Special Interests - Page 75

Manufacturer: Olive Films Brand: Olive Films Model: 17203211

All the passion and spectacle of Bizet's Carmen comes to life in this dazzling screen opera starring Placido Domingo and Julia Migenes-Johnson. In 19th century Seville, the lusty, tempestuous Carmen (Migenes-Johnson) seduces a naive Army corporal, Don Jose (Domingo), newly assigned to the village fortress. Jose abandons his career, his fianc‚e and even his dying mother for the love of this sultry gypsy. But soon she spurns him in favor of a toreador, Escamillo (Ruggero Raimondi). Crazed with jealousy, Jose begs Carmen to return to him, but her taunting declaration of independence results in tragedy. Shot entirely on location in Andalusia Spain, Bizet's Carmen has been hailed as the definitive version of this classic opera. Superbly directed by Francesco Rosi (Illustrious Corpses).NOTE:There will be silence for 20 seconds at the beginning of the movie after which you can hear audience cheering.This is made intentionally by the studio.

Manufacturer: PBS Brand: Unknown

The Fabric of the Cosmos, based on the book by physicist and author Brian Greene, takes us to the frontiers of physics to see how scientists are piecing together the most complete picture yet of space, time and the universe. With each step, audiences will discover that just beneath the surface of our everyday experience lies a world wed hardly recognize, a startling world far stranger and more wondrous than anyone expected. Physicist-author Brian Greene, whose Nova presentation The Elegant Universe made string theory comprehensible to the armchair scientist, returns with the four-part Fabric of the Cosmos, an even more whiz-bang approach to current ideas in physics. Imagine the final section of 2001: A Space Odyssey interrupted by talking heads and voiceover narration, and you'll get a grasp for the baffling realm Greene and his cadre of brainiacs enter here: theories of quantum physics, "entanglement" (that one'll mess with your mind), and the possibility of a multiverse, a set of universes beyond our own visible one. Various explanations for the Big Bang are also explored. Greene, a humorous if somewhat awkward presenter, knows perfectly well he is dealing with stuff that goes beyond the knowledge of the average viewer, so he offers many examples and demonstrations, and the information is reliably intriguing. Not so intriguing is the show's overall style, which is so full of pulsating graphics and cutesy metaphors that it might prove headache-inducing. Too bad the makers of this series didn't trust the information contained here, because it's pretty exciting on its own. --Robert Horton

Manufacturer: Verve Model: 25137135

Internationally acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli gives a once in a lifetime, free concert as a gift to New York City on Central Park s Great Lawn. This spectacular film is the ultimate Bocelli collection, appealing to both loyal fans and new admirers alike. The varied repertoire includes some of Bocelli s finest performances to date from both the worlds of classical and pop he so successfully straddles unlike any other artist. And for the first time ever captures the many sides of Bocelli s musical passions all in one show. Additional performers include The New York Philharmonic, under the direction of musical director Alan Gilbert, with special guests Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Bryn Terfel, Chris Botti, David Foster, Andrea Griminelli, Nicola Benedetti, Anna Maria Martinez and Pretty Yende. Bocelli is widely regarded as the most popular Italian tenor in the world with more than seventy million albums sold. Attended by over 60,000 people, Reuters called the Central Park concert dazzling, as well as an important career milestone. Bocelli lovingly described the opportunity to sing on the Great Lawn as his father s dream finally realized. Included in this film are five new songs; a stirring Amazing Grace; the iconic, New York, New York, with Tony Bennet; a swinging rendition of More, with Chris Botti and David Foster; Volare, also with Foster, and Your Love (Once Upon A Time In The West) from the famous film of the same name.

Manufacturer: Warner Archive Brand: Warner

Rhapsody in Blue is a story that is as enchanting as the music of its central character, the legendary George Gershwin. Robert Alda plays the talented composer in this moving tribute to one of America's premier musical artists. Although it was intended that the Gershwins' eldest son, Ira, take piano lessons, it was his younger brother George who displayed a real talent for music. Following years of practice and an assortment of jobs, George worked his way from a music hall pianist to a Tin Pin Alley "song plugger." Gershwin experienced his first great success with "Swanee" (sung in the film by the man who made it famous, the inimitable Al Jolson). Despite his ensuing accomplishments with hit songs and stage successes, the musical genius yearned for something greater - to create unique American music, combining the European classics and popular songs. In addition to its inspirational story, Rhapsody in Blue is musically uplifting, featuring a two hour feast of classic Gershwin.When sold by Amazon.com, this product will be manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Manufacturer: Warner Archive Brand: Warner Manufacturing

Dazzling? Daring? The Great Waltz may have you searching for ways to describe its great charms. This cinematic rhapsody loosely based on the life of composer Johann Strauss is truly "an overlooked gem" (The Motion Picture Guide). To capture what the film calls "the spirit" of Strauss' music, The Great Waltz combines exquisite craftsmanship with spirited inventiveness. The splendid backlot re-creations of Viennese settings range from convivial biergartens to ornate palaces. Dimitri Tiomkin's arrangements of Strauss' incredible music (with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II) swirl and dive. And the camerawork glides with bravura artistry. Julien Duvivier directs, getting radiant performances from two-time Oscar(r) winner**Luise Rainer (The Great Ziegfeld, The Good Earth), Fernand Gravet and Oscar(r)-nominated diva Miliza Korjus. Wonderful? Phenomenal? Choose your own description.When sold by Amazon.com, this product will be manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Manufacturer: Universal Studios Home Entertainment Brand: UNI DIST CORP. (MCA) Color: color

It's an event that shook the world. Honest, unflinching and profoundly moving, United 93 tells the unforgettable story of the heroic passengers and crew members who prevented the terrorists from carrying out their plans for the fourth hijacked plane on September 11, 2001. As on-ground military and civilian teams scrambled to make sense of the unfolding events, forty people who sat down as strangers found the courage to stand up as one.

Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Brand: Buena Vista Home Video Model: 25266102

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you EARTH, OCEANS and AFRICAN CATS, comes CHIMPANZEE -- a remarkable story of individual triumph and family bonds. Journey deep into the African rainforest and meet Oscar, an adorable young chimp with an entertaining approach to life. The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps who love creating mayhem. Full of curiosity, a zest for discovery, joy and a love for mimicking others, they are some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Stunning high-definition images bring you up close and personal as Oscar and his family navigate the complex territory of the forest. It's an inspiring and life-changing adventure that overflows with courage and charm. And it will capture your heart. Deep in the African forest lives a chimpanzee named Oscar, a playful and curious young ape whose mother Isha loves him and who's part of a solid troop lead by a formidable chimp named Freddy. This fourth Disneynature film follows Oscar through a breathtakingly gorgeous forest on his journey toward adulthood--focusing in as Oscar learns crucial life skills, like finding food and cracking nuts by imitating his mother and the other members of his troop. When food becomes scarce, the chimps turn toward an unexpected source of protein--the local colobus monkeys. The footage of their surprising offensive against the monkeys manages to convey all the suspense and tension of the attack and its aftermath without ever actually showing the kill. When a rival group of chimps threatens to wrest control of a crucial nut grove from Freddy's tribe, it's all out war between the two troops and the unthinkable happens. When it looks like Oscar won't survive the aftereffects of the battle, a most unexpected development provides a glimmer of hope for his future. There are two keys to any great nature film: the cinematography and the ability of the filmmakers to translate that footage into a powerful story. Chimpanzee succeeds on both fronts. The up-close look at chimp...

Manufacturer: Song Without Borders Brand: Hal Leonard

Shining Night: A Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen

LEGENDS: Christy Canyon Vol.2 - 2 Hour Collector's Edition DVD

Manufacturer: PBS

Brian Greene's popular documentaries "The Elegant Universe" and "The Fabric of the Cosmos" together on one DVD.The Elegant Universe: Physicist Brian Greene's bestselling book comes to the small screen in this stimulating look at a complicated topic: the search for order in the universe. Is a revolutionary proposal-"string theory"-the answer scientists have been seeking for centuries? Greene tackles the mind-boggling complexity of the theory with vivid, clear images, and calmly points the way to the answer. Fabric of the Cosmos: The Fabric of the Cosmos, based on the book by physicist and author Brian Greene, takes us to the frontiers of physics to see how scientists are piecing together the most complete picture yet of space, time and the universe. With each step, audiences will discover that just beneath the surface of our everyday experience lies a world we'd hardly recognize, a startling world far stranger and more wondrous than anyone expected.