by which men and women delimit their lives. In this way the greatest literature has always been iconoclastic and Russell and Jarman fit into English tradition as well as Shakespeare and Marlowe, Byron and Shelley, Lawrence and Woolf.

In Jarman's production there is little left of the once great Prospero but a desire to be avenged. In his mind the world wronged him and he will not be at peace with it until he sets it right again. The irony is that in seeking to set the world aright he enslaves others (Ariel and Caliban) and simply perpetuates the chain of wrongdoing that he is trying to break. The tragedy of the play is that Prospero knows that despite his efforts he really cannot make men act against their natures and that despite brief lapses of peace (occasioned by art) men will always resume their contest for power. But like many of Shakespeare's plays this is not wholly a tragedy nor wholly a comedy and so one moment we may be, along with Ariel, lamenting mans tragic fate and the next minute, along with Ariel, laughing at it. Most productions of The Tempest seem to favor either the tragic or comic element, but what Jarman does is not imbue the entire play with one mood but imbue individual characters with one or another, comic or tragic, mood. So while Prospero is imbued with a brooding & wistful melancholy that is wholly appropriate to his age and experience, his daughter Miranda is imbued with a sense of possibility and wonder that is wholly appropriate to her age and experience. The beauty of the play is that each character really inhabits their own version of the island, and lives within their own desires (or fears, for one could argue that what Caliban really fears is not having someone to serve for this would mean taking responsibility for his own reality). Of course some people might be put off by the fact that Jarman also allows each character to have their own sexuality. The campy ending, I might add, just underlines the unbridgable gulf that exists between art (where man experiences a measure of freedom and joy) and life (where man must live according to the decorums of the state.

Jarman's eccentric cast works very well at bringing to life Shakespeare's characters and themes and enlivening them with Jarman's visual style. If Ken Russell was the perfect artist of the early 1970's in that he seemed to glorify in the fashionable excess of the age, then Jarman is perhaps the perfect late seventies/early eighties artist that seems to glorify in the excesses of character and sexuality while also realizing that those excesses/eccentricities are allowed only in the world of art and that society as a whole is not that permissive or playful. This would explain the paradoxical melancholy of Jarman's artist-angels-visionaries; they are transcendent creatures but they are, nonethless, always trapped in society and in time.

The DVD includes three silent bonus shorts from 1971, 1972, & 1973 respectively. They are art student pieces that reveal the visionary yearnings of this essentially romantic and thus eternally melancholy artist.

Are you people MORONS?.......2007-01-16

OMG! The folks who didn't "like" the film clearly had no idea who (or what) Derek Jarman is. Crickey, do a little research before buying something. What did you think, this was going to be some high-school production of Shakespeare? The boobs and the corset on the cover shoulda tipped you off (or perhaps that's why you bought it... hmm). What a bunch of morons.

OK, now that's over with...

If you dig Jarmen, this is for you. Much more cohesive than Caravaggio (I mean, c'mon... look at the source material). It engages, just hide the kids eyes!

Dreadful.......2004-09-24

I have read all of Shakespeare's plays, seen productions of a majority of them and even acted in and directed some. I do not necessarily believe that Shakespeare must be done in the "traditional" fashion, but I hated this movie.

There is nudity that is gratuitous and unnecessary. There is grotesqueness that is far beyond what I believe Shakespeare intended. Some of the dialogue is incomprehensible, and there are those elements, like the singing and dancing that add no meaning to the movie, but replace Shakespeare with the director's self-indulgences.

I am sorry to say that I wasted perfectly good money to buy the DVD of this movie.

Art for art's sake.......2003-10-16

Derek Jarman's vision of The Tempest is a strange but artistic one. Although at times it can be too weird to really take seriously, Jarman's film deserves to be seen by those who love Shakespeare and those who love movies. In The Tempest, Jarman combines elements of traditional Shakespeare, Stanley Kubrick, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show to create an extraordinary vision of the classic play. Baz Luhrmann owes a lot to this movie for his adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, as evidenced by the combination of genres, the bizarre imagery, and especially Elisabeth Welch's performance as a Josephine Baker-inspired chanteuse, which mirrors Desiree's incarnation as Billie Holiday in Luhrmann's film. It is worth noting that those who were not open-minded enough to appreciate Luhrmann's film should probably not see this one.

Despite all of these innovations, however, The Tempest moves too slowly to keep up with its own progressive style. The movie would have greatly benefited from being shortened by about half an hour. The one reason to sit through the tedious moments is to watch Karl Johnson, who, as a nervous Ariel, gives by far the most interesting performance.

A cozy dream for exiled dreamers.......2003-08-05

Ken Russell's designer on The Devils and Savage Messiah, the late Derek Jarman, made one of my favorite movies out of Shakespeare's most fanciful, yet most forgiving, play. Jarman makes a virtue of his tiny budget, having learned much from his former director about how to stretch one: the shadows, fireplaces, dust and antique clutter of Stoneleigh Abbey make a cozy and believable home in exile for Prospero, for whom "my library was dukedom enough," and for his fond daughter Miranda, who dances and play-acts around the vast, shabby manor like any imaginative child who hasn't known anything else, nor any reason to be ashamed of it. The mood is intimate and vespertine (in the Bjork sense); and for once, clutter is not the symptom of a lowlife or a loser, but the habit of a wistful, brilliant man absorbed in his studies and contemplation. For this alone, I recommend the film to anyone who ever felt like an innocent exile, a misunderstood artist or dreamer.

I also recommend it if you enjoy radical approaches to Shakespeare. Jarman's vision succeeds nearly everywhere, aided by superb casting. Hippie-hairy Heathcote Williams and the pleasantly zaftig Toyah Willcox are a warm and very appealing father and daughter, the ectomorphic Karl Johnson an Ariel with his own dreams to dream when not subduing resentment at his slavery to Prospero, and the bald, lisping, leering Jack Birkett nearly stealing the movie as an alarming, grotesque Caliban whose own wide-eyed pleasure in the "thousand twangling instruments" of the isle, with its "sounds and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not" is as strangely winning as his hostility and vulgarity have been repulsive. Jarman's customary homoerotic elements work well and add another dimension to the play, as he contrasts Caliban's baseness not with Ariel's loftier sensibilities but with Miranda's moral innocence; while Miranda's *sexual* innocence is contrasted with Ariel's resignation to postponing his own desires, shown when he enchants and sings over the totally naked Ferdinand but otherwise leaves him alone. Stephano and Trinculo are flamboyantly queer, donning masks and costumed frippery not, like other characters, to symbolize dissembling in a straight society, but in drunken frolic as they plot to overthrow Caliban's master. (This is how Jarman delivers what an earlier reviewer here felt was missing, the "alternative realities.") Jarman's tone of melancholy lifting culminates in musical comedy star Elisabeth Welch's rendition of "Stormy Weather". It works.

The play is heavily cut, but could have benefited from more cutting, as Caliban is not made to look in any way fishlike, but Stephano and Trinculo still talk as though he is; Prospero looks forward to going home, where "every third thought shall be my grave" even though the actor was only 38; and Miranda's exclamation "O brave new world, that has such people in it!" sounds ridiculous when referring to the underrehearsed chorus line of rather fey sailors doing a silly dance that goes on too long. Representing Prospero's servant spirits with dwarves works fine, except Jarman's technique is not skillful enough to convey the menace of their assault on Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian. Jarman's technique would fully mature in his film of Edward II.

Customer Reviews:

ugh.......2005-12-09

man this thing sucked. even for porn it sucked. See when with movies of this sort try to make some kind of plot thread in something that its main focus is sex its virtually impossible to look at any artistic value or sciprt for that matter. IT doesnt help the hokey ending (she gives up her posistion as queen to be a sex slave once again.......). and has for porn, the animation detail is ham fisted and simple,never arousing enough or particualrly detailed enough. much of this back lash is the simple idea that the focus keeps saying its the plot. But really who are you fooling, you probablly were better not having a plot at all

A bit of a disapointment.......2004-04-19

Well...at first i noticed that most of the female characters in this anime..are barely dressed while the men are decently covered..why is that?..second of all Diana realy got me hooked at first but then she yeilded in being a slave..To Sho? coz he's her childhood sweet heart? ...if he really loved her he wouldn't let her go on disgracing herself..he should have married her..thats another thing...and i think the story would have been ten times more exciting if Diana put up a struggle ..like the one she had at the first episode..i think if she had,...Sho would have been more and more into her...
And the sex..God the sex!...Its in every scene.!
Note the Diana lets Sho take other woman!!...Iw anted to kill her!!
I swear...
but i liked the characters...
If your bored and need something to watch..take this

One of the best mature anime, i have ever seen!!!.......2003-03-25

this is one dvd or vhs you must have.. im not about to give it all away here but i will give you the basic's... it is a bout a prince of a forgotten and evil (to some people) kingdom, and a princess of the reformed evil kingdom these two meet and have many adventures in the two movies but the catch is it is a adult like novel in a movie format great story line no to much xxx rated sex but for you who like that kind of thing it has enough nough said it is a great video i have seen it many times and have yet the money to buy it it is realy great.
characters:(main),sho
"d" (diannna)

through the movie the princess is taken from her land and ends up in a rape and thiefish gang where in this time and setting it is not rape people are allowed to have love slaves and are suposed to be treated by them acordingly. find out more about this movie by seeing it

The worst film I have ever seen.......2002-09-30

The entire film plays like an adolescent boy's wet dream.

A spirited princess escaped a forced marriage only to be captured by slave traders and given as a sexual slave to her childhood friend. Because she loves him she is happy to be his slave and renounces her identity so that she will not have to fight against him.

That's it for the plot. The first thing I should say is this is truly bad anime. The animation is nothing special, there's virtually no characterization or conflict and the dubbed dialogue is atrocious. Most of the film is given over to two things: reinforcing to the viewer that Sho and Diana were childhood friends and gratuitous shots of Diana's nude body and the experience of her sexual awakening.

This film is hideous in its depiction of women. If there was a decent plot with any actual depth there might be something to recommend it, but there isn't. If you want to watch anime sex, go get one of the Countdown movies or Rei Rei, at least they don't pretend to have a plot. If you want actual depth to your plot and a medieval (or quasi-medieval) setting, get Heroic Legend of Arislan, which is wonderful.

Not Recomended for Children.......2002-09-21

This aname is not recomended for children. The quality of the animation is first rate from the beginning to the end. The story line from beginning to end also involves adult situations as to bondage, submission, explicit sex (not hardcore), and for the adult viewer I would recommend that they consider this movie. If you are looking for lots of sword play look elsewhere, the story line has a different intrigue. I was pleased with the movie and am going to be purchashing the Tempist.

Calming the Tempest :Helping the Explosive Child

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Calming the Tempest :Helping the Explosive Child
Starring: Ross Green
Manufacturer: Paraclete Press
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00021LL0A
Release Date: 2004-04-01

Description

Many adults have faced a child's or teenager's explosiveness, unsure of how to respond. Do I punish him for the outburst? Should I try to be understanding of how she is feeling and ignore the ugly behaviour? In reality, many children who have difficulty managing their anger need to be taught the skills necessary for coping with frustration and situations that demand flexibility. It is the lack of cognitive skills that contributes to the angry outbursts. CALMING THE TEMPEST provides parents, teachers, and caretakers with an awareness and overview of how to teach these skills at home and at school.

Average customer rating:

Bettie Page
Seminal
SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BUY....
The Holy Mistress in her definitive film!
Bettie couldn't dance, but who cares?

Teaserama
Starring: Bettie Page , Tempest Storm , Cherrie Knight , Trudy Wayne , and Chris LaChris
Director: Irving Klaw
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305908257
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Description

Bettie Page teams with Tempest Storm in the Holy Grail of Girlie Flicks! America's legendary pin-up queen, cult icon Bettie Page, stars with superstar stripper Tempest Storm in the biggest burlesque film of them all, "Teaserama!" With her girl-next-door smile and hourglass figure, Bettie Page performs two stylized dance numbers that are amalgams of her classic poses. She also scorches the screen when she teams up with that "hurricane of delight," Tempest Storm, in a boudoir bit that explodes into fetish central. Produced and directed by glamour-girl photographer Irving Klaw, "Teaserama" also boasts leggy Chris La Chris, a sultry strip courtesy of Trudy Wayne, female impersonator Vickie Lane, contortionist Twinnie Wallens, and baggy pants comics Dave Starr and Joe E. Ross (Gunther Toody of TV's "Car 54 Where Are You?").

Customer Reviews:

Bettie Page.......2007-01-11

Seminal.......2006-08-22

SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BUY...........2006-04-30

Hey guys I'm giving it five stars cause it has BETTIE but save your money and just buy BONDAGE QUEEN and PIN UP QUEEN it has all her stuff from these movies and more!

The Holy Mistress in her definitive film!.......2005-12-23

Bettie couldn't dance, but who cares?.......2004-11-21

Average customer rating:

A Paderewski showcase... filmed variety!

Moonlight Sonata
Starring: Ignacy Jan Paderewski , Marie Tempest , Eric Portman , Frédéric Chopin , and Franz Liszt
Manufacturer: Bel Canto Society
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000A2UC3I
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Description

Paderewski portrays himself. The film includes a 21-minute recital (Chopin "Heroic Polonaise," Liszt "Hungarian Rhapsody," Beethoven "Moonlight,") + Paderewski "Minuet in G."

When Paderewski is playing, the camera mostly is trained on his face or hands, revealing details his records can't: You see that he keeps his fingers bent except for the pinkies, which he often holds straight. With the left hand he often strikes the lowest note first, the rest of the hand follows and then the right hand comes down.

His rhythms are flexible within a strict overall tempo. Serene playing. Casts a spell.
--Stefan Zucker

Customer Reviews:

A Paderewski showcase... filmed variety! .......2007-04-21

If you're looking for Paderewski in film, look no further! Sidebar: It was said that Paderewski became so used to hearing in his piano recital appearances in America the often "mispronounced" Pad-e-ROO'-ski for the correct Pad-e-REF'-ski that he just smiled while never correcting the mispronunciation and reportedly once commented "Well, it could have been much worse were my surname the very often mangled surname of "Chopin" ."

Believe it or not, and the Pad-e-"ROO"-ski mispronunciation aside, I've heard everything for "Chopin" from [phonetically] "Choppin" as in the 'chopping' wood variety to "Cho-PANE or PIN" But then I get, "Why do you Americans spell 'Rakhmaninov' [sic -- UK, et al] as 'Rachmaninoff' ? Easy! That's the precise way the man himself wrote [cursive or printed form] and in fact signed his name when he lived in the USA, viz., "Rachmaninoff" and so "his" wishes for the transliterated Russian into English surname spelling of his own surname were and are followed.

Anyway, while the plot of the movie is rather off-beat and can bring on shades of Victor Borge and Fozzie-Bear doing the "Moonlight Sonata" routine with the "Bust of Beethoven" thing Zzzzzzz-wise and the viewer could easily anticipate the plot if not the entire script itself as it goes along, it doesn't detract from the playing including the beginning of the movie where an uninterrupted 21 minute recital by Paderewski shows him at his best.

Humor too as when Paderewski visits the orphanage for girls as a guest of the Baroness [Marie Tempest] and of course he is not known there so that the musical program arranged for the visit of the Baroness shows the orphanage director's wife, Margaret, having a bad case of the jitters at the piano and literally running away in tears before playing a note. The orphanage director then makes the anticipated plea complete with the hanky to the head thing, "Margaret! Margaret, dear! Ohhh, I'm soooo sorry ... perhaps somebody here can play the piano?" whereupon Paderewski speaks up and says, "If it is not too difficult, perhaps I might .." whereupon he steps to the piano and sees the score [with the appropriate camera zoom], "Minuet in G", which of course is his own piece [and not to be confused with other pieces by that same title] and duly bears his name on the score as the composer and he says with a twinkle in his eye, "I think I can just about manage that."

Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" acts as a sort of regeneration tonic to the movie heroine as she tries to figure out her true love sort of thing but, as I say, Paderewski is well represented as well as his well known personal charm. Naturally, the audio and film visuals are 1937 vintage so allowances must be made for the quality of same. Paderewski was well in his 70's when he appeared in this UK made production but at least there is a filmed record of his playing and well captivating personality. BTW, that clip of Paderewski playing Liszt [2nd Hungarian Rhapsody] that appears in the 1999 produced DVD, "The Art of Piano", is taken directly from the 1937 "Moonlight Sonata" movie.

Doc Tony

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