Blu-ray Archive

Renee Fleming in Concert – Salzburg Festival 2011-12 – Strauss/Wolf/Bruckner – Blu-ray – Opus Arte 

Renee Fleming in Concert – Salzburg Festival 2011-12 – Strauss/Wolf/Bruckner – Blu-ray – Opus Arte 

A reissue of 2 terrific concerts in a 2 disc set of dazzling video and audio. Renee Fleming in Concert – Salzburg Festival 2011-12 – Strauss/Wolf/Bruckner – A 2 Blu-ray disc set in 1080i video, DTS 5.1 sound – Opus Arte OA BD7235- TT: 190 minutes (1/26/18) *** 1/2: This new release is actually a two disc repackaging of a 2012 release of 2 concerts from 2011 and 2012 with Renee Fleming and Christian Thielemann the Vienna Philharmonic and the Staatskapelle Dresden.  There’s a generous amount of music, more than 3 hours worth, and a good portion of the music on offer is bereft of Ms. Fleming. So it’s a bit odd to call this set Renee Fleming in Concert. The purely orchestral works are excellent, both the Strauss Alpine Symphony and the Bruckner Symphony # 7. The vocal programs feature five lieder by the prolific Austrian songsmith Hugo Wolf in addition to four of Strauss’s finest and an opera scene featuring Fleming in one of her career-defining roles, Arabella. The orchestral works are brilliantly performed and recorded. The 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio is thrilling to experience. The rest of the disc gives us Ms. Fleming in her usual […]

The Who – Isle Of Wight 2004 (Blu-ray + 2 CDs) – 2017

The Who – Isle Of Wight 2004 (Blu-ray + 2 CDs) – 2017

The Who – Isle Of Wight 2004 (Blu-ray + 2 CDs) – 2017 The Who reclaim their rock throne. Cast: Pete Townsend – guitar, vocals; Roger Daltrey – vocals; Simon Townsend – guitar, vocals; Pino Palladino – bass; Zak Starkey – drums; John “Rabbit” Bundrick – keyboards Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment EVB335649 Director: Matt Askem Audio: DTS-Master Audio 5.1; LPCM Stereo 2.0 Video: 1.78:1 for 1080i HD, color Length: 132 minutes Rating:                     Audio: ****:                          Video: ****:                          Overall: ****: When the Beatles disbanded in 1970, there was a certain void. It was filled primarily by The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and The Who. Purveying the social and political anger of their era, The Who were defined by the anthemic, brilliant songwriting of Pete Townsend. In addition, Townsend’s theatrical guitar playing electrified the rock scene. Singer Roger Daltrey exemplified the gritty working class with his growling vocals. Keith Moon’s maniacal, propulsive drumming added to the explosive mix. And John Entwhistle’s sophisticated bass refined an elegance to this wild […]

THOMAS ADÈS: Asyla; Tevot; Polaris; Brahms – London Sym. Orch./Thomas Adès – LSO Live (Blu-ray & SACD)

THOMAS ADÈS: Asyla; Tevot; Polaris; Brahms – London Sym. Orch./Thomas Adès – LSO Live (Blu-ray & SACD)

Audiophile quality in these works by this always provocative composer. THOMAS ADÈS: Asyla; Tevot; Polaris; Brahms – London Sym. Orch./Thomas Adès – LSO Live, LSO0798 (Blu-ray audio-only and SACD), 62:55, (3/03/17) ****: Thomas Adès has become, arguably and justifiably, England’s most prominent living composer. His music is regularly very creatively scored, picturesque and frequently a bit thought provoking. This audiophile quality package holds two different discs; a Blu-ray audio and a SACD version. I listened to both versions and they are both very clean, well balanced and “lively.”  I have no clear preference as I didn’t hear a definite difference between the two. They are both very fine iterations of the same live recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra, with the composer conducting. Adès has something in common with America’s John Adams in that they are both excellent and well-known composers who are also very fine conductors, it seems. (I’ve seen Adams and his music live on several occasions. One day I would love to duplicate that experience with Thomas and his work.) To the music itself, these are three of the composer’s most acclaimed works and – to his credit – these pieces have been performed and recorded more […]

Ole Edvard Antonsen [trumpet] & Wolfgang Plagge [piano] – “Furatus” = Music by GRIEG, KOSAKU YAMADA, SHOSTAKOVICH, TVEITT and NIELSEN – audio-only Blu-ray & SACD

Ole Edvard Antonsen [trumpet] & Wolfgang Plagge [piano] – “Furatus” = Music by GRIEG, KOSAKU YAMADA, SHOSTAKOVICH, TVEITT and NIELSEN – audio-only Blu-ray & SACD

Music for trumpet and piano in sparkling sound. Ole Edvard Antonsen [trumpet] & Wolfgang Plagge [piano] – “Furatus” = Music by GRIEG, KOSAKU YAMADA, SHOSTAKOVICH, TVEITT and NIELSEN – Pure Audio Blu-ray – 5.1 surround + stereo + mShuttle /+ SACD multichannel and stereo – 2L-130, 53:10 ea. (2 discs) [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Recorded in the accommodating acoustics of Sofienberg Church & Jar Church, Norway during 2012 and 2013, this recital of music for trumpet and piano by Ole Edvard Antonsen [trumpet] & Wolfgang Plagge impresses in its variety. The Holberg Suite, Op. 40 (From Holberg’s Time) by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was written in 1884 and comes across as a nineteenth-century take on eighteenth-century dance music.  While it was conceived as a suite for a string orchestra, Grieg made that orchestration only after its original publication as a suite for piano.  The arrangement here, for trumpet and piano, works remarkably well and gives plenty of opportunity for Antonsen to display his excellent technique. The arrangement of three songs by Kosaku Yamada (1886-1965) and Hardingtonar by Geirr Tveitt (1908-1981) provide a more relaxed interlude of folk-music inspired works with some sensitive playing by the duo.  The second and fourth parts […]

Doctor Strange, Blu-ray & 3D (2017)

Doctor Strange, Blu-ray & 3D (2017)

Dr. Strange is the latest in Marvel Studios’ characters, who becomes a powerful sorcerer. Doctor Strange, Blu-ray & 3D (2017) Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton Director: Scott Derrickson Studio: Marvel Studios/ Buena Vista Home Ent. 1433039 (2/28/17) Video: 2.39:1 for 16:9 screens, 1080p HD color 3D Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1, French & Spanish DD 5.1 Subtitles: English, French, Spanish Extras: Audio commentary track with director, Deleted scenes, Gag reel, “A Strange Transformation,” “Strange Company,” “The Fabric of Reality,” “Across Time and Space,” “The Score-cerer Supreme,” “Marvel Studio Phase 3 Exclusive Look,” “Team Thor Part 2” Length: 115 min. Rating: ***** Wow! This is one of the most imaginative films ever, as Cumberbatch and Director Scott Derrickson bring one of comics’ greatest characters to life. The costumes are amazingly detailed and the sets are extraordinary. The roles of the various actors are fairly demanding and the extras show some of the many hours of dance and fight choreography they must go thru. In the extra on the soundtrack, composer Michael Giacchino and a full orchestra record some of the mind-bending music for the film. There is also a short on the hilarious […]

SHAKESPEARE: Hamlet & Othello (comp.productions by Royal Shakespeare Co.), Blu-ray (2016)

SHAKESPEARE: Hamlet & Othello (comp.productions by Royal Shakespeare Co.), Blu-ray (2016)

SHAKESPEARE: Hamlet & Othello (comp.productions by Royal Shakespeare Co.), Blu-ray (2016) SHAKESPEARE: Hamlet ‒ Paapa Essiedu, Hamlet / Natalie Simpson, Ophelia / Cyril Nri, Polonius / Clarence Smith, Claudius / Tanya Moodie, Gertrude / Hiran Abeysekera, Horatio / Marcus Griffiths, Laertes / Ewart James Walters, Ghost; Gravedigger / James Conney, Rosencrantz / Bethan Cullinane, Guildenstern / Kevin N Golding, Bernardo / Priest, Player King / Theo Ogundipe, Fortinbras; Marcellus; Lucianus / Doreene Blackstock, Player Queen / Marième Diouf, Cornelia; Player / Romayne Andrews, Osric / Eke Chukwu, Voltimand / Simon Godwin, Director / Royal Shakespeare Company ‒ Opus Arte Blu-ray OA 807172 D, 180 min., main features; 5 min., extras (10/28/16) ****: SHAKESPEARE: Othello ‒ David Ajao, Montano / Nadia Albina, Duke of Venice / Scarlett Brookes, Bianca / James Corrigan, Roderigo / Ayesha Dharker, Emilia / Eva Feiler, Citizen of Venice / Owen Findlay, Gentleman of Cyprus / Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Cassio / Guy Hughes, Soldier / Gwilym Lloyd, Gratiano / Rina Mahoney, Citizen of Venice; Messenger / Lucian Msamati, Iago / Ken Nwosu, Gentleman of Cyprus / Brian Protheroe, Brabantio / Hugh Quarshie, Othello / Herald, Jay Saighal, Gentleman of Cyprus / Tim Samuels, Lodovico / Joanna Vanderham, Desdemona […]

Audio News for February 14, 2017

Dolby Atmos Soundbars – Since a vast majority of households are thining of home theater in terms of a TV display plus a soundbar, the era of Dolby Atmos soundbars is upon us. Systems from LG, Sony, Onkyo, Samsung, Yamaha, Pioneer, Philips and Creative create a choice for consumers. Some of them support DTS:X as well. It can be remarkable what reflected sound can do for a soundbar. For example, the Yamaha YSP models reflect beams of sound off the walls to create surround efffects. Samsung’s K950 soundbar is the only soundbar to provide 5.1.4 Atmos experience using wireless surround speakers. The systems’ satellites feature integrated Amos-enabled upfiring capability. It turns out that height effects add ambience and a sense of space to make up for the lack of traditional surround sound. The PC gaming audio X-Fi Sonic Carrier boasts 1000 watts of power into an 11.2.4 speaker configuration compatible with Dolby Atmos; plus you can add wireless subwoofers for more bass. Home Audio Market Future Analysis for 2019 – Customers buy home entertainment products mainly due to  the rise in disposable incomes of families and better quality products. Systems that can perform AV switching and play and stream audio stored […]

Mumford & Sons – Live From South Africa: Dust And Thunder, Blu-ray (2017)

Mumford & Sons – Live From South Africa: Dust And Thunder, Blu-ray (2017)

Mumford & Sons – Live From South Africa: Dust And Thunder, Blu-ray (2017) British quartet impresses South African audience. Cast: Ted Dwane; Ben Lovett; Winston Marshall; Marcus Mumford; Chris Haas; Tom Hobden; Dave Williamson; Nick Etwell, Baaba Mal; Mamadou Sarre; The Brother Moves On; The Very Best; Beatenberg Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment EVB335619 [2/3/1017] Director: Dick Carruthers Audio: Dolby Atmos 5.1, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, PCM 2.0 Video: 16×9 for 1080i HD, color Length: 94 minutes TrackList: Snake Eyes; I Will Wait; Below My Feet; Wilder Mind; Awake My Soul; Lover Of The Light; Tompkins Square Park; Believe; Ghosts That We Knew; The Cave; Ditmas; Dust Bowl Dance; Bona; Lampenda; There Will Be time; Little Lion Man; The Wolf Ratings:  Audio: ***1/2        Video: ****        Overall: **** Mumford & Sons formed their band in 2007. Despite having recorded only three studio albums (Sigh No More, Babel and Wilder Mind), they are beloved by their fans. Their genre-defying music takes advantage of the group’s multi-instrumental expertise. The combination of electric and bluegrass instrumentation envelopes literary contexts to create a unique musical expression. In 2016, they collaborated on an EP titled Johannesburg. Eagle Rock Entertainment has released […]

The 9th Life of LOUIS DRAX, Blu-ray (2017)

The 9th Life of LOUIS DRAX, Blu-ray (2017)

A thriller of a film about a child’s supposed death-defying accidents. The 9th Life of LOUIS DRAX, Blu-ray (2017) Actors: Aaron Paul, Jamie Dornan, Michael Adamthwaite, Aiden Longworth, Oliver Platt Director: Alexandre Aja Studio: Miramax/ Summit/ Lions Gate (2/7/17) Video: 2.39:1 for 16:9 screens, color HD 1080p Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD MA Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish Extras: “The Making of The 9th Life of Louis Drax” Length: 108 min. Rating: ****1/2 The young boy Louis has survived eight near-death accidents already and in the film (during his Ninth birthday picnic) falls off a high cliff into the water in California. A doctor, Allan Pascal, is drawn into the thrilling mystery of this accident and dark coincidences, and also begins to fall for the boy’s beautiful mother, Natalie.  The circumstances of his (and his father) falling off the cliff are hashed over several times. Oliver Platt is great as the therapist, Dr.  Perez, who uses hypnotism and other unorthodox techniques to tap into the boy’s unconscious mind. (For some reason Platt is given no credits for a major role in the film.) The role of his father (who was not his real father) is also good. New clues emerge as the […]

Deepwater Horizon, Blu-ray VR (2017)

Deepwater Horizon, Blu-ray VR (2017)

A very dramatic portrayal of the real-life worst oil spill accident ever. Deepwater Horizon, Blu-ray VR (2017) Cast: Kurt Russell, Mark Wahlberg, John Malkovich, James DuMount, Douglas M. Griffin, Joe Chrest, Kate Hudson, Gina Rodriquez Director: Peter Berg Based on story by: Matthew Sand Studio: Summit Entertainment/ Lionsgate (1/10/17) [2 discs] 4K Blu-ray Combo Pack Video: For 16:9 screens, HD, color Audio: English Dolby Atmos, Spanish DD 5.1, English DD 2.0, English Optimized for Late-Night Listening Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish Extras: (on Blu-ray) Beyond the Horizon – an hour-long five-part series: “Captain of the Rig,” “The Fury of the Rig,” “Deepwater Surveillance,” “Work Like An American” (tribute to America’s blue-collar workers. Length: 97 min. Rating: **** Kurt Russell and Mark Wahlberg head up this true story of the most major oil spill accident ever. Russell provided wisdom on the set which ultimately improved the film. The 126 real-life heroes aboard the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig began their day like any other. But before it ended, the world saw one of the greatest man-made disasters in U.S. history. The film shows the brave acts of the men and women aboard who rose to the unbelievable challenge and risked all […]

Star Wars, remastered – (A New Hope – IV 1977, The Empire Strikes Back – V 1980, Return of the Jedi – VI 1983), Blu-ray (2011)

Star Wars, remastered – (A New Hope – IV 1977, The Empire Strikes Back – V 1980, Return of the Jedi – VI 1983), Blu-ray (2011)

The first three Star Wars films in their improved digital versions, and on Blu-ray. Star Wars, remastered – (A New Hope – IV 1977, The Empire Strikes Back – V 1980, Return of the Jedi – VI 1983), Blu-ray (2011) Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse Directors: George Lucas – IV, Irvin Kershner – V, Richard Marquand – VI Music: John Williams Studio: Lucasfilm/ 20th Century Fox (3 discs) (9/16/11) Video: 2.35:1 for 16:9 screens, HD color Audio: English and made-up languages, DTS-HD MA 5.1, French DTS 5.1, Spanish DTS 5.1 Dubbed: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish Extras: Commentary tracks (2) incl. actual interviews with the cast and crew Length: TT: 387 min. Rating: ***** It was a  more than worthwhile thing to experience the epic story of Star Wars with high definition, re-done cgi digital effects, and pure digital surround sound. (Even though I am much more of a Star Trek fan.) Lucas transformed his films into “special editions” with new scenes and special effects, which were greeted with shrugs by most fans. Lucas also made the new remastered versions the only ones available. […]

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Blu-ray (2016)

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Blu-ray (2016)

A classic that has been seen by millions—now in your living room. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Blu-ray (2016) TCHAIKOVSKY: The Nutcracker (Live from Lincoln Center) Performers: The New York City Ballet Director: Katherine E. Brown Producer: John Goberman Studio: C Major 738704 2016 [Distr. by Naxos] Video: 16:9 HD Blu-ray Audio: PCM Stereo 2.0, DTS-HD MA 5.0 Subtitles: Italian, German, English, French No region code Length: 100 min. Extras: Behind the Stage (10 min.) Rating: ***** Balanchine’s Nutcracker has been a staple for 64 years at the New York City Ballet. It’s seen by over 100,000 people annually, and countless versions of it have been given throughout the United States, popularizing the work in a way that Tchaikovsky could never imagine. It’s no secret as to why this particular vision of the piece has proved so enormously widespread—the fanciful delights of this rabidly gorgeous production, the inevitable deliberateness of the dance numbers that are perfectly executable yet still breathlessly entertaining, and the magical atmospherics add up to a production that is fully worthy of the accolades received over the years. It’s about time we had this on Blu-ray, in stunning sound and superb color, with a bonus segment that takes […]

Jane Ira Bloom – Early Americans – Outline/Sono Luminus SL Ed. – audio-only Blu-ray

Jane Ira Bloom – Early Americans – Outline/Sono Luminus SL Ed. – audio-only Blu-ray

A gorgeous Blu-ray audio from American’s soloist on soprano sax, with her trio. Jane Ira Bloom – Early Americans [TrackList follows] – Outline/Sono Luminus SL Editions – multichannel audio-only Blu-ray SLE-70005. 52:54 (Distr. by Naxos) [11/18/16] *****: (Jane Ira Bloom, soprano sax/ Mark Helias, bass/ Bobby Previte, drums) With renowned audio engineer Jim Anderson, this 13-track session consists of a dozen of her originals, the drive of Song Patrol to the spare melancholy of Mind Gray River, plus a closing solo version of the classic Bernstein West Side Story number, Somewhere. The album has a stunning photo of Bloom on the front. This is Bloom’s first trio album, and she seems to like the slightly off-balance feel of the trio, whose members she has long worked with before. It is also her 16th album as a group’s leader.  One of the tracks is under two minutes (Nearly – for Kenny Wheeler) while others are over five, including the penultimate very moving one, Big Bill. The whole session is full of plenty of variety as well as exploration. It would be a real treat of all jazz albums were as good sonics and performance is this one. TrackList: Song Patrol; Dangerous […]

Audio News for December 13, 2016

OPPO Releases “4K” Ultra-HD Blu-ray Disc Player – The new UDP-203, scheduled for release next month, will support UHD Blu-rays with four times the pixels of standard Blu-ray. The resolution of up to 3840 x 2160 will be accompanied by High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut. The enhanced resolution, refined contrast, greater brightness and expanded color will produce stunning video with unparalleled clarity and detail. All types of media are accommodated, including SACDs and DVDs and there are two HDMI outputs. The player will decode AIFF, WAV, ALAC, FLAC and APE. There are also 7.1 channel analog outputs, using the “Velvet Sound” 32-bit premium DAC from AKM of Japan. Since the UHD format is still relatively new, the deck is upgradable via an easy-to-performed firmware update process. We will be reviewing the product. Retail is $549 direct from Oppo. TechHive Likes SVS Prime Elevation Speakers for Immersive Audio – The smartly-designed speakers are great as height channels on the wall for Dolby Atmos, DTS-X or Auro-3D configurations. They are sold strictly online and have a free in-home trial, free shipping, expert tech support and a no-hassle return policy. They are designed as direct-firing height-effect speakers the average consumer […]

The Last King, Blu-ray (2016)

The Last King, Blu-ray (2016)

A stirring medieval action film based on a true story of Norway’s past. The Last King, Blu-ray (2016) Cast: Jacob Oftebro, Kristofer Hivju Director: Niles Gaup Studio: Norwegian/Magnet/ Magnolia Home Entertainment (10/4/16) Video: for 16:9 screens, HD color Audio: Norwegian, English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Subtitles: English Extras: Interview with actor Kristofer Hivju, Music video: Bifrost, Theatrical trailer, Previews Length: 100 min. Rating: **** Set in Norway in the 12th century, this is based on a true tale of a great civil war as Swedish invaders tried to take over western Norway. The king is poisoned, and two of his loyal soldiers must escape the horrible Swedes who want to kill the infant heir to the throne. The brave two warriors, who have no skills with handling a two-year-old, risk their life and limb in order to take him across treacherous snowy mountains to end up claiming his rightful place on the throne. There is a lot of skiing, 12th century style, and a lot of snow. The former Vikings fight with axes, but it is not that bloody. The warriors are also very good with the long bow. The interview with the actor playing one of the warriors is most […]

European Tour – Nordic Brass Ensemble – Music of DOWLAND, PRAETORIUS, HOLBORNE et al – 2L (Blu-ray & SACD)

European Tour – Nordic Brass Ensemble – Music of DOWLAND, PRAETORIUS, HOLBORNE et al – 2L (Blu-ray & SACD)

European Tour – Nordic Brass Ensemble – Music of DOWLAND, PRAETORIUS, HOLBORNE et al – 2L-128-SABD – Pure Audio Blu-ray + multichannel SACD, DTS-HD MA 192kHz/24 bit 5.1, PCM 192kHz/24 bit stereo, mShuttle: MQA 96kHz + MP3 (11/18/16) [Dist. by Naxos] ****: Beautifully rendered recording of Brass Ensemble music. This is a most agreeable disc with a collection of brass performances by the Nordic Brass Ensemble.  The group was founded in 1993 by a group of brass musicians who shared a strong desire to make chamber music together. From the start, the ensemble has focused on developing its own musical ideas and concepts of sound. By exploiting the different instruments’ special qualities and combining them in new and unusual ways, and by extensively using mutes, percussion, some non-standard instruments, the NBE is making a name for itself with a very unique approach to brass music. The music performed is traditional, with composers like Holborne, Dowland and Gesualdo. The arrangements were written for the group, and the addition of percussion, while unexpected, is quite persuasive to this listener. Since this is a 2L recording, I expected it to be good sonically, and I was not disappointed. The microphones are well back […]

Audio News for November 4, 2016

Classical Music Can Be Your Best Friend in This Political Turmoil – Research suggests that classical music could be just the thing to calm you down. Sort of like Vivaldi replacing Valium. Recent Research in Bochum, Germany had 120 participants in which half lay down in silence while the other half listened to classical music. When vital signs were taken afterwards, all had lower heart rates and other benefits, but the benefits were greatest in those who had listened to the classics. iPhones Not the Only Apple Products Dropping the Optical Out Jack for Headphones  – The old MacBook Pro had an optical audio output but it is gone with the new 13-inch model, and not likely on higher-end models either. The port is described by Apple as  a 3.5mm headphone jack with support for audio line out (digital/analog). There is no listing for S/PDIF optical digital audio output. Apple says “plenty of USB-C zero-latency professional peripherals are available now, or coming very soon.” Whether the MacBooks are provided with an adaptor for headphones like the new iPones is unknown. New Inexpensive LG 3D Blu-ray Deck –  The PB556 is only about $166, plays Blu-rays, DVDs and CDs, has Wi-Fi […]

WAGNER: Das Rheingold (opera) – Soloists/ Hong Kong Philharmonic Orch./ Jaap van Zweden – Naxos

WAGNER: Das Rheingold (opera) – Soloists/ Hong Kong Philharmonic Orch./ Jaap van Zweden – Naxos

A fine effort from an esoteric source, perhaps a presage of things to come. WAGNER: Das Rheingold (complete opera) – Matthias Goerne (Wotan)/ Kim Begley (Loge)/ Michelle DeYoung (Fricka)/ Deborah Humble (Erda)/ Peter Sidhom (Alberich)/ Anna Samuil (Freia)/ Kwangchul Youn (Fasolt)/ Stephen Milling (Fafner)/ David Cangelosi (Mime)/ Charles Reid (Froh)/ Oleksandr Pushniak (Donner)/ Eri Nakamura (Woglinde)/ Hong Kong Philharmonic Orch./ Jaap van Zweden – Naxos Hi-Ref Blu-ray NBD0049 (PCM 2.0 + DTS-HD 5.1), TT: 2:33:22 [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Though Das Rheingold was the first opera to be written in Wagner’s Ring cycle, it was the last to be completed libretto-wise. Wagner realized the need for a prequel to the Ring, and so it comes as no surprise that the work often serves as a standalone performance in many instances, seeing as how it is the shortest of the cycle and in many ways the simplest in terms of musical references and overall presentation. However, Wagner was not one to waste time on superfluous activity, so the personality development and initial debut of characters is paramount for what was to follow, even if the opera can stand alone. For this reason I can recommend this new surround sound release (especially […]

The Marx Brothers  = The Cocoanuts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup – Blu-ray (3)

The Marx Brothers = The Cocoanuts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup – Blu-ray (3)

A Silver Screen Blu-ray collection of the first five (and funniest) Marx Bros. movies. The Marx Brothers  = The Cocoanuts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup – Blu-ray (3) (1929-1933/2016) Cast: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx, Margaret Dumont Directors: Victor Heerman, Norman Z. McLeod, Joseph Santley, Robert Florey, Leo McCarey Studio: Paramount/ Universal Studios Home Ent. 61181320 (10/18/16) Video: 1:33 for 4:3 B&W Audio: English mono PCM Subtitles: English SDH, French Extras: See below Length: TT: 408 min. Rating: *****   At least three of the four Marx Brothers are the reigning kings of comedy on film and they remain one of the most iconic comic teams of all time. And these – their first five films for Paramount – are the most hilarious of all their work – the later ones for MGM get more serious are are not filled with comedy sketches, witty dialogue and plenty of gags like these five. The first one, from 1929, was actually the first all-talking and music sound film – The Jazz Singer only has a part with sync sound. And this was when many films had the sound on separate discs that had to be synced […]