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Lift your seat, tone your thighs and arms, flatten your abs and burn fat in record-breaking time with the Pure Barre Technique! This 45-minute full body workout will not waste your time. Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective way to change your body, producing results in just 10 sessions. You will be amazed at your narrower, leaner new physique. Pure Barre creator Carrie Rezabek leads you through a system of exercises targeted at the parts of the body that need it the most. You will begin with a warm-up to melt away fat and shape your upper body. Carrie then guides you through specific isometric movements that target your legs, seat, hips and abs. Each strength section of the workout is followed by a a stretch section, which will help you achieve the slim look of a dancer. The Pure Barre Technique truly is the answer. All you have to do is this DVD 2-3 times per week and your body will change- it is that simple. To mix in a more intense workout in to your Pure Barre routine, try the second DVD in this series- Pershing Square: 2.
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Last updated: August 16, 2009, 3:30 pm
Pure Barre: Pershing Square 1 Customer reviews:
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 4
(Kay's Gazebo, 2009-09-18) Ok, I have a LOT of material on MJ (to compare this to) THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!! As other have mentioned here, British production, very 'thrown together' took a FEW film clips we've all seen and planted them repeatedly over & over amongst a handful of psychoanalyst giving their analogy of "his" life, peppered w/ a lot of boring fan-on-the-street comments. I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW MANY TIMES THEY RAN THE SAME CLIPS OVER & OVER & ... (w/ REALLY bad music in the background .. No, not MJ's). Thank God for reviews keeping me from even CONSIDERING purchasing this (I was a glutton for punishment and rented it)! WAAAAY better MJ material out there.
(Margret Fox, 2009-09-16) I read all of the above reviews and they told me all I need to know. This is just another false premise look at someone they know nothing about. I include myself in the leagues of Michael's loyal and loving fans. To me and millions of others, he does not need to be explained by so-called experts. Just so much hogwash.
(cinnamon, 2009-09-10) I understand the intention of this video to "protect MJ" from further attacks by saying that "he was a child" because of the numerous traumatic experiences he had to go through as a child star. Although it could hold certain degree of truth, it is considered quite one-sided because in this video, his strangeness is under microscope while his exceptional talent is totally put aside. When you talk about a human being, you need to handle it as one whole package. History shows us that the strangeness and the genius are often strongly connected in a man. You shouldn't just cut apart just one of them and cook it. All the geniuses in history had the experience of being stigmatized by the mediocres as strange because they acted based on their own observation of the world and their own decisions, rather than just following the manual called "social norm". Geniuses are the people who have the spiritual strength to see the facts without biases and think by themselves, while the mediocre does not have the mental and intellectual toughness to do so, and therefore they totally depend on the "answered questions" or "social norm". However, a social norm is nothing absolute. As a manual, "social norm" can ease you to act, saving your time to think what to do, but it is useful only in a certain place in a certain time, and its validity is limited only to "normal" situation. For example, you would not be in the same bedroom with your friend's son if he is doing fine, but what if this boy is terminally ill and confesses you that he cries every night out of fear of death? A person who thinks by themselves might then think that holding him through the night is the right thing to do. He might think that leaving the devastated boy alone to play safe is a hypocritical deed. "Social norm" does not work in those emergency cases. So analyzing everything in the light of social norm is a dangerous mistake we tend to make. Remember what happened to Galileo? Remember how Michelangelo was condemned to paint God and saints showing their whole bodies? Remember how Mozart's Figaro and Bizet's Carmen were criticized for being vulgar? Those geniuses just saw the reality with non-jaded eyes, and just expressed the truth just like the child who said "But the King has nothing on!"" Calling him as a child is okay, I agree that MJ had amazing childlike quality in him, but then, you also need to analyze how important it was, is, will be to have a child eye to be a great scientist, artist, or a philosopher.
(Deborah Keeton, 2009-09-09) i should've read the reviews before wasting my money on this piece of garbage. The author of this video obviously NEVER met Michael. Why didn't they talk about all the charities and people he helped all over the world instead of his plastic surgeries and the FALSE allegations that were brought against him? This is nothing more than all the tabloid fodder compiled into a dvd. Trust me.....save your money !!
(Natce, 2009-09-01) I had expected something interesting from Moonwalking - when in fact this video is quite crappy. DO NOT waste your money. Seems as if this video was made to show all how different he was and did not emphasize the person he truly was- a humanitarian who loved all and cared about the human condition. In addition, there is minimal footage of Michael Jackson. I'd have to say in total there's probably less than 4 minutes of footage of him on the "entire" DVD. This also comes with a small book of which I haven't read - but after seeing the video, I do not have the desire to do so. I repeat: DO NOT PURCHASE DO NOT PURCHASE DO NOT PURCHASE!!
(Ted M., 2009-09-19) This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film. "Last Year at Marienbad", directed by Alain Resnais, released in France as "L'Année dernière à Marienbad" is a film about a man who attemps to convince a woman he just met that they had a love affair a year earlier. The film takes place at a Chateau and includes some very interesting scenes. There is a famous surreal scene with some people casting shadows while the surrounding trees do not. The film itself is very impressive and won many awards. The Criteiron Collection version has some great special features and the packaging is very minimalist in style. The picture of the cover shown here does not do justice to its appearance. The release is a two disc set and includes a booklet with more material. Disc one contains the film and the original theatrical tralier with a re-release trailer. Disc two contains an exclusive interview with Alain Resnais, a new documentary on the film's production, an interview with film scholar, Ginette Vincendeau, and two documentaries by Resnais. "Toute la mémoire du monde" is a documentary about the National Library of France and has an in-depth tour of the stacks and how books are catalogued and shelved. The second documentary is "Le chant du Styrène" is about the molding of plastics. I found the documentary about the French National Library to be very interesting, in part, because I work in a college library. This DVD set is the best version of the film available and a must for cinephiles.
(Joshua N. Carnes, 2009-09-12) (This review refers to the Blu-Ray edition) Criterion has done it again! The beautiful black and white imagery of this haunting film is presented in a flawless transfer. Incredibly sharp and detailed image for a nearly fifty year old film. The booklet has three or four interesting essays, plus there are the usual informative extras. There has been plenty written about the film, i.e. what it means, etc. so I won't go into that except to say that if you want to watch something totally different, then this film is for you. Fans of non-linear plots step to the front of the line! I also reccommend going to Roger Eberts site after you watch and read his essay under 'great movies'.
(Bartok Kinski, 2009-08-31) "Last Year at Marienbad". This is a Boring, basic "French" movie, although I wouldn't put it in the same sentence with "The Seventh Seal". It's a movie with questionable Claude Levi-Strauss language in spots, some meaningless New Wave scenes, no character development in others, and a somewhat predictable ending that altogether serves to pass the time away and/or play in the background while you do something else. Not exactly a landmark of French film making. Technically speaking, this movie is well made, which somehow makes it even worse.
(Doreen Appleton, 2009-08-29) Marienbad falls into the category of the movie that had to be made, like Repulsion, like Deliverance, a few others, the movies that opened a door through which other filmmakers (not to mention poets, artists, writers) were grateful to walk. A movie that says something about consciousness, about human experience, that hadn't been said before. These films are not pleasant to watch, and they lend themselves to pastiche (especially Marienbad) but they serve a purpose. You have to give Resnais credit for having the idea and getting it financed. To me the movie feels like a depiction of a dream. Situations are seen, seen in reverse, everything is repeated, everything is contradicted, always with the same verbal refrain: "Try to remember. You love me." Many dreams feel like this. Delphine Seyrig falls onto a bed in five different ways in one scene. Resnais is making a point about repetition and variation. The Russian guy with the game that no one can win -- in my opinion he was put in so that someone would come into the theater and see the movie, rather than no one. Something for people to talk about.
(Glenn Gallagher, 2009-08-25) After the first 30 minutes of the film Last Year at Marienbad I thought it was the most pretentious film I had ever seen. For some reason, I stuck with it, and by the end of the film, I had decided it was one of the most brilliant films I had ever seen. Don't look for a linear, simple story with a discernible plot. Let the film wash over you like waves on the beach, and just accept that what is happening on the screen is not necessarily supposed to make logical sense. My feeling on the film is that the characters are not even alive, they are probably in limbo between life and death, and that is why they appear to be trapped in a world they cannot leave, and why the woman cannot remember what happened to her just a year ago. The beautiful thing about this film is that it allows you to form your own opinion on what is happening to the three main characters - the director himself said the film had no meaning, although I think he was being disingenuous. The film has plenty of meaning, but it's a little like holding up a mirror to the viewer, you see what you bring with you. The film is all about mood, atmosphere, and setting. This film made me think more than the average ten films put together. Highly recommended if you like experimental cinema and want something different than the usual Hollywood movie of the week.
(Antonio Grazie, 2009-11-07) After forty years, I discovered "The Band." What a delight! I remember references to their name, but did not realize that is what they called themselves. I remember one or two of the songs that made it on the radio in the sixties. At that time, I was totally into the Fab Four (John, Paul, Ringo and George). These gentlemen are accomplished musicians. I enjoyed their "story songs" and how they meld varied styles, e.g., rhythm and blues, country, rock, and rock and roll to name a few, into super sounds and words. Most touching, however, is the palpable feeling of connection between these gentleman and their polished ensemble playing and singing that Scorsese's filming and direction reveals. The sound is great, and this is one film that I will watch over and over again.
(Arthur J. Bird, 2009-11-05) I FIRST SAW THE MOVIE ON LARGE SCREEN, THEN BOUGHT THE ALBUM,AND NOW I HAVE THE DVD JUST A GREAT PERFORMANCE BY ALL ENVOLVED I WOULD SAY A HISTORIC PERFORMANCE!!!
(Belerophon, 2009-10-30) I remember when This first came out. I saw it in the Theatre and had it on tape and DVD before finally getting The Blu-Ray version. I love music deeply and I remember "The Band" and those early days of Rock and Roll. I have been in and out of Music myself and have some small appreciation of what it is to make music and what it is to have and run a band. This Movie is a wonderfull collection of roots music with some of the best talent in the world comming together to celebrate one of the most influential groups of the Era. The performances are stunning and the range of talent that came together for this "LAST WALTZ" is like a phone directory of Who's Who in the Music business. The filming and lighting and sound are fantastic. Even if you are not old enough to remember these guys and this type of music may not be your cup of tea I highly reccomend it anyway. You will get a sense of things from a unique perspective and a beautiful one at that. Also there are quite a few short interviews with some very interesting Tid bits about Music, the business, other musicians and various events that make this like a little biography complete with music and Video. Its a music lovers dream especially if you were alive back then. This review is of The Blu-Ray version But if you dont have a Blu-Ray player I have owned The regular DVD version and it is of very good quality but The Blu-Ray is the best because Scorcesse recorded this on 35mm film which really makes a difference when you master a film to Blu-Ray.(they had originally planned to record the event on 16mm) On a side note This film was done as a colaboration between Robbie Robertson and Martin Scorcesse. There are a lot of people who have a beef with this because some band members later on aired their dirty laundry after the film came out, But I think its totally irrelivent about the internal politics and personal rubs inside "The Band" itself. Anyone who has ever had a band will tell you that its like a family and Families usually have lots of quarrels and disagreements and do terrible things to each other behind closed doors. Also there is usually one person Who calls the shots. Bands are usually like that too. Robbie Robertson was the leader and owned most of the rights to the music. Thats why the documentary focuses on him more then the other memebers (as you would expect ......if your sensible.)
(J. Mohr, 2009-10-14) I read the reviews and bought this based on that it was a behind the scenes band interaction and then some of their concert. The bulk of it was their concert and songs - which I didn't care for and the movie was so boring, I got halfway through and stopped watching. Unless you are a fan of this band, and want concert footage, this isn't worth watching.
(Matthew D. Scherba, 2009-09-21) Wish I could have been at this concert, all the legends plus the ultimate band "The Band".
(G. Dochtermann, 2009-10-29) Highly recommended. An inspiring look into the life of the late, great Les Paul. Les Paul was one of the few modern innovators who could hold a candle to great inventors like Edison and Bell, and he smoked on the guitar! What he did for the world of music recording is also impressive, and anyone who records a note of pop or rock music is indebted to Les Paul.
(L. Power, 2009-10-27) Quite often the word genius is bandied about, and given to people who barely deserve it, people who will be little noted nor long remembered. Let it not be so with Les Paul, one of the most musically innovative people of the twentieth century, whose innovations with sound have inspired generations of musicians. When you listen to the Rolling Stones or The Beatles or Eric Clapton or many other recording artists, the guitar sound you are listening to may be coming from a Les Paul Gibson guitar, or a Les Paul designed pick, one of the first electric guitars ever made, which enabled a revolution in sound, and the evolution of rock and roll. If you listen to The Beatles Eleanor Rigby, Paul McCartney double tracking his own vocals, with 'Ah, look at all the lonely people,' this is thanks to Les Paul's innovation in creating multitrack recording. Similarly, when Michael Jackson multi tracks his own vocals on 'Leave Me Alone'. Similarly Paul McCartney's first album McCartneywas entirely recorded on a 4 track Studer multi track recorder, with McCartney playing all the instruments. Les Paul started out as a musician, and became an outstanding one, learning his craft as a jazz musician with greats such as Django Reinhardt, and then becoming a recording artist, even collaborating with Bing Crosby, and having numerous hits with his own wife Mary Ford. He had a desire to multilayer his own musicianship, and his wife's singing, and this inspired his many innovations in sound. You may be familiar with one of his number one hits 'How high the moon,' and if you listen, you can notice his riffs are so quick, dazzlingly fast. If you're like me, you may find this movie inspiring, and next time you listen to a recording you may wonder what aspect of it may have been made possible by an inventiness and enterprise, and the genius of Les Paul. I hope this review is helpful to you, and I hope you enjoy the movie.
(J. Blackburn, 2009-10-03) The DVD is described well by others here but I watched it last night and just wanted to add another positive review. Talk about a person who operated without any creative or innovative boundaries. Les is the man. And this DVD addresses his ability to multitask at the very highest levels in a very complete and organized way. I also found it every bit as interesting for the insights into the life of Mary Ford. She was the perfect collaborator for him and the ground breaking music they made together utilized her intelligence, creativity and natural musical gifts as much as it did Mr. Paul's. Great DVD. And apparently there's another hour and a half of "extras" that I still get to watch. Les Paul certainly deserves a lifetime achievement award and thanks to both Les and Mary for some really amazing music.
(C. Eggers, 2009-01-20) This video, correction, this Man (Les Paul) has changed the music industry forever! How we listen, how we record, how we play. This man has more inventions under his belt than NASA. I would recommend this movie for any person into music. This is one movie to have in your collection.
(Timothy S. Coffey, 2009-01-14) What an extraordinary video! I grew up in part of this time, but had no idea he did so much in the music industry. His influence is still felt today and will continue to be felt for musical generations to come! If you love music, you will love this video!
(Simon Davis, 2009-10-16) I've always been a huge fan of Arabian Nights tales and no matter what age you are they always provide (even if it is only for an hour and a half) a much needed release from the stresses of life. Those exotic tales of far away places populated by beautiful damsels in distress just waiting to be rescued by dashing princes seem to have always been favourites with general audiences of every decade too. Certain performers such as Sabu and Turhan Bey are automatically associated with this genre of film making however on the "B" movie level one of the most loved screen teams in this field in the 1940's were Maria Montez and Jon Hall. Paired in a number of colour filled and exotic escapist yarns far from any reality audiences would ever know, they were the perfect medicine for wartime audiences trying to escape the harsh realities currently being played out in the real world. Maria Montez had the exotic looks that combined perfectly with the very masculine and virile appearance of Jon Hall and despite the limitations of each's acting skills the pair struck an immediate cord with audiences in exotically titled films such as "Arabian Nights", "White Savage", "Sudan" and especially in their biggest hit together "Cobra Woman" (badly needing to be released on DVD!). Here we have one of their best teamings in Universal's lavish "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" made right at the peak of their popularity and it's easy to see from this production the great faith that Universal Studios had in this acting team. It is a wonderfully lavish production filled with grand sets, a stirring musical score, breathtaking costumes and hundreds of extras all rolled up in a hugely enjoyable romp never for one moment to be taken seriously which is the best way to enjoy it. I have a great affection for this childhood favourite and this superb "Universal Backlot Series" DVD release of the film certainly does it proud. The storyline as in most of these tales is pure hokum of course which is partly what makes it such fun. After being driven out of Baghdad when his father the Caliph of Bagdad is ruthlessly betrayed and killed young Ali (Scotty Beckett) is forced to flee and finds refuge with the famous "forty thieves" who have a treasure filled cave as their headquarters and are determined to drive out the Mongol Khan (Kurt Katch) who is inflicting terror on their country. Ali grows to manhood (transforming into Jon Hall in the process!) and he sets out with the help of the forty thieves to revenge his father's death by ridding Baghdad of the evil Khan and winning back the hand of his childhood friend, the beautiful Princess Amara (Maria Montez) who has been tricked by her traitor of a father into marrying the Khan against her will. Real Saturday matinee fare is the best way to sum up the appeal of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". Of course no one in the cast looks even remotely Middle Eastern (gravel voiced Andy Devine playing an arab thief called Abdullah??) and everyone looks a little too well scrubbed for a story taking place in the desert but put the logistics aside and you are sure to be swept away by this rousing tale. Maria Montez certainly earned her famous title as "The Queen of Technicolour" in this epic and by the time this film came along she and Jon Hall, aided by Turhan Bey in another of his exotic roles, were a well oiled team who combined perfectly together on screen. Universal's new DVD line being released under the title "Universal Backlot Series" is proving to be sensational in bringing some very obscure and hard to come by movies from the 1930's and '40's back into the spotlight. Although "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" has been previously released on DVD, this new edtion is really wonderful and a definite improvement over the older release with great care taken on the overall restoration of the film. Colours seem much brighter and vivid and the rousing musical score has never sounded better. In fact the film as presented on this disc couldn't be faulted as it looks like it was made yesterday. The only drawback to this DVD release is the sad lack of any extras to make this deluxe presentation complete. I would have liked for example to have seen a documentary prepared about the screen team of Maria Montez and Jon Hall and the impact they had on audiences in the 1940's complete with some biographical information on both performers as well. I'm also a big fan of the wonderfully talented Turhan Bey and I feel he is also long overdue for a proper retrospective on his highly successful career in Universal's fantasy and horror films throughout the 1940's. This would have made another great extra for inclusion on this disk. Despite this short fall however all lovers of these Universal fantasy films like myself should be very pleased here and the obvious care that has gone into restoring the film makes me hope that more of the Montez/Hall teamings, especially the camp classic "Cobra Woman" will see a DVD release sometime in the near future. While not acting "Oscar" material "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is great escapist entertainment and it's excitng to see the film returned to all its gaudy technicolour splendour in Universal's new DVD release in their "Universal Backlot Series". Enjoy!
(Kevin Blumenstock, 2009-09-27) This is in color and in perfect condition, remember its before Robin Hood and if you go way back as a kid growing up in Brooklyn this is for you this high quality movie....kevin
(Stan V. Sprengert, 2009-09-17) i was about 12 yrs old when i first saw this movie, blew me away with the special effects..but i couldn't understand why he would say "open sesame" until later years when i saw it on television that they said "open says me" wow i felt like a doop..but when this dvd became available , i jumped on it..the acting is great and jon hall was a very good hero of course maria montez..oooo lah lah ... anyway if you wish to be entertained well this is the movie for you..enjoy it .oh, andy devine is just that devine..
(E. D. Deuss, 2009-09-13) This is another pairing of Maria Montez and Jon Hall in the Universal series of Arabian Nights-type action and adventure films. The plot is slight (who cares?) but we have the most gorgeous Technicolor ever, with the babelicous Maria Montez! The music is quite good, and the overall effect is quite a handsome film. I recommend it for nice escapist entertainment. I hope Universal Home Video releases the rest of the Hall/Montez series -- they are well worth your viewing time!
(William R. Ray, 2009-07-17) The DVD transfer is very good. The original Technicolor is well preserved. The detail is all there and the richly colored costumes show up just as brilliant as the first screenings of the film. The evil leader of the Mongol Horde, the Haluga Khan (Kurt Katch) overruns Baghdad with the aid of Prince Cassim (Frank Puglia). The good Caliph (Moroni Olsen) is killed but his son Ali (protrayed later in adulthood by Jon Hall) escapes to find the secret cave of the 40 theives. He is immediately taken in by Al Baba, the older, who adopts Ali, hence the name Ali Baba. 10 years later, enter the Lady Amara (the beautiful Maria Montez). Ali falls in love with her thinking her only a slave girl. Meanwhile, Amara'a father, Prince Cassim, has offered Khan the lovely lady's hand in a political marriage. Ali Baba, now leader of the 40 thieves is determined to free the Lady Amara and drive the evil Khan from Baghdad. We see some incredible horsemanship from the 40 thieves as they ride through the streets of Baghdad at breakneck speed. We also see that these are singing thieves as their song proclaims they steal from the rich and give to the poor. We get dancing mongols waving sabers and a great sword fight between the thieves and the mongols. Humor is supplied by Andy Devine as Abdullah, 1 of the thieves. There is some mild violence, no gore or graphic violence so a little parental guidance is probably needed for kids under 7 but kids 7 to 13 should enjoy this film very much. Parents too! High recommendation for: families with kids, grownup kids, movie fans, Maria Montez and Jon Hall fans, and anyone looking for a little good old escapism. This is really good Universal classic film.
(Leif Sheppard, 2009-06-26) It was in the early part of this decade, when I was in my late teens, that I first began my obsession with movies. In was in these formative years of film study that I first compiled my list of favorite actors, both of the leading and character variety. Though the list continues to grow to this day, there still isn't an actor I favor more than Richard Harris. I find it immensely fascinating how he could convincingly portray the supreme ruler of all Rome, Marcus Aurelius, in "Gladiator" and also so believably give such a nuanced perfomance of the poor, simple farmer Bull McCabe in "The Field". Then there was the soulful portrayal of the brilliant yet haunted Abbe Faria in "The Count of Monte Cristo", and the brief yet scene-stealing role of English Bob in "Unforgiven". Yet, while I had loved each of these performances, they all fell somewhere within the twilight years of his career. I was more than curious to see the early work of Harris and felt that the 2008 Criterion Collection release of "This Sporting Life" would be a perfect place to start. Harris was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance here, the only time he was so honored until he received the nod for "The Field". It's a crime he never won either time, because there's no question that he deserved the trophy for each film. "This Sporting Life" is, in a word, a masterwork. Though I must mention Lindsay Anderson's adept direction, the lion's share of the credit must go to Harris, who portrays miner-turned-rugby-player Frank Machin. It's definitely in the top ten pantheon of film performances because Harris wholly inhabits this role. When he's passive or downtrodden, the depths of his troubles are etched on every line of his face. When he's upset or angry his intensity is electric! The DVD cover captures one of my favorite moments from the film, when Machin is observing himself in the mirror and thrusts a punch into the air. There's a raw masculinity to his demeanor, so much so that his destructive spirit is at once intoxicating and repulsive. I find it difficult to write about the plot of the film, because when the film is over the broad details seem immaterial. The sole reason to watch this film is for Richard Harris, though it bears mention that all the supporting actors turn in strong performances (especially Rachel Roberts performance as Margaret Hammond). Concerning the plot, it's interesting to note that the film is complex enough that audiences are nearly always divided on who is the "villain" of the piece. Personally, I placed great sympathy with Machin, even though he plowed through his world with reckless fervor and often displayed little consideration for the feelings of others. In many ways he was, as Hammond so succinctly phrased it: "just a great ape on the football field". I'm amazed this film isn't more iconic than it is, the themes presented resonate with me to this day - particularly as a young man. Machin embodied a more pure 'rebellious youth' than films such as "Rebel Without a Cause" because he was dealing with reality head-on. There was no placement of blame on a broken marriage between his parents or that he moved somewhere that he didn't like. It wasn't because his puppy died or a kid at school bullied him. Machin had very real and very serious problems. It took nearly all he had to confront them, and often, he seemed to be unable to. The sheer weight of it all was too much too bear at times, he would shut himself off from the world and those around him. But, in the end, Machin was still a good man at heart. The picnic scene is beautifully shot and clearly portrays that Machin's humanity is very much intact, particularly in his energetic and playful interactions with the children. It could be argued that Machin was driven to his destructive tendencies as a manner of coping with the fact that Hammond simply could not return his deep affection for her. By the same token, it could be said that Machin drove the poor widow mad with his overbearing presence and lack of emotional intuition. It's these dense layers within the film that make is so compelling to watch, even though it's utterly depressing to watch two people burn out so quickly and violently. It feels starkly realistic because 'till the bitter end there is little hope of something better. The Paul Newman film "Hud" was once my favorite character study, but these days it takes a distant second to "This Sporting Life". I've seen the film three times so far, and each time I don't feel melancholy afterward, but rather a sense of relief at the notion that - perhaps - things are better for both of them in the end. Maybe, just maybe, the end result isn't so bad after all. I suppose it's a testament to the impact of the film that I'm so completely swept away with it that I delude myself with fantasies of a happier conclusion.
(Mike Crestwood, 2009-06-24) As a rugger I wanted to enjoy this movie very much but was very disappointed. Richard Harris' Frank Machin character rocks back and forth between angry tirades and sadness, with no nuance at all to the character. The actress playing the lonely widow with whom he lives displays almost nothing but contempt throughout the film, and their first romantic scene (a semi-rape) seems incredulous. The story becomes convoluted: in the next scene, which takes place the next morning, he flies into a tirade as she snubs him. A little later they're happily dating, and then a scene or two later she rejects him after he acts stupidly in a restaurant. It doesn't hang together; it's as if the director filmed a bunch of angry scenes between the main characters and then pieced them all together in a string,losing the flow of the storyline. Another few examples of poor directing: In an early scene Machin refers to an old man friend as "Dad" and then moments later in the film walks up to him like he doesn't even know him to ask for a tryout with the local rugby club. Later the character is completley dropped from the film. Also, the rugby club manager befriends Machin early on, but later comes to hate him without any explanation given. As for corruption and greed affecting the poor working class, there is none mentioned. All the viewer sees is over-acting and bad directing. I really wanted to like this movie, but was disappointed. Save your money and get another movie instead!
(Charlene, 2009-06-23) One of the best British dramas I've ever seen. Sad, dark, gritty, realistic performances by the entire cast. A must-see.
(Perry, 2009-06-11) Two great performances by Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts (their best) but the film is very gloomy, did poor business in 1963 and ended the brief flourish of gritty realism that included Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and A Taste of Honey. It was Lindsay Anderson's feature debut and one of his better films. This Criterion DVD is as ever informed and packed with extra material, justifying the high price.
(Craig Connell, 2009-06-05) The film also went from a tight, action-drama in the first half hour to a straight drama the second half hour to a melodrama over the last hour. It had a tightness in the beginning, an edgy feel to it, whether it was "Frank" on the playing field or trying to make headway with "Margaret" and her two small kids. Then, it slowly got almost into a soap opera mindset but still kept my interest if only to find out what wound happen to this "couple." Kudos to Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts ("Margaret") for keeping it interesting because it's a fairly long film and there is a long segment where very little happens. Both Richrd Harris and Rachel Roberts were up for Academy Awards. I thought Harris was the standout here. It's hard to be a loutish rugby jock on one hand and a tender, caring guy at the same time, but Harris pulled it off. He made "Machin" a very believable character with that tough-soft combination. He even looked the part: a rough guy who could (and did in real life) muck it up with the best of 'em in a very physical sport. Harris was so good that one minute you really rooted for him; the next minute you'd think "the hell with this moron." Roberts evoked similar emotions. You wanted this bitter and angry woman to be happy, yet sometimes you thought she didn't deserve someone who seemed to care. As a man, I felt Frank's frustration in trying to get to this lady, who might have a lot to offer (besides sex) if she'd just let go of the past and her anger. She's also upset about being a "kept woman," something this generation doesn't understand. In Margaret's day, you didn't stay in the same house with a man unless you were married. The neighbors were talking, and she was shamed. Roberts, I am told, had many demons in her (real) life and didn't have the career of her co-star, but she was a fine, fine actress. Both these man characters were simple and complex, at the same time. This is why I looked at this film as a character study of two people, instead of a depressing melodrama, which some have labeled it. Yeah, it's not "Mary Poppins" but I didn't find it that depressing. I also enjoyed William Hartnell as "Dad" Johnson. I wish his role had been bigger. He was a very intriguing guy. The rugby team's owners were portrayed - as many were back then - as nothing but exploitive. Another big part of the reason I basically enjoyed the film was the excellent direction and photography, and the fantastic DVD transfer given to us by Criterion. This is a pristine print: no spots, now flaws - just a fabulous picture. If you enjoy the cinematography of film noir, you'll like this. If you appreciate powerful human dramas, you'll find it worth your while.
(Sreema Vikanth, 2009-10-25) The DVD along with the book can take your training to the next level. Make sure you get both though since a lot of things covered by the book are skipped in the DVD and vice-versa. The best way to use the book and the DVD in my opinion is to set it up in your gym and try out the exact movements as described when you are watching it. It also helps to make a few quick check points that can help when you are actually working out.
(Smart Clicks, 2009-09-14) It has been awhile since I have down some power lifts I was all about the P90X workout for a year but then like everything became bored with the program. I bought the DVD so I could see the techniques and I have to tell you I didn't think the DVD was going to be this good. Great Detail that makes you perform the excercises properly. I also love the program short and sweet and a lot of fun. Also my arms have increased in size without doing any curls. This was something I was a little worried about. I am getting bigger everywhere and I like the newly added strength I have gained. Great DVD for any age buy it.
(Iron Steve, 2009-09-11) Complements the book very well over all. Took 1 mark off as there is a fair fews reps obviously performed with poor form that Rip gives the OK on. apart from that, its great
(S. Siemer, 2009-09-05) No matter what your body type, this DVD is for you. It details from multiple angles, each move; and with an array of different sized men AND women. I personally have never been great with trying to imagine just what is being explained in a book. With this DVD I saw and heard the moves explained and was able to follow along in my own living room with a simple stick until I was able to get the form down. The DVD is a must for anyone into weights. If you are a veteran or a novice, this speaks directly to you!
(Bodybuilding Ben, 2009-08-07) I have read Starting Strength and found much value in the book. This DVD is a great tool if you are a visual learner. I will reference the DVD more than the book, but would recommend both. The video/audio quality is decent, but the instruction of the athletes of different backgrounds is very helpful. The video is over 2 hours and is an excellent value.
(Robert Spofford, 2009-10-01) Understand first that I am a liberal, a passionate environmentalist and someone who spends enormous time working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote more sustainable living. So, I should love this film, right? Sorry, but this is the kind of pretentious enviro "art" that gives the movement a bad name. True, some of the photography is stunning, but the painfully minimalist narration and moaning "native" music (reminds me of the theme from "Battlestar Galactica") are like a bad political commercial: all emotion, no facts. Actually there are a few facts offered, but as others have pointed out, many of those are flat-out wrong. (Last time I looked, our species had been on the planet for around a million years, the first cities were created around 7,000 years ago and the Grand Canyon was in Arizona.) I know a lot of Greens who get off on guilt, and they'll probably enjoy this immensely, but it certainly won't educate anyone, change any minds or do anything else to help save the planet.
(Andy Roberson, 2009-09-08) I found this program to move too slowly to hold my kids (ages 5, 9 & 13) interest and the educational content was not adequate to hold mine. The photography on the other hand was stunning. May be better for background viewing with the sound off. It would be of great benefit to those who are skeptical or unaware of man's impact on Earth unfortunately, they aren't the likely audience.
(Marina B. Cattai, 2009-09-08) This is a wonderful, wonderful documentary. The images are very impressive and it is a very good opportunity for people to understand global warming. I love it! I also love "The Earth From Above" of the same author... I just wonder why it is so hard to find these documentaries in English.
(Brian N. Kosich, 2009-09-08) Beautiful cinematograpy is marred by an arrogent, uninformed, dangerously ignorant narration. This movie is Anti-human, and as I happen to be a human, I find it ridiculous that this movie is believed by anyone. Turn off the sound and enjoy the beautiful visuals.
(Ann Barnes, 2009-08-24) The photography is magnificent, the narrative excellent and the overall message goes straight to the heart. Everyone should watch this film and do their bit to protect what remains of our planet before it is too late. The soundtrack was also very dramatic and in perfect harmony with the visual effect - I wish it was available as a CD.
(vikingscool, 2009-09-23) This DVD have closed-captioning on color and B/W version only but not on special features including video commentary.
(Jerry Hodge, 2009-09-12) Jane Russell--wow! Apparently the original negatives are not available, but if this is from a print, it's better than the last two or three I've purchased--and discarded. This is a keeper, until, and if, there's one from the original negative.
(Gwen Mahan, 2009-10-02) I was disappointed with Pure Barre: Pershing Square 1 because it wasn't "pure barre". The workout is great but I was looking for something with real barre work. I am a dancer and was looking for something that I could follow along at home with when I'm not in classes; barre excercises that would challenge me. If you are not a dancer, this is a great workout but if you are, it's nothing but a workout and has little, if anything, relatable to barre. If anyone knows of a good at home barre workout dvd, please post a review response and let me know.
(J. Benton, 2009-09-27) This is a tough workout. Not for anyone who is new to barre workouts. I have almost all the barre workouts available and this is defiantly the toughest. My only complaint, I wish it had a little more upper body work. Get both, you won't regret it.
(Shoppaholic, 2009-08-23) I have and LOVE the first Pure Barre workout. This workout (Carrie with 3-4 PB instructors) looks to have been filmed in a nice bright room with lots of windows with Carrie instructing and giving tips. Much brighter than the original PB. This workout does not disappoint in any way! It is a non-stop burn fest for your thighs, glutes and hip area. After the traditional barre type warmup (knee ups), it's right down to the mat for some plank work, tricep dips knee pushups and back to standing at your support. Carrie uses a small ball to be held behind knee as you squeeze and pulse in familiar barre moves. There are more done without the ball. Having to hold that ball in place really cranks it up a notch and gets into the hamstring intensely. There is also some inner thigh standing work (popping the heels). Carrie and class hold onto the side of a wall for support, you can use a chair or anything really for a support. Working the same leg, you move to the floor and continue frying with various lying moves extending the leg from the hip. My hip was begging for mercy. There are also some quick stretches thrown in between. After you repeat on the other side, you move on to abs holding on your ball. I prefer to use my pilates ring for this ab series. I have done it using a ball and feel it intensely but I just feel like I get a better grip and squeeze going then with the ball. You could do it with nothing and still feel the abs working intensely :) There is a nice soothing stretch at the end. The DVD also has some extras where you can get more tips on form and is chaptered. I have been rotating Pershing 1 & 2 and I have to say I love them both but I find myself most sore from this one and I think that's from the lying floor work. The 2 DVDs compliment each other -- get both!
(S. Rutigliano, 2009-08-11) A great new challenging workout from the Pure Barre series. I was very excited to find this since I LOVE the first one!