Dance

Cats - The Musical (Commemorative Edition)

This pop-cultural phenomenon has been performed on stage for more than 50 million patrons in 26 countries for almost 18 years, churning more than $2 billion in ticket sales. Now that Cats has finally made it to the small screen, attention must be paid not just by fans of this critic-proof show, but also by those entertainment mavens who have somehow avoided Cats until now. The video version has been restaged but, alas, not really reconceived for its new medium.

The video cast, assembled from London, Amsterdam, and New York productions, is competent. Ken Page as Old Deuteronomy, Jacob Brent as Mr. Mistoffelees, and Elaine Paige--the original London Grizabella, the Glamour Cat well past her prime--are a great deal more than that. Paige has toned down her theatrical belting of her big number, "Memory," and allowed the faded ruin of her character's soul to prevail in close-up. For all the "covers" of her signature song, Paige's version remains definitive. The video is, by definition, more intimate, not always a good thing: costumes are even more Halloweeny in garish close-up, the cats less cuddly without that all-important interaction, the stage's appropriately midnight lighting transmuted to a Las Vegas neon. And the chorus of cats in production numbers is even clunkier and more amorphous in two- and three-shots.

The one complete newcomer to the cast is the 90-year-old icon among English actors John Mills, a delight as Gus the Theatrical Cat. Sir John and his character show the youngsters how it's done in close-up, largely behind the eyes, abetted by a heart-tugging delivery of his one song. Yet virtually all of the songs are lip-synched, further robbing the video Cats of its onstage seeming spontaneity. It's clearer than ever that Lloyd Webber's music is mostly twaddle, with the important exception of "Memory," which instantly and rightly became one of the genuine theater standards not dependent on context, in the vein of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns." On the plus side, most of the Cats characters and lyrics, from T.S. Eliot's 14-poem Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, are far better defined and understood from the video version. --Robert Windeler

Movie DVD

Happy Feet (Full Screen Edition)

In the great nation of Emperor Penguins, deep in Antarctica, you're nobody unless you can sing - which is unfortunate for Mumble (ELIJAH WOOD), who is the worst singer in the world. He is born dancing to his own tune...tap dancing. As fate would have it, his one friend, Gloria (BRITTANY MURPHY), happens to be the best singer around. Mumble and Gloria have a connection from the moment they hatch, but she struggles with his strange "hippity- hoppity" ways. Away from home for the first time, Mumble meets a posse of decidedly un-Emperor-like penguins - the Adelie Amigos. Led by Ramon (ROBIN WILLIAMS), the Adelies instantly embrace Mumble's cool dance moves and invite him to party with them. In Adelie Land, Mumble seeks the counsel of Lovelace the Guru (also voiced by ROBIN WILLIAMS), a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life's questions for the price of a pebble. Together with Lovelace and the Amigos, Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some epic encounters, proves that by being true to yourself, you can make all the difference in the world.

For anyone who thought the Oscar-winning documentary March of the Penguins was the most marvelous cinematic moment for these nomads of the south, you haven't seen nothing yet. Happy Feet is an animated wonder about a penguin named Mumble who can't sing, but can dance up a storm. George Miller, the driving force behind the Babe (and Mad Max) movies, takes another creative step in family entertainment with this big, beautiful, music-fueled film that will have kids and their parents dancing in the streets. From his first moment alive, Mumble (voiced Elijah Woods) feels the beat and can't stop dancing. Unfortunately, emperor penguins are all about finding their own heart song, and the dancing youngster--as cute as he is--is a misfit. Luckily, he bumps into little blue penguins and a Spanish-infused group (led by Robin Williams) and begins a series of adventures. Miller has an exceptional variety of entertainment: Busby Berkley musical numbers, amusement-park thrills, exciting chase sequences (seals and orca lovers might like think otherwise), and even an environmental message that doesn't weigh you down. Best of all, you don't know where the movie is going in the last act, a rare occurrence these days in family entertainment. A fusion of rock songs, mashed-up and otherwise, are featured; this movie is as much a musical as a comedy. Mumble's solo dance to a new version of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" by Fantasia, Patti, and Yolanda may be the most joyful moment on camera in 2006. --Doug Thomas

On the DVD
There are two new animated sequences, which aren't incorporated into the film. One's a half-minute hackysack-themed bit, but the other is a good-looking, two-minute scene featuring the late Steve Irwin as an albatross, who, with Mumble, encounters a blue whale. "Dance Like a Penguin: Stomp to the Beat" is hosted by Savion Glover, whose dancing was motion-captured for the film, but other than a couple basic tips, it's pretty much a demonstration rather than a lesson. In addition to the two music videos (Gia's "Hit Me Up" and Prince's "The Song of the Heart"), "I Love to Singa" is an appropriately matched 1936 Merrie Melodies cartoon in which a young owl ruffles feathers by wanting to sing jazz for his classical-music-loving family. --David Horiuchi

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Blu-ray

Combo HD/DVD

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Elmo's World - Dancing, Music, and Books

Studio: Genius Products Inc Release Date: 06/03/2003 Run time: 50 minutes Rating: Nr

Everyone's favorite preschool monster demonstrates three activities in this compilation of some popular "Elmo's World" segments from Sesame Street. Joining him are segment regulars Dorothy the pet goldfish and Mr. Noodle, the lovable, bumbling adult stand-in for children, who makes mistakes but perseveres until he gets it right. In each episode, real children also take turns mastering the skill. In "Dancing," Elmo shows off his finesse at the flamenco and hula, while the children choose more free-form moves. (Elmo's monster friend Zoe also makes a cameo appearance.) In "Books," a boy and his father visit the library in search of dinosaur books. And in "Music," kids play the flute and violin, while Mr. Noodle is a little slow in learning to bang the drum. For parents who meant to tape the "Elmo's World" segments, but never quite did it, this 45-minute video is a lucky break. Primarily for ages 2-5, but Elmo fans of all ages will enjoy it. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Celine Dion: Live in Las Vegas - A New Day [Blu-ray]

If you were one of the handful of folks who missed Céline Dion's mega-run in Las Vegas, fear not: Céline Dion: A New Day is a riveting, sumptuous front-row seat to the whole extravagant experience. As concert DVDs go, this is a show of a lifetime, nearly six hours featuring not only no-expenses-spared production values and every song from Dion's famed show, but priceless extras as well. Dion's substantial voice is in fine form, and sparkles on signature tunes like "A New Day Has Come," "The Power of Love," and of course the theme from Titanic, "My Heart Will Go On" (and Dion-watchers will note that she's thankfully dialed back the breast-beating that used to accompany this song).

But as impressive as the performances are--and they include the talented gymnasts, dancers, and backup singers who work as a Cirque du Soleil-style ensemble--the set's most memorable moments are found in the personal footage and extras. Dion comes across as truly humble and approachable, with a wicked sense of humor and real compassion for her hard-working staff and her fans. There are sweet, intimate moments of Dion with her husband and son, as well as telling scenes that show her true resourcefulness (girlfriend does her own makeup!). The many docs include one on the building of her special theater and the building of the show from the ground up. "If you're going to gamble," says Dion's manager and husband, René Angélil, "Vegas is the place to do it." Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. --A.T. Hurley

Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 02/05/2008

Dance Lessons 101: The Basics and Beyond

Dance Lessons 101 is the best starting point for Ballroom, Country, Swing, and Latin Dancing. This DVD is proof you can learn to dance without live lessons! You will be dancing the Slow Dance, Waltz, Swing, Salsa, Two-Step, Cha-Cha, Hustle, and West Coast Swing in a matter of minutes. Also referred to as the Ultimate Couples Dancing Instruction Video for Beginners, Dance Lessons 101 was designed and developed with the end-user in mind. Customer feedback received from Shawn Trautmans acclaimed DVD, the Couples Ultimate Dance Sampler, was the key to developing such a user-friendly and easy-to-follow curriculum. Now, with just one DVD, you can quickly learn eight of the most popular social dances. Dance Lessons 101 includes nearly two hours of instruction, picture-in-picture technology, HD filming for optimum clarity, and multiple camera angles to ensure that you, the student, get the best view. Each step and move is taught for both the leader and the follower as well as together, allowing you the option of learning with or without a dance partner. Also, menu selections in the DVD provide you with options of going from one dance to another without hassle. Your instructors, Shawn and Joanna Trautman, will have you dancing in a matter of minutes! Owning this DVD is the equivalent of having your own private instruction at home for a fraction of the cost. Whether learning for an event like a wedding or a cruise or if you simply want to try something new to get out and stay fit, Dance Lessons 101 is the best choice to start and feel good about your new hobby. After completing this video dance lesson, you will have your choice of more than two dozen other titles in Shawn Trautmans Dance Collection to further your learning.

Michael Flatley - Lord of the Dance

Billed as an updating and retelling of Irish folk legend, Lord of the Dance is less Erin Go Bragh than Hooray for Hollywood. Michael Flatley, late of Riverdance, gives us the old razzle-dazzle, fashioning a Celtic-influenced spectacular that wanders far away from its Riverdance roots. The light-show presentation is closer kin to another contemporary Irish musical group, U2. Flatley himself has gone designer chic. With close-cropped haircut, earring, buffed abs, and tight black pants he bears more than a passing resemblance to Bono. But you have to hand it to the guy--he works hard for the money, as does his attractive corps. The one maddening aspect of this glitzy, entertaining 90-minute festival is the overzealous editing. No image remains on screen for more than a few seconds. Neither Flatley nor his talented troupe deserves to have such craftsmanship sliced and diced like an MTV music video. --Richard Natale

Takes irish dancing to spectacular new heights. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 01/09/2007 Starring: Michael Flatley Run time: 93 minutes Rating: Nr

Happy Feet [Blu-ray]

For anyone who thought the Oscar-winning documentary March of the Penguins was the most marvelous cinematic moment for these nomads of the south, you haven't seen nothing yet. Happy Feet is an animated wonder about a penguin named Mumble who can't sing, but can dance up a storm. George Miller, the driving force behind the Babe (and Mad Max) movies, takes another creative step in family entertainment with this big, beautiful, music-fueled film that will have kids and their parents dancing in the streets. From his first moment alive, Mumble (voiced Elijah Woods) feels the beat and can't stop dancing. Unfortunately, emperor penguins are all about finding their own heart song, and the dancing youngster--as cute as he is--is a misfit. Luckily, he bumps into little blue penguins and a Spanish-infused group (led by Robin Williams) and begins a series of adventures. Miller has an exceptional variety of entertainment: Busby Berkley musical numbers, amusement-park thrills, exciting chase sequences (seals and orca lovers might like think otherwise), and even an environmental message that doesn't weigh you down. Best of all, you don't know where the movie is going in the last act, a rare occurrence these days in family entertainment. A fusion of rock songs, mashed-up and otherwise, are featured; this movie is as much a musical as a comedy. Mumble's solo dance to a new version of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" by Fantasia, Patti, and Yolanda may be the most joyful moment on camera in 2006. --Doug Thomas

More Happy Feet

Other DVDs and products

Combo HD/DVD

More Penguin DVDs

No Description Available.
Genre: Feature Film Family
Rating: PG
Release Date: 27-MAR-2007
Media Type: Blu-Ray

Happy Feet (Widescreen Edition)

For anyone who thought the Oscar-winning documentary March of the Penguins was the most marvelous cinematic moment for these nomads of the south, you haven't seen nothing yet. Happy Feet is an animated wonder about a penguin named Mumble who can't sing, but can dance up a storm. George Miller, the driving force behind the Babe (and Mad Max) movies, takes another creative step in family entertainment with this big, beautiful, music-fueled film that will have kids and their parents dancing in the streets. From his first moment alive, Mumble (voiced Elijah Woods) feels the beat and can't stop dancing. Unfortunately, emperor penguins are all about finding their own heart song, and the dancing youngster--as cute as he is--is a misfit. Luckily, he bumps into little blue penguins and a Spanish-infused group (led by Robin Williams) and begins a series of adventures. Miller has an exceptional variety of entertainment: Busby Berkley musical numbers, amusement-park thrills, exciting chase sequences (seals and orca lovers might like think otherwise), and even an environmental message that doesn't weigh you down. Best of all, you don't know where the movie is going in the last act, a rare occurrence these days in family entertainment. A fusion of rock songs, mashed-up and otherwise, are featured; this movie is as much a musical as a comedy. Mumble's solo dance to a new version of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" by Fantasia, Patti, and Yolanda may be the most joyful moment on camera in 2006. --Doug Thomas

On the DVD
There are two new animated sequences, which aren't incorporated into the film. One's a half-minute hackysack-themed bit, but the other is a good-looking, two-minute scene featuring the late Steve Irwin as an albatross, who, with Mumble, encounters a blue whale. "Dance Like a Penguin: Stomp to the Beat" is hosted by Savion Glover, whose dancing was motion-captured for the film, but other than a couple basic tips, it's pretty much a demonstration rather than a lesson. In addition to the two music videos (Gia's "Hit Me Up" and Prince's "The Song of the Heart"), "I Love to Singa" is an appropriately matched 1936 Merrie Melodies cartoon in which a young owl ruffles feathers by wanting to sing jazz for his classical-music-loving family. --David Horiuchi

More Happy Feet

Blu-ray

Combo HD/DVD

More Penguin DVDs

IN THE COLD LAND OF ANTARCTICA, THE EMPEROR PENGUINS EACH EXPRESS THEIR TRUE LOVE WITH A SPECIAL HEARTSONG OF THEIR OWN THAT EXPRESSES THEIR VERY BEING. HOSEVER, THE MISFIT MUMBLE CANNOT SING, BUT INSTEAD HAS AN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT TO TAP DANCE WITH ALMOST MAGICAL ENERGY & EXPRESSION.

Line Dance 101: A Quick Start Guide to Line Dancing (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)

The absolute starting point for anyone wanting to get into Line Dancing. This is truly a "Must See" for beginners. Line Dancing 101: A Quick Start Guide to Line Dancing is the first of six different Line Dance DVD's in Shawn Trautmans Dance Collection. In this DVD, Shawn quickly and easily takes you through several different dances, step-by-step in an order that makes sense. This DVD is very effective with clear, understandable, and completely attainable instruction. Following the instruction is incredibly easy too, as the instructor teaches to the side and then with his back to you so you can follow EXACTLY what's being done. Line Dance 101 is great for all ages. Never danced before? No problem! Released in Sept. of 2005, this DVD was designed to get folks dancing, looking good and confident in approximately 90 minutes. Filmed in HD and complemented by multiple camera angles and Picture-In-Picture technology, this DVD is perfect for bringing the Line Dance class to your living room. The lessons are broken into clear, logical pieces that introduce more than 30 steps in 5 carefully chosen dances specific for learning and practicing. In what seems like just minutes, you'll learn the Electric Slide, the Cotton Eyed Joe, Slappin' Leather, Ole', and Swing Time. Plus, as a Special Bonus, both Monterey Turns and the 8-count Applejacks illusion. If you're ready to learn and have fun, Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection is the way to go. Order Line Dance 101: A Quick Start Guide to Line Dancing today, and be ready to dance by the weekend!

Celine Dion: A New Day - Live in Las Vegas

No Description Available.
Genre: Music Video - Pop/Rock
Rating: NR
Release Date: 11-DEC-2007
Media Type: DVD

If you were one of the handful of folks who missed Céline Dion's mega-run in Las Vegas, fear not: Céline Dion: A New Day is a riveting, sumptuous front-row seat to the whole extravagant experience. As concert DVDs go, this is a show of a lifetime, nearly six hours featuring not only no-expenses-spared production values and every song from Dion's famed show, but priceless extras as well. Dion's substantial voice is in fine form, and sparkles on signature tunes like "A New Day Has Come," "The Power of Love," and of course the theme from Titanic, "My Heart Will Go On" (and Dion-watchers will note that she's thankfully dialed back the breast-beating that used to accompany this song).

But as impressive as the performances are--and they include the talented gymnasts, dancers, and backup singers who work as a Cirque du Soleil-style ensemble--the set's most memorable moments are found in the personal footage and extras. Dion comes across as truly humble and approachable, with a wicked sense of humor and real compassion for her hard-working staff and her fans. There are sweet, intimate moments of Dion with her husband and son, as well as telling scenes that show her true resourcefulness (girlfriend does her own makeup!). The many docs include one on the building of her special theater and the building of the show from the ground up. "If you're going to gamble," says Dion's manager and husband, René Angélil, "Vegas is the place to do it." Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. --A.T. Hurley