Reviews (11)

Beethoven Lives Upstairs
Excellent video for children. I teach elementary school music and it puts a personal face on a distant genius. Beethoven lived a very troubled life and it puts his genius and suffering into a language that children not only understand but embrace. After watching this video they want to know more about Beethoven and his music.

Amazingly accurate and complete
Our family (girls ages 4 and 6) loved the CD by the same name so much that we bought the video too. We were impressed at the ability of the writers and director to rearrange the story and the music to fit a film version. I realized that I knew nothing of Beethoven and read his biography after viewing the video. Then I was really impressed to find how much accurate information about Beethoven's life was interwoven into the story. Although we prefer the CD version, I think that seeing the period costume and setting helped the girls place the story in an historical context. We are now all Beethoven fans and listen to his music with new appreciation.

Pretty good, but could have been better.
I teach music to K-4 and we watched this in all of my classes. It was entertaining, but I could have done without all the violent outbursts by Beethoven toward the housekeeper. The kids really did seem to enjoy the music and asked if there are other movies we can watch. It's a great way to introduce young kids to classical music. They were very excited when they recognized a song written by Beethoven himself.

No MacIntosh!
The video story is great but the enhanced DVD-ROM features will not work on a MacIntosh computer. That caveat is printed on the DVD case and should be included on your product information page.

great for kids
This video is (as most media works are) based on many multifaceted specuations surrounding Beethoven's life. However, there are many "theories" about the final days of his life, and this particular "theory" is clean, and excellent for children.

I distinctly remember watching it in the fourth grade, and being a classical soprano myself, finding I was absolutley enchanted with the entire idea. It sparked an interest in Beethoven's life, which, years later, lead to the reading of many a biography and viewing of "Immortal Beloved", a movie which immediatly became my favorite. Therefore, I would most definitely recommend this movie, (for children) it is succinct, clean, to the point, and for me, inspiring. Take it from one who viewed it as a child many a time, children will adore "Beethoven Lives Upstairs." ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1999 Humanitas prize-winning video explores the intenseworking relationship of painter Edward Degas and ballerina Marie vonGoetham.The story opens on a desperate and dispirited Degas forced intoportraiture as a means of making a living.His disdain for "opera rats"turns to fascination when he encounters floundering ballerina Marie vonGoetham.Degas becomes so obsessed with Marie that he hires her as a model, and the temperamental pair discovers a common devotion to their respectiveart forms.Through their relationship, Degas teaches Marie to ignorecriticism, dare to make mistakes, and believe in herself.Marie teachesDegas to respect other people and, after he loses his own self-confidence, to live by his own advice--ignore criticism and believe in himself.Thiswonderful look at two struggling artists is full of beautiful dancing andfascinating glimpses of Degas at work in his studio.While the video is based mostly on conjecture and fantasy, the underlying messages--thatartists pour great effort into appearing effortless and the portrayal ofself-doubt as an insidious enemy that kills talent--are enduring truthsrelevant to any artist. (Ages 7 to adult) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A masterpiece in itself
It was because of this show in the Artists' Special series I became interested in Edgar Degas and his artwork. And because of it Degas is my favorite artist.

This show portrays Degas as how I might imagine him to have actually been. The stubbornness of Degas and Marie keeps them from agreeing at times but in the end they form a friendship and a magnificent stature is also born.

Watch it with your kids.
I saw this on a long flight and was so impressed with it that I got it for my daughter to see. It's a great balance of history, important life lessons and entertainment. Four stars doesn't mean it wasn't good - I just think reviews are more useful if they aren't all 1's and 5's. A great film to watch with your kids.

Does being a genius give you license to treat others badly?
This story is beautifully produced by the Canadian film company, Devine Entertainment, known for their commitment to excellent entertainment for older children. This biography shows Degas as a self-centered old man whose art is more important to him than people. A young ballerina, Marie, has a major influence on changing his attitudes and behavior. It begs the question, "Does being a genius give you license to treat others badly?" Our child viewers commented: "I learned about what it takes to be an artist." "I liked the way they all taught each other something. The painter taught her that if you don't make a mistake you'll never learn. She taught him not to be so grouchy and have respect for others." Most 8 to 12-year-olds will enjoy this, particularly girls, and girls interested in dance will dance with joy!

KATHRYN LONG DOES IT AGAIN!
Kathryn Long, the teenage actress who is fast becoming "Canada's Jodie Foster", again plays a "heavy" in this film, the nasty older sister of the young dancer of the title. Long's range of talent is considerable, from teenage vampiress Divia in FOREVER KNIGHT to the harried young heroine Carly Beth in two HAUNTED MASK movies, and now, this historical drama allows her to shine in a non-supernatural role. Rent it or buy it especially for this talented, beautiful actress! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Very Disappointing
My daughter loves the Young Children's Concert with Raffi. We purchased the Rise and Shine Band video in the hopes that she would enjoy it as well. The accompanying Rise in Shine Band is horrible. It sounds more like a Hee-Haw video than a children's video. Raffi did not engage the audience well in this video. In fact, some footage shows children in the audience asleep because it is a painfully dull performance. He does not invite the children to sing sing along with him. It is just NOT FUN! It is painful o watch.

Even adults love it!!
I first heard Raffi In Concert when my 2 year old patient was listening to it. He seemed so mesmerized by it and I saw why. Raffi seem to just have a way with the children in his audience. I fell in love with the video and couldn't wait for my little patient to want to watch it over and over again oppose to his Seasame Street videos. Now I am going to buy my own so I don't
have to wait until I go to work to listen to Raffi In Concert!!

The Baby Nurse
I have played this video for all the babies I have cared for over the last 15 years. It has always been a hit with the infants all the way up to 4 years old ( I don't care for anyone after 4). I have enjoyed it as much as the children, and we always have the CD for the car rides.

Raffi and the rise and shine band is the best!!!!!
I love this video because my nephew really enjoys it.
Every day "raffi and the rise and shine band concert" will play on and on. He never seems to get bored and he is always entertained with music and is taught how to do hand motions for the songs......

Great Children's Music! Good Entertainment for Your Children
Outstanding! This is a magical concert for children. The music is just wonderful. So singable, and the themes are very appropriate and fun for children. So many songs in this concert are Raffi children's classics, like "Baby Beluga," "Like Me and You," "Five Little Ducks," "Rise and Shine," "Everything Grows," "Shake My Sillies Out" and so many more. Raffi is the best songwriter for children.

I recently gave a copy of this as a gift to a three-year old relative, and his mother told me that he also just loves it and always asks to watch it. That's how many kids respond to it. Even older kids and adults like these songs.

This concert is also available on CD (audio). That concert CD was the first Raffi CD my children ever owned, and it is excellent. My children have many fond memories of listening to it in the car on long rides. This concert is sort of the "best of Raffi," except some of his great earlier songs are missing.

I also highly recommened Raffi's other masterpiece concert video "A Young Children's Concert With Raffi." That's Raffi's best concert of all. It's pure magic for toddlers and preschoolers. You can buy three Raffi concerts together on DVD, too. Search Raffi under DVD.

Excellent, quality entertainment for children! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

a musical fantasy
The series of films titled "The Composer's Specials", are in large part fiction, but are intended to introduce young people to classical music. In "Bizet's Dream", despite an inane script, and a few scenes that are so slow they seem to come to a standstill, there are some standout features: Marvelous cinematography by Barry Stone, on location in the Czech Republic, the magnificent music, played by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, and Yseult Lendvai. Ms. Lendvai is the Prima Ballerina of the Stuttgart Ballet, and her all too fleeting appearances are a joy. Had all 53 minutes of this film been of her dancing to Bizet's gorgeous Carmen score, this would have been a 5 star masterpiece, as it is, it narrowly fits into a 4 star category.

The cast is attractive, with Maurice Godin as Bizet, and Brittany Madgett as his 12 year old student, and as the artist Delaborde, R.H. Thomson is amusing and engaging.Though this is supposed to be a "film for the whole family", parents should be aware that it is depicting 19th century bohemian Parisians, with much wine drinking, and permissive behavior, though that is balanced perhaps by being able to introduce children to the fabulous music, the Czech National Ballet, and even a little opera...and of course, Ms. Lendvai, who is pure grace and style.

NOT a must buy!
This movie doesn't teach a thing about Bizet! His opera Carmen was also a little carried away! Only a stupid love story! Definetely do not purchase this movie!

Carmen and love !
Aye Chiuaha this movie gives me a fever the sex the music and the storyline I mean if you want music done you want great cast check you want great storyline Oh yes check !This is one of my fave Composer videos ! ... Read more

Description

Monet: Shadow and Light presents a rich portrayal of the trials of a struggling but stubborn Claude Monet and how a boy with budding talent shows him the importance of family.Set in 1869, five years before the Impressionist movement was recognized, 29 year-old Monet paints his view of the world while trying to support his young family with his art. Settling on the Seine near Paris, Monet discovers landscapes and people that inspire his art.Unfortunately, he also has to deal with a lack of understanding from his father, his creditors, and especially from harsh critics whose narrow-minded attitudes thwart acceptance by the art world.

Created and produced by David Devine and Richard Mozer from a screenplay by Susin Nielsen (Degrassi Junior High), Monet: Shadow and Light was shot entirely in and around Montreal.Scenes depicting the village of Saint-Michel were shot at some original 17th century houses in Montreal^Rs Cap St-Jacques.La Grenouillhre was scrupulously rebuilt in Parc Angrignon, where the narrow lake stood in for the Seine and the surrounding woods for Fontainbleu. Even Monet^Rs famous studio-boat was recreated with exact accuracy using fishermen^Rs dorys. The film follows HBO's presentations last year of Degas and the Dancer and Mary Cassatt: American Impressionist, the first two productions in THE ARTISTS' SPECIALS series.Degas and the Dancer was recently awarded the prestigious Humanitas Prize in the Children's Writing category. Future programs in the series will feature Rembrandt, Goya and Winslow Homer.

Claude Monet was nineteen years old when he left home for Paris. He was quickly disillusioned by the rigid principles of the art establishment, preferring the relaxed art classes given by Charles Gleyre, where he met Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley. They formed an immediate attachment through their intense dedication to their new art.

Between 1869 (the year the film is set) and 1874, when the first Impressionist show was received poorly by the critics, Monet, Renoir, Sisley and the other members of the Impressionist movement painted every aspect of rural and urban life. Monet's favourite locales included the Fountainbleu forest, La Grenouillhre, on the Seine and the unusual studio boat.Monet was poor and completely unaware that within these five years the Impressionist movement would evolve to its peak. Even in this "starving artist" period, Monet's paintings never became sombre.Monet finally achieved financial independence in 1890. He is best known for showing the world the fleeting effects of light and shadow. Monet is arguably the greatest of the Impressionist painters. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Video for Young People
As a music teacher, I am always looking for new things to use with my students. While I can give them all the names, dates and facts and let them listen to the music, it is a wonderful thing for them to be able to see it. It brings it all into perspective. My thanks to the creators of the HBO composers' specials and please, keep them coming! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Video for Young People
As a music teacher, I am always looking for new things to use with my students. While I can give them all the names, dates and facts and let them listen to the music, it is a wonderful thing for them to be able to see it. It brings it all into perspective. My thanks to the creators of the HBO composers' specials and please, keep them coming! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This installment of The Inventors' Specials, a series that invitesyoungsters to think about great inventors (including Edison and Einstein), focuses on the man who brought the wonder of science into the Dark Ages. Michael Moriarty gives vigor to his role as the scientist who is forced to take on a young apprentice. First bored with his new surroundings, the youngster develops a keen interest in Galileo's inventions, including his latest, the telescope. The hour-long video, which played on HBO and won two daytime Emmys, doesn't pull any punches by explaining what happened to heretics who, like Galileo, preached the Earth wasn't the center of the universe. However, the filmmakers do not trust their young audience. Galileo's rival is an obese fool whose antics belong in Home Alone. It nearly ruins a good thing. Ages 7 and up. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The better documentary
At the dawn of the 17th century, everybody takes the explanations of the great thinkers such as Aristotle for granted. The astronomer and the mathematician Galileo Galilei is about to discover the biggest mysteries of the universe. The lack of money, a brother who lives in his depend and a rival can't stop him from continuing its researches. He finds support in his pupil prince Cosimo (who was spoiled by the monarchy at the beginning of the movie). The education of Galileo is going to change the vision of the prince. He's going to help its teacher to invent the telescope. This film (almost a documentary) is striking as for its attention to details. It's easy to understand why they won two Emmy Awards (as being nominated for five). Michael Moriarty (actor from the series "Law and Order") is excellent in the title role. As good as Kenny Vadas who plays the role of his student. It is very cool at the end of the film when an astronaut finally proves Galileo's theory of falling objects speed.

An excellent educational tool !
As a High School Physics Teacher I really recomend this video for the introduction of the scientific method. It details the importance of experimentation before making conclussions. It is also a unique resource to help teachers develop in students etics and moral values in science. I whish I can get a copy of this video in Spanish since that is the language most of my students understand better. ... Read more

Amazon.com

New York City, 1931. Movie producer Jack Maloney has just completed alabor of love: his documentary on the life of the great inventor Thomas Alva Edison. Jack wants his wife, actress Kate Cruthers, to take a look. What results is an engaging, Emmy Award-winning family drama about the 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration required to build an impassioned life. As Jack's "documentary" clicks along, we learn that he met Edison (played with great sincerity by Kenneth Welsh) while fleeing from St. Patrick's Orphanage in 1893. Chased by truancy officers, the then-12-year-old boy (actor Michael Suchanek) ran smack into Edison's New Jersey lab, winning Edison's affections and landing a long-term apprentice job. Believable conversations between mentor and student about education, life, and the invention of Edison's light bulb and phonograph are dotted with many recognizable, timely quotations.

As the film follows their 35-year relationship, viewers see how Edison dedicated his life to "the betterment of mankind" and sacrificed time with his family as a result. The unspoken father-son bond between the two men--stronger than Edison's relationship with his own wife and children--comes to a head as the adult Jack (Jesse Collins) challenges Edison's tenacity. Reconciliation and a deeper empathy for each other's choices caps off this nicely paced, beautifully filmed and scored presentation. A well-spent hour for families with children over 6 years old or for elementary school students studying American inventors. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wow!
This was a great movie! Amazing! I love it! 5/5 stars, all the way! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A masterpiece in itself
It was because of this show in the Artists' Special series I became interested in Edgar Degas and his artwork. And because of it Degas is my favorite artist.

This show portrays Degas as how I might imagine him to have actually been. The stubbornness of Degas and Marie keeps them from agreeing at times but in the end they form a friendship and a magnificent stature is also born.

Watch it with your kids.
I saw this on a long flight and was so impressed with it that I got it for my daughter to see. It's a great balance of history, important life lessons and entertainment. Four stars doesn't mean it wasn't good - I just think reviews are more useful if they aren't all 1's and 5's. A great film to watch with your kids.

Does being a genius give you license to treat others badly?
This story is beautifully produced by the Canadian film company, Devine Entertainment, known for their commitment to excellent entertainment for older children. This biography shows Degas as a self-centered old man whose art is more important to him than people. A young ballerina, Marie, has a major influence on changing his attitudes and behavior. It begs the question, "Does being a genius give you license to treat others badly?" Our child viewers commented: "I learned about what it takes to be an artist." "I liked the way they all taught each other something. The painter taught her that if you don't make a mistake you'll never learn. She taught him not to be so grouchy and have respect for others." Most 8 to 12-year-olds will enjoy this, particularly girls, and girls interested in dance will dance with joy!

KATHRYN LONG DOES IT AGAIN!
Kathryn Long, the teenage actress who is fast becoming "Canada's Jodie Foster", again plays a "heavy" in this film, the nasty older sister of the young dancer of the title. Long's range of talent is considerable, from teenage vampiress Divia in FOREVER KNIGHT to the harried young heroine Carly Beth in two HAUNTED MASK movies, and now, this historical drama allows her to shine in a non-supernatural role. Rent it or buy it especially for this talented, beautiful actress! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anyone who's seen 1994's romantic I.Q. is familiar with the presentation of genius Albert Einstein as not only a living legend, but sweet and funny. This production, part of HBO's Young Inventor series, does nothing to dispel that preconception; it offers up a socially responsible, kind, charismatic, and thoughtful Einstein. The family-oriented film finds Einstein (Paul Soles) as a scholar and physicist at Princeton University. He befriends Lannie (Lataye Studwood), a 12-year-old African American, whose mother works at the university and whose father is an aspiring singer. Einstein offers to tutor Lannie, who's being shoved into a remedial class. Themes explored are intellectual freedom, racism, stereotypes, friendships, family, loyalty, and love. The Young Inventor series offers up excellent production values, strong acting, and powerful stories woven around true and historically significant tales. --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Great Creation!!
As an Einstein fan, I always try to collect the materpieces of his life, science and humanity. I think this DVD gives a very true insight of these facts. I would recommend any Einstein fan to watch this and discover this great soul.

Einstein: Light to the Power of 2
I was extremely pleased with how my 10 and 12 year old daughters were fascinated with this video. This video teaches about a love for learning. Teaches not only a bit of history mixed with fiction (I think Lannie is fictional), but teaches Math and Science as well. Excellent for ages 9-up. Not a factual account of Einstein's theories, but a delightful insight.

Very disappointing
I was looking for a video that would explain Einstein's theories. This video deals more with race relations. Title is very misleading. ... Read more